The Lord of the Rings universe is rife with conflict and combat. In a fantastical realm plagued by darkness, determining the defining battles can be challenging. Across the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, numerous clashes between the forces of good and evil have left an indelible mark on Middle-earth.

Armies such as Sauron's and the alliance of elves and men have significantly influenced the course of Middle-earth's history. While darkness looms large, monumental triumphs have consistently thwarted its advance.

9 The Siege Of Barad-Dur

The Apparent Destruction of Sauron

• Took Place in The Fellowship of the Ring (Flashback)

Occurring in a flashback at the start of The Fellowship of The Ring, this battle marked the final assault of the last alliance of elves and men on Sauron’s stronghold. They triumphed after overcoming previous conflicts, defeating his armies, and compelling Sauron to confront them on the battlefield.

During this encounter, Sauron vanquished the king of Gondor, Elendil, and turned to face his son, Isildur. However, Isildur, wielding the shards of his father’s sword, severed the One Ring from Sauron's hand, ending his reign of terror and ushering in an era of peace for Middle-earth. Sauron's separation from his ring marked a pivotal moment in Middle-earth's chronicles.

8 The Battle Of The Five Armies

The Reuniting of Elves, Dwarves, & Men

• Took Place in The Battle of the Five Armies

While the Hobbit movies did not heavily influence Middle-earth's history, the Battle of the Five Armies stood out. This unplanned clash ensued after the dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, barricaded themselves inside the Lonely Mountain following the dragon's demise. The men of Laketown sought refuge and a share of the treasure in Dale, attracting Elves, Eagles, and mountain goblins. This event united dwarves, elves, and men, setting aside their differences, akin to their later cooperation in the Fellowship of the Ring. Additionally, Bilbo's death during the battle could have hastened Sauron's reclamation of his precious ring.

7 The Skirmish At Weathertop

Prevent Sauron from Reclaiming his Ring

• Took Place in The Fellowship of the Ring

Throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy, several instances endangered Frodo's life and the return of the one ring to Sauron. The confrontation at Weathertop exemplifies this perilous scenario, as Aragorn, known as Strider then, valiantly faced five Nazgul single-handedly.

If the Nazgul had prevailed, the ring would have returned to Sauron, leading to Aragorn's demise and leaving Gondor bereft of hope. His resilience and the hobbits' fortitude were pivotal in shaping a brighter future for Middle-earth.

6 The Battle of Moria

Nearly Destroyed All Hope

• Took Place in The Fellowship of the Ring

The Battle of Moria marked a critical juncture in Frodo's journey, posing a significant threat to their quest. It witnessed the Fellowship of the Ring engaging in full-scale warfare for the first time, pushing their survival to the brink.

Initially confronting the goblin hordes of Moria, including a cave troll, the Fellowship then faced the awakened Balrog. This momentous encounter seemed to culminate in Gandalf's fall and the Fellowship's imminent dissolution.

5 The Skirmish at Amon Hen

The Breaking of the Fellowship

• Took Place in The Fellowship of The Ring

The fracture of the Fellowship transpired later in the same film when the Uruk-Hai of Saruman ambushed them at Amon Hen. As the Fellowship's unity wavered and Boromir became fixated on the ring, Frodo realized it was time to depart before the ring turned his companions against him.

Boromir's sacrifice and Aragorn's steadfastness afforded Frodo the opportunity to escape, preserving the hope of vanquishing Sauron. Despite Boromir's eventual defeat and the ongoing struggle, their actions thwarted Sauron's plans.

4 The Battle of Helm’s Deep

The Defeat of Isengard

• Took Place in The Two Towers

One of the most pivotal confrontations occurred in The Two Towers, as Isengard's forces besieged the people of Rohan within their mountain refuge, Helm’s Deep. This ancient bastion faced a relentless onslaught, imperiling Rohan as a realm of men.

Under Aragorn's leadership, reinforced by the arrival of the Elves and the timely return of the Rohirrim with Gandalf, Rohan withstood the siege. Had they faltered, Isengard and Mordor could have cornered Gondor in an insurmountable vice.

3 The Battle of Isengard

The End of Saruman’s Reign

• Took Place in The Two Towers

Simultaneous with the Battle of Helm’s Deep, the Ents of Fangorn Forest, weary of Saruman's tyranny, launched a surprise attack on Isengard. Without this intervention, Rohan might not have been able to aid Gondor, potentially altering the war's outcome. Mordor could have overwhelmed Gondor if Rohan remained embroiled in combat with Saruman.

The Ents' decisive action at Isengard shifted the tide in favor of men's realms. This unexpected turn of events thwarted Saruman's ambitions and bolstered the struggle against the forces of darkness.

2 The Battle of Pelennor Fields

Saved the World from Sauron

• Took Place in The Return of The King

The Battle of Pelennor Fields, fought near Minas Tirith, represented a pivotal moment when Mordor and Sauron sought to crush humanity's resolve. Gondor had already relinquished Osgiliath, lacking adequate defenses and manpower to repel the onslaught.

Rohan's timely intervention and the subsequent arrival of the Army of the Dead were instrumental in safeguarding not just a city or a kingdom, but all of Middle-earth from Sauron's dominion.

1 The Battle of the Black Gate

Kept Sauron Busy While Frodo Destroyed the Ring

• Took Place in The Return of The King

The culminating battle, following Pelennor Fields, unfolded as Aragorn, leading the combined forces of Gondor and Rohan, confronted the gates of Mordor, diverting Sauron's attention. This ruse, risking certain annihilation for Aragorn and his army, afforded Frodo the opportunity to traverse Mordor and reach Mount Doom.

Frodo's success not only validated their sacrifice but also averted the imminent demise of humanity's forces. This decisive battle heralded the demise of Sauron, Mordor, and much of its inhabitants, signifying the end of all darkness and the dawn of a new era.