1. In the Beginning… King Kong (1933)
Was one of the very first films to feature effective VFX, the techniques used where stop-motion, matte painting, rear projection and miniatures, all ground breaking special effects for there time.
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Though 30 years on, still used similar techniques to King Kong though more advanced and adaptable.

2. 70s
West World (1973)
Was the first significant entertainment feature film, using 2D-generated images, full screen raster graphics to represent a robots infrared view. The first use of 3D CGI in a feature film was west worlds sequel.
The Exorcist (1973)
Features more nauseating special effects than any other film of its time, including 360 head spin, self-mutilation, projectile green puke and the ‘HELP ME’ was produced using a variety of materials and chemicals

3. 80s Indiana Jones and the last crusade (1989)
Used a lot of traditional techniques such as models, matte painting and puppets. This made the film considerably cheaper to produce.
Star trek the wrath of kahn (1982)
Included cinemas first entirely computer generated sequence called “genesis effect” using fractal-generated landscapes, particle effects and 32-bit RGBA paint software.
The abyss (1989)
Won an Oscar for its pioneering VFX. It employed both revolutionary, never-seen-before techniques and traditional effects. The film also had the first computer generated 3D character whilst being seamless and convincing.
Tron
The greatest testament to this films unique visual effects is that it has never been duplicated and remains unique to this day. TRON was the first live action film to use CGI to any lengthy degree.

4. 90s
Total Recall (1990)
Featured visual effects shots, Won the academy award for best visual effects in film.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Was awarded winner for best visual achievement in visual effects. It mixed animatronic models and computer-generated (CGI), photo-realistic dinosaurs, displayed with textured skin and muscles. It marked the first use of photo-realistic, CG creatures in a feature film. One of the most lauded special effects scenes of all-time was the one that revealed the brachiosaurus standing on its hind legs, and eating from tree tops.
Toy Story (1995)
This milestone film won an Academy Award for Special Achievement. This was the first feature-length film made entirely by computer animation (CG), also fully 3-D, with a collaboration between Pixar (its debut film) and Disney Studios. Each frame took between 4 and 13 hours to complete.
The Matrix (1999)
Was the film that popularised the effect called ‘bullet time’ which allowed for a shot to progress in slow motion while allowing the camera to progress at normal speed.

5. 00s Pirates of the Caribbean (2006)
Won a BAFTA for VFX and 6 other award for the vfx society. Was one of the first films to heavily utilise motion capture and they created a creature solely through 3d modelling.
The lord of the rings – The Two Towers (2002)
Weta began animating Gollum in late 1998 to convince New Line they could achieve the effect. Andy Serkis "played" Gollum by providing his voice and movements on set, as well as performing within the motion capture suit later on. His scenes were filmed twice, with and without him. Originally, Gollum was set to solely be a CG character, but Jackson was so impressed by Serkis' audition tape that they used him on set as well. For The Two Towers, Weta Digital doubled their staff of 260. In total, they would produce 73 minutes of digital effects with 799 shots
Polar Express (2004)
It was the first film not specially made for IMAX to be presented in this format, and the first to open in IMAX 3-D at the same time as main flat release