Evolution of CGI Timeline (* = more information about the movie)

Future World

Aug 13, 1973

First use of 3D CGI to represent a character. It was the first time computer-generated imagery was used in a film to portray a real person.

Tron

Jul 9, 1982

First use of animated CGI in a feature film combined with traditional animation. Features the first completely CGI character. 

The Adventures of Andre and Wally B.

Dec 18, 1984

First CGI animated short featuring the first fully CGI characters. 

Labyrinth*

Jun 27, 1986

First realistic CGI representation of an animal. It was the first attempt at CGI in this form and for the viewers liking, it went pretty well. It might have seemed strange but it was still pretty impressive.

Willow

Jul 23, 1988

CGI used to realistically morph animals into a human character.

Tin Toy

Aug 2, 1988

First completely CGI realistic human character. The first CGI animated short to win an Academy Award. 

The Abyss*

Aug 9, 1989

First computer-generated three-dimensional character in a feature film. More advanced morphing and water simulation. most of The Abyss was filmed in the largest fresh-water filtered tank in the world at the time

Total Recall

Jun 1, 1990

First use of motion capture in a feature film. 

Jurassic Park

Jun 11, 1993

First film to blend CGI with animatronics. 

The Mask

Jul 28, 1994

First time CGI is blended with live human action to enhance a character.

Toy Story*

Nov 22, 1995

First completely CGI feature film. Curiously for the Academy of Motion Pictures, they actually noticed its significance, and awarded the genius behind Pixar and the director of the movie, John Lasseter, a special Oscar in 1996 "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film".

Dragonheart*

May 31, 1996

First fast-rendered CGI character without the use of wire models. The dragon names "Draco" in the movie wasn't fully CGI though. Because of the lack of technology back in the 1990s, most parts were made out of giant props like the dragon's teeth and jaw.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Jul 2, 2001

First completely CGI film with photo-realistic visuals.

The Polar Express

Oct 30, 2004

Motion Capture used to create CGI representations of actors in completely photo-realistic CGI film.

Avatar*

Dec 18, 2009

First movie filmed in 2D and immersive 3D simultaneously substantial CGI environments and characters. Also, Avatar is number 1 at the box office for most money made on tickets sold.

Rango

Mar 4, 2011

First feature-length CGI film made by Industrial light and magic.

The LEGO Movie

Feb 7, 2014

CGI used to impersonate stop-go animation.