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Both franchises have achieve historic winner and popularity , earned an intensely devoted fandom , and produced divisive prequel films . Both give a profoundly rich macrocosm that astonishingly transcends the phantasy musical genre , even with grandiose melodic theme and sweeping melodrama . brag remarkable innovation and particular , groundbreaking ceremony effects and art , these darling saga have a lot in common .
But this can invite an alternately playful and tense contention . It was even debated in Kevin Smith ’s wittyClerks II . It ’s always appealing to compare two similar titans , of any medium , particularly with such feverous fan . So , here ’s how they range each glorious franchise , pitted against each other by IMDb rating . Like valuation are determined by vote count , and please take care the spoiler .
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 7.8
This may be the most accessible film inStar Wars , for the uninitiated . It bravely relinquishes the heavier phantasy elements , emphasizing a chess board of government , bureaucratic villain and heroic sabotage . Our hero are not the core family of a spectacular space opera , but a ragtag and bobtail group of quotidian masses .
Although , the one lightsaber that shows up is undeniably one of Darth Vader ’s greatest moments . The first non - saga film feature three - dimensional protagonists with flaws and tough ethical dilemma . They do n’t win a medal , ultimately dying one by one . This is an outright war film , and , while that may subvert expected value , it was still bold and refreshing for many .
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug - 7.8
The integrality of theHobbitprequels is staring excess , akin to cozy special feature for the original trilogy . While some may relish spending any extra fourth dimension in Middle - earth , not all fan were convinced . But this entering managed a healthy pacing than the first field day , ultimately amounting to one long following .
This also disappointed some , but there ’s great deal to relish here . love story aside , the imp are incorporated well . Thranduil ’s attitude is certainly an intriguing variety of tread . Every action chronological sequence is exhilarating , albeit a tad lighthearted . Gandalf ’s side quest even offers up more forthright illusion than usual . Best of all is the showdown with Smaug , a joyful exchange that ’s easy up to par with the original moving-picture show .
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - 7.8
Bilbo Baggins proves himself a far more proactive , useful protagonist than Frodo in this overlong proceeds to Middle - terra firma . And Martin Freeman is a brilliant addition to the franchise , most at home in a hobbit with swell heart and a hidden fire . He in particular drives the new trilogy , unlike the supporting players of the originals .
While indulgent and even at times adolescent , Peter Jackson has undeniable mode , playing in his previous sandbox . Now , he ’s trade in terrifying practicals for stunning technical innovation . Yet , many of the eccentricity and adventure for which the serial is screw still show . The riddles with Gollum are a certain crowd - pleaser even for casual viewers .
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens - 7.9
This soft reboot was met with crossed arms after the traduce prequels , which have been quite reevaluated . mostly due to Disney ’s factious , yet profitable , ownership . This doubtful comeback is flush with enthusiastic sports fan serving to the point of controversial similarity with its roots . Still , it ’s a brisk , flashy entry that open up numerous possibility .
Harrison Ford slip one’s mind back into the part of Han Solo with ease , but the Modern characters are more disputed . Rey is a mystery story boxful and orphaned survivor , so battle itself is plausible enough for her , while mind tricks come too easy . Finn is an ex-wife - Stormtrooper , a fantastic idea with surface - level repercussions . Poe is the simplest of all , perhaps . But , for a new source , this film was promising and fun .
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi - 8.3
Even in its lesser net film , the first saga entranceway to regurgitate the Death Star , the trilogy delivers fantastic fresh worldbuilding , all while completing every promised arc . Luke ’s new behaviour is fun , and the hatchway saving of Han offers terrific action , and the Rancor and Sarlacc are very memorable .
regrettably , the film is also bogged down by a oddly younger - disposed tone that compromise its fledged , operatic theme . Ewoks , and melodic numbers — either of them — are utterly slaphappy . Where this film truly shine is the closing curtain between Palpatine , Vader , and Luke . The struggle is both worked up and real , so the tone is uniquely on point .
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope - 8.6
The death of Luke ’s uncle and aunt is astonishingly point-blank , including their burned corpses . The motion picture never shies away from the toll of Luke ’s adventure . It ’s a grand spectacle , with immersive mythology , a perfect cast , and an iconic story .
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers - 8.7
So often , part two of any trilogy can feel like an obligated bridge , with no consequences . gratefully , this sequel generally circumvent that notion , progressing various loose ends . Gollum ’s tragic character is far more fleshed out , making it clearer just how crucial he will be .
Andy Serkis ’ functioning is absolutely sensational , though Gollum ’s rambling might become long-winded for casual viewers . Merry and Pippin ’s speculation with the Ents is the only storyline that genuinely feels laborious . Although intentional , it removes the promised urging of their rescue . But Rohan makes for some spectacular worldbuilding and dramatic play , as well as a gripping battle .
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - 8.7
This is often regarded as the best pic of the intact saga , and for good ground . away from the iconic crook , the mere feel is quite unlike anything butRogue One . It is unafraid to realize its title , daringly rain down failure and compelling gloom . Hoth is the complete contrast from Tatooine for such a thematic turnaround .
Lando betrays Han and is captured by Boba Fett , Luke disobeys Yoda and loses to his enemy , who revealed to be his own founding father . It ’s full of uniform frustration , which cook for intriguing melodrama and a tone that make the Galax urceolata even more palpable . The theatrical role feel less like archetype here , more relatable by their defect and adversity .
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring - 8.8
Well , it seems thatLord of the Ringshas take the two highest rankings . However , both franchise still apportion an equal number of positions on this leaning at five from each one , mould a kind of hooking . Anyhow , Jackson ’s groundbreaking take on Middle - ground captivated an integral generation . Tolkien ’s work comes alive with mesmerizing effect , an immaculate hurl , and outstanding medicine .
The picture show is pure escapism , immersive with breathtaking imagery and a sharpen sense of dash . Adventure and emotions likewise are fill up with hyperbole , yet welcome for the musical style and dense plotting . The indelible characters are as distinguishable and compelling as the lived - in world . And they will digest as Jackson ’s unbelievably challenging , successful interpretation .
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King - 8.9
Though prod for its multiple endings , there is no abnegate the film ’s ability to juggle conclusion with progress . Even while busily tying up all of the storylines at once , the celluloid still musters brand new lore and emotional range . Shelob , the Army of the Dead , and the Witch - king are genuinely iconic pieces of the enfranchisement .
This Oscar - winning finale is doubtless a superlative of phantasy , with its brisk pacing a welcome coming back to figure . It is a structurally robust story , pausing for fictional character and unfolding sweeping battle in perfect cycle . That the destruction of the One Ring is an intimate brawl , is representative of the intact series ’ sophisticated dangerous undertaking .
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