Star Wars was certainly ground breaking. Lucas created a new camera technology to create the effect of the ships moving through space. Star Wars serves as a ground breaking moment for SFX as well. However, I argue that The Lord of the Rings is ground breaking in it's own regards. Looking at
Imdb's Top 250 list , ROTK is number three, FOTR number 8. Showing (as we all know) the popularity of the film. I agree with
SpM in saying that their popularity has to account for something (perhaps the success of the films)? Also, credit PJ for having Tolkien places as the best selling author of the 20th Century, something Tolkienists should applaud him for.