FROM the deepest depths of Middle-earth comes a film that has Sunshine Coast movie-goers waiting to crunch their popcorn in front of the big screen.

The latest instalment of The Hobbit is expected to be one of the most popular movies in the Boxing Day line-up this year.

Event Cinemas Maroochydore is gearing up for one of the biggest days of the year when some of the most anticipated films of the year hit the big screen.

General manger Craig Carter said tickets were already selling fast for The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies.

The Sunshine Plaza cinema will offer 12 screenings of The Hobbit on the opening day - a rare treat for movie fans.

"We have pre-sale available and already some sessions of The Hobbit are sold out," Mr Carter said.

"The Hobbit in 2D or 3D is one of the most anticipated ones and will be popular when it comes out.

"It's an exciting time of year Boxing Day, where a lot of the major new releases come out, where the movie industry rotates around the release schedule from the American film companies.

"Everyone is on holidays and they are relaxed and they might come to the movies at night after a day at the beach.

"It's our busiest day of the year and it follows even more busy days before the new year because people have spent time with their families and have been doing the beach thing and are looking for something else to do."

BOXING DAY MOVIES

• St Vincent
• Night at the Museum 3: The Secret of the Tomb
• The Water Diviner
• Big Hero 6
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies