The Top 5 Best 3D Movies List

3D movies are actually older than most people think. Way before the latest 3D craze of our times came in, a number of 3D flicks during the 80's were already hitting the box office then. In fact, the 50's and even decades earlier all became witnesses to a number of 3D offers. The catch of those older movies (mainly using the anaglyph-style 3D through those red and blue glasses) was how they tend to amaze the viewers with the literally "jump of the screen" effects.

Now, in the era of IMAX and Real 3D, the worldwide resurgence of 3D films hit the theaters with what stereoscopic 3D technology can offer.

I am personally hoping to catch those old 3D movies and have them compared with what the present offers. But for now, these films from the new era of 3D filmmaking are my best picks for the Top 5 Best 3D Movies List (as of March 2010):

1. Avatar
Year: 2009
Director: James Cameron
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore, Giovanni Ribisi and Michelle Rodriguez
Plot: After the sudden death of his twin brother, the paraplegic war veteran Jake takes his place in a mission to infiltrate the Na'vi, a humanoid race from the distant world Pandora, through the use of an avatar. In exchange for the spinal surgery to fix his legs, he submits to the instructions of the military authorities and corporate executives, only to find himself torn between the greed of his own race and the need and value of an alien civilization that he begins to embrace.

This bold 3D eco-opus examining technological wonders and morality is totally jaw-dropping. Period.

2. U2 3D
Year: 2007
Director: Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington
Cast: U2 as themselves (Bono, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr. and The Edge)
Plot: With everything entirely shot with more than a dozen 3D cameras, U2 3D offers a groundbreaking concert movie featuring the legendary band U2's 2006 "Vertigo" tour.

This film provides a perfect marriage of surround sound and 3D visuals. And in a certain level, it felt like attending a real concert. At the IMAX theater, I and the rest of the viewers (mostly strangers to each other) were standing, singing, holding up concert stuff and jumping from our places with an energy like that from a real concert.

3. Deep Sea 3D
Year: 2006
Director: John Hall
Voice Narrations: Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp
Plot: As a 3D documentary exploring the awe-inspiring depths of the oceans around the world and their marvelous creatures, this film becomes a spectacular journey into the homes of the many aquatic wonders of the planet.

This 40-minute documentary film offers a worthwhile 3D experience. It's breathtaking, educational and so full of life. From the stunning and colorful species to the grotesque and weird sea creatures, this nature documentary allows the audience to really feel the valuable presence of all these life forms and how significant they are in this world which we should fairly share with them. How engrossing this short but meaningful movie is? I personally touched mid air for several times to feel those majestic fishes right in front of me...

4. Coraline
Year: 2009
Director: Henry Selick
Voice Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Keith David and Ian McShane
Plot: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this 3D stop-motion animation offer is about the little girl Coraline who moves to an old house and discovers an alternate version of her life there. Feeling bored and neglected by her parents, she finds solace to the parallel reality of this other version of her world (where everybody has buttons instead of eyes). She initially finds it way much better than her real life. However, her adventure gradually turns to danger and she struggles to find her way home and save her real family.

This animated film sets a significant template on how 3D films should be. It provides great storytelling, just enough "jump-out-at-you" moments and a fantastical vision though its dark fantasy treatment. It effectively envelops the audience with an immersive adventure the way Coraline experiences it. The 3D imagery is utilized for the best of the film instead of becoming a mere 3D cashcow gimmick. It's one great 3D experience to look forward to.

5. Beowulf
Year: 2007
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Crispin Glover and Angelina Jolie
Plot: The Danish king Hrothgar succumbs to the havoc initiated by the monstrous troll Grendel. He offers rewards for his death and the great warrior Beowulf lives up to the task. He soon becomes king. However, his darkest secret gets back at him decades after when Grendel's evil mother, whom Beowulf had a life-enduring bargain with before, brings to his kingdom its worst nightmare.

Zemeckis' foray into the world of actor-based computer animation makes this classic literary tale a fine sensory animation experience. It blends CGI, motion capture and 3D technologies to bring such level of 3D appeal that has become a pioneer in its time.