16 Shots Showing How Famous Movies Changed After Special Effects

Jimmy Henton

Welcome to the wonderful world of cinema where anything is possible with a little bit of movie magic! From giant robots to flying superheroes, special effects have played a pivotal role in shaping our favorite films. But have you ever wondered what some of the most famous movies today would look like without these cutting-edge technologies? Well, we did too, and let me tell you, the results are mind-blowing!


So, we've compiled a list of 16 shots from famous movies that will make you appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into making such cinematic masterpieces. You'll see how simple green screens can transform bland backdrops into breathtaking landscapes, how motion capture technology can turn actors into fantastical creatures, and how CGI can bring even the most impossible scenarios to life. And certainly, you won't believe your eyes when you see how drastically these films changed after special effects were added. Let's scroll down and dive in!

#1. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is a fantastic example of how CGI can enhance the magic of a film. The film's stunning visual effects transport us to a world full of awe-inspiring beasts, enchanting spells, and bewitching landscapes.

From the towering giants to the shimmering phoenixes, each creature is brought to life with intricate detail and realistic movements, thanks to the power of CGI.

#2. Oz the Great and Powerful

"Oz the Great and Powerful" is a visually stunning film that perfectly shows the power of modern CGI technology.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the way in which it seamlessly blends live-action footage with incredibly realistic CGI environments and characters. And the landscape here is a good example!

#3. Aquaman

"Aquaman" is a notably brilliant movie that takes full advantage of modern CGI technology to bring the aquatic world to life. T

his superhero adventure follows Arthur Curry (played by Jason Momoa), who must come to terms with his identity as the half-human, half-Atlantean ruler of the underwater kingdom.

#4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is a swashbuckling adventure that relies heavily on the use of CGI to create its fantastical world.

The character animation in "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is top-notch, with the various supernatural creatures possessing their own unique physicality and movements.

#5. Kingsman: The Secret Service

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" is a stylish and action-packed spy thriller that utilizes CGI in subtle yet effective ways to enhance its world.

The use of CGI allows these sequences to be filmed in a more controlled background.

#6. The BFG

"The BFG" is a charming and visually stunning film that uses CGI in a unique and innovative way to bring the magical world of Roald Dahl's book to life.

The way they created character is unbelievable, with the BFG and other giants possessing their own unique physicality and facial expressions.

#7. Black Panther

The superhero movie is a vividly stunning movie that expertly uses CGI to bring the fictional African nation of Wakanda to life. One of the most impressive aspects of "Black Panther" is the way in which it seamlessly blends live-action footage with highly detailed CGI environments and characters.

From the bustling streets of Wakanda to the advanced technology of the Vibranium mines, every aspect of the film's world is brought to life in vivid detail thanks to the power of CGI.

#8. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

No one can deny the way filmmakers blend live-action footage with highly detailed CGI environments and characters in the movie is just brilliant.

The film's depiction of the four realms - the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Sweets, and the ominous Fourth Realm - is breathtaking, with each realm possessing its own unique look and feel.

#9. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is famous for the story following Caesar (played by Andy Serkis), the leader of a colony of genetically enhanced apes, as they face off against human survivors in a battle for dominance.

And also, the movie applied motion capture technology to create some of the lifelike visual effects that we can see in the movie.

#10. Dark Shadows

As for CGI in the movie, filmmakers used it extensively in the 2012 Dark Shadows film.

The movie features a number of visual effects, including CGI-enhanced makeup for the vampire characters, such as Barnabas Collins.

#11. Aquaman

The character animation in "Aquaman" is also top-notch, with each individual character possessing their own unique physicality and movements. The various species of sea creatures are particularly impressive, ranging from giant gargantuan beasts to tiny bioluminescent creatures.

The action scenes are particularly thrilling, showcasing the incredible capabilities of modern CGI technology.

#12. The Shape of Water

"The Shape of Water" is a 2017 romantic fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro.

CGI was also utilized extensively in "The Shape of Water" to enhance and augment the creature's movements and expressions.

#13. X-Men: Days of Future Past

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a 2014 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics' X-Men characters.

One example of the extensive use of CGI in the film is the character of Quicksilver, who has the ability to move at superhuman speed. And there are also many scenes that need the help of CGI like this.

#14. Warcraft

"Warcraft" is a 2016 fantasy film based on the popular video game series "World of Warcraft." As a fantasy epic, the movie relied heavily on CGI to create its expansive and immersive world filled with mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles.

In addition to the characters, the film's environments and landscapes were also created almost entirely using CGI. This allowed the filmmakers to create a vast and detailed world beyond what was possible with traditional filming techniques.

#15. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

One of the most notable uses of CGI in "The Force Awakens" was for the character of Maz Kanata, a diminutive alien who runs a cantina on the planet Takodana.

The filmmakers used motion-capture technology to capture the actress's performance and translate them into a fully realized CGI character. Similarly, the droids BB-8 and R2-D2 were brought to life using a combination of practical effects and CGI.

#16. Thor: Ragnarok

Source: pinterest

"Thor: Ragnarok" is a 2017 superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor. The movie has been praised for its use of vibrant colors and unique visual style, which was achieved through impressive CGI work.

Some people might believe that it was a real costume. But no! With the help of CGI, they can create an imaginative and visually stunning character.

Which movie scene is the most impressive? Share with us your thoughts in the comments!