Picture this: You’re settling in for an epic movie night, ready to dive back into the world of Middle-earth with Bilbo, Gandalf, and a band of dwarves. But what if you could make your journey through “The Hobbit” trilogy even more adventurous? Enter the ultimate Hobbit drinking game—a fun, interactive way to enjoy these beloved films. Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or just looking for a good time with friends, this drinking game is sure to add some extra cheer to your movie marathon. Grab your drinks, gather your fellow adventurers, and let’s embark on this boozy quest together!
Table of Contents
How to Play the Hobbit Drinking Game
Before you start, you’ll need a few essentials: your preferred drinks, good company, and, of course, all three movies of “The Hobbit” trilogy. The rules are simple yet varied, ensuring a fun experience regardless of which edition you’re watching—standard or extended. Every time a specific event or quote occurs in the film, take a sip, a gulp, or even finish your drink, depending on the rule. Ready to get started? Here’s how you can set up the game:
- Prepare Your Supplies: Have enough drinks for the night, and consider mixing it up with some themed cocktails or mead for a true Middle-earth experience.
- Choose Your Edition: Decide whether you’ll watch the standard version or the extended edition. The rules can be adjusted slightly depending on which one you choose, so keep that in mind.
- Gather Your Friends: The more, the merrier! This game is best enjoyed with a group, so invite some friends to join in the fun.
Now that you’re set up, let’s dive into the specific rules for each film in the trilogy.

The Hobbit Trilogy: Legendary Drinking Game Bash
Drinking Game Rules for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Start your adventure with “An Unexpected Journey.” Here are the key moments when you should take a drink:
- Drink when Bilbo hesitates or shows reluctance about the adventure.
- Take a sip every time Gandalf uses magic or speaks a wise, memorable quote.
- Drink whenever Thorin glares at Bilbo or doubts his abilities.
- Finish your drink when the dwarves start singing.
- Take a shot when Gollum appears and the riddle game begins.
- Drink every time the name “Smaug” is mentioned or alluded to.
- Take a sip whenever the company encounters a dangerous situation.
- Drink when a dwarf makes a humorous remark or joke.
- Take a sip every time Bilbo mentions his home or the Shire.
- Finish your drink when the group narrowly escapes danger.
Drinking Game Rules for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
The stakes get higher in “The Desolation of Smaug,” and so do the drinking challenges:
- Drink when you hear the word “dragon” or Smaug’s name is mentioned.
- Take a sip every time the dwarves argue or show their bravery.
- Drink whenever Legolas does something impossibly cool (like defying gravity).
- Finish your drink when Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with Smaug.
- Take a shot when Smaug breathes fire or unleashes his wrath.
- Drink every time Thranduil dismisses or belittles the dwarves.
- Take a sip whenever the hidden door to Erebor is mentioned or shown.
- Drink when Bard talks about his family or responsibilities.
- Take a sip whenever someone mentions the Arkenstone.
- Finish your drink when Bilbo steals something important.
Drinking Game Rules for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Finish the trilogy with “The Battle of the Five Armies” and these intense drinking moments:
- Drink when a major character gives an inspirational speech.
- Take a sip every time a battle scene begins or a significant fight happens.
- Drink whenever Thorin struggles with dragon sickness or has a moment of doubt.
- Finish your drink during the final showdown between Thorin and Azog.
- Take a shot when a character sacrifices themselves for the greater good.
- Drink every time Bard shows his leadership or defends his people.
- Take a sip whenever the eagles arrive to save the day.
- Drink when Legolas performs another unbelievable stunt.
- Take a sip whenever Kili and Tauriel share a moment.
- Finish your drink when someone mentions the return of the king or the future of Middle-earth.
Fan-Favorite Rules and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fan-favorite rules and variations sourced from Reddit and other forums:
- User-Generated Rules from Reddit and Forums: One popular Reddit suggestion is to drink every time a dwarf eats or talks about food, which happens quite a bit! Another favorite is taking a shot when Gandalf says, “You shall not pass!” during any scene, even though it’s from “The Lord of the Rings.”
- Customizing Your Hobbit Drinking Game: Feel free to add your own rules based on your favorite characters or scenes. Perhaps take a sip every time you see a breathtaking landscape of New Zealand, or when Bilbo looks confused (which, let’s face it, is pretty often).
Combining the Fun: The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings Drinking Game
Why stop at “The Hobbit”? Extend the fun by combining your Hobbit drinking game with “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. You can carry over some of the rules or create new ones that apply to both series. For example:
- Drink every time a ring is mentioned or shown on screen.
- Take a sip whenever an epic battle begins or a significant fight scene starts.
- Finish your drink when a major plot twist is revealed (e.g., the true identity of a character).
- Drink whenever Gandalf utters a memorable quote or uses his magic.
- Take a sip every time a map of Middle-earth is shown or a location is discussed.
- Drink when a character mentions their quest or purpose (e.g., “We must destroy the Ring”).
- Take a sip whenever a scene features breathtaking landscapes or the beauty of Middle-earth.
- Drink every time an elf displays their superior combat skills or wisdom.
- Take a shot when a character sacrifices themselves for the greater good (e.g., Boromir in LOTR or Thorin in The Hobbit).
- Finish your drink when a king is crowned or a significant leadership change occurs.
- Drink whenever someone speaks in Elvish or another language of Middle-earth.
- Take a sip every time the One Ring tempts or corrupts someone.
- Drink when a character is revealed to be more than they seem (e.g., Aragorn as Isildur’s heir).
- Take a sip whenever someone mentions or shows loyalty to their friends or comrades.
- Finish your drink when the eagles arrive to save the day in a critical moment.
- Drink every time a prophecy or ancient lore is mentioned or referenced.
- Take a sip whenever a character shows unexpected courage or bravery.
- Drink when a journey begins or ends (e.g., leaving the Shire, returning to the Shire).
- Take a sip whenever a character mourns or honors the fallen.
- Finish your drink when the credits roll at the end of each trilogy, celebrating your epic marathon!
An all-day marathon of both trilogies is a legendary quest, so make sure you’re prepared for the challenge!

Tips for Surviving the Hobbit Marathon Drinking Game
With so much fun to be had, it’s easy to get carried away. Here are some tips to ensure you have a great time without overdoing it:
- Pace Yourself: Spread out your drinks, especially during longer scenes or battles. No one wants to pass out before the journey’s end.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water between rounds to keep yourself hydrated and help stave off a next-day hangover.
- Snack Smart: Keep some snacks handy to soak up the alcohol. Plus, who doesn’t love a good feast while watching hobbits?
Middle-earth Drinking Game: The Hobbit & LOTR Edition
Whether you’re a seasoned Tolkien fan or new to the world of Middle-earth, “The Hobbit” and “Lord of The Rings” drinking games are sure to add an extra layer of fun to your movie night. Just remember to enjoy responsibly and make the most of your time in the company of friends and dwarves alike. So, grab your drinks, start the movie, and let the adventure begin—bottoms up!