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SpecialEarlier animated adaptations (1977–1980)Animated
The Return of the King (1980)
11 May 1980 · 1h 38m
Rankin/Bass's television sequel to their 1977 Hobbit jumps straight to the end of the story, with Frodo and Sam in Mordor and the siege of Minas Tirith, skipping most of the first two books.
First aired on ABC. Often assumed to finish Bakshi's film, but it is a sequel to the 1977 Hobbit special and in a different style.
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Where The Return of the King (1980) fits
SectionEarlier animated adaptations (1977–1980)
Release order#3 of 14, after The Lord of the Rings (1978)
Chronological order#14, after The Lord of the Rings (1978)
Timeline noteFollows the 1977 Hobbit special in the Rankin/Bass continuity; it does not continue Bakshi's 1978 film.
Where to watch (UK)Varies by region
Counts towards progressNo: optional 1970s–80s animated adaptations
Watch time1h 38m
MoreWikipedia ↗
Around it in release order
- 1The Hobbit (1977)1977
- 2The Lord of the Rings (1978)1978
- 3The Return of the King (1980)1980
- 4The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring2001
- 5The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers2002
- 6The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King2003