The 33 greatest 3D movies of 2013

11. Epic

Epic | Official Trailer | 20th Century FOX - YouTube Epic | Official Trailer | 20th Century FOX - YouTube
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12. G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation

G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation Official Trailer #3 (2012) - Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis Movie HD - YouTube G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation Official Trailer #3 (2012) - Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis Movie HD - YouTube
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The G.I. Joe films may not be winning any Oscars for acting abilities or storyline but the high quality of the CGI and 3D work is undeniable.In this sequel, the G.I. Joes find that not only are they fighting their mortal enemy Cobra, they're also forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardise their very existence.

The talented team at ILM are on hand to provide most of the visual effects, including Michael Balog, who's worked on the Harry Potter, Pirates of the Carribbean and Transformers franchises. Digital Domain, Luma Pictures and Method Studios Vancouver are also all involved, which proves the extensive knowledge and talent that features within the film. Only the best for the Joes!

13. The Great Gatsby

GREAT GATSBY Trailer (2012) Movie HD - YouTube GREAT GATSBY Trailer (2012) Movie HD - YouTube
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Another novel-turned-movie, and many fans of F Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel were trepidacious about this 2012 adaptation. Movie fans, however, were excited that director Baz Luhrmann - the man behind Moulin Rouge and the Leonardo diCaprio-starring Romeo & Juliet reboot - is the man in charge. His decision to revive the story in 3D caused some controversy but we feel showcasing 1920s New York in this way will really resonate with cinema audiences.

Arthur Spink Jr is the special effects supervisor, after previously working on the Matrix trilogy and the likes of Superman returns and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Lawrence Andrews, who was responsible for the awesome effects in Sucker Punch, is in charge of the visual effects lay out.

14. The Croods

The Croods - Trailer - YouTube The Croods - Trailer - YouTube
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Hotly tipped by us since October 2012 this Dreamworks animation follows the story of a prehistoric family who are forced to explore beyond the world of their small cave.

Voices are provided by Nicholas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone, with the animation in the capable hands of Jamaal Bradley and Dave Hardin, who worked on such movies as Puss in Boots, I Am Legend, and Alice in Wonderland. We're excited by the scintillating use of colour, and this quirky film certainly kickstarted another year to remember for DreamWorks.

15. Turbo

Another DreamWorks release, Turbo is a supercharged animated comedy about a snail with a need for speed who dreams of competing against the greatest Indianapolis 500 racers.

It's the first feature-length animation for director David Soren, who took charge of the short Merry Madagascar, and he's working alongside screenwriter Robert Siegel of The Wrestler fame. Ryan Reynolds voices the lead alongside a cast including Samuel L Jackson, Paul Giamatti and Maya Rudolph from Bridesmaids.

16. Star Trek: Into Darkness

Star Trek Into Darkness - Discovery of Cryotube / Khan Monologue - YouTube Star Trek Into Darkness - Discovery of Cryotube / Khan Monologue - YouTube
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It's the sci-fi event of the year: director JJ Abrams is back with the second in a series of Star Trek movies, with Benedict Cumberbatch as villain John Harrison joining the returning cast from the 2009 reboot.

This film is more emotionally charged than its gung-ho predecessor but with Daniel Mindel back on cinematography duties there are some impressive special effects once more.

Note, though, that the movie was not filmed in native 3D but shot in 2D and converted in post-production. Either way, sci-fi fans will watch with a careful eye as director Abrams has been signed up for those forthcoming Star Wars sequels too.

17. 47 Ronin

Ronin

Reeves will be the only Western actor in this Japanese tale (although he himself is part-Asian) (Image credit: MGM Studios)

Adapted from the classic tale of a group of Samurai in 18th century Japan who avenge the murder of their master, this live action movie marks a return to the multiplex for Keanu Reeves, who stars alongside an all Asian-born cast.

Cinematography-wise, it's in similar vein to The Matrix and with Ridley Scott's protégé Carl Erik Rinsch at the helm it's fair to say that it is an epic 3D experience.

18. Man of Steel

Man of Steel - Official Trailer #2 [HD] - YouTube Man of Steel - Official Trailer #2 [HD] - YouTube
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Superhero fans rejoice: not only is Man of Steel the return of Superman to the big screen, it's also the return of Batman franchise reviver Christopher Nolan. Fans of the director know his work is characterised by a striving for realism, and with the likes of Joe Letteri working on the movie and the addition of a third dimension you really will believe a man can fly.

19. Frozen

Based loosely around the original story of the Snow Queen, this movie has been in Disney's pipeline for a while. It was initially destined to be hand-drawn along the lines of other films such as The Princess and the Frog, but was then created as a 3D CGI animation. With Chris Buck as director and John Lasseter as producer you can be sure that this film features some top notch quality animation and the 3D adds an extra layer of Disney magic.

20. Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 | Trailer (HD) | Illumination - YouTube Despicable Me 2 | Trailer (HD) | Illumination - YouTube
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2013 saw the sequel to the quirky 2010 animated kids' comedy about supervillain Gru. The stellar cast has been added to, with Al Pacino playing Gru’s new nemesis and Steve Coogan also popping up. As with the first film, this is one with something for both the kids and their parents to enjoy.

Next: Iron Man 3, The Hobbit, and more...

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