The world of jigsaw puzzles for adults is vast and varied, making it both exciting and overwhelming to choose the perfect one. A great way to narrow down your options is to focus on a beloved franchise, like The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, which has expanded into movies and LEGO sets, naturally lends itself to captivating jigsaw puzzles. Here are five of the best Lord of the Rings puzzles you can find online today, each offering a unique way to immerse yourself in Middle Earth.
TL;DR — These Are the Best Lord of the Rings Puzzles
2000 pieces### Ravensburger Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King
2See it at Amazon1000 pieces### theory11 Lord of The Rings Jigsaw Puzzle
2See it at Amazon204 pieces### Lord of The Rings Barad-Dur Eye of Sauron 3D Model Kit
2See it at Amazon1000 Pieces### Aquarius Hobbit Map Puzzle
2See it at Amazon100 Pieces### MyPuzzle Hobbit House
2See it at Amazon
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Puzzle
Best Overall
2000 pieces### Ravensburger Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King
2See it at Amazon
For fans of the Lord of the Rings movies, this Return of the King puzzle is an exceptional choice. It captures iconic scenes and characters from the trilogy's final film, including Frodo's struggle at Mount Doom, Gandalf's battle prowess, and Aragorn's ascension to the throne. The puzzle, crafted by Ravensburger—a top-tier brand known for quality—features uniquely shaped pieces that fit seamlessly together, ensuring a satisfying assembly experience.
theory11 Lord of the Rings Jigsaw Puzzle
Coolest Design
1000 pieces### theory11 Lord of The Rings Jigsaw Puzzle
2See it at Amazon
The theory11 puzzle stands out with its stunning design, reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien's original illustrations. The 1,000-piece puzzle blends green and gold hues beautifully, creating a piece that not only challenges but also delights aesthetically. If you're drawn to the illustrated style of Tolkien's books, this puzzle is perfect for framing and showcasing once completed.
Barad-Dur Eye of Sauron 3D Model Kit
Best 3D Puzzle
204 pieces### Lord of The Rings Barad-Dur Eye of Sauron 3D Model Kit
2See it at Amazon
Venturing beyond traditional puzzles, the 3D model kit from 4D Build brings Sauron's tower to life without the need for glue or tools. With 204 pieces spread across 14 sheets, this puzzle offers a compelling LEGO alternative at a budget-friendly price under $40, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a different kind of puzzle challenge.
Hobbit Map of Middle Earth Puzzle
Best Map Puzzle
1000 Pieces### Aquarius Hobbit Map Puzzle
2See it at Amazon
This 1,000-piece map puzzle of Middle Earth is ideal for display enthusiasts. Featuring key locations from The Hobbit, with the Shire at its heart, it's the best Lord of the Rings map puzzle available. While it doesn't cover every location in Middle Earth, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the journey. For a complete view, you can always explore the interactive map online.
Hobbit House Puzzle
Best for Beginners
100 Pieces### MyPuzzle Hobbit House
2See it at Amazon
For those new to puzzling or looking for a quick and easy project, this 100-piece Hobbit House puzzle is perfect. Depicting a charming New Zealand Hobbit home, it's a delightful and manageable challenge suitable for beginners or casual puzzlers. Plus, it represents an actual visitable location, adding a unique touch to your puzzle experience.
Tips for Choosing the Best Puzzle for You
When selecting a puzzle, especially if you're new to the hobby or buying for someone else, consider these key factors:
How many pieces is it?
The number of pieces directly affects the puzzle's difficulty. A 100-piece puzzle is ideal for kids or beginners, while a 500-piece puzzle suits intermediate puzzlers. For a true challenge, opt for a 5,000-piece puzzle. For a relaxing afternoon or a project with young children, stick to puzzles with 300 pieces or fewer.
What size is it?
Space is another crucial consideration. Even smaller puzzles can be large, and if you lack the table space, assembly becomes challenging. Larger puzzles that take days to complete may require a dedicated puzzle board or mat to keep your dining table free.
Roll-up Storage### Becko Puzzle Mat
22See it at AmazonUp to 1000 pieces### Ravensburger Puzzle-Store Storage
17See it at AmazonIncludes 6 Drawers### PlayVibe Puzzle Locker
13See it at AmazonTitls and rolls### All4Jig Puzzle Table
10See it at Amazon
What does the picture look like?
Lastly, the image itself is important. Choose a design that you love, but also consider the composition—puzzles with distinct elements are easier to assemble than those with blending colors or large areas of similar texture, like a clear blue sky.