The Best Movies Directed by Peter Jackson

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Updated June 11, 2019 1.3K votes 254 voters
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Directed by Peter Jackson

List of all movies directed by Peter Jackson ranked from best to worst with photos. Films directed by Peter Jackson are listed here and include movie posters and Peter Jackson movie trailers whenever possible. This is a collection of the best movies directed by Peter Jackson as voted on by film buffs. If you think the greatest Peter Jackson movie isn't as high as it should be on this list, then make sure to vote so that your opinion of what the top Peter Jackson film is can be factored into this list.

From Peter Jackson's studio films to Peter Jackson's independent films, this Peter Jackson filmography keeps tabs on all Peter Jackson movies, and lets the cream of the crop rise to the top.

List contains movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

If you’re wondering “what movies did Peter Jackson direct?” or “who is Peter Jackson?” then this list will explain how most people know this director. This list also answers questions like “what are the all-time best movies directed by Peter Jackson?” and “what's a good selection of good Peter Jackson movies?”

If you're wanting to get into Peter Jackson films, then this list is a great starting point for at least starting with the most decent Peter Jackson works.

All Peter Jackson director credits are included. This list of every movie that Peter Jackson has directed can be sorted for specific information such as what genre the Peter Jackson movie is and which actors starred in the Peter Jackson film.

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Peter Jackson has been fortunate enough to work with talented actors, including Kate Winslet and Daniel Craig. If you're a fan of Peter Jackson's movies, you might also like movies by Robert Zemeckis and Ron Howard.

Ranked by
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
    1

    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    93 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) press on towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), rightful heir to the throne, marshals the forces of good for an epic battle against Sauron's evil army at Minas Tirith. This third installment in the fantasy trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's a tale of bravery, friendship, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.

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  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
    2

    The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    93 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), is entrusted with an ancient ring. This ring, darkly powerful and coveted by the malevolent Dark Lord Sauron, must be destroyed to save Middle-earth. Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and joined by a diverse group of companions, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey towards Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be unmade. This epic fantasy film won four Academy Awards and launched one of cinema's most celebrated trilogies.

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  • The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
    3

    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

    Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
    84 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    Venturing deeper into the world of Middle-earth, the second installment of the award-winning epic fantasy series delves into the escalating battle between good and evil. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers presents viewers with an enthralling narrative, as it follows the journey of separated fellowship members, each facing their own challenges. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) forge alliances to defend the besieged Rohan, while Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) encounter the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis) in their quest to destroy the One Ring. With unforgettable performances and breathtaking visuals, this cinematic masterpiece continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

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  • Dead Alive
    4

    Dead Alive

    Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody
    57 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In the visceral horror-comedy Dead Alive, Lionel Cosgrove (Timothy Balme) navigates an absurdly gruesome predicament. When his overbearing mother Vera (Elizabeth Moody) is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey, she develops a ravenous appetite for human flesh. As her condition worsens, Lionel's attempt to keep her undead state hidden becomes increasingly challenging. Directed by Peter Jackson, this cult classic weaves a web of dark humor and copious gore, culminating in an unforgettable lawnmower massacre scene. Dead Alive holds its place as one of the goriest films ever made, offering a unique blend of slapstick comedy and blood-soaked horror.
  • King Kong
    5

    King Kong

    Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody
    71 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In the colossal adventure film King Kong, director Peter Jackson reimagines the classic tale of the gargantuan ape. The ambitious filmmaker, Carl Denham (Jack Black), embarks on a voyage to the treacherous Skull Island with his crew and the unsuspecting actress, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts). As they delve deeper into the mysterious island, they encounter Kong - a mammoth beast whose fascination with Ann leads to an unexpected bond. This epic drama explores themes of beauty and beastliness against a backdrop of heart-stopping action sequences. Despite its thrilling nature, King Kong is also marked by its underlying poignancy and thought-provoking narrative.

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  • The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
    6

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
    77 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Peter Jackson
    In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), guided by Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), continues his unexpected journey with thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). Their quest is to reclaim the dwarf kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). This second installment in the Hobbit trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, offers an epic blend of fantasy and adventure. The movie's notable achievements include several award nominations, notably for its visual effects and sound editing. As they traverse Middle-earth, the company encounters a host of new perils and intriguing characters, including the enigmatic Elf King Thranduil (Lee Pace) and deadly orc Azog (Manu Bennett).

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