Memes

25 Behind-The-Scenes Pictures That Show How Favorite Movies Look Without CGI

Bảo Zayden April 15, 2025

We all know Hollywood loves its CGI. Explosions, monsters, alien planets, entire cities—none of it would exist without some serious computer wizardry. But what happens when you peel back the green screens and digital effects? Let’s just say… it’s not quite as magical.

These behind-the-scenes shots reveal what your favorite blockbusters really looked like on set—and spoiler alert: it’s mostly people in awkward suits, tennis balls on sticks, and actors trying to look scared of absolutely nothing. From epic battles fought in parking lots to dramatic scenes performed in front of cardboard boxes, this list will make you see movie magic in a whole new (and hilarious) way.

#1 Zack’s Justice League (2021)

Source: movies.effects

#2 Thor: Ragnarok

Source: movies.effects

#3 Thor: Love and Thunder

Source: movies.effects

#4 Angel Has Fallen (2019)

Source: movies.effects

#5 Moon Knight

Source: movies.effects

#6 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (TV Series)

Source: movies.effects

#7 The Mandalorian (TV series)

Source: movies.effects

#8 Avengers : Infinity War (2018)

Source: movies.effects

#9 Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Source: movies.effects

#10 The Great Gatsby (2013)

Source: movies.effects

#11 Game of Thrones

Source: movies.effects

#12 Jumanji: The Next Level ( Seamless Integration of Reality and Fantasy)

Source: phantomguide

#13 Jumanji: The Next Level ( Character Transformations)

Source: phantomguide

#14 Spectacular Action Sequences

Source: phantomguide

#15 Breathtaking Landscapes and Environments

Source: phantomguide

#16 Attention to Realism

Source: phantomguide

#17 Technical Expertise

Source: phantomguide

#18 Fantastic Beasts (The Magic Behind the Scenes)

Source: Warner Bros.

#19 Fantastic Beasts (Blending Reality and Magic)

Source: Warner Bros.

#20 Advancements in Visual Effects

Source: Warner Bros.

#21 A Glimpse into the Future

Source: Warner Bros.

#22 Fantastic Beasts

Source: Warner Bros.

#23 Fantastic Beasts (Prepare to Be Spellbound)

Source: Warner Bros.

#24 Fantastic Beasts

Source: Warner Bros.

#25 Fantastic Beasts (The Artistry of VFX)

Source: Warner Bros.

And there you have it—25 behind-the-scenes pics that prove even the most jaw-dropping movie moments started with something hilariously underwhelming. It turns out the real magic isn’t in the CGI… it’s in the actors pretending that a guy in a green suit is a terrifying dragon.

Next time you’re watching an epic scene and thinking, “Wow, this looks incredible,” just remember—somewhere, there was probably a production assistant holding up a stick with googly eyes.

Lights, camera… awkward reality.

Bảo Zayden

Bảo Zayden is a young and passionate author and reporter working at Grumpy Sharks. He specializes in covering and reporting on trending events and social media discussions. With his dedication, Bảo Zayden ensures that readers receive accurate and timely information.

Gender: Male
Date of birth: 03/11/1987
Place of Birth: California, United States
Address: 4209 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (415) 555-5656

The Author Experience:

Bảo Zayden has nearly 23 years of experience in the media industry, specializing in international journalism and conflict analysis.

He has spent over a decade researching the impact of media on diplomacy and international relations.

Bảo has built a network of over 50 journalists, war correspondents, and analysts worldwide to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

He has worked for major international news agencies, reporting from conflict zones and offering a neutral and comprehensive perspective on global affairs.

With extensive expertise, Bảo is recognized as a leading journalist in international reporting and strategic analysis.

Workstyle: Quick-witted, fearless, always present at hotspots.
Approach: Constantly moves to conflict zones, reporting from the frontlines with live coverage and strategic analysis.

Educational Background

2005 – 2009: Bachelor’s in International Journalism, University of California, Berkeley
2010 – 2012: Master’s in International Relations and Journalism, Stanford University
2013 – 2014: War Correspondence Program, Columbia Journalism School

With a career centered on international journalism, Bảo Zayden has extensive experience reporting from conflict zones and analyzing global diplomatic relations.

Work Experience:

05/2009 – 12/2013: Middle East Correspondent at BBC News
01/2014 – 06/2017: Head of International News at CNN
07/2017 – 12/2021: Senior Editor for International Affairs at The Wall Street Journal
01/2022 – 06/2024: Global Affairs Analyst at Foreign Policy Magazine
From 07/2024: Journalist and Editor at Grumpy Sharks

Achievements:

Reported from over 20 conflict zones, including Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
Won the Peabody Award for International Reporting (2019) for his coverage of conflicts in the Middle East.
Trained over 120 international journalists on safety protocols and reporting in high-risk environments.
Authored “Reporting from the Frontlines”, a key resource for war correspondents worldwide.