15 Movie Scenes Before-And-After Special Effects

Jimmy Henton
Jun 03, 2023
Jun 10, 2023

Movies have the ability to transport us to different worlds and eras, making us forget our own reality for a couple of hours. A big part of this magic is created by special effects, which can turn fantastical concepts into believable on-screen experiences. While it's amazing to see the final product of a movie with polished special effects, it's also fascinating to see how much movie scenes change from their raw footage to the finished product.

Today, we'll take a look at 15 before-and-after shots of movie scenes that showcase the power of special effects. From adding in massive explosions to turning simple locations into elaborate sets, these scenes will give you an insight into just how much work goes into creating a cinematic masterpiece. Some of the movies on this list are household names, while others might surprise you with their behind-the-scenes secrets. So, sit back and enjoy as we delve into the world of movie magic!

#1. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009)

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The movie features a number of magical spells and effects and CGI played a crucial role in bringing the magic of the Harry Potter universe to life on screen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

#2. Atomic Blonde (2017)

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There are several scenes in Atomic Blonde where digital effects were used to create a stylized look, such as the use of neon lighting and color grading to create a vibrant, retro aesthetic.

#3. War For The Planet Of The Apes (2017)

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CGI played a significant role in the production of War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). The film features numerous non-human characters, such as Caesar and his army of intelligent apes, who were created entirely through motion capture technology and computer-generated imagery.

#4. Game Of Thrones (2011)

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Game of Thrones (2011) is a TV series that extensively used CGI for creating the show's vast and detailed world, as well as for its many fantastical elements.

#5. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)

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The film features many magical creatures and other fantastical elements that were created using CGI, such as this scene, the dragon guarding Gringotts Bank, and the giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest.

#6. Deadpool (2016)

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The character of Deadpool himself required extensive use of CGI to create his iconic red and black suit. The filmmakers used motion capture technology to capture actor Ryan Reynolds' performance, which was then translated into a digital character through CGI.

#7. Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003)

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The filmmakers used motion capture technology to capture the performances of actors and stunt performers, which were then translated into digital characters through CGI.

#8. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) also heavily relied on CGI for its production. The film features many fantastical elements and creatures that were created using CGI, such as Davy Jones and his crew of sea creatures, the Kraken, and various magical effects like teleportation.

#9. The Avengers (2012)

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The use of CGI in The Avengers helped bring the story and characters to life in a way that would not have been possible with practical effects alone and contributed to the film's critical and commercial success. The Hulk transformation is a good example that contributed to the movie's success.

#10. Alice In Wonderland (2010)

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The movie features numerous large-scale environments that were created using digital matte paintings and CGI, such as this scene, the Red Queen's castl,e and the White Queen's castle. The filmmakers also used motion capture technology to capture the performances of actors, which were then translated into digital characters through CGI.

#11. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

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CGI was also used to enhance practical effects and create a seamless integration between live-action footage and digital elements. For example, in some scenes, the filmmakers used green screens to place actors in digital environments and added details like water, fire, and debris to make the scene look more realistic.

#12. Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle (2018)

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The movie required extensive use of digital effects to depict the characters' movements, abilities, and interactions. The filmmakers used motion capture technology to capture the performances of actors, which were then translated into digital characters through CGI. And this hilarious scene is an example.

#13. Deadpool (2016)

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Another behind the scene shot from Deadpool. CGI was also used for environmental and practical effects enhancement. F

#14. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) really relied on CGI for its production. The movie contains many fantastical elements and creatures that were created using CGI, such as Captain Salazar and his crew of ghost sailors, the mystical Trident of Poseidon, and the ghost sharks.

#15. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016)

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No one could deny the use of CGI in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them helped bring the story and characters to life in a way that would not have been possible with practical effects alone, and contributed to the film's critical and commercial success.

Which movie scene is the most impressive? Let us know your answer in the comment section below!

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