Buzz
While a film doesn’t need to be packed with special effects to be enjoyable, it appears that audiences are less inclined to visit theaters unless the visuals are spectacular. When we invest in a movie, we expect those effects to truly stand out. The shift from practical effects to CGI over the years has unlocked incredible creative possibilities, but it has also led to some glaringly poor and unconvincing digital imagery—scenes that confuse or amuse rather than awe.
Whether it’s digital replicas that resemble video game characters or excessive CGI that places people and objects in implausible scenarios, subpar effects can shatter our suspension of disbelief, constantly reminding us that what we’re watching is fabricated. Then there’s the infamous 'uncanny valley,' where attempts to replicate living beings fall just short of realism, resulting in visuals that are either unsettling or unintentionally humorous. Take the new Clifford the Big Red Dog film, for example, which proves that the uncanny valley effect persists even in non-realistic depictions.
(Though this version of Clifford is far less eerie than the unrelated 1994 Martin Short film.)
Poor effects don’t always ruin a movie. Some films remain enjoyable despite a few awkward moments, and over time, even dated CGI can become charming! The 19 movies listed here are all solid to exceptional—despite occasional special effects that momentarily pull you out of the story.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther stands as one of Marvel’s finest achievements, a standout in a franchise known for its lavish special effects budgets (regardless of opinions, these films never appear low-budget). While much of the movie excels, the war rhinos—though visually striking—don’t quite move like genuine animals. (To clarify, I’m glad fewer real animals are used in filmmaking, so I’ll take a slightly awkward CGI rhino over a real one any day.) Additionally, the climactic battle in the futuristic train station feels more like an animated sequence than live-action.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Mist (2007)
While slightly melodramatic, this film ranks among the bleakest and most nihilistic adaptations of Stephen King’s works (which is no small feat). It delves into the varied human responses to disaster, ranging from horrifying to heroic. The Lovecraftian creatures lurking in the mist are only briefly seen, often appearing as video game-like animations that provoke laughter rather than fear (a common issue in such films). The movie features several impressive practical effects for its monsters, which only highlight the distracting nature of the CGI tentacles.
Where to stream: fuboTV, AMC+
I Am Legend (2007)
Combining the emotional depth and solitude of the original novel with thrilling action sequences, I Am Legend succeeds as a mostly faithful adaptation of Richard Matheson’s classic (though the book is still a must-read). However, the Infected in the film appear as though they’ve wandered in from a nearby video game—cartoonish and unconvincing, with only Will Smith’s performance lending them any menace. While the effects aren’t terrible, they often clash with their surroundings, particularly in daylight. To make matters worse, the zombies were initially planned to be created with practical makeup effects, but were replaced with CGI at the last minute. Disappointing.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Call of the Wild (2020)
Once again, CGI animals are preferable to real animals in films, even if the technology isn’t perfect yet. Using CGI for the dog in this somewhat underappreciated Jack London adaptation was a smart move. However, the digital dog often feels out of sync with the live-action human actors, as if they belong to entirely different films.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
While I’m not a big fan of Tim Burton’s later works, his version of Alice in Wonderland was a massive box office hit, raking in over a billion dollars despite its polarizing reception. For me, the film is a deep dive into the uncanny valley, with every character intentionally designed to feel unsettling, blending obvious and subtle distortions through CGI. This surreal approach, while intentional, makes the film a love-it-or-hate-it experience, depending on personal taste.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
While Matrix Reloaded deserves recognition for its groundbreaking action sequences, particularly the infamous “Burly Brawl,” the CGI-heavy scenes lack a sense of realism. Despite being visually impressive, they fail to convey the weight and presence of real people, especially when compared to the original film’s celebrated wire-fu techniques. The result is a visually striking but emotionally detached experience.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Hulu
The Polar Express (2004)
Robert Zemeckis is a master of his craft, and there’s no doubt he achieved precisely what he envisioned with the animators behind this modern holiday classic. Whether the film feels like a magical storybook brought to life or a slightly unnerving trip into the depths of the uncanny valley depends on the viewer. Personally, I lean toward the latter interpretation. (Chances are, you do too.)
Where to stream: HBO Max
Beowulf (2007)
Despite its underwhelming box office performance, Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture epic Beowulf is better than its reputation implies. It employs the same animation style as The Polar Express, creating a storybook-like aesthetic. However, this makes the film’s PG-13 action sequences—featuring bloodshed and occasional risqué moments—feel oddly jarring. Whether this contrast is a strength or a weakness is debatable, but over time, it only adds to the film’s peculiar charm.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Star Wars (1977)
If you were around before 1997, you might remember Star Wars as a trailblazing film with revolutionary (mostly practical) effects that still impress today. Alternatively, you might have seen the post-”Special Edition” version, which awkwardly inserts early and now-dated CGI. While some changes in the Special Editions work, additions like the Jabba/Han scene remain indefensible, even after decades of fan complaints.
