James Cameron has coated Terminator 2: Judgment Day with a new 3D look like so much mimetic polyalloy, updating his 1991 sci-fi action epic with the technology of today. Cameron is no stranger to 3D (Avatar for one, and his Titanic re-release a few years back) and neither are movie audiences, who expect those familiar goofy-looking glasses to accompany major studio releases now. This all inspires today’s gallery: the 24 best-reviewed 3D movies since 2003, when Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over became the first major 3D movie in decades and ushered in our current era.
Toy Story 3 (2010, 99%)
Critics Consensus: Deftly blending comedy, adventure, and honest emotion, Toy Story 3 is a rare second sequel that really works.
Zootopia (2016, 98%)
The brilliantly well-rounded Zootopia offers a thoughtful, inclusive message that’s as rich and timely as its sumptuously state-of-the-art animation — all while remaining fast and funny enough to keep younger viewers entertained.
Inside Out (2015, 98%)
Inventive, gorgeously animated, and powerfully moving, Inside Out is another outstanding addition to the Pixar library of modern animated classics.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010, 98%)
Boasting dazzling animation, a script with surprising dramatic depth, and thrilling 3-D sequences, How to Train Your Dragon soars.
Up (2009, 98%)
An exciting, funny, and poignant adventure, Up offers an impeccably crafted story told with wit and arranged with depth, as well as yet another visual Pixar treat.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016, 97%) Kubo and the Two Strings matches its incredible animation with an absorbing — and bravely melancholy — story that has something to offer audiences of all ages.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015, 97%)
With exhilarating action and a surprising amount of narrative heft, Mad Max: Fury Road brings George Miller’s post-apocalyptic franchise roaring vigorously back to life.
The LEGO Movie (2014, 96%)
Boasting beautiful animation, a charming voice cast, laugh-a-minute gags, and a surprisingly thoughtful story, The Lego Movie is colorful fun for all ages.
Gravity (2013, 96%)
Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity is an eerie, tense sci-fi thriller that’s masterfully directed and visually stunning.
Harry Potter and Death Hallows – Part 2 (2011, 96%)
Thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling, Deathly Hallows Part II brings the Harry Potter franchise to a satisfying — and suitably magical — conclusion.
Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2011, 96%)
Hauntingly filmed and brimming with Herzog’s infectious enthusiasm, Cave of Forgotten Dreams is a fascinating triumph.
The Jungle Book (2016, 95%)
As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch, The Jungle Book is the rare remake that actually improves upon its predecessors — all while setting a new standard for CGI.
Finding Dory (2016, 94%)
Funny, poignant, and thought-provoking, Finding Dory delivers a beautifully animated adventure that adds another entertaining chapter to its predecessor’s classic story.
Hugo (2011, 94%) Hugo is an extravagant, elegant fantasy with an innocence lacking in many modern kids’ movies, and one that emanates an unabashed love for the magic of cinema.
The Little Prince (2016, 93%)
Beautifully animated and faithful to the spirit of its classic source material, The Little Prince is a family-friendly treat that anchors thrilling visuals with a satisfying story.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017, 93%) War for the Planet of the Apes combines breathtaking special effects and a powerful, poignant narrative to conclude this rebooted trilogy on a powerful — and truly blockbuster — note.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017, 92%) Spider-Man: Homecoming does whatever a second reboot can, delivering a colorful, fun adventure that fits snugly in the sprawling MCU without getting bogged down in franchise-building.
Wonder Woman (2017, 92%)
Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot’s charismatic performance, Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015, 92%)
Packed with action and populated by both familiar faces and fresh blood, The Force Awakens successfully recalls the series’ former glory while injecting it with renewed energy.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014, 92%)
Exciting, emotionally resonant, and beautifully animated, How to Train Your Dragon 2 builds on its predecessor’s successes just the way a sequel should.
Marvel’s The Avengers (2012, 92%)
Thanks to a script that emphasizes its heroes’ humanity and a wealth of superpowered set pieces, The Avengers lives up to its hype and raises the bar for Marvel at the movies.
Arthur Christmas (2011, 92%)
Aardman Animation broadens their humor a bit for Arthur Christmas, a clever and earnest holiday film with surprising emotional strength.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014, 91%) Guardians of the Galaxy is just as irreverent as fans of the frequently zany Marvel comic would expect — as well as funny, thrilling, full of heart, and packed with visual splendor.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014, 91%)
Gripping, well-acted, funny, and clever, Edge of Tomorrow offers entertaining proof that Tom Cruise is still more than capable of shouldering the weight of a blockbuster action thriller.
