Jurassic Park: 10 Things That Still Hold Up Today

When Jurassic Park hit theaters in 1993, it wasn’t just a movie—it was a cinematic revolution. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel, Jurassic Park blended cutting-edge visual effects, gripping storytelling, and a sense of wonder that left audiences awestruck. More than 30 years later, Jurassic Park continues to stand the test of time, captivating new generations of viewers and holding a revered place in pop culture.

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From its breathtaking depiction of dinosaurs to its iconic score and thrilling sense of adventure, Jurassic Park set a standard for blockbuster entertainment that few have managed to match. Even in an era of evolving technology and changing audience expectations, there are aspects of Jurassic Park that remain just as impressive as they were on release day. Whether it’s the lifelike animatronics or the timeless themes of humanity versus nature, here are 10 things about Jurassic Park that still hold up today.

10 The Groundbreaking Effects

A Perfect Amalgamation Of CGI And Practical Effects

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CGI effects from the 1990s—and even many from the 2000s—often feel outdated, with primitive technology resulting in clunky visuals that fail to stand the test of time. But Jurassic Park is an enduring exception, a groundbreaking achievement in visual effects that still looks stunning decades later. Steven Spielberg’s innovative approach to blending cutting-edge CGI with practical effects set a new standard for realism. Instead of overloading the screen with computer-generated imagery, Spielberg used CGI sparingly and purposefully, making every shot of the dinosaurs feel impactful and lifelike.

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For close-ups and intimate moments, the film relies on meticulously crafted animatronics, which remain as awe-inspiring today as they were in 1993. This careful balance between digital and practical effects is a major reason why Jurassic Park continues to captivate modern audiences and remains a benchmark for blockbuster filmmaking. Spielberg’s restraint is a lesson for all filmmakers: timeless visuals come from thoughtful execution, not just advanced tools.

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9 John Williams’ Score

Jurassic Park Is One Of Cinema’s Most Iconic Music Scores

John Williams’ collaborations with Steven Spielberg have produced some of cinema’s most iconic scores, and Jurassic Park is no exception. Williams’ Jurassic Park score is emotionally layered, with the main theme capturing the awe of prehistoric wonder. Beginning with a delicate piano melody, it swells into a grand crescendo, embodying the ambitious dream of resurrecting dinosaurs while reflecting on the dangers of human hubris. This balance of beauty and grandeur mirrors the park’s fragile vision.

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Beyond the main theme, Williams heightens the film’s tension with tracks like “Journey to the Island,” brimming with anticipation, and “T-Rex Rescue & Finale,” evoking chaotic urgency. Each piece deepens the emotional journey, transforming the film’s thrilling moments into unforgettable cinematic experiences. Decades later, Williams’ Jurassic Park score remains a timeless masterpiece.

8 Innovative Sound Design

Jurassic Park Reimagined Sound Design

The iconic roars of the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park were crafted using a mix of animal sounds, blending the growls of lions, the trumpeting of elephants, and even the cries of whales. This creative fusion gives the dinosaurs a unique, realistic quality that stands out even today. For example, the T. rex’s roar, a bone-chilling blend of elephant and alligator sounds, became instantly iconic, cementing the creature’s fearsome reputation.

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Gary Rydstrom is the mastermind behind the sound effects of
Jurassic Park.

Meanwhile, the velociraptors’ terrifying screeches—partially created using dolphin and walrus sounds—add a primal edge to their on-screen menace. The immersive soundscape extends beyond the roars, with subtle ambient sounds like rustling leaves and distant thunder adding layers of tension. By combining natural animal noises with meticulous sound editing, the film creates a sense of authenticity that keeps audiences on edge. Even in a world of advanced digital sound effects, Jurassic Park’s sound design remains a masterclass in auditory storytelling.

7 Tight Pacing

Just The Right Amount Of Build-Up And Pay-Off

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Steven Spielberg’s pacing in Jurassic Park is a masterclass in balancing spectacle with substance. The film opens with an air of mystery, teasing the danger of the dinosaurs without immediately showing them. Spielberg takes his time establishing the characters and setting before diving into the action, ensuring that audiences are emotionally invested when chaos unfolds.

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Once the T. rex breaks free from its enclosure, the movie ramps up its tension with a series of expertly crafted set pieces, from the electrified fence escape to the nerve-wracking kitchen scene with the velociraptors. Each sequence builds on the last, escalating the stakes while allowing brief moments of respite for the audience to catch their breath. This balance between quiet wonder and pulse-pounding terror keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Unlike many modern blockbusters that rely on relentless action, Jurassic Park uses its pacing to maximize impact and maintain suspense throughout.

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6 Universal Themes

Themes That Anybody Can Identify With

At its core, Jurassic Park explores universal themes that remain relevant decades after its release. The story delves into humanity’s hubris and the consequences of playing God, presenting a cautionary tale about the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress. John Hammond’s ambition to resurrect dinosaurs represents the wonder of innovation, but his disregard for the potential dangers highlights the perils of unchecked ambition.

The story delves into humanity’s hubris and the consequences of playing God, presenting a cautionary tale about the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress.

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The film’s exploration of the unpredictability of nature underscores the limits of human control, as Ian Malcolm’s famous line—“l ife finds a way”—eloquently captures. These themes resonate in a world grappling with issues like climate change, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence. The moral questions raised by Jurassic Parkencourage viewers to reflect on the implications of technological advancement and humanity’s role within the natural world. By addressing these timeless concerns, the film transcends its genre to become a thought-provoking commentary on science and society.

