Top 10 Best CGI Superhero Movie Characters

Top 10 CGI Characters in Superhero Movies

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They may be created in a computer, but they’re still super. For this list, we’ll be looking at the best characters created entirely from computer generated images in superhero movies. Our countdown will include films from both the Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes.

“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) Dubbed “Squidward” by Iron Man upon encountering him, Ebony Maw is one of Thanos’ henchmen/children, the Black Order. Played through motion capture by actor Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Maw acts as the big bad’s herald, pronouncing the propaganda of his master to the tyrant’s victims. Maw is also a tremendously powerful psychic, able to go head to head with a sorcerer of Dr. Stephen Strange’s caliber and beat him with comparatively little effort. While not as visually impressive as some of the entries to come, Ebony Maw is nevertheless a very entertaining and creepy villain.

“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007) Speaking of alien heralds, Norrin Radd, better known as the Silver Surfer, is the messenger of Galactus, a powerful cosmic entity that devours every world it comes across. Silver Surfer is voiced by Laurence Fishburne and portrayed by Doug Jones through a practical performance in prosthetic makeup, which was then given a slick CGI overlay; lending the character a more fluid appearance. While the film he appears in received mixed reception, the Silver Surfer himself, from his tragic backstory to his cool abilities and appearance, is definitely worth seeing.

#8: Ultron

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“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) An artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark to protect the world, Ultron sees protecting the world differently than his creator – believing the world would be much better off without humans in it. Ultron has a plethora of robot bodies that he inhabits, but his primary form is created via motion capture by James Spader, who evokes a powerful menace that’s augmented by effects that bring the mechanized villain to life. Ultron’s terrific presence, great look, and his sarcastic personality make him a CGI character that’s captivating and fun to watch.

“Deadpool” franchise (2016-) Colossus may have been a background character in most of the “X-Men” films, but the “Deadpool” series puts him front and center, being the eponymous character’s primary “friend” on the famed mutant team. While many CGI characters are created through an actor’s performance, Colossus required 5 separate actors to create, one for studio, another for on-location, yet another for dialogue, and two for facial work. The end result is an impressive CGI creation and an honorable straight man to the perpetually goofy, sarcastic, and violent Deadpool. He’s also the only one in the cast who can stand up to other CGI titans, like the equally enormous Juggernaut.

“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) A failed revolutionary turned gladiator, Korg is a rock creature who aids Thor during his time on Sakaar and with evacuating Asgard. While Korg’s stony visage is well-crafted from a technical standpoint, the one who truly makes the character great is the man who provided the motion capture and voice, Taika Waititi, who also directed “Thor Ragnarok.” Waititi’s meek, nonchalant voice and attitude stand in hilarious contrast to Korg’s appearance and help the character steal basically every scene he’s in. Though the character’s current whereabouts are unknown, plans are supposedly underway to bring he and his buddy Miek back for a story of their own.

“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-) The gruff, sarcastic pilot of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket is a genetically engineered raccoon, so naturally some CGI is needed to realize him onscreen (since science has failed us). Rocket is played on-set by a stand-in, “Guardians” director James Gunn’s brother Sean as well as by a life-size model; while his voice and motion capture are provided by Bradley Cooper. Though he offers plenty of comic relief and cool moments, Rocket is also a somewhat tragic figure, since his uniqueness makes him feel isolated. Regardless of what he’s expressing though, it’s impressive that the animators and performers are able to capture the emotions of a raccoon so well.

#4: Doctor Manhattan

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“Watchmen” (2009) Doctor Manhattan is an arresting CGI character in a film notable for its striking visuals. The only character in “Watchmen” to put the super into superhero, Doctor Manhattan is a godlike, nuclear-powered being and a sight to behold – and we don’t just mean because he’s fond of nudity. The character’s blue, glowing skin, and occasionally his blue, glowing nether regions, are all expertly rendered by computers; adding an ethereal air to Billy Crudup’s already superbly detached performance and helping demonstrate how isolating and strange becoming a god would be.

#3: Groot

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“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-) He is Groot. He, is Groot. He is…Groot. Need we say more? Probably. A talking tree creature, Groot is Rocket Raccoon’s best friend and a fellow member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Like Rocket, Groot is created through a combination of visual effects, stand-ins, and voice work. In his case, Groot’s on-set replacements include an actor with a prosthetic mask attached to his head and a tiny doll, for when the big guy is reborn as Baby Groot, while Vin Diesel provides the voiceover for both Groots. While his vocabulary is limited, Groot is a great source of unusual, and often one-sided, fights and hilarious comedy for the franchise.

#2: Thanos

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“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-) The biggest of big bads in the MCU, Thanos is an immensely powerful villain who machinations to acquire the Infinity Stones have plagued the Avengers and other superhero groups for years. The genocidal warlord is gradually revealed over the course of Marvel’s first three phases, with the effects used to animate him improving over time as well, with the CGI looking incredibly naturalistic by the time of “Infinity War.” Though his methods are horrific, Thanos makes for a surprisingly sympathetic villain, thanks in no small part due to Josh Brolin’s fantastic motion captured performance. If we’d gotten to see him more, Thanos easily could’ve taken the top spot. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Surtur “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) Abomination “The Incredible Hulk” (2008)

#1: The Hulk

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“Marvel Cinematic Universe” (2008-) Smashing his way to the top of our top 10 is, incredibly, the Hulk. Bruce Banner’s big green alternate self, Hulk is a monstrously strong character and a blast to watch whenever he’s onscreen. While his first appearance is a little rough around the edges, the MCU’s effects companies refined the look of the not so jolly green giant, using Mark Ruffalo’s likeness and performance to better capture the nuances of the character. Hulk has also developed over the franchise, becoming more intelligent and independent from Banner, though he’s a treat to watch whenever he’s onscreen.