The Best Dinosaur Movies That Are Not Part Of The Jurassic Park Franchise

Key Takeaways

Dive into prehistory with
King Kong
and experience an epic showcase of dinosaurs like never before.
Ride the thrilling survival journey of
Kong: Skull Island
with intense action-packed encounters with dinosaurs.
Embark on a family-friendly adventure underground with
Journey to the Center of the Earth
for a wild ride with dinosaurs.

As a lifelong fan of dinosaurs and adventure movies, I must say that each of these films offers something unique for audiences craving prehistoric creatures on the big screen.

Dinosaurs, with their awe-inspiring size and mysterious past, have long captivated people’s imaginations about what it might have been like when they ruled our planet. This fascination has led to the widespread appeal of movies centered around dinosaurs, most notably the Jurassic Park series, which stands as one of the most successful movie franchises ever made. With stunning visual effects that bring these ancient beasts to vibrant life, these films provide exhilarating, heart-pounding narratives that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

In contrast to the highly acclaimed and costly Jurassic Park series, which excels at bringing dinosaurs to life on screen, there are numerous other films that delve into similar topics, frequently centering around characters facing harrowing encounters with ancient beasts. Here’s a list of some standout big-budget movies (other than the Jurassic Park series) guaranteed to feed your dinosaur appetite.

1 King Kong (2005)

An Unforgettable And Epic Journey For Dinosaur Lovers

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 3h 7m
Estimated budget: $207 million
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Stars: Adrien Brody, Naomi Watts, Jack Black

Among the finest, costliest, and awe-inspiring films that have showcased dinosaurs on the silver screen is Peter Jackson’s King Kong. To this day, the movie remains captivating as it displays a wide array of dinosaur species in their full splendor. From Tyrannosaurus rex roaming about to herds of Brontosaurus, King Kong offers numerous exhilarating scenes where characters must swiftly maneuver to dodge being devoured or squashed by these enormous beasts. A notable feature of the film is that many of these intense sequences unfold under the bright daylight, enabling viewers to truly marvel at the size, grandeur, and majesty of these intriguing creatures.

Although filled with dinosaur-centric scenes, King Kong offers far more than mere prehistoric thrills. With a deeply moving and action-packed narrative, alongside well-crafted characters portrayed by an illustrious cast, the film engages on multiple emotional planes. Stunning locales, such as a painstakingly realistic 1933 New York City, contribute to the movie’s charm, while its extended length guarantees an indelible movie experience, particularly when viewed on the largest screen available.

2 Kong: Skull Island

An Action-Packed Survival Ride

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 58m
Estimated budget: $185 million
Directed by: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson

In the film “Kong: Skull Island”, traditional elements are maintained by populating the island with a blend of real and fabricated prehistoric creatures, with both categories roughly equally represented. Although shorter and perhaps less intense than Jackson’s 2005 adaptation, it remains packed with exhilarating on-screen action. The characters come face to face with dinosaurs like Pterodactyls, as well as their fossils, but the narrative primarily revolves around a completely fictional creature resembling a dinosaur – the Skullcrawler. Young Kong engages in combat against this formidable beast, while the human characters strive to outsmart it for their own survival.

Featuring a wide variety of ominous creatures from colossal bugs to an enormous octopus, a relentlessly fast-paced storyline, and an impressive ensemble of actors including Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly, and John Goodman, the film Kong: Skull Island offers non-stop action and is among the top choices in the current MonsterVerse series.

3 Journey To The Center Of The Earth

Unpredictable Adventure For The Entire Family

Rating: PG
Runtime: 1h 33m
Estimated budget: $60 million
Directed by: Eric Brevig
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson

Journey to the Center of the Earth is a fantastical spin on Jules Verne’s 1864 novel, with an emphasis on whimsical adventure and supernatural elements. As they delve into abandoned mines, the protagonists plunge deep beneath the Earth’s crust, uncovering a hidden ecosystem teeming with breeds of long-assumed extinct creatures. Among these wonders are fearsome dinosaurs, including an imposing Tyrannosaurus rex. Despite the questionable realism in depicting such legendary creatures, witnessing Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson outrun a T. rex is undeniably thrilling.

Packed with exhilarating family-oriented action and boosted by stunning 3D elements, the film Journey to the Center of the Earth primarily offers a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride filled with perils, breathtaking landscapes, and courageous personalities. However, it’s important to note that due to its relatively limited production resources, some viewers may find its visual effects slightly less impressive compared to more recent films.

4 65

A Great Premise That Doesn’t Fully Deliver

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 33m
Estimated budget: $45 million
Directed by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Stars: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt

65 million years ago serves as the backdrop for a fresh take on dinosaur-themed survival action films, blending science fiction elements and unexpected plot turns. In this movie, a character portrayed by Adam Driver finds himself stranded on an uncharted world inhabited by massive and dangerous beasts. As he navigates various perils, the astronaut must outwit a Tyrannosaurus rex to safeguard a young girl and guarantee their survival.

Although the concept of 65 is fascinating, it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise, perhaps because of budget constraints. The visual effects are strong, but there aren’t enough thrilling dinosaur encounters to keep viewers captivated. Despite an unexpected twist concerning a catastrophic event that caused dinosaur extinction, 65 ends up being rather forgettable. However, it’s still recommended for dedicated dinosaur fans.

5 Land Of The Lost

An Atypical Blend Of Dinosaur-Focused Comedy

Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 42m
Estimated budget: $100 million
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Stars: Will Ferrell, Danny McBride

The Dinosaur Movie Known as ‘Land of the Lost’ is notable for its humorous elements. The plot revolves around a team of contemporary, less-than-elite scientists who find themselves transported back in time during an excursion. This movie combines a zany atmosphere and quirky humor with numerous thrilling chase sequences, showcasing convincing depictions of Tyrannosaurs, Allosaurus, colossal Pteranodons, and various other extinct species. It is the unique blend of comedy and excitement that might make this film appealing to audiences, particularly due to its unconventional style.

Although the plot of this movie may seem light-hearted and character development might be simple, the fact that it was made with a large budget of $100 million means that its dinosaur scenes are visually stunning. While some viewers might not find Will Ferrell and Danny McBride’s comedic partnership particularly engaging, this film is still worth watching for its action sequences alone.

2024-08-25 12:04