9. The Water Alien in The Abyss (1989)
Always one for pushing the boundaries of special effects, James Camerons underwater epic changed the face of 3D CGI Creature Design forever. Audiences across the globe gasped as an unassuming stream of water came to life before out very eyes. Nothing like it had ever been seen before.
Why It Was Inventive: Capitalizing on recent advances in technology Cameron was able to achieve something completely unique in his face-mimicking water alien. He himself has gone on to achieve better since, but without The Abyss as a building block, whos to say where wed be now in terms of CGI design? Of course the film is full of inventive and innovative moments like this, but the above shot is especially significant. It was the moment when our breath caught in our throat; the moment we could barely believe our eyes. The Abyss goes on to break through so many walls in terms of visual effects that the whole film stands as a shining example of what CGI can achieve if used properly.