In the world of 3D moviemaking, it is the best of times and the worst of times. On the positive side, technology-loving auteurs like James Cameron are finding new and boundary-pushing ways to utilize the format in order to maximize the moviegoing experience. On the other hand, money-grubbing studio heads are creating slapdash 3D versions of tentpole releases as well as past hits in order to squeeze a few extra dollars out of willing audience members.
But for every Jaws 3-D and Thor (which looks exactly the same whether you’re sporting your 3D glasses or not), there’s one Avatar that elevates the medium. As we await the slate of 3D movies set to hit theaters this year, including Texas Chainsaw 3D (in theaters Friday), Complex looks back at The 25 Best 3D Movies Hollywood has produced.