8 Unbelievable CGI Movies From the 2000s, From 'The Chronicles of Narnia' to 'Avatar'
Moviegoers today are accustomed to blockbusters with cutting-edge special effects, most notably the DC and Marvel franchises. Some people even forget what movies from the early 2000s looked like. Seriously, it's true! So let's join us on a journey through the 2000s as we unravel the magic of CGI movies that left us spellbound. From the enchanting realms of "The Chronicles of Narnia" to the breathtaking landscapes of "Avatar," these CGI gems transported us to unimaginable worlds, where wonders awaited at every turn.
As we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, get ready to relive the awe-inspiring moments that made the 2000s a golden era for CGI cinema. Welcome to the captivating world of 8 incredible CGI movies from the 2000s! Let's scroll down and check them out!
#1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002)
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The Lord of the Rings franchise is still one of the most popular in the world. And with incredible fantasy worldbuilding comes excellent visual effects.
Although the films' engaging storylines and remarkable characters are ultimately what makes them worth watching, they also provided viewers with some solid, ahead-of-their-time CGI.
While some of the cool computer-generated imagery did not age well and has become slightly dated.
For example, the forever legendary Gollum, even if he still holds up today — LotR also featured some cool CGI, such as the Balrog vs. Gandalf (Ian McKellen) fight in The Two Towers.
#2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' (2005)
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For good reason, The Chronicles of Narnia are a huge part of many children's lives.
These captivating films take you on an exciting journey through a fantastic world of dreams and adventure, where anything is possible, including magical portals in wardrobes that connect to other dimensions.
Undoubtedly, a very realistic-looking talking lion plays an important role in these films. The first film, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, introduces viewers to Aslan, a product of revolutionary magnificent CGI and one of the most majestic film creatures available.
The computer-generated lion has withstood the test of time and remains extremely charming and believable, even surpassing the visual effects of The Lion King for some.
#3. King Kong' (2005)
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Another impressive, ahead-of-its-time computer-generated animal is Kong, the world's most beloved Giant gorilla-like ape and the main star of its epic adventure monster film, King Kong.
The movie follows a filmmaker who gathers a team and hires a ship crew to travel to the mysterious Skull Island.
The 2005 film has aged relatively well and remains a classic, thanks to incredible visual effects that still hold up today.
Although some parts may appear overly animated, the film's CGI is incredibly well-done, especially for the time.
#4. Spider-Man 3' (2007)
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While the recent Marvel Studios Spider-Man films rely heavily on special effects, there is no doubt that Sam Raimi's take on the renowned superhero remains a huge part of pop culture today.
Raimi's Universe, which has stood the test of time as one of the world's most acclaimed films, used CGI as a tool rather than the main attraction.
When it comes to visual effects, the birth of Sandman in the third Spider-Man film may stand out the most — a great scene with impressive storytelling and equally impressive CGI in which the antagonist forms from thousands of grains of sand.
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#5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' (2006)
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Bill Nighy's Davy Jones is certainly one of the best parts of Dead Man's Chest.
The Captain of the Flying Dutchman is introduced to the audience in this second installment of the well-known franchise as he steps into the picture to claim a debt owed to him by Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp).
Despite the fact that the films have always featured a lot of great CGI, the PotC character stands out and clearly remains one of the most incredible animated creatures to ever grace our screens — he feels so authentic all throughout, it's easy for viewers to believe he actually exists.
Overall, there is no doubt that the octopus-like Davy Jones will be remembered as one of the most amazing CGI works of all time.
#6. Transformers' (2007)
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Transformers is up next, of course. Everyone has heard of the well-known action franchise, whose fanbase has grown significantly over the years.
The first Michael Bay film in the saga revolves around two opposing Cybertronian races who arrive on Earth.
The first Transformers film captivated audiences back in the day and continues to do so today, thanks to its groundbreaking CGI.
While the film isn't perfect, the CGI is still extremely effective and convincing, especially given the time constraints.
#7. District 9' (2009)
Source: Sony Pictures
District 9's crew made the most of what they had with a budget of only $30 million.
District 9 has proven to be one of the most intriguing action science fiction films out there, with a very captivating storyline that follows an extraterrestrial race that faces discrimination and is forced to live in inadequate conditions on Earth.
This Neill Blomkamp film contains impressive visual effects throughout, particularly when it introduces Prawns — the incredibly tall bipedal beings with a mass of facial protruding tendrils and dark thick shells for the skin.
Still, the movie was released at the end of the 2000s, but, it received great acclaim for its special effects before the MCU made the CGI quite normal and essential in movies.
#8. Avatar' (2009)
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Avatar, possibly one of the most innovative films of the decade, awed audiences back in 2009 with its bewitching worldbuilding — Pandora, an extrasolar moon from the Alpha Centauri System.
It is home to the Na'vi, and the film follows a paraplegic Marine (Sam Worthington) as he embarks on a journey through Pandoran wildlife.
According to industry estimates, 60% of the film was computer generated, and the results were astounding. It's difficult to believe James Cameron's Avatar was released more than a decade ago, as its special effects are still quite impressive today. Although the new film's CGI is likely to outperform it, the VFX work in this is still outstanding.
Which is the most impressive VPX movie from the 2000s? Share your thought with us in the comments below!