Much of the fascination that dinosaurs arouse among people of all ages is undoubtedly due to dinosaur movies. Ever since they began appearing on the big screen, these prehistoric animals have captivated us by transporting us to a lost world full of mystery and adventure.
In the world of cinema, dinosaurs have played different roles, from giant and terrifying villains in blockbuster dinosaur movies, to friendly companions in children’s dinosaur movies. Over time, they have evolved and have been the protagonists of stories capable of challenging our imagination and at the same time making us think about the majesty of nature.
The best dinosaur movies
There are many movies in which we have been able to see different species of dinosaurs alive, from the ferocious T-Rex to the friendly brachiosaurus, movies that have not only served as entertainment, but have also inspired generations to learn more about paleontology. From old dinosaur movies to cartoon dinosaur movies, in this article we review some of the best.
1.
Gertie the Dinosaur (1914)
This short film directed by Winsor McCay is considered the first to present a character with its own personality. It stars Gertie, an animated diplodocus that interacts with its caretaker, mixing real image with animation, a milestone at the time.
2.
In Search of the Enchanted Valley (1988)
In Search of the Enchanted Valley is the first of a saga of dinosaur movies for children. Directed by Don Bluth, it tells the story of Littlefoot, a young Brontosaurus who, along with his friends, seeks refuge in a world full of dangers until they stumble upon the Enchanted Valley. The franchise has been so popular with children over the years that it has grown to thirteen sequels and a television series.
3.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton, this film directed by Steven Spielberg marked an important milestone in science fiction cinema and is one of the most famous and highest grossing dinosaur movies. The plot revolves around a theme park created by a millionaire tycoon on a remote island in the Caribbean, where cloned dinosaurs are exhibited in freedom. Such was its success that subsequently, between 1993 and 2022, five more films have been released as part of the ‘Jurassic Park’ universe: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997); Jurassic Park III (2001); Jurassic World (2015); Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) and Jurassic World: Dominion (2022).
4.
Dinosaur (2000)
Dinosaur is a 3D animated film produced by Disney that tells the story of Aladar, an Iguanodon who has been raised by a clan of lemurs, but when a devastating meteor shower destroys his home, he is forced to embark on a journey in search of a safe place, meeting others of his species along the way.
5.
The World of the Lost (2009)
Directed by Brad Silberling and starring Will Ferrell, the plot revolves around Dr. Rick Marshall, a scientist who through a space-time vortex is transported to a prehistoric world full of dinosaurs where he and his friends will be chased by a T-Rex and other dangerous creatures.
6.
Arlo's Journey (2015)
It is a dinosaur movie for children from Disney Pixar that immerses us in an alternative reality in which dinosaurs are not extinct. It follows the adventures of Arlo, an Apatosaurus who gets lost from his family and embarks on an adventurous journey in which he will cross paths with Spot, a human boy with whom he will make a great friendship and they will live a great adventure discovering themselves.
7.
65 (2023)
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, and starring Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt, the film is a mix of science fiction and adventure in which, after an accident, a pilot discovers that he finds himself on the Earth of 65 million years ago. There, together with the other survivor, he will have to fight to survive in a territory plagued by dinosaurs and other dangers.
These, along with many others, are very enjoyable films for lovers of dinosaurs and cinema, animals that millions of years later continue to inspire awe and admiration.
