Timeline: Evolution of CGI Timeline (* = more information about the movie)

Aug 13, 1973

Future World

First use of 3D CGI to represent a character. It was the first time computer-generated imagery was used in a film to portray a real person.

Jul 9, 1982

Tron

First use of animated CGI in a feature film combined with traditional animation. Features the first completely CGI character.

Dec 18, 1984

The Adventures of Andre and Wally B.

First CGI animated short featuring the first fully CGI characters.

Jun 27, 1986

Labyrinth*

First realistic CGI representation of an animal. It was the first attempt at CGI in this form and for the viewers liking, it went pretty well. It might have seemed strange but it was still pretty impressive.

Jul 23, 1988

Willow

CGI used to realistically morph animals into a human character.

Aug 2, 1988

Tin Toy

First completely CGI realistic human character. The first CGI animated short to win an Academy Award.

Aug 9, 1989

The Abyss*

First computer-generated three-dimensional character in a feature film. More advanced morphing and water simulation. most of The Abyss was filmed in the largest fresh-water filtered tank in the world at the time

Jun 1, 1990

Total Recall

First use of motion capture in a feature film.

Jun 11, 1993

Jurassic Park

First film to blend CGI with animatronics.

Jul 28, 1994

The Mask

First time CGI is blended with live human action to enhance a character.

Nov 22, 1995

Toy Story*

First completely CGI feature film. Curiously for the Academy of Motion Pictures, they actually noticed its significance, and awarded the genius behind Pixar and the director of the movie, John Lasseter, a special Oscar in 1996 "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film".

May 31, 1996

Dragonheart*

First fast-rendered CGI character without the use of wire models. The dragon names "Draco" in the movie wasn't fully CGI though. Because of the lack of technology back in the 1990s, most parts were made out of giant props like the dragon's teeth and jaw.

Jul 2, 2001

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

First completely CGI film with photo-realistic visuals.

Oct 30, 2004

The Polar Express

Motion Capture used to create CGI representations of actors in completely photo-realistic CGI film.

Dec 18, 2009

Avatar*

First movie filmed in 2D and immersive 3D simultaneously substantial CGI environments and characters. Also, Avatar is number 1 at the box office for most money made on tickets sold.