The 15 Worst CGI Moments in Otherwise Great Big-Budget Films, Ranked by Ugliness

CGI can transform movies, creating worlds and characters that feel real and breathtaking. But when it goes wrong, even in big-budget films, it can pull you out of the story with jarring, ugly visuals that stick in your mind for all the wrong reasons.

I’ve ranked the 15 worst CGI moments in otherwise stellar films, focusing on how distractingly bad they look. From superhero flops to iconic franchises, these scenes fumble the magic of digital effects. Let’s dive into the clunkiest CGI that marred some great movies.

15. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) – Hulk vs. Hulkbuster Fight

The epic showdown between Hulk and Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor is a visual spectacle, but the CGI-heavy sequence feels overly polished. Hulk’s face and movements occasionally look too smooth, clashing with the gritty stakes of the battle.

Despite the film’s ambitious scope and thrilling action, this fight’s glossy textures and weightless physics pull you out of the moment. A touch of practical grit could’ve sold the chaos better.

14. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) – Voldemort’s Disintegration

Voldemort’s final defeat sees him dissolve into CGI ashes, but the effect looks oddly artificial, like a video game death animation. The swirling particles and lack of weight cheapen the emotional climax.

The Harry Potter saga delivers iconic moments, but this digital send-off for the Dark Lord feels hollow compared to the series’ earlier practical effects. A subtler approach might’ve hit harder.

13. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) – Jungle Chase

Indy and Mutt swing through a CGI jungle pursued by Soviet jeeps, but the digital vines, vehicles, and backdrop look painfully fake. The overly clean visuals clash with the franchise’s rugged charm.

Despite Harrison Ford’s enduring charisma, this sequence’s cartoonish CGI undermines the adventure. Practical stunts, a hallmark of earlier Indy films, would’ve kept the thrill grounded.

12. Black Panther (2018) – Final Battle

The climactic fight in Wakanda sees T’Challa battling Killmonger amid a vibranium mine. The CGI-heavy sequence, with characters leaping across digital landscapes, looks rushed and cartoonish compared to the film’s earlier polish.

Despite Black Panther’s cultural impact and strong storytelling, this scene’s flat textures and awkward character models clash with the vibrant world. It’s a rare misstep in an otherwise visually stunning film.

11. Spider-Man 2 (2004) – MJ Kidnapping

Doc Ock snatches MJ in a frantic chase, but for a brief moment, both characters are replaced by rough CGI doubles. The camera lingers on their uncanny, stiff movements, breaking the scene’s tension.

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is a superhero classic, but this shoddy digital swap feels like a rushed afterthought. The fast-paced editing elsewhere hides flaws, but this moment stands out painfully.

10. Air Force One (1997) – Plane Crash

The iconic thriller ends with Air Force One crashing into the ocean, but the CGI plane looks like a low-res video game model. The choppy water and fake explosion cheapen the high-stakes drama.

Harrison Ford’s intense performance carries the film, but this climax feels like a budget cut corner. The dated effects don’t match the movie’s gripping tension.

9. King Kong (2005) – Dinosaur Stampede

Jack Black and Adrien Brody flee a herd of CGI dinosaurs in a narrow crevasse. The green screen work is glaring, with dinosaurs shifting sizes and actors looking pasted onto a fake backdrop.

Peter Jackson’s epic remake nails emotional depth, but this sequence’s overcrowded, poorly blended CGI undercuts the thrill. It’s a blemish on an otherwise grand adventure.

8. It (2017) – Georgie’s Attack

Pennywise lures Georgie to a storm drain and bites off his arm in a chilling opener. But the CGI on Pennywise’s face, especially his exaggerated teeth, looks cartoonish and breaks the horror’s spell.

This horror hit thrives on atmosphere and performances, but the digital face in this key moment feels like a misfire. Practical effects might have kept the terror intact.

7. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) – Jar Jar Binks

Jar Jar Binks bumbles through Naboo’s fields, his fully CGI design clashing with the live-action cast. His rubbery movements and uncanny face feel like a PlayStation game cutscene.

George Lucas’ prequel has bold ideas, but Jar Jar’s dated visuals distract from the story. His design overshadows the film’s groundbreaking effects elsewhere.

6. The Matrix Reloaded (2003) – Burly Brawl

Neo fights a swarm of Agent Smiths in a courtyard, but the CGI-heavy brawl turns him into a rubbery digital double. The unnatural movements and glossy textures scream video game.

The Matrix sequel pushes action boundaries, but this scene’s overambitious CGI feels detached from the gritty realism of the original. It’s a bold swing that misses.

5. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – Claw Reveal

Logan, newly grafted with adamantium, inspects his claws in a dimly lit scene. The CGI claws look like cartoonish knives, clashing with the film’s grounded tone.

Despite Hugh Jackman’s powerful performance, this pivotal moment’s cheap effects undermine the drama. Practical claws elsewhere prove the CGI was unnecessary.

4. Die Another Day (2002) – Tsunami Surf

James Bond windsurfs a CGI tsunami to escape danger, but the wave and his digital double look laughably fake. It feels ripped from a 90s arcade game, not a Bond film.

Pierce Brosnan’s final 007 outing has sleek action, but this scene’s dated visuals kill the tension. A practical stunt would’ve kept the thrill alive.

3. Justice League (2017) – Superman’s Face

Reshoots forced CGI removal of Henry Cavill’s mustache, leaving Superman’s face unnaturally smooth in the opening scene. The distorted mouth and uncanny look are jarring.

Despite a strong ensemble, this digital fix is distractingly bad, setting a rough tone for the film. It’s a notorious example of rushed VFX gone wrong.

2. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) – Goblin King

The Goblin King confronts Bilbo’s party in a cavern, but his CGI design, with exaggerated features and plastic-like skin, feels out of place in Middle-earth. The motion capture lacks the weight of practical orcs.

Peter Jackson’s prequel trilogy has stunning moments, but this character’s cartoonish look breaks the immersion. A practical costume could’ve grounded the scene.

1. The Mummy Returns (2001) – Scorpion King

Dwayne Johnson’s Scorpion King transforms into a CGI centaur-like creature for the climax. The awkward facial expressions and blocky scorpion body look like a low-budget video game cutscene.

Brendan Fraser’s charm carries the film, but this laughable CGI villain kills the stakes. It’s a glaring flaw in an otherwise fun adventure, earning its spot as the ugliest.

Which CGI blunder bugs you the most, or did I miss a digital disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments!