The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Kernel Score: 86% · 13,986 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
Released: 2013-12-11
Runtime: 161 minutes
Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug worth watching?
Worth watching. The dragon chapter is a big step up from the first Hobbit film, with a thrilling barrel escape and a great Smaug. The ending is a cliffhanger, so be ready to watch the last one.
Watch it if you
- watched the first Hobbit film
- love dragons and fantasy action
- enjoy Middle-earth
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the first film
- dislike cliffhangers
Best for: Fantasy marathon
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a PG-13 fantasy adventure with dragon battles and perilous fantasy violence.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Fantasy battles with a dragon, giant spiders, and other creatures create sustained peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
If you liked The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) — 82%: The first film, which you need first
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) — 82%: The concluding Hobbit film
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) — 92%: Lord of the Rings sequel with epic battle
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) — 97%: The Lord of the Rings finale
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — 97%: The Lord of the Rings opener
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) — 89%: Fantasy adventure with a dark, dangerous turn
Director
Cast
- Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
- Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
- Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug / Sauron
- Orlando Bloom as Legolas
- Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel
- Lee Pace as King Thranduil
- Luke Evans as Bard / Girion
- Stephen Fry as The Master of Laketown
- Ken Stott as Balin
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug FAQ
Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug worth watching?
Worth watching. The dragon chapter is a big step up from the first Hobbit film, with a thrilling barrel escape and a great Smaug. The ending is a cliffhanger, so be ready to watch the last one.
Where can I watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
In the US you can stream The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug OK for kids?
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a PG-13 fantasy adventure with dragon battles and perilous fantasy violence.
What movies are like The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug?
If you liked The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, try The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.