Where did 3D animation begin, and where is it going next? Join us for a look at the evolution of 3D animation from Tron and Luxo Jr. to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Wild Robot.
3D animation is everywhere! You’ll find examples in all shapes and forms, from blockbuster movies and video games to TV shows and virtual reality. So, let’s take a journey through the history of 3D animation, explore its first breakthroughs and technological developments, and see how it continues to expand creative possibilities today.
Where did 3D animation begin?
The journey of 3D animation began with a few bold experiments and innovations that laid the groundwork for today’s vibrant and creative medium.
Pioneers of 3D animation
A small group of pioneers drove the field of 3D animation forward by blending artistry with technology. Their work produced the essential methods that animators use even today.
- Edwin Catmull: A key figure in the development of 3D animation, Catmull co-founded Pixar and developed many core techniques still in use today.
- John Whitney Sr.: Often called the father of computer animation, Whitney experimented with computers to create abstract movies, combining art and math in new ways.
- Alvy Ray Smith: Another co-founder of Pixar, Smith’s contributions to early computer graphics helped shape the tools that would eventually lead to the first fully animated 3D movies.
Together, these innovators transformed 3D animation from a curiosity into a powerful new art form.
3D animation takes its first steps
In the 1960s, computers were still relatively new, but a handful of researchers saw that their potential went way beyond data processing. The first steps into 3D animation were simple, with early experiments focusing mainly on basic shapes and movements.
Ivan Sutherland’s Sketchpad (1963): This first software enabled users to create simple shapes directly on a computer screen, thereby introducing the idea of interactive computer graphics.
Edwin Catmull’s A Computer Animated Hand (1972): One of the early examples of 3D animation, this short film applied digitized points to create a moving and rotating wireframe hand. It was a glimpse into the potential of computers to bring 3D objects to life.
Wireframe graphics help destroy the Death Star
These first techniques were ground-breaking in the late 1970s, illustrating to both viewers and filmmakers the computer’s potential for generating images with depth and perspective and allowing animators to visualize 3D forms on screen for the very first time.
- Use in film: One of the most notable uses of wireframe graphics was in Star Wars (1977), where wireframe models appeared as computer displays, like the targeting computer used during the Death Star attack.
- Impact on the industry: Wireframes were instrumental in showing the potential of 3D animation in cinema, creating a bridge between artistic ambition and technological possibility.
Though primitive compared to today’s standards, these early techniques were revolutionary, showing audiences and filmmakers alike that computers could create images with depth and perspective.
The early 1980s bring a breakthrough
With technology taking giant leaps in the 1980s, 3D animation went from an experimental field to something extraordinary, reaching one of its first significant milestones in entertainment. Tron (1982) was one of the first major movies to incorporate extensive CGI.
Pixar sparks a revolution in storytelling
The rise of Pixar in the 1990s marked a turning point in the world of 3D animation, revolutionizing the technology and how stories were told. Before Pixar, 3D animation was primarily confined to short, experimental pieces, but the company’s work transformed it into a dominant force in the film industry, setting new standards for animated storytelling.
Pixar is born
Pixar began as a small computer division within Lucasfilm, later spun off as an independent company by Steve Jobs in 1986. Pixar’s mission was clear from its inception: to push the boundaries of what was possible with computer-generated imagery. Before diving into feature films, Pixar honed its skills through short animations that showcased its technological prowess and storytelling skills. Critical early works include:
- The Adventures of André and Wally B. (1984): One of Pixar’s first short films (below), notable for its expressive characters and fluid motion that hinted at the possibilities of 3D animation.
- Luxo Jr. (1986): This short film, featuring two playful desk lamps, was a breakthrough moment. It demonstrated that 3D animation could convey emotion and personality. It also introduced Luxo Jr., the bouncing lamp that became Pixar’s iconic mascot.
Toy Story becomes the first fully 3D animated feature film
The release of Toy Story in 1995 changed the landscape of animated films forever. As the first fully 3D animated feature, Toy Story wasn’t just a technological marvel but a storytelling triumph. Pixar’s unique approach combined cutting-edge animation with rich, character-driven narratives, setting it apart from anything audiences had seen.
The movie’s technological achievements include:
- Renderman: Pixar developed its own rendering software, Renderman, which allowed the animators to create realistic lighting, textures, and shadows, giving the film its polished, three-dimensional look.
- Attention to detail: The film’s meticulous attention to detail, from the textures of the toys to the dynamic camera angles, showcased what 3D animation could achieve when combined with a strong narrative vision.
3D animation expands everywhere
Following the success of Pixar’s Toy Story, 3D animation rapidly expanded beyond the confines of a single studio, transforming the entertainment industry. The late 1990s and 2000s saw a boom in 3D animated movies and TV shows as studios worldwide embraced the potential of this exciting new medium.
DreamWorks, Blue Sky, and beyond
As Pixar blazed a trail, other studios quickly followed, eager to explore the creative possibilities of 3D animation. Here are some of the significant players that emerged.
DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks made its mark with Shrek (2001), a movie that parodied and paid homage to traditional fairytales. Its clever humor, memorable characters, and stunning animation made it a massive hit, appealing to kids and adults alike. With films like Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon, DreamWorks continued to push the envelope, creating visually impressive and emotionally engaging films.
Blue Sky Studios: Known for the Ice Age series, Blue Sky Studios brought a unique aesthetic to 3D animation, characterized by expressive characters and richly detailed environments. The studio’s success with family-friendly stories combining humor and heart cemented its place in the animation industry, showcasing the broad appeal of 3D animated storytelling.
Illumination Entertainment: Illumination’s Despicable Me (2010) introduced the world to Gru and his mischievous Minions, blending quirky humor with stylish animation. The film’s success turned the Minions into pop culture icons and solidified Illumination as a significant player in 3D animation.
Adventures into children’s TV
Though 3D animation first made its mark in movies, it didn’t take long to shake up the world of TV, bringing a fresh look to animated shows. With better software and techniques, studios created high-quality 3D animations for TV audiences.
Early shows like Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and ReBoot captured young viewers with their unique style and imaginative stories. As technology kept improving, series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars showed that 3D animation on TV could look just as stunning and tell stories as rich as those on the big screen.
3D moves into streaming and beyond
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ brought even more opportunities for 3D animated content. Shows such as Trollhunters and The Dragon Prince pushed the quality of TV animation, blending epic storytelling with high-quality 3D visuals.
Animated series for all ages, like Love, Death & Robots, explored more mature themes, showcasing the versatility of 3D animation beyond traditional children’s programming.
Recent 3D animated movies are redefining the genre
The recent wave of hit 3D animated films has wowed audiences and keeps raising the bar for what animation can do! Let’s dive into some standout movies that are shaking up the industry.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): This innovative film blended 3D animation with a comic-book art style, creating a visually stunning experience that left audiences wanting more! Its unique mix of 2D and 3D elements, vibrant colors, and innovative storytelling helped it earn an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, raising the bar for all the following animated films.
Frozen II (2019): Disney’s sequel to the smash success of Frozen highlighted its ongoing skill in 3D animation. Thanks to its breathtakingly detailed environments, sophisticated visual effects, and emotionally rich characters, the film became a massive success worldwide and is now one of history’s most successful animated movies.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021): Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, this film delighted viewers with its energetic mix of 3D and 2D animation elements. Its vibrant color palette, creative visual gags, and heart-warming family-focused story earned it critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, demonstrating the limitless creative possibilities of 3D animation.
The Wild Robot (2024): This adaptation of Peter Brown’s popular novel continues the studio’s expert formula of blending stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling. DreamWorks has once again proven its mastery of 3D animation, using advanced techniques to craft an immersive and alive world. The film follows the journey of a robot named Roz, who awakens in the wilderness and must learn to survive while navigating the natural world and building unexpected relationships with the animals around her.
What are the tools that shaped 3D animation?
The evolution of 3D animation is closely tied to technological breakthroughs. From those early wireframe models to today’s incredibly lifelike visuals, new software, hardware, and techniques have constantly pushed the limits of what animators can bring to life!
Here are some of the most popular 3D applications available—you’ll probably be using one of these if you want to work on 3D animation. Regardless of which one you use, you can find a range of 3D assets at Envato to help you with your work.
Autodesk Maya: One of the most popular and powerful tools in the industry, Maya offers comprehensive features for modeling, rigging, animating, and rendering. Its versatility has made it a favorite among major studios for everything from blockbuster films to animated TV shows.
Cinema 4D: Known for its intuitive interface and robust motion graphics capabilities, Cinema 4D is widely used in advertising, TV, and film. Its ease of use makes it an attractive option for artists new to 3D animation, while its powerful tools allow for highly detailed and dynamic animations.
Houdini: Renowned for its procedural generation capabilities, Houdini allows artists to create complex simulations like fire, water, and destruction with remarkable detail. This software is a favorite for visual-effects-heavy projects, enabling animators to craft intricate scenes that would be impossible to achieve manually.
Blender: Blender has gained popularity due to its open-source nature. It offers a complete suite of 3D creation tools at no cost. Its accessibility has empowered independent animators and smaller studios to produce high-quality animations without the financial barriers of expensive software.
3D animation continues its ever-evolving journey
As you can see, 3D animation has come a long way! It’s evolved into a significant storytelling powerhouse across film, TV, and video games, from basic wireframes to experimental shorts. Movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse show just how far it’s come, blending classic comic-book styles with advanced techniques to create a one-of-a-kind, eye-popping experience that takes animation in bold new directions.
As we look ahead, there’s no doubt that 3D animation will keep shaping the future of storytelling. It’s set to inspire new generations of animators, captivate audiences worldwide, and redefine how we connect with the stories that move us. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when creativity and technology come together, pushing the limits of what we can imagine and bring to life on screen.
Explore the possibilities of 3D animation with Envato’s unique collection of thousands of 3D assets, available with unlimited downloads. Learn more by reading about 3D rendering and keeping up-to-date with 3D design trends for 2025.
