The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions return to theaters in 2026, and we’ve put together the ultimate fan guide. From D-BOX to 4DX to collectible popcorn buckets, here’s everything you need to plan your big-screen journey back to Middle-earth.
Christmas came a bit early for Tolkien fandom as we learned about Fathom Entertainment bringing the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Trilogy back to theaters in early 2026. Yup – the real-deal Extended Editions that stole whole weekends from us for the last 25 years. (No complaints here!) The LOTR Theaters 2026 event gives us another chance to go there and back again!
Tickets are on sale now, and honestly, it feels like the perfect excuse to get back into a theater, turn off the rest of the world, and remember what it was like to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with fans who cheer when Gandalf arrives at dawn and cry when Sam says he can’t carry it for you, but he can carry you.
This isn’t just about seeing the films again; it’s about feeling the Fellowship again. And, honestly, after the last few years, that feels long overdue.
So here’s our ultimate TORn guide to what makes these screenings special and why you absolutely should not miss them.
1. It’s the 25th Anniversary – Crazy!
Twenty five years ago, The Fellowship of the Ring strolled into theaters with tons of hype and basically rearranged our emotional connection to film for an entire generation. A quarter century later (holy crud are we really that old now?!), we’re getting a chance to celebrate the moment that changed fantasy filmmaking forever.
If you saw it in 2001, maybe you get to relive that excitement and nostalgia. If you weren’t old enough or somehow missed it, this is your moment to join the rest of us and say: I finally saw it on the big screen!
2. D-BOX Motion Seats – You Will Literally Feel Middle-earth
If you haven’t tried D-BOX before… oh boy. We think some of these screenings will have this available…
Imagine this:
The Mines of Moria quake underneath you
The Balrog roar vibrates through your seat
The cavalry charge at Helm’s Deep moves your entire body
Troll hits actually jolt your chair
It’s ridiculous and fun and honestly the closest we’ll get to signing waivers saying Yes, please physically toss me around during the Battle of Pelennor Fields.”
If you want immersion, D-BOX is the deluxe tier. It is not for the faint of heart though – so fair warning!
As fans in the US no doubt already know, this summer Fathom Events are screening the Extended Editions of The Lord of the Rings movies! June 8, 9, 10, and then again June 22, 23, 24, Peter Jackson’s trilogy will be screened in AMC, Cinemark and Regal theatres across America.
If, like us, you never miss a chance to see these epic films on the big screen, then we have good news for you: we have 60 pairs of tickets to giveaway! That’s 20 pairs for each of the three movies, to be given away at random to lucky winners in the United States.
To be in with a chance to win, all you need to do is fill in the form below, letting us know which film (and date) you’d like, and your local participating theatre where you’d like to attend. Complete the form by 8pm EST May 15th, and we’ll be in touch if you’re a lucky winner!
The giveaway is now closed; thanks to all who entered! Winners chosen at random will be contacted soon.
Want to see the first two episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on the big screen? Prime Video are hosting free Global Fan Screenings in 200 theaters across USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Argentina, Colombia, Australia and New Zealand on August 31 at 7pm local time. Tickets will become available at 9am PT tomorrow, Monday 22nd August. Read on to find out how you can claim yours!
These exciting screenings are free, and give fans an opportunity to see episodes 1 and 2 two days (give or take, depending on your time zone!) before the series premieres on Prime Video! Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.
In America and Australia, you’ll need to set up an account in advance, to be ready to claim your ticket:
If you are in Australia, sign up for a free Event Cinemas Cinebuzz Rewards account ahead of time so that when the tickets are released you’ll be ready to reserve a ticket: https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/cinebuzz/landing
Be ready at 9am PT/12noon ET/5pm BST Monday 22nd August – we expect these tickets will be claimed very quickly! Here’s the link you’ll need, to find a free screening near you (the link will be active from 9am PT Aug 22nd): www.TROPFanScreening.com
