Few filmmakers have earned appreciation of Peter Jackson. Since the 1990’s, Jackson has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s ring-bearers, monstrous apes or victims of child abuse in danger, Jackson has created many strong characters. Given the number of movies that he has produced, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a director that deserves to be celebrated.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy franchise my grandfather has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to the power of rings that were dangers, he loved a famous fantasy series that held a place in his heart that was precious. I remember every summer looking forward to spending time with my grandfather watching LOTR movies in the theatre. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved a franchise about precious rings, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Ever since its release in 2001, Peter Jackson’s movie has stood the test of time as a fantasy classic. With the greatest film of his career, Jackson did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved book about a precious ring that’s a burden to bear. Jackson has always excelled at creating fantastical worlds through breathtaking visuals, and “The Fellowship of the Ring” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. It isn’t easy to adapt a strong fantasy novel to the big-screen, but Jackson pulled it off successfully. At the centre of it all is a towering performance from Ian McKellen, who embodied the larger-than-life personality of a legendary literary character. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf battles a dangerous dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Fellowship of the Ring” Jackson’s best movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of an iconic fantasy book about adventurous hobbits carrying a precious ring that carries powers which are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated filmmaker whose movies are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Addiction is a painful process that often causes people to face stress. At an early age, I became addicted to using my smartphone without concern for the damage. As precious as the ring, my phone became an object I was always using. It became a possession without a doubt I simply couldn’t live without. Peter Jackson has often explored the theme of addiction in his movies but it is arguably most evident in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. Released in 2003, Peter Jackson’s final LOTR movie did an extraordinary job of bringing a famous fantasy franchise to a satisfying conclusion. With the most ambitious film of his career, Jackson did an admirable job of celebrating a commemorated piece of literature. Jackson has an eye for spectacle, and his strengths are evident in “The Return of the King”. For instance, the final battle sequence is one of the greatest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Return of the King” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking ending to a beloved franchise about rings that pose danger, it’s a fantastic reminder about a celebrated filmmaker audiences have grown to treasure.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Few characters in the LOTR franchise have achieved the stardom of Gollum. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with an aunt that was a huge fan of the legendary literary character. She spoke fondly about a creature addicted to rings that she considered precious. Drawn to powers of the ring, my aunt found Gollum to be a character that was compelling. Gollum has played pivotal roles throughout the LOTR franchise but the film where he shines brightest remains “The Two Towers”. Released in 2002, Peter Jackson’s towering sequel elevated a franchise about precious rings through motion-capture effects that are powerful. Jackson’s strength for using motion-capture technology in his movies is clearly evident in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. With the most technically accomplished film of his career, Jackson did an exceptional job using motion-capture effects to create creatures that evoke fear. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Andy Serkis, who embodied the precious personality of a terrifying creature. A towering sequel in a famous fantasy franchise about rings that are powerful, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated filmmaker whose unforgettable movies audiences consider to be special.
4. King Kong
King Kong is a monstrous ape that has always scared me. With his sharp teeth, loud roar and humongous appearance, King Kong always scared me. I was always haunted by nightmares of a monstrous ape that caused me to face fears. My lifelong fear of the monstrous ape with long teeth first began when I watched “King Kong”. Released in 2005, Peter Jackson’s movie did an extraordinary job of bringing the iconic ape to the big-screen. With the most epic film of his career, Jackson did an exceptional job of celebrating a legendary ape evoking fear. Jackson has always excelled at using motion-capture effects in his movies, and his strengths were clearly evident in “King Kong”. For instance, the scene in which King Kong battles a T-Rex is one of the greatest moments of the director’s career. Ultimately, what makes “King Kong” a masterpiece is its strong balance. Unlike most blockbuster, it finds a strong balance between spectacle and character development. A captivating tribute towards King Kong, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated filmmaker that has built a long-lasting career by making memorable movies that always belong.
5. The Lovely Bones
Child abduction is a painful process that puts parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I remember my mother under pressure as she searched the store for my baby brother. Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured child abductions that force parents to step out of their comfort zones as powerfully as “The Lovely Bones”. Released in 2009, Peter Jackson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about child abduction. With the most courageous film of his career, Jackson tackled the sensitive subject of child abductions causing parents despair. With “The Lonely Bones”, the director took a step out of his comfort zone by making a movie about child abduction. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Saoirse Ronan, who embodies an abducted child. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about girls with lovely bones facing child abduction, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary filmmaker whose movies are worthy of celebration.
6. They Shall Not Grow Old
Over the past decade, the war movie genre hasn’t fared so well. With their loud battle sequences, lacklustre storytelling and poor acting, most war movies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has grown old over time, it’s worth praising “They Shall Not Grow Old”. Released in 2018, Peter Jackson’s documentary celebrated soldiers that survived World War I warfare tragedy. Jackson effectively used authentic archival footage to honour the commemorated memories of soldiers that fought during World War I. Unlike most war movies, Jackson created a film managing to both educate and entertain. A breathtaking tribute towards determined soldiers that experienced warfare, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated filmmaker that has built an illustrious career making timeless movies about which audiences care.
7. Heavenly Creatures
Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of a murder. As someone that has always been scared of serial killers, I adored “Heavenly Creatures”. Released in 1994, Peter Jackson’s movie did an excellent job depicting the true story of serial killers. With the most violent film of his career, Jackson captured the lives of serial killers committing crimes causing despair. It’s a film that gave the director a chance to take a step out of his comfort zone by tackling a dark subject matter. A spectacular portrait of teenagers that became suspects in a serial killer case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a filmmaker whose memorable movies audiences embrace.
8. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
When it comes to the most beloved books ever written about rings that fit, it’s worth discussing The Hobbit” Since its publication in 1937, The Hobbit has stood the test of time as legendary literature. In 2012, Peter Jackson did an unexpectedly great job of adapting the beloved book in his film “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. With the most visually stunning film of his career, Jackson celebrated a book about hobbits carrying a burden to bear. Jackson showcased his strength for staging spectacle in one of his most underrated movies. Although it is nowhere near the original LOTR trilogy in quality, “The Hobbit” remains a reminder of Jackson’s strengths as a filmmaker. As powerful as riddles Gollum solves in the dark, it’s a strong reminder of a filmmaker with a bright spark whose movies have always left a lasting mark.
9. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Sequels rarely ever live up to the high standards of their predecessors. When a movie is extremely successful, it’s often hard to create an effective sequel. Sequels to successful movies have high expectations that they rarely ever meet. However, in 2013 Peter Jackson created a great sequel when he made his film “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”. With the most sweeping film of his career, Jackson created an effective sequel about burden hobbits bear. Jackson pulled off the tricky feat of creating a sequel that surpassed the original through stunning special effects. Jackson showcased his strength for bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s literature to the big-screen. As strong as Bilbo’s desire to defeat a dangerous dragon breathing fire, it’s a dazzling reminder about a director whose memorable movies audiences admire.
10. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Peter Jackson is one of those filmmakers that hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most of the movies Jackson has made have been successful, a few have turned out to be disasters that are painful. Unfortunately, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” falls into the latter category. Released in 2014, Peter Jackson’s final film in the Hobbit franchise failed to bring the fantasy series to a satisfying conclusion. Jackson’s decision to emphasize style over substance failed to honour J.R.R. Tolkien’s literature. Nevertheless, the film remains a worthy reminder of Jackson’s strengths as a filmmaker. As powerful as Bilbo’s desire to be a success hobbit, it’s a remarkable reminder of a filmmaker whose iconic movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong habit of writing about movies that I would never quit.
The Film Buff 
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