I think the most liked film would be casablanca.
Films like star wars are liked by many but i have found many people (mostly girls) who said it was boring. I think star wars was on of the best sci fi films ever but there are people who hate sci fi.
I can see why many people think LOTR was too slow and consequently, they didn't like it.
for those who are intrested the internet movie database has a top 250 list.
http://www.imdb.com/top_250_films
these are the most liked film on that site but they may not be "Univerally adored." still, its a good starting point.
edit: i forgot to say that the godfather was great, but it was very violent and vulgar.
also,
Ran (by Akira Kurosawa) might be "Univerally adored"
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