10 Pre-2000 Movies With Special Effects That Still Hold Up Today

10. Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day is perhaps the finest example of a movie marketed heavily, almost solely, on its special effects. From the moment the White House was blown up in the trailer's money shot, audiences couldn't wait to see what other feats of destruction awaited them. It's safe to say that the movie did not disappoint; as we were treated to scenes of the Empire State building being blown to smithereens, dogfights between jets and alien spacecraft and some genuinely frightening extra terrestrials. This combination of CGI and practical effects contributed to a cheesy, but fun, movie. Watching it today, you cannot fault the effects, as we are totally convinced that these aliens mean business. The huge imposing spaceships parked above Earth's most famous landmarks still inspire wonder and , despite the 18 years since its release, there is no sense that what you are watching feels dated in any way. By revealing the shot of The White House being blown up, Independence Day really needed to deliver on its special effects and, whilst it has attracted criticism in recent years, most commonly for its overly patriotic tone, you cannot fault the spectacle on display. Plus,watching Will Smith punching an alien never gets old.