---
title: "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-2013"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 57158
imdb_id: "tt1170358"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 161
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 14329
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a 2013 fantasy, adventure, and action film directed by Peter Jackson as the second installment in the film trilogy. Released in the United States on December 13, 2013, the film has a runtime of two hours and forty-one minutes and carries a PG-13 rating. The narrative follows the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf after they have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains. During these events, Bilbo gains the One Ring. The group continues their journey with the objective of reclaiming their gold from the dragon, Smaug. The film received numerous accolades, including nominations at the 86th Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Bilbo and the dwarves face the dragon Smaug in their quest for treasure."

### Why Watch
- spectacular dragon encounter
- Bilbo's growing courage
- rich fantasy world-building

### Caveats & Content Note
- long runtime
- complex plot threads
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for teens and adults who enjoy fantasy films with perilous situations.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: epic, adventurous, dangerous, mysterious, heroic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, HBO Max | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Peter Jackson
- **Networks / Studios**: New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, WingNut Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **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*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this better than the first Hobbit movie?
Many viewers prefer it for the dragon sequence and Bilbo's character development.

### Q: Do I need to see the first movie?
Yes, it continues directly from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

### Q: How is the dragon Smaug portrayed?
Smaug is brought to life through motion capture and voice performance.

### Q: Does Gandalf have a big role?
Gandalf appears throughout but has less screen time than in the first film.

### Q: Is there a post-credits scene?
Yes, there is a brief scene after the credits roll.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/57158)
- [The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit:_The_Desolation_of_Smaug)
- [The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/en/film/238304-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/overview/)
- [Hobit: Šmakova dračí poušť – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobit:_%C5%A0makova_dra%C4%8D%C3%AD_pou%C5%A1%C5%A5)
- [The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug | Hobbit | Edna.cz](https://www.edna.cz/hobbit/filmy/the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*