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 Samurai”) 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.”

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 “Ratatouille”? 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