10 Film Climaxes Sadly Ruined by Bad CGI Effects

We’ve all been there. You’re glued to your seat, popcorn in hand, heart pounding as a blockbuster movie reaches its thrilling peak. The hero faces the villain, the world hangs in the balance… and then, bam! The illusion shatters. Instead of awe, you feel a cringe. Why? Bad CGI. Computer-Generated Imagery can transport us to incredible worlds and create breathtaking spectacles. But when it’s rushed, poorly executed, or just plain looks like a video game from two decades ago, it can yank you right out of the story, especially during those crucial climactic moments. It’s a cinematic tragedy when a potentially epic scene is remembered for all the wrong reasons. So, grab your remote (and maybe a comforting blanket), as we dive into 10 climactic film scenes that were sadly, and often hilariously, ruined by questionable CGI.

10 I Am Legend—Darkseeker Attack

I Am Legend gave us a gripping post-apocalyptic world and a stellar performance from Will Smith. Many fans loved its atmosphere and intense survival story. However, one element consistently pulls viewers out of the immersion: the Darkseekers. These creatures, meant to be terrifying remnants of humanity, often look more like poorly rendered video game antagonists from the late ’90s.

Instead of leveraging practical effects or more refined CGI, the filmmakers opted for a digital look that made the Darkseekers feel disconnected from the otherwise realistic setting. During their climactic attacks, this unfortunate choice turns potential horror into something that, for many, just doesn’t quite land. A bit more focus on making these once-human monsters feel, well, more human (or at least more convincingly terrifying) could have made a huge difference.

9 IT: Chapter Two—Paul Bunyan Statue

Stephen King’s IT is all about fear, and the movies lean heavily on CGI to bring its nightmarish creations to life. For the most part, IT: Chapter Two does a decent job. Pennywise’s transformations are often unsettling. However, the scene where a giant Paul Bunyan statue animates and chases Richie Tozier through a park teeters on the edge of absurdity.

While the initial jump scare of Pennywise atop the statue might work, the ensuing chase sequence feels more comical than terrifying. The CGI, while not disastrously bad, gives the scene a cartoonish quality. It’s a moment that, instead of escalating the horror, injects an unintended silliness better suited for a parody. It’s a shame, as it distracts from the film’s darker themes.

8 Matrix Reloaded—Park Fight (Burly Brawl)

The Matrix Reloaded aimed to amp up everything from its predecessor, including the action. The “Burly Brawl,” where Neo faces off against a seemingly endless army of Agent Smiths, should have been an iconic display of his growing power. And for a while, it is! But as the fight progresses and more Smiths join the fray, the CGI starts to buckle under the pressure.

Many of the Agent Smith models begin to look rubbery and doll-like, resembling crash test dummies more than formidable foes. This shift is jarring and significantly dates the scene. What was meant to be a jaw-dropping spectacle now has moments that pull you out, making a once-amazing fight scene a bit tough to rewatch without noticing the digital seams.

7 Air Force One—Plane Crash

Air Force One is a classic ’90s action thriller, delivering suspense and Harrison Ford at his presidential best. However, its climactic plane crash sequence is infamous for its spectacularly bad CGI. When the titular plane finally succumbs and crashes into the ocean, it’s a moment that should be dramatic and impactful.

Instead, viewers are treated to a visual that defies all known laws of physics. The plane bounces and spins like a lightweight toy in a bathtub, completely shattering any sense of realism. It’s so outlandishly poor that it becomes almost funny, a truly anti-climactic end to an otherwise tense and engaging film. This scene often tops “worst CGI” lists for a very good reason.

6 Deep Blue Sea—Russell’s Death

Deep Blue Sea is a cheesy but fun shark movie, not exactly aiming for high art. One of its most memorable (and surprising) moments is the demise of Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Russell Franklin. Just as he’s delivering a rousing, morale-boosting speech about survival, a genetically engineered shark leaps out and snatches him.

The shock value is there, but the CGI shark and the subsequent digital mauling of Jackson are pretty rough, even for its time. The shark looks distinctly computer-generated and doesn’t integrate well with the live-action elements. While the movie’s B-movie charm might excuse some of it, this key shocking moment could have been so much more visceral with better effects. It’s a classic jump scare let down by wobbly visuals.

