Here's a look at how computer animation has evolved over the years. In the early 1980's, computers were only used to create vector-based backgrounds (Tron) or "computer generated images" (CGI) displays (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan). But, by 2003, we have fully-realized computer-generated characters that act so well that they could be considered being nominated for a Best Supporting Actor (Gollum in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers).
Note: this list is meant to showcase movies that are significant in their use of CGI and does not include any movies that use CGI as "background effects".
Note 2: if any boxes do not show the movie title or image, just click your browser's Refresh button and the information should appear.
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(May 82) The first major movie to use CGI effects to make a "computer simulation" (the "Genesis Effect"). |
(Jun 82) The first full-length movie to mix live actors and CGI backgrounds. |
(Jun 84) The first full-length movie to use CGI spaceships (instead of real models). |
(Jun 89) The first major movie to use CGI effects to create "liquid" effects. |
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(Jun 91) Probably the first full-length movie to combine CGI and traditional animation. |
(May 92) Not only did this movie use CGI to create "liquid" effects, it also made extensive use of "morphing" effects. |
(Jun 93) The first movie to feature realistic-looking and acting CGI dinosaurs. |
(Jun 94) Another Disney movie to use CGI to help animators- the stampede scene was built with "collision avoidance" programming. |
(Nov 95) The first full-length, completely CGI movie, by Disney/ Pixar. Note: Amazon.com may not be shipping this title at this time. |
(Jun 97) The first movie to have fully realistic CGI water, atmospheric, and other effects. |
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(Nov 98) The first major-motion picture to be transferred digitally from the computer's hard drive onto a DVD. (All other movies had to be transferred from film to DVD.) Note: Amazon.com may not be shipping this title at this time. |
(Dec 98) The first full-length, completely CGI movie, by a non-Disney studio (Dreamworks). |
(Dec 98) The first Star Trek movie to use CGI starships instead of real models. |
(Mar 99) With its computer-assisted kung-fu scenes and settings, this movie changed the way fight scenes are made. |
(May 99) The first movie to have a fully-featured CGI character for the entire length of the movie (Jar-Jar Binks). |
(Jun 99) Note: Amazon.com may not be shipping this title at this time. |
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(Nov 99) A sequel as good as (or better than) the original. |
(Dec 99) Another movie to have a fully-featured CGI character as a lead (Stuart Little). |
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(Jun 00) The first full-length movie to mix CGI dinosaurs (in a "lead" role) with live-action backgrounds. |
(Jun 00) Although not very popular, this movie combined traditional and CGI animation throughout the movie, by 20th Century Fox. |
(Sep 00) Originally aired on the Discovery Channel, this mini-series featured dinosaurs as realistic as any full-length movie. |
(May 01) The first full-length CGI movie to attempt realistic people, hair, and cloth animation. |
(Jun 01) The first movie to win the Academy Award for "Best Animated Movie". (The Award was first created the year Shrek was nominated.) |
(Jun 02) The first full-length CGI movie by 20th Century Fox. |
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(May 02) The first full length CGI movie from Nickelodeon Studios. |
(May 02) The first full-length movie to be shot on digital film also used extensive CGI work to create the backgrounds. |
(Nov 02) The first full-length CGI movie to attempt realistic fur animation. |
(Dec 02) The first movie to have a fully realistic-acting CGI character for the entire length of the movie (Gollum). The battle scenes used "army crowd" software to simulate soliders running into battle (and in some cases, running away from the battle) |
(Jun 03) Ang Lee's intellectual version of the famed Marvel hero. The Hulk was completely computer-generated... and in some scenes, he looked great... in others, not so good. |
(Jun 03) Part 2 of the Matrix trilogy, this movie includes a larger scale "burly brawl" as well as one of the greatest (and possibly longest) car chase scenes... most of which was created in the computer! |
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(Jun 03) As of Fall 2003, the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. Winner of the 2004 Academy Award for "Best Animated Movie". |
(Nov 03) Part 3 of the Matrix trilogy, many people said this movie was nothing more than an extended video game! |
(Jun 04) Like Toy Story 2, many people considered this sequel better than the original. |
(Nov 04) Made by the same studio that made Shrek, this movie is also full of pop-culture references. Its underwater sets look more like New York City and lack the intense colors of the other underwater movie, Finding Nemo. |
(Nov 04) The first PG-rated Pixar film, this movie combined the fun of a super-hero movie with issues about family. |
(May 05) The final movie in the Star Wars saga... and the most visually impressive one. From the starships to General Grievous to the backgrounds and planets, it's hard to tell which elements are real and which are computer-generated. Like Star Wars: Episode II, this movie was also shot on digital film. (It is also the first Star Wars movie to be rated PG-13.) Note: this movie will be available on DVD on Nov 1, 2005. |