Watch LOTR. You know how Hollywood hates genre stuff? It was so good even they acknowledged it and all 3 films were nominated for Best Picture with the final one winning. They’re a masterpiece of filmmaking.
Lots of people will tell you to watch the extended editions. While they are my favorite versions I don’t think they’re necessarily better for a first viewing except for Fellowship, which has some stuff in the extended version that becomes important in the sequels and isn’t explained otherwise.
Return of the King almost definitely should be watched as the theatrical version the first time through.
2 things:
Lots of people will tell you to watch the extended editions. While they are my favorite versions I don’t think they’re necessarily better for a first viewing except for Fellowship, which has some stuff in the extended version that becomes important in the sequels and isn’t explained otherwise.
Return of the King almost definitely should be watched as the theatrical version the first time through.
I tried to watch but fell asleep. It’s hard to watch this kind of movie for me.