The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) is the epic conclusion to the trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels. It follows Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring, while Aragorn leads the forces of Gondor against Sauron’s army in a climactic battle for Middle-earth. The film explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic resolution that decides the fate of all Middle-earth.