Commentary Track
The 10 Best Computer Generated Films of All-Time
Posted by Kevin Carr (kevin@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 18, 2007
With the release of “Shrek the Third†this weekend, it’s clear that computer generated animation is the new standard in major motion pictures. Last year saw a massive jump in the number of CGI films to hit the market, both independent and studio-bred. With technology becoming more available and refined, it’s no longer the big boys that make these films.
In honor of the “Shrek†release, the Rejects have compiled a list of our favorite CGI animated films. It’s the wave of the future, baby.
10. “The Polar Express†(2004)

In the business of animation, it’s not just plot, characters and story that makes the grade, but it’s the groundbreaking technology as well. Adapted from an alarmingly short children’s book, “The Polar Express†is a feat to witness, especially on the IMAX screen in 3D. It was one of the earlier use of full motion-capture technology with an attention to detail that is simply eye-popping.
9. “Cars†(2006)

No one can make a list of great CGI animated films without dropping a couple Pixar movies in the mix. Sure, it didn’t have the impact of some previous Pixar releases, and it was snubbed at the Oscars for the less-than-memorable “Happy Feet.†But “Cars†showed the world that John Lasseter is still the king of computer animated cartoons.
8. “A Bug’s Life†(1998)

Few thought that Pixar could follow up the legendary “Toy Story†with another great film. They soon learned that Pixar was not a company to rest on the success of other films. “A Bug’s Life†took a classic story (“The Seventh Samuraiâ€) and put it in a context that even the youngest viewer could understand. This film also solidified the Pixar tradition of making hilarious and memorable supporting casts.
7. “TRON†(1982)

True, a good portion of this film was live-action, and the plot was a little silly, even for the 80s. However, “TRON†was one of the most groundbreaking films in terms of computer graphics. Rudimentary by today’s standards, “TRON†was an incredible sight to see in the theaters when Muppets were the standard for high-quality special effects.
6. “TMNT†(2007)

After the series fell apart under its own weight in the early 1990s (and with Vanilla Ice as an anchor star to the second film, who would have expected this?), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were brought back in CGI form in 2007. Made on a relatively modest budget by CGI standards, “TMNT†provided an excellent platform to re-launch the franchise.
5. “Finding Nemo†(2003)

After a string of hits from Pixar, Andrew Stanton directed this sure-fire blockbuster about a little fish trying to find his lost son. Pixar continued to push the envelope of the genre by making a touching film in one of the most difficult environments to animate. The sales of clown fish skyrocketed after this one.
4. “Over the Hedge†(2006)

In the midst of the CGI glut of 2006, “Over the Hedge†made a splash as an early computer generated release. Based on a comic strip and sporting a hilarious voice cast, “Over the Hedge†redeemed DreamWorks from previous blunders like the dreadful “Shark Tale.â€
3. “Monster House†(2006)

Using similar motion-capture technology that helped make “The Polar Express,†“Monster House†brought the fantastic story of a killer house to the quiet suburbs. Presented in digital 3D, it brought us another step closer to the best immersive film experience on the planet.
2. “Toy Story†(1995)

It was the first all-CGI film, and it wowed audiences while turning the industry on its ear. It’s hard to believe this film came out more than 10 years ago. Using the star power of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen behind groundbreaking animation, John Lasseter put Pixar on the map with this film.
1. “The Incredibles†(2004)

Not only was Brad Bird’s masterpiece a great CGI movie, it was a great movie, easily one of the best of the year. It was a visionary masterpiece that took the audience to a bright, fascinating world of superheroes and super villains. Can Bird top himself with the upcoming “Ratatouilleâ€? We shall see.
HONORABLE MENTION
“Shrek†(2001), Say what you want about the latest show of the big, green guy, but the first film in the series was one of the more innovative movies of its time. It set the stage for fairy tale spoofs and introduced us to the lovable ogre with a bad Scottish accent and the talking donkey. And it was made at a time when only a handful of these films came out.
[Update: Based on the great reader talkback below, we have decided to let you decide what the best CGI Films of All Time are with our new poll. Check it out: You Decide: The Best CGI Films of All-Time.]
Read more articles by Kevin Carr







