for my experience watching the movies for the first time Lord of the Rings wins by a long margain. But honestly after that star wars is more enjoyable to watch multiple times. The thing that prevent Lord of the Rings from being the perfect series for me is the second one was way too long for what it was suppose to do though it has my favorite battle scenes. The ending of the third one was really annoying. The first one was great. Perfect introduction to the trilogy

If it wasn't for the Ewoks I would have said it's very close. But really LOTR closed out it's trilogy on a major high. Return of the Jedi was pretty lame. So 3 great movies beats 2 great movies and a so-so movie.

I was there for Star Wars when it was first in theatres. I was blown away by it and absolutely loved it. But I was 10, so my aesthetic sensibilities weren't exactly well developed.

When Fellowship of the Ring was released I pretty much had the same reaction to the movie as I did to Star Wars. And a movie that can make adults feel like kids again is pretty special.

There will always be a special place for Star Wars in my list of favourite movies, but LOTR is definitely higher on that list. Though it's not on the top of the list.

I know what you mean. There are a lot of things wrong with the Star Wars movies, but the Star Wars universe is huge, fascinating, and simultaneously alien and familiar. It's a universe that's really easy to get absorbed in. Hence, the 12 billion novels and spin offs.

I voted for LOTR even though I'm a huge Star Wars fan. LOTR is just a cinematic masterpiece.

I go with Star Wars.  The LOTR movies are plodding.

They do a lot of great stuff, but it takes forever to get there mostly with needless scenes inbetween.

Hmm, pretty hard decision.

The first 2 Star Wars movies are better than all 3 LoTR movies, IMHO. However, Return of the Jedi was a pretty big letdown, whearas the quality amongst the 3 LoTR movies was consistent. I'll probably give the edge to LoTR.

Salnax, I didn't really like the LotR trilogy but after reading your epic post (if I knew how long it was before I started, I never would have read it!) makes me want to give it another shot.  You really put a lot of thought into that.  I only regret the "cop out" both are cool conclusion you reached (unless I misunderstood and you are saying Star Wars is the winner).  Anyway, awesome post.  I'd nominate it for post of the year.

I said Star Wars was the winner, but not by much. Both trilogies are great. Thanks!

lol my precious wins by a mile

Both are incredible but I slightly more prefer the LOTR trilogy.