10 Times Practical Effects Outshone CGI in Modern Blockbusters, Ranked
Practical effects—think real stunts, animatronics, and physical sets—bring a tactile magic to films that CGI often can’t match. In recent blockbusters, these hands-on techniques have delivered jaw-dropping moments that feel raw and immersive.
I’ve ranked 10 modern blockbusters from the last few decades where practical effects outshone CGI, based on their impact and execution. Starting from the bottom, here’s why these films’ practical wizardry deserves applause.
10. ‘Jurassic World’ (2015)
‘Jurassic World’ brought back practical dinosaur effects, like the animatronic Apatosaurus, to revive the original’s tactile feel. The dying dinosaur scene, with its lifelike texture, grounds the film’s spectacle.
While CGI dominates the action, the practical creatures add heart, though they’re underused. A win for fans of real dino magic.
9. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ used practical effects for its truck-flipping chase, with a real 18-wheeler flipping in Chicago’s streets. The stunt’s raw power amplifies the Joker’s chaos.
CGI could’ve smoothed it, but the real crash hits harder, though it’s a brief moment. Perfect for fans of gritty action.
8. ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)
‘The Force Awakens’ leaned on practical effects like puppeteered creatures and real sets, such as BB-8’s rolling droid and Maz Kanata’s cantina. These tangible elements echo the original trilogy’s charm.
CGI still carries the big battles, but practical details ground the galaxy. Great for Star Wars fans craving authenticity.
7. ‘Dunkirk’ (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ used real planes, ships, and thousands of extras to recreate the WWII evacuation. The practical dogfights and sinking boats feel viscerally real, immersing you in chaos.
CGI enhances some visuals, but the physical scale steals the show. A must for fans of historical intensity.
6. ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016)
‘Rogue One’ built practical sets like Jedha’s war-torn streets and used real explosions for its climactic battles. The tangible grit of Scarif’s beach fight adds weight to the rebellion’s stakes.
While CGI handles space battles, practical effects make the ground war pop. Ideal for fans of raw Star Wars action.
5. ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)
Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Blade Runner 2049’ used practical models for its dystopian cityscapes and real sets for K’s gritty world. The tactile environments, like the Las Vegas ruins, feel hauntingly alive.
CGI augments the visuals, but practical sets drive the mood. A gem for fans of immersive sci-fi.
4. ‘The Revenant’ (2015)
‘The Revenant’ relied on practical effects for its brutal bear attack, using a stuntman in a bear suit and real wilderness locations. The raw, freezing conditions amplify Leonardo DiCaprio’s survival struggle.
Minimal CGI keeps the pain visceral, making the scene unforgettable. Perfect for fans of intense, grounded drama.
3. ‘Fury Road’ (2015)
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is a practical effects masterpiece, with real vehicles, stunts, and desert chases. George Miller’s team built insane rigs like the War Rig, making every crash feel real.
CGI polishes some shots, but the practical chaos—flamethrowers and all—defines the film. A must for fans of high-octane action.
2. ‘Inception’ (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ used practical effects for its dream-world stunts, like the rotating hallway fight. Built on a massive gimbal, the set let actors perform gravity-defying moves in real time.
CGI enhances the surreal visuals, but the physical sets make dreams tangible. Great for fans of mind-bending thrillers.
1. ‘Interstellar’ (2014)
‘Interstellar’ used practical spacecraft models, real cornfields, and a massive rotating set for the Endurance to ground its cosmic journey. Christopher Nolan’s tangible approach makes space travel feel authentic.
While CGI crafts black holes, the practical sets and props steal the show. Essential for fans of epic, heartfelt sci-fi.
These films prove practical effects can create unforgettable cinematic moments. Which practical effect blew you away, or did I miss a standout? Share your thoughts in the comments!