Director Peter Jackson publicly announces his plans to adapt J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings into a film trilogy.
Principal photography for the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy starts in New Zealand.
Principal photography wraps up after over a year of shooting in New Zealand.
The third and final installment of the trilogy premieres in New Zealand.
The movie is released in theaters worldwide.
The film wins a record 11 Oscars at the 76th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The extended edition DVD of the movie is released to the public.
The forces of Gondor and Rohan clash with the armies of Mordor on the fields outside Minas Tirith.
King Théoden of Rohan is mortally wounded in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Éowyn and Merry confront and defeat the Witch-king during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Aragorn arrives at Minas Tirith leading the Dead Men of Dunharrow, turning the tide of the battle.
With reinforcements, the forces of Mordor are defeated and retreat from Minas Tirith.
Faramir is severely wounded during the defense of Osgiliath and later healed in Minas Tirith.
Frodo and Sam continue their trek towards Mount Doom with Gollum as their guide.
Near Mount Doom, Frodo and Sam are taken captive by Orcs but later escape.
Frodo finally destroys the One Ring by casting it into the fires of Mount Doom, despite Gollum's interference.
With the destruction of the Ring, Sauron's power is broken and his forces scattered.
Aragorn is crowned King Elessar of Gondor, uniting the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.
Frodo, Gandalf, Bilbo, and others depart Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.
Samwise Gamgee returns home to the Shire, starting his life anew.