5 The Cast’s Strong Chemistry

Jurassic Park Has A Strong Cast Of Characters

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The chemistry between the cast members of Jurassic Park elevates the film beyond its thrilling dinosaur spectacle. Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant and Laura Dern’s Dr. Ellie Sattler bring depth and humanity to their roles, portraying a believable partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared expertise. Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of Dr. Ian Malcolm provides a sharp contrast with his eccentric, sarcastic wit, injecting humor and skepticism into the group dynamic.

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Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond adds an air of misguided optimism, capturing the tragic hubris of a visionary blinded by his ambition. Together, these characters create a rich tapestry of personalities that feels authentic and relatable. Their interactions, whether clashing ideologies or moments of camaraderie, give the story its emotional resonance. The ensemble’s strong performances ensure that the audience remains invested in their survival, making the film’s tense moments all the more impactful.

4 The Use of Suspense Over Action

Jurassic Park’s Suspense Makes It Hold Up Better Than Other Blockbusters

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Jurassic Park sets itself apart from many modern blockbusters by prioritizing suspense over nonstop action. Steven Spielberg’s direction masterfully builds tension through a series of carefully crafted moments. The infamous T. rex attack, for instance, is preceded by a series of subtle yet ominous cues: the vibrations in a glass of water, the distant sound of heavy footsteps, and the eerie stillness of the environment.

The infamous T. rex attack, for instance, is preceded by a series of subtle yet ominous cues: the vibrations in a glass of water, the distant sound of heavy footsteps, and the eerie stillness of the environment.

This deliberate pacing amplifies the fear and anticipation before the dinosaur is fully revealed. Similarly, the velociraptor scenes, especially the kitchen sequence, rely on Hitchcockian techniques like tight framing, clever use of reflections, and sound design to create nail-biting suspense. By keeping the audience on edge and engaged with what’s unseen, Spielberg ensures that each action sequence lands with maximum impact. This emphasis on tension over spectacle makes Jurassic Park’s thrills timeless, offering a level of emotional engagement that many effects-heavy films fail to achieve.

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3 Minimalist Exposition

Jurassic Park Does Not Rely On Dense Sci-Fi Exposition

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One of Jurassic Park’s strengths is its ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that feels accessible and engaging. Rather than overwhelming viewers with dense exposition like many sci-fi films, the film uses creative storytelling devices like the animated DNA video in the visitor center. This sequence succinctly explains the cloning process with a blend of humor and simplicity, ensuring that audiences of all ages can follow its science without feeling bogged down.

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Similarly, the dialogue between characters is natural and purposeful, revealing information organically through their interactions. For instance, Ian Malcolm’s chaos theory lecture serves both as a scientific explanation and a thematic warning about the dangers of unpredictability. By presenting information in digestible and entertaining ways, Jurassic Park avoids alienating its audience while maintaining its intellectual depth. This minimalist approach to exposition allows the film to focus on its characters and story, ensuring that its science enhances rather than overwhelms the narrative.

2 A Brilliant Marketing Campaign

Jurassic Park Displays The Power Of Iconic Imagery

The marketing campaign for Jurassic Park was a game-changer. The iconic logo—a skeletal silhouette of a T. rex—became instantly recognizable, gracing posters, merchandise, and advertisements worldwide. The tagline, “An Adventure 65 Million Years in the Making,” captured the imagination of potential viewers, hinting at the grand scale and ambition of the film. The campaign leveraged Spielberg’s reputation as a master filmmaker, emphasizing his involvement to build anticipation.

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Trailers and TV spots strategically highlighted the film’s groundbreaking effects and suspenseful tone without giving away key plot points, ensuring audiences were left wanting more. Additionally, the release of a novel tie-in, video games, and extensive merchandise created a multimedia event that appealed to all demographics. This comprehensive and innovative marketing strategy not only contributed to the film’s record-breaking box-office success but also established Jurassic Park as a cultural phenomenon. The techniques used in its campaign continue to influence how modern blockbusters generate buzz and build anticipation.

1 Timeless Production Design

Jurassic Park’s Setpieces Remain Influential Today

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The production design of Jurassic Park remains as immersive and believable today as it was in 1993. Every detail of the park’s infrastructure, from the towering electric fences to the high-tech control room, feels meticulously thought-out and grounded in reality. The park itself is presented as a living, breathing ecosystem, with lush greenery, winding paths, and functional enclosures that add to the film’s authenticity.

Every detail of the park’s infrastructure, from the towering electric fences to the high-tech control room, feels meticulously thought-out and grounded in reality.

This attention to detail extends to the vehicles, props, and costumes, all of which feel seamlessly integrated into the world of the story. The Jeeps and tour vehicles are practical yet iconic, enhancing the sense that Jurassic Park could exist in real life. By blending futuristic elements with the natural environment, the film creates a timeless aesthetic that feels neither overly dated nor overly futuristic. Jurassic Park‘s production design plays a key role in immersing the audience, making every corner of the park feel like a place they could visit—and dread being trapped in.

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10/10 10/10 Jurassic Park PG-13AdventureSci-Fi

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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 11, 1993 Writers Michael Crichton , David Koepp Cast Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough , Bob Peck , Martin Ferrero Runtime 127 minutes Budget $63 million Main Genre Action-Adventure Expand

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Category: Entertainment