5 Black Panther—T’Challa vs. Killmonger Final Fight

Marvel Studios films are generally known for their polished and often groundbreaking CGI. Black Panther was a cultural phenomenon and a critical success, praised for its story, characters, and world-building. However, the climactic final battle between T’Challa and Killmonger in the vibranium mine is a noticeable weak point visually.

Both characters, clad in their Panther suits, often look like weightless digital figures bouncing around a CG environment. The movements can feel floaty, and the textures sometimes unconvincing, resembling more of a video game cutscene than a blockbuster film’s finale. It’s an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise visually stunning and important movie, proving that even the biggest studios can sometimes miss the mark.

4 Star Wars IV: Special Edition—Jabba the Hutt

The Star Wars Special Editions stirred up a lot of debate among fans, and one of the most criticized additions was the CGI Jabba the Hutt inserted into A New Hope. In a scene originally cut, Han Solo confronts Jabba. While the intent was to restore Lucas’s original vision, the execution of the CGI alien in the ’90s was… less than stellar.

This early CGI Jabba looks clunky, poorly integrated with the live actors, and Han even awkwardly steps on his tail. Compared to the impressive puppet used in Return of the Jedi, this digital version feels flat and out of place. For many, it felt like an unnecessary change that actually detracted from the charm of the original, a case where older practical effects would have been far superior.

3 Blade II—Sword Fight

Blade II, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a stylish and action-packed vampire flick. Wesley Snipes as Blade is undeniably cool. There’s a particular sword fight scene where Blade takes on a group of elite vampire ninjas that starts off strong, with impressive choreography and a dramatic setup.

However, as the action escalates and the characters perform more superhuman feats, the film increasingly relies on CGI doubles. These digital stand-ins are often painfully obvious, with movements that look unnatural and physics that don’t quite add up. The transitions between the real actors and their CGI counterparts can be jarring, taking you out of an otherwise thrilling sequence. It’s a scene that could have been legendary with more seamless effects.

2 Justice League (Theatrical Cut)—Final Fight

The theatrical version of Justice League faced numerous criticisms, and its visual effects, particularly in the final battle against Steppenwolf, were a significant point of contention. In an era where superhero movies often deliver breathtaking CGI spectacles, this film’s climax felt disappointingly artificial.

The environment, the villain, and even some of the hero movements looked overtly computer-generated, lacking the weight and realism needed to sell the epic confrontation. It often felt like watching actors performing against a very obvious green screen, with digital elements that didn’t quite blend. While the later “Snyder Cut” addressed many of these issues, the original release served as a stark reminder of how unconvincing CGI can undermine a superhero team-up.

1 The Mummy Returns—Scorpion King

Perhaps one of the most notorious examples of bad CGI in a major blockbuster is the appearance of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns. While the film itself is an enjoyable adventure romp, the climactic reveal of its main antagonist is legendarily awful.

Instead of a fearsome, monstrous warrior, audiences were presented with a poorly rendered CGI creature that vaguely resembled The Rock’s face pasted onto a scorpion body. The textures are flat, the animation is clunky, and it looks like something from a PlayStation 2-era video game. It’s so jarringly bad that it completely deflates the tension of the finale. How this made it through production is a mystery, but it has certainly earned its place in the hall of fame for terrible movie CGI.

Great CGI can elevate a film, making the impossible seem real and leaving audiences spellbound. However, as these examples show, when digital effects go wrong, especially in a movie’s most important moments, the result can be jarring, unintentionally funny, or just plain disappointing. These scenes serve as a potent reminder that technology is a tool, and its effectiveness hinges on skillful application. While we appreciate the ambition, sometimes a shortcut in the CGI department can lead to a long-lasting blemish on an otherwise enjoyable film. Hopefully, filmmakers continue to learn that sometimes less (or better executed) CGI is more.

Which movie climaxes do you think were completely let down by their CGI? Did any of our picks surprise you? Drop your opinions and other infamous examples in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!