The Lord of the Rings is the backbone of the modern fantasy genre in many ways, from the entirety of D&D to the medieval fantasy aesthetic. Indeed, The Lord of the Rings still transcends much modern high fantasy. LOTR's denouncements of industrialization, war, apathy, and despair resonate deeply today.
Source:https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-the-rings-easterlings-southrons-social-commentary/