Dinosaurs have always been fascinating to children and adults alike. They were creatures of mystery and grandeur, making them a popular topic in films, both inspiring and entertaining. The Jurassic Park franchise, starring the iconic Jeff Goldblum, is one of the most iconic dinosaur films of all time, and the perfect place to start for any genuine dinosaur fan. But it's far from the only must-watch that the genre has to offer. Here are some of the best dinosaur movies ever made.
Jurassic Park
Released in 1993 and based on a surprising best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park was a game-changer in more ways than one. The groundbreaking visual effects, portraying realistic dinosaurs and intense action sequences, helped bring dinosaurs to the forefront of the movie-viewing public for the first time in decades. It went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time in its day, and today holds a place in cinematic history as one of the best action films ever made. Of course, no list of dinosaur movies would be complete without Jurassic Park.
The plot follows a team of scientists who have been brought to view the futuristic Jurassic Park, a theme park where dinosaurs have been brought back from extinction. Unfortunately, a series of events cause the dinosaurs to escape their enclosures and terrorise the guests. The ensuing chaos and thrilling adventure are unforgettable and make Jurassic Park an absolute must watch.
The Land Before Time
The Land Before Time is a 1988 American-Irish animated film directed and co-produced by Don Bluth and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall. This well-known dinosaur movie centers around a group of dinosaurs trying to make their way to the Great Valley. Along the way, they must overcome many struggles and acquire important life lessons.
The film focuses on the growth and development of its young protagonists and serves as a unique coming-of-age story. It features beloved characters such as Cera the Triceratops, Littlefoot the Apatosaurus, Ducky the Saurolophus, Petrie the Pteranodon, and Spike the Stegosaurus. The voice cast includes Gabriel Damon, Candace Hutson, Judith Barsi, will Ryan, Pat Hingle, and Helen Shaver.
The Land Before Time stands out from other dinosaur movies because of its groundbreaking animation and sweet, heartfelt message. It was met with critical-acclaim and went on to spawn numerous direct-to-video sequels and a television series. Even almost four decades later, the film continues to warm viewers hearts and its charm shows no signs of waning.
Walking with Dinosaurs: The Movie
If you’re looking for a thrilling and a bit of an adventure-packed movie featuring the prehistoric creatures, then “Walking with Dinosaurs” is the one for you. This 2013 movie follows the story of a young Pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi and his unlikely group of outsider dinos as they strive to survive in the prehistory. It’s an amazing journey from hatching as an egg among countless other eggs, dealing with everyday predator threats and migrating to seasonal safe grounds.
The movie features computer generated dinosaurs created from the original series “Walking with Dinosaurs”, which gave life to the creatures millions of years ago. There’s also narration by an irresistibly charming John Leguizamo, who plays an Alexornis bird who narrates the story and follows Patchi on a journey towards adult life. You’ll definitely be entertained not just by the stunning depiction of dinosaurs, but also with its educational moments as you get a little bit of a scientific lesson in the process.
This movie is perfect for the whole family, with its have-a-heart storytelling of the prehistoric creatures, a soundtrack that will make you smile, and its charm that will take you back to the time when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Ice Age
Ice Age is a beloved classic animated film series that follows the story of a ragtag group of animals, led by a wooly mammoth named Manny, as they go on a wild and hilarious adventure. The genre-defining first film was released in 2002 and the series has been wildly popular ever since, with five sequels being released to date and a sixth movie in the works. Ice Age is full of funny gags, adorable characters, and unexpected heartwarming moments, making it one of the best dinosaur movies for families of all ages.
The Cast
The core cast of the Ice Age movies is made up of a motley bunch of heart-warming characters. Manny the mammoth is voiced by Ray Romano, the gruff and lovable Sid by John Leguizamo, the wild and mischievous Scratte voiced by Chris Wedge, and sassy sloth Sid voiced by Denis Leary. These characters are joined by more crazy creatures such as Diego the saber-toothed Tiger, Buck the weasel and Squint the Brontosaurus, making for a fun and lovable cast.
