1 Transformers: Age of Extinction
Dives into the world of colossal alien machines, yet falls short in terms of cohesive storytelling. Despite the narrative drawbacks, it astounds with top-notch special effects, from dramatic transformations to explosive action sequences. Apparently, this would've been good if all there was to see wasn't 27 hours of robots slamming into each other.
2 The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Spins a tangled web of multiple plot threads and character arcs that feel overextended. Still, the visual execution, notably the depiction of Electro's electrifying powers, showcases superb special effects. I had to vote for this one. It's the best-looking Spider-Man movie, but also the worst overall Spider-Man movie.
3 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Might not hit the mark when it comes to character development or dialogue, but the use of cutting-edge CGI, like the thrilling podrace or the detailed rendering of Gungan city, highlights its strengths. One thing that gave critics reason to attack the prequel trilogy was actually how much effort was taken from the scripts and put into the choreography.
4 Pearl Harbor
Was criticized for its historical inaccuracies and melodramatic love triangle, but the depiction of the infamous attack, with stunning visual effects and attention to detail, provides a visually impressive spectacle.
5 Wrath of the Titans
Falters in its narrative, presenting a convoluted story with less-than-stellar performances. Despite this, it presents exceptional special effects, especially in the rendering of mythical creatures and epic battle scenes.
6 Sucker Punch
May disappoint with its underdeveloped plot and excessive style-over-substance approach. Yet, its visually captivating sequences, including dream-like battle scenes and detailed fantastical landscapes, display remarkable special effects work.
7 I, Frankenstein
Stumbles with its disjointed plot and lackluster dialogue but compensates with visually arresting action sequences and intricate character design, particularly the monstrous protagonist and the terrifying gargoyles.
8 Jupiter Ascending
Suffers from a muddled plot and weak characterizations, yet the special effects that create its imaginative intergalactic vistas and high-stakes space chases are undeniably eye-catching. Oh, yes indeed. I saw this one in theatres because I was bored. Let's just say the visuals were the only thing that kept me from being more bored during the movie.
I was really only there for those incredible special effects. But the plot was an enormous letdown.
9 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
May lack in story depth and character progression, but the spectacular transformation sequences and grand-scale battles, rendered with intricate special effects, make for an exciting visual experience.
10 Pompeii
Does not shine in its formulaic storyline and two-dimensional characters. However, the climactic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, realized with state-of-the-art special effects, stands out for its harrowing realism.
The Contenders
11 The Golden Compass
Disappoints with its lackluster adaptation of the novel, but the depiction of mythical creatures, such as Iorek Byrnison, the armored bear, showcases fine special effects.
12 Eragon
Fails to capture the spirit of the book, but the dragon Saphira, realized through excellent special effects, stands out.
13 Battleship
Suffers from a clichéd script and one-dimensional characters, but the naval combat sequences, made with stunning special effects, are a feast for the eyes. This truly is dreadful. You can tell all the cash was spent on CGI. I was hoping to see Rihanna get blown up, though.
14 Passengers
Falls short in its ethical quandaries but delivers in visually stunning spaceship interiors and the perilous spacewalk scenes.
15 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Lacks a compelling narrative but offers eye-catching visuals, especially the grotesque witches and fantastical action sequences.
16 Man of Steel
Reboots the Superman origin story but flounders in pacing and emotional depth. However, the visuals, particularly the Kryptonian technology and high-flying action scenes, are undeniably impressive.
17 Hollow Man
Misses the mark with its hollow storyline, but the depiction of the invisible man and his interactions with the environment are visually striking.
18 Spiderman Homecoming
Struggles with a predictable plot, but the high-quality VFX, especially in depicting Spidey's acrobatics and Vulture's high-tech gear, are commendable. Most of the MCU movies are mediocre and repetitive, yet the majority of these films have a 90%+ rating. So are you critics saying that these superhero fantasies with zero plot, cheesy acting, and awful comedies are on par with the best movies of all time?
Critics have lost their credibility with ratings. They rate nonsensical high-budget CGI cash-grab movies higher than real art movies. What has happened to this generation? All they care to watch are these fantasy movies.
In every list, these superhero movies are voted in the top. I miss the good old days when filmmaking was an actual art. Nowadays, people only care to produce action CGI fantasies because of how profitable they are, and no matter how bad they are, they are still adored by critics and audiences.
Now people only care about action and effects, not story. Good movies are almost gone.
19 Tomorrowland
Falters in its overambitious storytelling, but the visual rendering of the futuristic city and its technologies is remarkable. Effects look good. Mediocre acting, boring plot, abysmal writing.
20 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Can feel tonally inconsistent, yet the candy wonderland realized through vibrant special effects is delightful. Visually appealing, yet so tedious.
21 Spider-Man 3
Suffers from a bloated plot but features superb visual effects, including Sandman's transformation and symbiote Spider-Man.
22 Gravity
May have its detractors for the scientific inaccuracies, but the high-stakes space disaster and beautiful visuals of Earth from space exhibit superb special effects.
23 Poseidon
Doesn't quite make waves with its shallow characters and predictable plot, yet the capsizing sequence and underwater effects provide visually stunning moments. I wouldn't exactly call this movie "bad," but it's definitely not good either. Cheesy acting, horrible dialogue, and extremely over-the-top, but the special effects are some of the best I've seen in any disaster film.
24 Fantastic Four
Struggles with a disjointed plot and underdeveloped characters, yet the visual effects depicting the team's superpowers, especially the Human Torch and Mr. Fantastic, are noteworthy.
25 Avengers: Age of Ultron
Might not measure up to its predecessor, but the depiction of Ultron and the large-scale battle sequences showcase exceptional visual effects.