The 80s, what a time to be alive for music, video games and most importantly, movies. The likes of Speilberg and Lucas were coming out with hits left and right with the special effects getting better and better each year. Though some are cheesy by today's standards, these were revolutionary considering the 8-bit video game was seen as life-changing.
This list will focus on the best effects from the 80s as well as their impact on cinema history and the legacy they've left behind. Without further ado, here are Top 10 Visual Effects of the 80s.
10 Dead Ringers
This Psychological thriller may not be a box office blockbuster but it boasted some impressive effects for its time. Jeremy Irons plays a pair of twins who're gynecologists and end up falling for the same woman. Putting the same actor into a scene twice is no easy feat, but Dead Ringers did it masterfully and were one of the first movies to do so. This set the standard for future movies that would do the same. Not only that, but the gory special effects were just as good, though unsettling might be the better word to describe it.
9 Who Framed Roger Rabbit
This movie wowed audience members with its cartoon animation brought to life alongside actors Christopher Lloyd and the late Bob Hoskins. Every scene that featured the Rabbit himself deserved some applause, considering this wasn't your average Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Having animation within a live-action movie was extremely difficult at the time due to technological limitations (Even James Cameron purposely waited to make a sequel to The Terminator for better special effects technology.)
8 The Fly
David Cronenberg is renowned for his grotesque imagery in his movies, just look at Dead Ringers. But The Fly takes it up a notch with both visual and special effects. This body horror movie starring Jeff Goldblum was a milestone for special effects not just for the horror genre, but all of cinema. The monster that Seth Brundle becomes has since become an icon for special effects, a creation so grotesque but at the same time admirable to see how far movies have come.
7 The Thing
John Carpenter's classic monster movie was no easy feat for the special effects department, creating a monster comprised of flesh and body parts. Did that stop them?
Of course not, The Thing has become known as one of the greatest horror movies of all time with much of the credit going to the monster that stalks the Antarctica research team. It remains a mystery as to what the rumored sequel has in store for some more arctic researchers.
6 An American Werewolf in London
Even if you're not a horror fan, movie lovers can appreciate the art and craft that went into creating these. The hand stretching motion and body elongation/transformation scene was something audiences had never seen before. Despite being a horror-comedy, this scene was absolutely terrifying with its body horror mechanics. An American Werewolf in London laid the foundation for future horror movies and revolutionized the way directors approach special and visual effects. This became one of John Landis's best movies, though the jury's still out on which is the best.
5 Blade Runner
This future thriller features some spectacular CGI and special effects, similar to that of The Terminator. However, Blade Runner built a world of its own all through the use of a computer.
Blade Runner is an immersive experience, one that takes the audience into the future into a world of its own. The story is encapsulating by itself, but the world Ridley Scott built through special effects still look good today.
4 Raiders of the Lost Ark
As one of the greatest movies of all time, there's no surprise an Indiana Jones entry made it onto this list. Where to begin? This list will highlight the ending where the Ark of Covenant is finally opened and a thousand restless souls are released upon the foolish Nazis. This adventure movie had just a touch of horror with this scene, and it's fair to say it spooked the audience. Who wasn't terrified when Belloq and co.'s faces were melted?
3 Tron
Jeff Bridges's computer adventure didn't age too well when compared to its sequel, let alone every sci-fi movie that's been made since its release. But at the time, this was revolutionary, not just the special effects but the concept as well.
Talk about ambition, this movie created a simulated world and put in on film, this was nothing short of impressive. The sequel wasn't met with the same praise, but it was a faithful revival of a much-loved Disney classic that has a special place in fans' hearts.
2 The Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakout role made him a legend and also created one of the most iconic movie villains (and good guys) in cinema history. The facial effects may look goofy today, but the CGI was extraordinary with James Cameron revealing the tip of the iceberg considering what he had in store for the sequel (which was even better). This movie was more than the cheesy one-liners from Arny, but rather a milestone for the visual effects department.
1 Star Wars Return of the Jedi
Come on, you all knew this was coming. Star Wars is the epitome of CGI and special effects success, creating some of the best space-chase and dog fight sequences that still stand tall today.
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There are too many shots to pick from that take the gold, but one stands out from the rest. The final assault on the Death Star II, following Lando and co. through the tight corners to eliminate the core of the Empire's planet killer.
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