The Story
The plot of Ice Age series is fairly simple, which is part of its charm. It centers around Manny, Sid and Diego as they work together to protect an unlikely herd of animals from the dangers of the ice age. Along the way, they encounter a variety of epic adventures, from battling pirates to saving a baby from an active volcano. It is an exciting and heartfelt journey that is sure to strike a chord with audiences of all ages.
Why Watch It?
The Ice Age series is great for everyone, young and old alike. It has something for everyone; its zany characters, hilarious scenes, and warm moments will keep your family laughing throughout the ride. It has a timeless message of friendship and loyalty, making it a great film choice that the whole family can watch and enjoy together.
We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story tells the story of Captain New Eyes, a dinosaur scientist, who travels through time and is able to bring dinosaurs back from extinction. The movie follows four dinosaurs, Reggie the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Eddie the Parasaurolophus, Dorothy the Pteranodon, and Woog the Triceratops, as they try to find their way back home while learning valuable lessons. The movie is funny, family-friendly, and has excellent animation and voice-acting.
The story’s core message is the importance of family, preservation of nature, and loyalty. While the movie follows the main four dinosaurs, it also touches upon the lives of humans and their effect on the natural world. It’s both heart-warming and thought-provoking in its presentation of themes.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story is a great choice for anyone looking for classic 2D animation, a coming of age story, or family-friendly entertainment. Highlighting many of the themes of developing maturity, discovering ones own identity, and building relationships, this movie has something for everyone.
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a source of fascination for all ages. There have been countless movies created featuring these amazing creatures, which makes it difficult to narrow down the best movies to watch. Here’s our take on the top dinosaur movies you must watch:
Jurassic Park (1993)
This Steven Spielberg classic brings us through the dinosaur apocalypse as fearsome animals come back to life on Isla Nubla. Jurassic Park is considered a classic, and no dinosaur movie list would be complete without it.
The Land Before Time (1988)
This animated classic follows Littlefoot, a young long neck, who embarks on an adventure with his new friends. Along the way, they face life and death challenges, only to find courage and new strength within each of them.
Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
This movie is a documentary about the prehistoric animals that roamed planet Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. It features computer-generated images, live action footage, and factual commentary from scientists.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
This sequel picks up shortly after the first movie. Jeff Goldblum reprises his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm as he once again faces the dangers of the dinosaurs. Along with an expedition to a secret island, this is a must watch for any fan of the franchise.
We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)
This playful animation follows the three dinosaur friends Rex, Woog, and Elsa as they travel through time to modern-day New York City. It stars famous actors like John Goodman, Rhea Perlman, and Jay Leno, making it a perfect movie for the entire family.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
As the long-running series continues, our heroes face yet another dangerous adventure. This time, they journey through a mysterious, dinosaur-filled underworld, where they make interesting new friends.
Dinosaur (2000)
This Disney-animated flick follows Aladar, a lonely iguanodon, who meets up with a group of dinosaur refugees. As their journey progress, Aladar and friends will have to face harsh realities and difficult choices if they hope to survive.
The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur is a 3D computer-animated comedy-drama adventure movie directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It is the second most recent film released by the studio and was released on November 25, 2015.
The movie revolves around a young Apatosaurus named Arlo and his unlikely human friend Spot. Throughout the film, Arlo learns to confront his fears and discover what he's truly capable of.
The movie was praised for its stunning visuals, strong characters and emotional content. The film was nominated for multiple awards, and even won an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation in a Live Action Production.
If you're a fan of heartwarming adventure stories and top-notch CGI, The Good Dinosaur is a must-watch movie.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of dinosaurs or just looking for an enjoyable movie night, you're sure to find something among these timeless classics of the dinosaur movie genre. From the comedy and heart of The Land Before Time to the science fiction of Jurassic Park, any of these selections will leave you feeling excited and like you know a bit more about dinosaur history. So go ahead, grab your popcorn, and choose from any of these dinosaur movies that you must watch.
