The Hobbit (1978)

64% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
53% of users liked it
(65,953 ratings)

J.R.R. Tolkien's classic book about the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected adventures came to life in this animated, televised adaptation by Rankin-Bass Productions. Enthusiasts of Tolkien's lengthy and more demanding Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as adult readers of The Hobbit, may be… More J.R.R. Tolkien's classic book about the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected adventures came to life in this animated, televised adaptation by Rankin-Bass Productions. Enthusiasts of Tolkien's lengthy and more demanding Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as adult readers of The Hobbit, may be disappointed by this somewhat simplified adaptation of the book, though children and first-time readers of Tolkien will appreciate its whimsical introduction to the fictional world of Middle Earth. As the story goes, "In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit...." Bilbo Baggins would much rather relax in his comfy hobbit-hole or take long walks in the Shire than have adventures. After all, "adventures make one late for dinner." Unfortunately, Gandalf the Wizard shows up one day with other plans for Bilbo. Gandalf introduces Bilbo to a rag-tag band of dwarves whose leader, Thorin Oakensheild, asks Bilbo for help in recovering his family's treasure from the fire-breathing dragon Smaug. Bilbo meekly accepts the offer, and soon finds himself on a long journey through Mirkwood forest, to Smaug's dark lair in the Lonely Mountain. Along the way, the unlikely band is captured and nearly eaten by trolls, shackled and prodded by goblins, tied-up in webs and hung from trees by giant spiders, and finally imprisoned by the swarthy, distrustful woodland elves of Mirkwood. With keen hobbit-wits and a magic ring he finds in the goblin caves, Bilbo manages to free the band on several occasions and helps them recover their lost inheritance. Understandably, much detail was omitted from Tolkien's novel to fit this made-for-TV adaptation -- most notably the story of the group's encounter with Beorn the shape shifter, and the somewhat complex issue of the Arkenstone, a legendary gem which Bilbo steals from Smaug's treasure-trove unbeknownst to the dwarves. Rankin-Bass Productions made another foray into Middle Earth several years later with The Return of the King, picking up where animator Ralph Bakshi left his unfinished adaptation of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. ~ Anthony Reed, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 16 min.
Directed By: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Written By: J.R.R. Tolkien, Romeo Muller
Genres: Television, Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1978 Wide
On DVD: Sep 11, 2001
Studio: Sony Video Software

Critic Reviews

Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Cartoon adaptation of famous book is a great intro for kids.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
This was magic to me when I was a child.
Jay Antani, Los Angeles Alternative
Drab, boring but with an oddly moody tone
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Rankin-Bass bring their typically serviceable animation, strong voicework, and corny folk ballads to The Hobbit… worthwhile for kids and not too bad for parents.
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com
Ugh. Make them stop...singing--!
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
A faithful and well-executed take on Tolkien's classic fairy tale. Though geared towards younger audiences, it should appeal to fans of any age.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
While both could have benefited from higher aspirations, they have an agreeable and clockwork aptitude (dreary late-70's bearded folksinger interludes not withstanding).

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

John M

My first intorduction to the world of Tolkein as a child. Not bad way to start at all.
Tim S

A fun but not great version of the story.
Luke B

It's a pretty decent 70's made-for-TV animation. With only 77 minutes it ha enough entertainment value, but obviously cuts out a LOT of stuff from the book. One scene is completely narrated over to save time. The dwarfs are just background as opposed to characters, they walk… More
It's a pretty decent 70's made-for-TV animation. With only 77 minutes it ha enough entertainment value, but obviously cuts out a LOT of stuff from the book. One scene is completely narrated over to save time. The dwarfs are just background as opposed to characters, they walk about but don't say much. The thing I loved most was the character designs. I really liked the goblins and Gollum's amphibian look was interesting. It's a good try and I was pleased with the parts they did, rather than being distracted by the bits they cut.
Curtis L

Crack the dishes, smash the plates! That's what bilbo baggins hates! I'll stick to the book.
Lafe F

An animated work of art! Rankin/Bass have created a superb telling of "The Hobbit" tale, which flows nicely. The animation is stylized, but acceptable. The different Dwarves are well-done. Gandalf is superb. Very folksy; enhanced by some charming songs. Smaug the Dragon is… More
An animated work of art! Rankin/Bass have created a superb telling of "The Hobbit" tale, which flows nicely. The animation is stylized, but acceptable. The different Dwarves are well-done. Gandalf is superb. Very folksy; enhanced by some charming songs. Smaug the Dragon is wonderfully drawn and voiced. It's a great adventure. (Note: Return of the King, done a few years later would suck.)
Leigh R

Classic film...
danny d

pretty fun but leaves out a lot of the story
Michael G

Pretty bad. I didn't even see it when I was a kid so I can't even claim childhood novelty here.
Sunil J

This movie always creeps me out. Frodo looks like an old, weird, genderless midget. I don't like the animation and the music really gets on my nerves.
Jim W

It will be interesting to see a live action version with good effects that's a little more like the book. This version is decent though even if it is a little outdated.
Leo L

Cute!
Sean S

Classic cartoon though the folk songs are an acquired taste.