Dinosaur Movies: A Timeline of Jurassic Greatness

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Film

  • Dinosaur movies have come full-circle from animated drawings to advanced animated effects.
  • Storylines have largely changed, but the general sentiments of awe or alternatively endearment have not
  • Choose Boiling Point Media to film your next dinosaur movie.

The genre of dinosaur movies has changed drastically from where it first began. The first movie was a very innocent one but once the genre came into form, dinosaur movies quickly pulled on the horrifying and other worldliness of these massive creatures. They paint a picture of scenarios in which we are very much not in control and in over our heads. This is thrilling to watch and be immersed in. Children’s dinosaur movies have taken an alternative route. These have brought a little more charm and endearment to the big screen, with young and old characters innocently and sometimes hilariously navigating their own worlds. More recently, stories involving dinosaurs, including The Jurassic Games 1 and 2, have become less forgiving, but just as terror inspiring as their predecessors. Others have continued the sentiment of endearment, but with a little more action.

 

The Very First Dinosaur Movie

Gertie The Dinosaur was the first dinosaur movie ever made. It is a charming film that brings dinosaurs to life through pen and paper. Gertie is a herbivore that is brought to life by an animator. The moviegoer watches, as Gertie playfully eats, tangos, and takes commands from his illustrator. This was surely a high-spirited film moviegoers of any age could go and see.

 

Enter Godzilla

Godzilla still captures the minds and hearts of moviegoers in the decades since it was made. It has powerfully inspired many remakes since this original. Set in Tokyo, this film follows as a dinosaur-like beast who has been awakened from hibernation during testing of an atomic bomb, reaping havoc and destruction wherever he goes. The film was known for its groundbreaking effects and novel storyline, just as it is known for the awe and fear it inspired. This is a film that will never die in our imaginations.

 

The #1 Dinosaur Movie In The World

This equally classic movie, really set the precedent for dinosaur movies in the decades to come. Jurassic Park is the best selling & most recognized dinosaur movie in the world. This well-known movie follows two paleontologists and a mathematician as they travel to an island populated by dinosaurs, who have been recreated using prehistoric DNA. As they are led by the park’s creator through the island, they soon learn that the island is not as safe as they were told. The real feat of this movie was the incredible realism with which they capture the dinosaurs on the island as things slowly unravel. Jurassic Park earned its spot in history in regard to its spectacular special effects, and the way in which the producers captured that slow decay from under the facade of control to unwinding chaos.

 

Other Top Dinosaur Movies

These next movies set the tone for films that came in more recent years. Some of these top dinosaur movies imagined a land where man lived alongside his prehistoric predecessor. These capture the contrast  between the vulnerable man we see in those movies, and the seemingly invincible man we all see in common life. These movies spiked curiosity and voyeurism as they featured man in a completely new place in the primal hierarchy. Other movies captured the spirit of the dinosaur world in animated form, and in a completely new way. They captured the thinking and feeling side, and stories of compassion. These movies brought us in with awe-inducing visuals and relatable characters. Most of all, they all brought in superior technology to tell a unique and technically complicated story that others weren’t telling.

 

The Lost World

The Lost World is one of the earliest films to feature dinosaurs. Consisting of adventure, suspense and thrill, this movie captures the story of  a professor who sets out on an expedition to travel to the Amazon basin where prehistoric beasts still exist. This story was sure to have grabbed imaginations in new ways. Audiences of this film face mystery and conflict, as they go on their journey. The Lost Word helped set the tone for dinosaur movies to come.

 

One Million Years B.C.

This movie was an imaginative one, also set in prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the earth alongside people. It follows the story of a prehistoric man, Tumak, as he is banished from his tribe, meets a beautiful woman, and must battle to become part of hers. The film captured the sense of danger and vulnerability that must have ruled those times. Made altogether more real by its stunning stop-motion animation features epic and breathtaking visuals. Iconically, the of the fur bikini costume of the main woman character (played by Raquel Welch) and the imaginative creature designs, helped make this movie a cult classic

 

The Last Dinosaur

The Last Dinosaur is an epic twist on the usual themes of dinosaur movies. This movie features a wealthy big-game hunter on his quest to hunt the ultimate game,  a Tyrannosaurus rex, in a recently discovered prehistoric valley. The film features many more dinosaurs than just this one however, giving the movie the twist and turns of adventure that you’d expect of a dinosaur movie. 

 

The Land Of The Lost

The Land Of The Lost is much friendlier than the typical dinosaur movie. Following scientist Rich Marshal, his assistant Holly, and a survivalist Will, as they are sucked by a space-time vortex into a world populated by dinosaurs. These main characters meet and befriend many prehistoric characters on their quest to get back home. Advanced animation techniques that grip you on the screen also grace this category as well.

 

Dinosaurs In Children’s Movies

The top dinosaur movies for children have been almost, if not, as iconic as the other top dinosaur movies in different ways. Many tell very sentimental tales with lessons of character and perseverance. Many tell lessons that are universal, as the dinosaurs have no otherwise determined social affiliations. The characters are easy to identify with because they are so vividly portrayed and likable. Other dinosaur movies for children are comedies. These blend humor and real life lessons to captivate young and old audiences alike.

 

Top Dinosaur Movies For Children

Some of the best dinosaur movies for children have been very innocent and sentimental. They carry strong lessons for children as the characters are figuring out as the viewer watches, and are often of strong moral character. Movies like Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur show a strong sense of humor that is unique to this genre.

