Last Updated on August 5, 2021
#1 – JURASSIC PARK
Even two decades later, Steven Spielberg’s action thriller still has some of the most stunning special effects put on screen. Unlike the sequels, the dinosaurs feel completely tangible throughout the entire film, whether they are practical or computer generated. This is the benchmark for all movie dinosaurs.
#2 – GODZILLA
Though some may not consider him a true dinosaur, Gojira himself is basically a T.Rex on steroids. Powerful, gigantic, and amazing to watch. While the classic films may be the best, last year’s GODZILLA gave us a truly epic look at the beast which we will hopefully see more of in films to come.
#3 – KING KONG
Many were disappointed with Peter Jackson’s massive remake of KING KONG, but you cannot disagree that the Kong versus dino fight is spectacular movie magic. Andy Serkis brings a humanity to his performance as the giant ape. The battle is brutal and long and nothing short of stunning.
#4 – ONE MILLION YEARS B.C.
Raquel Welch. Need I say more? Yeah, there are dinosaurs in this movie, but the inclusion of Welch in that iconic costume is more than enough reason to watch this movie.
#5 – THE LAND BEFORE TIME
Any child growing up in the late 1980s will instantly know why this movie made the list. Yeah, it is a cartoon, but it is the most brutal depiction of parental loss since BAMBI or DUMBO. Forget the multiple lackluster sequels and watch the classic original.
#6 – THE LOST WORLD
No, not JURASSIC PARK 2. The classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story has been made several times over, but the 1960 version is classic B-movie goodness. Nowhere near the caliber of effects we see today, but this movie has a very Ray Harryhausen feel to it that makes it so much fun to watch.
#7 – JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D
While the Dwayne Johnson-led sequel may be better, this Brendan Fraser movie did everything it could to go over the top with the 3D effects. The best of these is the dinosaur chase scene. The 2D may not be all that impressive, but the 3D looked damn good.
#8 – CARNOSAUR
This Roger Corman produced mockbuster was released the same year as JURASSIC PARK. Make no mistake, it is awful. But, it is so much damn cheesy fun that you will find yourself enjoying it. Also, did you know CARNOSAUR star Diane Ladd is the mother of JURASSIC PARK star Laura Dern? Small world.
#9 – SUPER MARIO BROS
Yes, this movie sucks, but it has to be commended for taking a very unique perspective on the Koopa character. Instead of being a cartoon dragon, here he is instead an evolved dinosaur. The late Dennis Hopper chews the scenery here like a Tyrannosaur.
#10 – MEET THE ROBINSONS
This underseen Disney movie is a time travel story about family and the importance of finding success in failure. It spends the majority of it’s running time in the future, but there is a great sequence with a T.Rex that cracks me up every time I see it.
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