What is the greatest trilogy in movie history? Not exactly a question with an obvious answer. Stephen Colbert doesn’t think there’s anything to discuss though. He’s one of the biggest The Lord of the Rings fans in the world. He’s always made his feelings on Peter Jackson’s sweeping three-film epic clear. But when you have your own network late night show, you don’t have to limit yourself to simple platitudes. You can show off your love with as much pomp and circumstance as you like. Which is exactly what Colbert did for the upcoming 20th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring. Stephen Colbert didn’t just perform a rap song about why The Lord of the Rings is the greatest trilogy ever. He got some big names to join him.
Big names from both this world and Middle-earth.
Please, we implore you to watch the video before you continue reading. We’d hate to ruin all of the many great surprises in “#1 Trilly.”
Okay, all set? Great! Because holy hell this is way better than it probably has any right to be. It’s not just a funny rap ode to Jackson’s trilogy. (Which we will now be calling a trilly since this song is going to remain stuck in our heads for a long time.) It’s also a mini-reunion. Stephen Colbert’s The Lord of the Rings rap song also features our favorite hobbits, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan. But they aren’t the only alums from the film to contribute. Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, and Viggo Mortensen all got in on the celebration too.
![Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Stephen Colbert hold up finger plates spelling out You Shall Not Pass on The Late Show's Lord of the Rings rap song](https://legendary-digital-network-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/12192913/Colbert-Lord-of-the-rings-rap.jpg)
As did actual musicians Method Man, Killer Mike, and Jon Batiste. And despite her own film franchises being needlessly ripped, Anna Kendrick also appeared in this musical tribute. (Don’t worry, Anna, at least Weaving didn’t put you on full blast in an imaginary language like he did Dan Brown.)
So what is the greatest trilogy in movie history? That will always be up for debate. But we definitely know which one has the best celebratory rap song.