15+ Before and After Photos That Show The Powers of Special Effects

Jimmy Henton

We all know that special effects have been a fundamental component of the film industry since its inception. From classic Hollywood films to modern blockbusters, special effects have allowed filmmakers to transport their audiences to different worlds, create stunning visuals, and bring fantastical creatures to life. Over the years, the development of cutting-edge technology has only increased the possibilities for creating jaw-dropping special effects that leave viewers in awe.

That's why we decided to showcase 15+ before and after photos of some of the most iconic movies of all time that demonstrate the true power of special effects. You'll be amazed at how much difference these effects can make, transforming actors and sets into something completely different and transporting viewers to new realms of imagination. So, prepare to be blown away by the incredible transformation that takes place behind the scenes of your favorite movies!

#1. Life (2017)

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Life (2017) utilized a significant amount of CGI in order to create the film's extraterrestrial life form. The combination of practical and digital effects creates a truly unforgettable movie monster that stands amongst the most compelling and frightening sci-fi creatures in recent memory.

#2. Ender's Game

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The use of CGI in "Ender's Game" allowed the filmmakers to bring to life some of the more fantastical elements of the story, such as zero-gravity training simulations and alien spaceships

#3. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

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"Alita: Battle Angel" is a science fiction film released in 2019, directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron. The movie heavily relies on CGI to create the futuristic world and characters of the story.

#4. Doctor Strange (2016)

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"Doctor Strange" is a superhero movie released in 2016, directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character. The film makes extensive use of CGI to depict the magical world of Doctor Strange and his adventures.

#5. Spider-Man: No Way Home

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"Spider-Man: No Way Home" is an upcoming superhero film set to be released in December 2021, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland as Spider-Man. One of the most exciting aspects of the film is the possibility of seeing multiple versions of Spider-Man from different universes, which could require complex visual effects and CGI to bring these different versions together convincingly.

#6. The Suicide Squad

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"The Suicide Squad" was applied CGI to create the fantastical world of the story and bring the various characters and their abilities to life.

#7. WandaVision

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Filmmakers took advantage of CGI in "WandaVision" which was essential in creating a unique and immersive viewing experience for audiences. The attention to detail and creativity in the design of the various settings and characters make the show stand out as a groundbreaking achievement in television production.

#8. Squid Game (2021)

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"Squid Game" is a Korean television series released in 2021 on Netflix, which has gained widespread popularity around the world. There are some scenes in the movie that brilliantly utilize VFX in the films.

#9. Superman & Lois 2021

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One of the most notable uses of CGI in the show is for Superman's flight scenes, which rely heavily on computer-generated imagery to create the illusion of flight.

#10. Loki

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The show is known for featuring a range of other characters with unique abilities, including Loki himself and several other variants of the character from different timelines. The visual effects used to depict their powers, such as time manipulation and shape-shifting, are also primarily created using CGI.

#11. The Mandalorian (TV series)

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One of the most notable uses of CGI in the show is for the character of Baby Yoda (officially known as "The Child"), a member of the same species as the Jedi Master Yoda. The intricate details of his appearance, from his large eyes to his small stature, were all created using computer-generated imagery.

#12. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (TV Series)

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"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is a television series released in 2013 on ABC, based on the Marvel Comics organization S.H.I.E.L.D. The show makes significant use of CGI to create the fantastical world of the story and bring the various characters and their abilities to life.

#13. Alice in Wonderland

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The use of CGI in "Alice in Wonderland" was crucial in bringing the characters, their abilities, and the world of the story to life on the big screen. The attention to detail and creativity in the design of the characters and environments make for a visually stunning and immersive experience that captures the whimsical and surreal nature of the original story.

#14. The Mandalorian (TV series)

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The show also makes extensive use of CGI to create the fantastical world of the story and bring the various characters, creatures, and spaceships to life.

#15. Black Widow

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The movie features a range of complex and visually stunning environments. These were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI to create a sense of immersion and wonder.

#16. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

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As a superhero movie, the film makes significant use of CGI to create the action sequences, special effects, and fantastical world of the story.

#17. R.I.P.D.

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One of the most noteworthy uses of CGI in the film is for the Dead-O's, the undead beings that the R.I.P.D. (Rest In Peace Department) agents are tasked with capturing. These creatures required extensive use of special effects and CGI to make them come to life on the screen.

#18. Deadpool 2

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Brad Pitt makes a brief appearance in the film as the character Vanisher, and his sudden demise was created using CGI.

Which is the most impressive photo that reveals the truth behind the scenes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!