36 Comments
May 18th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
This is all and well and nearly perfect, you hit off every great one including TMNT and Tron… but WHERE IS MONSTERS, INC?!!? Even above Toy Story or The Incredibles, I call Monsters, Inc the GREATEST animated film EVER made… and yet it’s not even anywhere on here!??! C’mon, how could you leave off the GREATEST animated film ever!!
May 18th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I thought Cars was awful and difficult to sit through…and I am/was a Pixar acolyte! Conspicuously absent for me is Toy Story 2, arguably better than the first in its thematic solemnity. That montage of the life of the cowgirl doll is heartbreaking.
May 18th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
If you are going to credit Pixar for their innovation, you really need to mention Luxo Jr.
“The Polar Express†is not “an alarmingly short children’s book.” When was ther last time you read a children’s illustrated book?
What was innovative about Shrek?
May 19th, 2007 at 1:08 am
I think A Bug’s life is great movie while CRAS is not that good movie.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:09 am
What about Advent Children and the Spirits Within?
May 19th, 2007 at 1:10 am
Hello?!? Final Fantasy, The Spirits Within?!? Why is that not in the top 3?
May 19th, 2007 at 1:11 am
dude nice list but… MONSTERS INC. where da fuk is it. best pixar movie ever.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:14 am
Are you kidding me? Toy Story should be number 1! then Monsters inc should be number 2. The Incredibles shouldn’t even be on the list.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:17 am
Aww what about Final Fantasy: Advent Children?
I know it’s not exactly mainstream but it is by far the superior of all the movies listed when it comes to the technology alone.
And as others have pointed out, where’s Monster’s Inc. ? Great movie.
Also I don’t think Tron has a place on this list if we’re going to ignore either Final Fantasy movies, but especially Advent Children. Don’t get me wrong I love Tron, but other than its effects and nostalgia factor it doesn’t have much going for it.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:18 am
This list is completely lame, Final Fantasy the movie nowhere to be seen. Suck MSFT’s dick much?
May 19th, 2007 at 1:18 am
Just pointing out that its Seven Samurai not Seventh Samurai…
May 19th, 2007 at 1:19 am
ummmm where’s shrek?? thats gotta be top 10 for sure…3rd is coming out soon
shit top 10 list here.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:21 am
thank you No Use and Steve, i agree, where are the phenomenal Advent Children and Spirits Within??? the computer animation on those two movies was better than all these combined.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:25 am
Over the Hedge, is a to much Entertainment solution for every level of people(children ,adult ,or mature …)People like to change in the every field, Like as the shark tale,and other computer animated movies,In these movies,very highly computer graphically interface ,that attract the users,I really like them and want to more..
May 19th, 2007 at 1:31 am
ha ha , In the computer animated movie “over the hedge” Is a great,all characters I to much like , But the Lion and Beamer is a to much sweet.
May 19th, 2007 at 1:57 am
What? Why isn’t Final Fantasy: Advent Children on here? Is this a kids-movies-only list or something?
May 19th, 2007 at 2:04 am
WHERE’S 300!?!?!??!?!?!
May 19th, 2007 at 3:16 am
[...] 10 Best Computer Generated Films of All-Time Top 10 Best Computer Generated Films of All-Time Last year saw a massive jump in the number of CGI films to hit the market, both independent and [...]
May 19th, 2007 at 3:31 am
Incredibles, Cars and TMNT do not belong on this list. You have horrible taste in animated movies.
May 19th, 2007 at 9:34 am
[...] our own Kevin Carr compiled a list of The 10 Best CGI Movies of All-Time based on feedback from some of the FSR staff. And I have to say, it was a pretty decent list. But [...]
May 19th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
[...] I have found an interesting list of computer animated films. To see if you agree with their ratings just click here. [...]
May 20th, 2007 at 2:12 am
It’s “The Seven Samurai”, dumbshit. How can you even write a movie article if you don’t know that?
May 20th, 2007 at 7:28 am
dude. over the hedge wasn’t all that great. the last bit was the only good thing about th e movie. i hate you.
May 20th, 2007 at 11:32 am
You seriously put Polar Express and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on there and left out FFVII: Advent Children? Most of what you had there were fantastic for some reason. TMNT was hyped, released, then I heard nothing about it after that weekend.
May 21st, 2007 at 8:50 am
[...] 10 bilgisayar destekli film! incredibles Shrek 3 fanatikleri tarafýndan dört gözle beklenirken, Þurada tüm zamanlarý en iyi 10 bilgisayar destekli animasyon filmlerini listelemiþler. ilk sýrada [...]
May 21st, 2007 at 9:22 am
Where is The Last Starfighter? Like Tron, it is primitive by today’s standards, but if I remember correctly it was the first movie to have scenes that were entirely CG.
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:09 am
C’mon guys!! Where’s Final Fantasy???? Those are the best CGI films? Really? I don’t think so… They may be good but there are so many that are better!
May 24th, 2007 at 3:34 am
[...] Zaz Comedy Glossary - Every type of joke you can think of and what they’re called. The 10 Best Computer Generated Films of All-Time - Not really sure I agree with the list, but a Film School grad wrote [...]
May 24th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I’m just wondering how come Advent Children does not make this list. Yes it may be a “gamers” movie, but it still has some of the most stunning graphics, and an excellent voice cast. This is just my opinion though.
May 24th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
How on earth is Final Fantasy not on this list?
May 24th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
What about Toy Story 2? It doesn’t even make the list?
May 25th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Incredibles? That’s about right;)
Final Fantasy too have better graphics but it lacks seriously on plot and storyline.I think Finding Nemo is better than Over the Hedge btw.
May 25th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
[...] Link: The 10 Best Computer Generated Films of All-Time [...]
August 21st, 2007 at 6:28 am
FINAL FANTASY:ADVENT CHILDREN: Simply the best CGI movie. EVER.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Hey!!, whats wrong with you man??, of course the first one is: Final Fantasy: Advent Children, is the best CG movie ever!!!!!, in second place should be: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within…
April 27th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Ok most of these films do not belong on this list. FF: Spirits Within defenitely should kick at least Cars, Tron, or TMNT off. Antz was better than A Bug’s Life. Shrek was beat out by some of them? What were you smoking when deciding this. One thing that is in other posts that i dont agree with is FF: Advent Children. This movie ia made mainly for fans so many people will not enjoy it, though it would be in my top ten. Finding Nemo should be first.