Without Special Effects: Here's How Famous Movie Scenes Were Shot

updated on 11/29/2022 9:59 a.m.

So many movie scenes are simply legendary! Once you know how they are shot, you'll be even more impressed by the power of special effects!

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Most movies that transport us into a different world not only use heavy makeup to create the perfect illusion, they also use special effects. We all know how important costumes are in movies, but special effects are at least as vital for the best possible movie experience! The Instagram account @movies.effects showcases how impressively CGI specialists edit movie scenes to turn them into what we see on the big screen.

We've collected the 10 best and funniest scenes on the following pages for you!

#1: Game of Thrones

Have you ever wondered how the series managed to make it look like Daenerys Targaryen cozies up to dragons? Well, here's how!

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#2: Avatar

When Avatar hit cinemas back in 2009, it was a sensation. For many people, it was the first movie they saw in 3D. Director James Cameron, who also directed "Titanic", started preparing the movie back in 1994. However, back then the technologies he needed to make his vision for the science fiction film come to life weren't there yet. It sure was worth the wait!

Let's check out the next movie:

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#3: Guardians of the Galaxy

The 2014 science fiction action film is based on the eponymous marvel comic. In order to do the comic justice, special effects needed to enter the arena. Rocket Raccoon looks a tad different in real life, hey?

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#4: Twilight Saga: Eclipse

In "Twilight", Taylor Lautner plays Bella's ripped werewolf friend Jacob Black. What most people don't know is that he had to wear a skintight unitard and actually played the werewolf, too. Fellow actress Kristen Stewart awkwardly strokes his head here. We seriously don't know how they were able to keep it together while shooting this scene!

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#5: Pirates of the Caribbean 2

The box-office hit from 2006 introduces us to Jack Sparrow's archenemy Captain Davy Jones. Since Jones is half human, half octopus, naturally CGI was applied to achieve his unique look. His crew looks way less scary irl, too!

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#6: Beauty and the Beast

We all know the story about Belle and the beast, aka her prince. But did you know how ridiculous actor Dan Stevens looked while they were shooting the movie? It's really not a good look, but it certainly did what it was supposed to achieve!

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#7: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Life usually doesn't throw the things you want at you – not even when you're Hermione Granger herself. The movie makes us believe that the books simply float into Hermione's hands, but no! Again, special effects are behind this magical enactment.

Ready for the next movie?

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#8: Game of Thrones (Yes, Again, we Know)

We just can't get enough of what the "dragons" actually look like. Plus, we're super impressed by Emilia Clarke's acting skills. We'd be rolling on the floor laughing the whole time!

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#9: War for the Planet of the Apes

The more recent "Planet of the Apes" movies are well-known for their skillful application of CGI. Though these special effects weren't cheap, investing the money was surely worth it! As you can see by looking at the before and after pictures, these effects manage to transport us into a completely different world – much better than any stage makeup would be able to do.

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#10: Alice in Wonderland

Just like in Alice's personal wonderland, the combination of fantasy figures, elaborate costumes, and special effects makes for a unique cinema experience. It's almost like you're in wonderland with Alice, especially when you watch it in 3D. You're completely immersed.

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#11: The Call of the Wild

What does it look like when a grown man pretends to be a dog? Well, here's the answer – in three hilarious pictures.

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#12: John Carter

You have to see the second picture – the scenes must have been so funny to shoot!

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#13: Suicide Squad 2

What does King Shark look like without special effects? Well, he doesn't seem to be very impressed by his costume! Actress Daniela Melchior, who played Cleo Cazo / Ratcatcher 2 in the superhero movie, must have felt a bit weird leaning against King Shark's "shoulder"...

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#14: The Witcher

The Netflix production has faithful fans all over the globe. The actor playing "Nivellen", Kristofer Hivju, has recently shared a short video clip on Instagram that shows us how he was transformed into his character through the use of special effects. All of a sudden, the show's monsters don't look as scary anymore, right?

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#15 Thing in Wednesday

There has been much speculation whether or not the iconic hand that is part of the Addams Family was made with CGI in the new Netflix series. Victor Doroban now revealed on Instagram that he embodies the loose hand. In the original film from 1991 there was also a real actor for the unusual role and so it was handled - caution: word joke – now, too. The role is Victor's first one, actually he's a magician, though. Probably that's why the movements of "Thing" are so cool and mystical. For an illusionist and magician like Victor, fluid movements with the hands are so important.