The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) made history by winning all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture—a record for any fantasy film. This epic conclusion to Peter Jackson's trilogy follows Frodo's final journey to Mount Doom while Aragorn leads Middle-earth's armies against Sauron. With groundbreaking visual effects, emotional depth, and masterful storytelling, it delivered a cinematic milestone that elevated fantasy genre respectability. Its sweeping battles, Howard Shore's iconic score, and perfect ensemble cast created a cultural phenomenon that remains the gold standard for literary adaptations and fantasy filmmaking.