Where to stream: Disney+
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
It’s undeniably thrilling to see Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin return, and his inclusion fits well in this standout entry of modern Star Wars films. However, the technology to fully resurrect the deceased isn’t quite there yet, and Tarkin’s CGI-rendered presence lands him squarely in the uncanny valley, especially when sharing scenes with live actors. A brief but emotional cameo at the film’s end suffers from the same issue, though its brevity makes it easier to overlook.
Where to stream: Disney+
Mulan (2020)
While it can’t compare to the animated classic, the live-action Mulan remake has its own appeal and is visually stunning at times. However, the CGI effects, though not outright cheap, fall short when contrasted with the film’s practical battle scenes. The avalanche sequence, for example, highlights how CGI can create a sense of detachment, undermining the emotional impact of the action.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Mummy Returns (2001)
While the Mummy films may not be cinematic masterpieces, they are undeniably entertaining and perfectly capture the golden age of Brendan Fraser. The sequel, in particular, fully embraces early 2000s CGI, often with hilariously questionable results (case in point: CGI scorpion Dwayne Johnson). This adds to the film’s quirky appeal, making it easy to forgive its flaws. However, it’s clear that the movie’s ambition in special effects far outstripped its technical capabilities.
Where to stream: HBO Max
World War Z (2013)
Despite its strengths, the zombies in World War Z fail to leave a lasting impact. They appear oddly weightless, with their lack of physical presence undermining any sense of realism. The overall effect makes the screen look more like it’s covered in a layer of dust than filled with terrifying undead hordes.
Where to stream: Paramount+, FXNow
Air Force One (1997)
(Spoiler for a 25-year-old film ahead.)
Is it great cinema? Debatable. But it’s undeniably one of the most beloved action movies of the ‘90s, showcasing Harrison Ford at his peak. The climactic plane crash, however, highlights the pitfalls of overusing CGI: while the plane is well-rendered, its chaotic spinning and flipping in the water makes it look more like a toy than a real aircraft. While it might seem unfair to critique a film of this age for its effects, history has shown that convincing plane crashes were possible even then—perhaps CGI wasn’t the best choice here.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Often overlooked, The Incredible Hulk stands as a somewhat forgotten entry in the Marvel lineup. While it occasionally ties into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ed Norton’s portrayal of Bruce Banner feels disconnected from Mark Ruffalo’s later interpretation. Still, it’s a solid superhero film in its own right, though overshadowed by more extravagant entries in the genre. The Hulk’s CGI is a clear upgrade from the 2003 Ang Lee version, but the villain, Abomination, falls flat, making the fight scenes resemble video game cutscenes rather than cinematic battles.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Justice League (2017)
While Henry Cavill’s CGI-altered upper lip (a necessity due to reshoots) is often criticized, the real issue lies with the villain, Steppenwolf. Despite advancements in CGI, Steppenwolf never feels fully realized or compelling. While characters like Thanos in the Avengers series prove that CGI can work, here it feels excessive yet insufficient. The Zack Snyder cut improves the character’s design, but it’s still not enough to make Steppenwolf memorable. And, well, spoiler alert, it’s not a problem we’ll need to revisit.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
De-aging effects have become increasingly common in films, and Marvel has generally excelled in this area (e.g., young Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg in Captain Marvel). However, the technique isn’t flawless. In this film, a younger version of Robert Downey Jr. is achieved through post-production effects, and while it’s impressive, it’s just slightly off, creating an uncanny effect. The face appears overly smooth, even for a young RDJ, making it clear that something isn’t quite right.
Where to stream: Disney+
Tron: Legacy (2010)
I thoroughly enjoyed Tron: Legacy and will gladly defend its merits. Like its predecessor, it broke new ground in visual effects, particularly with the digital de-aging of Jeff Bridges’ character. While commendable for its time, the technology wasn’t quite ready, and Bridges often looks more like a digital avatar than a younger version of himself. Despite this, the film remains a technical achievement.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
This film, surprisingly, manages to pull off its unique visual style quite effectively—better than one might expect. Director Robert Rodriguez and his team chose to give the protagonist, portrayed by Rosa Salazar, exaggerated, anime-like eyes. While I admire the bold creative choice, it undeniably plunges into the uncanny valley. The effect became a major talking point in early discussions and reviews, which, while intriguing, proved somewhat distracting from the film’s other strengths.
Where to stream: fuboTV, FXNow