 

The Land Before Time

The Land Before Time is an incredibly endearing kids film with memorable characters and appealing scenery. The movie follows the tale of a cast of characters looking for their family after a big event. The movie brings you closer to falling in love with the young, headstrong and goofy characters with each scene.

 

The Good Dinosaur

The Good Dinosaur tells the story of a world where dinosaurs never went extinct. The movie follows two characters, Arlo a young Apatosaurus and a human boy Spot, who befriend one another and embark on a journey of adventure filled with wonder and excitement. The dimensions of animation and the levels of emotion make this one a classic for the kids.

 

Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs

This third installment of the classic Ice Age brings lots of laughs and heartwarming moments. In it, a band of misfits looking for their friend Sid amidst a new land they just discovered under the snow (as the title suggests, it is one filled with dinosaurs). The film portrays the usual jostling of personalities between characters, witty banter, and at the end of the day, overwhelming love for one another. This unusual band of characters is uniquely memorable for both children and adults alike.

 

Dinosaur

The film, Dinosaur, features advanced animation techniques that were truly groundbreaking for their time. The story of Alar, and Iguanodon raised by lemurs, are all the more unique and real because of them. Iguanodon finds his kin, only once a meteor shower reaches the earth, and is compelled to lead a herd of dinosaurs to a safe nesting ground. The movie’s compelling version of prehistoric time, the visuals that surround it, make it a truly memorable one.

 

Dinosaur Movies Made By Boiling Point

Boiling Point is a film studio located in Oklahoma City, known for VFX capabilities. We have produced several films and really enjoy working on dinosaur movies. The dinosaur movies made by Boiling Point have been true to the genre, but also appropriate to the times. The Jurassic Games captures the awe and fear of the dinosaur world, but with a flair similar to other movies of recent. Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet also captures the cute and charming factor of some of the previous children’s movies, but with more action, and more of a daring sense of adventure.

 

The Jurassic Games

The Jurassic Games takes a turn from the warm and fuzzy towards the bold and brazen. This movie centers around 10 death row inmates, who instead of going to death row, are enlisted to play in a deadly virtual reality game. The dinosaurs and the virtual world are more than real around these inmates as they battle to the death. Boiling Point delivers well on this one, providing everything from writing and animation, to special effects and directing. 

 

The Adventures of Jurassic Pet

The Adventures of Jurassic Pet takes things back to the cute and cuddly side. When a young boy discovers he has taken home an unhatched dinosaur egg from a local shop, he doesn’t know exactly what he’s in for. As the dinosaur, Alfred, grows larger, bonds are formed and threats arise. When a nefarious scientist tries to run tests and perform other experiments on Alfred, the young boy teams up with a special helper to make things right.

 

Dinosaur World

This nail-biter raises the pulse as constants from around the world come together to join Russel’s new game. The game is not your normal basement frenzy, but one with true danger, and true consequences. As the contestants start out as allies, they quickly become enemies and even killers as they turn on each other, in order to escape from the world terrorized by dinosaurs around them. The ultimate prize will bring them a second chance at life, or so they until one by one find their fate more quickly. Who will survive? You’ll have to watch and see.

 

Adventures Of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet

The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is one filled with daring and wonder. A little more grown up than its younger counterparts, this audience will watch in suspense as two siblings help Rufus, a magical creature from another world, as he and they together try to save it. Their journey is one met with new allies and cunning battles against an evil sorceress who is trying to work against them. The siblings must also confront a gigantic alligator, a vicious dinosaur skeleton, a ruthless owl, and a fire-breathing dragon to do so. Boiling Point’s own director, Ryan Bellgardt, had the honor of directing this adventure-laced film.

The Jurassic Games 2

The much anticipated sequel to The Jurassic Games is currently in production. The Jurassic Games 2 begins with some of the people who created & run the game, being sucked into the game. They have to work together to get out alive, which means they will have to survive the dinosaurs. The film has an expected release date during 2025. Fans of the first movie are having a hard time waiting for the sequel to be released.

 

Choose Boiling Point For Dinosaur Movies

The world of dinosaur movies has certainly changed quite a bit since its inception. Dinosaurs have always held a bit of otherworldly magic for us, whether that is scary magic, or children’s magic. Regardless of the theme, one thing is for sure, they aren’t going anywhere soon. If you are thinking about or have an idea for a dinosaur movie, try Boiling Point. We have not only a long roster of movie experience, but also expertise when it comes to dinosaur movies in particular. Our award winning director and film studio specializes in everything from advanced animation techniques, film production, and directing. Plus, our award winning VFX team LOVES to create & animate dinosaurs. We know the genre and what really entertains dinosaur moviegoers. If you are interested in filming a  dinosaur movie, think about giving Boiling Point a call and scheduling a conversation. You won’t look back.

 

The filmmakers at Boiling Point have extensively worked on multiple dinosaur movies. Between your great ideas, our post production expertise, and our LED volume wall, we can bring your dinosaur film to life. Check out our website to learn more about the films we have produced as well as our filmmaking capabilities. If you are looking to produce a film, need VFX, or just need post production work, give Boiling Point a call and bring your film to its boiling point.

 

Contact Boiling Point 

 

Phone

(405) 286-9635

 

Email

info@boilingpointmedia.com

 

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