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What to watch before The Rings of Power Season 3

On Prime Video from November 11, 2026

Season 3 jumps about five years past the fall of Eregion, as Sauron sets out to forge the One Ring and war comes to Middle-earth. Here's what to watch first, and what's optional.

1 essential title, about 17 hours

Essential

Season 3 continues straight on from here.

  1. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power2022 · Series · 17h 20mSeasons 1 and 2: the forging of the rings, Sauron's return and the fall of Eregion.

Optional

Set thousands of years later, in the Third Age. Not needed for Season 3, but it's where the One Ring's story ends.

  1. The Fellowship of the Ring2001 · Film · 2h 58mThe One Ring, Sauron and Galadriel, much later.
  2. The Two Towers2002 · Film · 2h 59mThe fellowship splits as Rohan faces Saruman's army at Helm's Deep.
  3. The Return of the King2003 · Film · 3h 21mFrodo and Sam reach Mount Doom while the free peoples fight for Minas Tirith.

Then

  1. The Rings of Power S32026 · SeriesOn Prime Video from November 11, 2026
See the full Middle-earth watch orderRelease Radar

Questions

When does The Rings of Power Season 3 come out?

Season 3 starts on Prime Video on November 11, 2026.

How long after Season 2 is Season 3 set?

About five years after the fall of Eregion at the end of Season 2.

Do I need to watch The Lord of the Rings movies first?

No. The Rings of Power is set in the Second Age, thousands of years before the films. The films are a good watch afterwards, not a requirement.

Where can I watch The Rings of Power?

Only on Prime Video.