The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is earning high praise for its animation, epic battles, and connection to Middle-earth lore.
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the anime prequel explores the story of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan and the namesake of Helm's Deep. Neat!
So far, critics highlight its stunning visuals, with The Movie Podcast noting it blends Peter Jackson’s cinematic style with anime artistry, though some found the story lacking depth. Mama’s Geeky lauds its action and empowering themes, while Muses of Media praises its voice cast and dazzling animation.
Others, like Geekcentric, admire the mix of 2D and 3D animation but have suggested that it feels more suited to streaming than theater.
Despite minor criticisms, reactions are pretty darn overwhelmingly positive, with many, including Collider and CinemaBlend, calling it a breathtaking addition to the franchise.
The film lands in theaters on December 13, 2024.