The Best CGI Action Movies

Ranker Film
Updated May 24, 2024 34 items
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1.1K votes
119 voters
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Vote up the movies that had the best CGI action moments.

Over the years, the magic of CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) has transformed how filmmakers bring their stories to life. Movies made almost entirely with CGI have become a new category. With countless movies utilizing these cutting-edge effects, a few excel in the art of blending immersive storytelling and mind-blowing visuals. These films not only stun audiences with their mesmerizing visuals but also provide a thought-provoking story, unique characters, and gripping cinematography. 

In these top-notch CGI action movies, every frame is crafted meticulously, ensuring the CGI seamlessly integrates with the fabric of the narrative. These films offer a harmony between technological prowess and artistry, resulting in unforgettable moments on the big screen. Through the mastery of CGI, action sequences become more explosive, otherworldly environments spring to life, and fantastic creatures appear as if they were real.

One example of these top CGI action movies is James Cameron's Avatar, which revolutionized the world of computer-generated imagery, transporting audiences to the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Pandora. In The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, viewers were treated to impeccable CGI effects that perfectly complemented the film's mind-bending plot. Moreover, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, directed by James Cameron, proved that CGI could be used as an integral part of the storyline, giving birth to the iconic, shape-shifting T-1000. 

The impact of these exceptional films highlights the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of those filmmakers who have redefined the realm of best CGI action movies. The best CGI action movies continue to leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of viewers, serving as an enduring testament to the filmmakers' dedication and ingenuity. 

Latest additions: Atlas, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Argylle
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best CGI Action Movies
  • Avatar
    1

    Avatar

    Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
    44 votes
    In Avatar, paraplegic ex-Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) finds a new lease on life on the alien world of Pandora. Aided by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), he embarks on a mission involving avatars, bodies that resemble the planet's native Na'vi inhabitants. As Jake explores Pandora's lush biosphere, he grows close to Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), a fierce Na'vi warrior. Their bond deepens as they face corporate forces driven by Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) that threaten Pandora's existence. This epic science fiction film directed by James Cameron snagged three Academy Awards for its groundbreaking visual effects and art direction.
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  • The Matrix
    2

    The Matrix

    Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
    33 votes
    Neo (Keanu Reeves) believes that Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), an elusive figure considered to be the most dangerous man alive, can answer his question -- What is the Matrix? Neo is contacted by Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), a beautiful stranger who leads him into an underworld where he meets Morpheus. They fight a brutal battle for their lives against a cadre of viciously intelligent secret agents. It is a truth that could cost Neo something more precious than his life.
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  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day
    3

    Terminator 2: Judgment Day

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
    37 votes
    In this sequel set eleven years after "The Terminator," young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization's victory over a future robot uprising, is the target of the shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a Terminator sent from the future to kill him. Another Terminator, the revamped T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and his mother (Linda Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.
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  • Inception
    4

    Inception

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
    20 votes
    Inception is a mind-bending, science-fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot pivots around Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), an adept 'extractor' who invades people's dreams to steal secrets. However, his latest task is not stealing an idea but planting one - inception. In this high-stakes job, he's aided by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Ariadne (Elliot Page), and Eames (Tom Hardy). Tackling complex themes of reality and subconsciousness, Inception won four Academy Awards. This cinematic labyrinth, riddled with plot twists, leaves viewers questioning the very nature of reality.
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  • Transformers
    5

    Transformers

    Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel
    32 votes
    In Transformers, an epic battle ensues between two alien races, Autobots and Decepticons, on Earth. The fate of humanity lies in the hands of a teen, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). He unwittingly becomes involved in the conflict after purchasing a car which is actually an Autobot named Bumblebee. Aided by Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox), he finds himself at the center of this intergalactic war. Directed by Michael Bay, this action-packed sci-fi adventure won a Saturn Award for Best Special Effects.
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  • Edge of Tomorrow
    6

    Edge of Tomorrow

    Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Brendan Gleeson
    20 votes
    In the gripping sci-fi action flick, Edge of Tomorrow, Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) finds himself caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. Unprepared for combat, his repeated deaths become a learning curve. With each revival, he grows stronger, smarter, more adept. Alongside him is Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), a seasoned warrior known as the Full Metal Bitch. Together, they strategize to defeat the hostile extraterrestrials. Directed by Doug Liman and based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need Is Kill, this movie presents an enthralling blend of high-stakes battles and mind-bending temporal twists.
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  • Star Trek
    7

    Star Trek

    Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy
    18 votes
    Star Trek, a science fiction film directed by J.J. Abrams, embarks on a thrilling journey through the cosmos. The plot centers around James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), an impulsive cadet at Starfleet Academy, and Spock (Zachary Quinto), a Vulcan who struggles to reconcile his logical nature with his human half. Together, they must thwart the diabolical plans of the villainous Nero (Eric Bana). Aided by an ensemble cast of memorable characters like Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and Bones (Karl Urban), they navigate interstellar politics, alien races, and black holes. Filled with action-packed sequences and intricate storylines, Star Trek is both a reboot and homage to the original TV series. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
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  • Kong: Skull Island
    8

    Kong: Skull Island

    Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson
    22 votes
    Scientists, soldiers and adventurers unite to explore a mythical, uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. Cut off from everything they know, they venture into the domain of the mighty Kong, igniting the ultimate battle between man and nature. As their mission of discovery soon becomes one of survival, they must fight to escape from a primal world where humanity does not belong.
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  • War for the Planet of the Apes
    9

    War for the Planet of the Apes

    Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn
    16 votes
    Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both of their species and the future of the planet.
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  • The Perfect Storm
    10

    The Perfect Storm

    George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, John C. Reilly
    18 votes
    In The Perfect Storm, Captain Billy Tyne (George Clooney) leads a hard-working crew aboard the Andrea Gail, a commercial fishing vessel. Desperate for a hefty haul, they venture into dangerous waters in pursuit of swordfish. Meteorologist Todd Gross (Christopher McDonald) predicts a deadly storm, but it's too late for the Andrea Gail already caught in the maelstrom. With seafaring action at its core, this harrowing tale - based on a true story - showcases man's struggle against nature's fury. This dramatic thriller, directed by Wolfgang Petersen, was released in 2000 and is remembered for its realistic portrayal of life at sea.
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  • Avengers: Infinity War
    11

    Avengers: Infinity War

    Robert Downey, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
    40 votes
    In Avengers: Infinity War, an action-packed superhero film, an array of Marvel's finest faces a formidable foe. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet - Thanos (Josh Brolin). The despot of intergalactic infamy, Thanos, is on a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones. His aim? To inflict his twisted will on reality. The survival of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain. As stakes reach sky-high, sacrifices must be made. This film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 91st Academy Awards.
  • District 9
    12

    District 9

    Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
    14 votes
    In the 2009 science fiction film District 9, an alien race, derogatorily referred to as Prawns, finds themselves stranded on Earth in Johannesburg. The central character here is Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a government agent assigned to relocate these beings to a new camp. This Neill Blomkamp-directed movie takes an unexpected turn when Wikus becomes the subject of a bizarre transformation, leading him into the heart of District 9's tension. Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, District 9 blends elements of dystopia with socio-political commentary, making it a notable entry in the genre.
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  • The Avengers
    13

    The Avengers

    Robert Downey, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
    36 votes
    In The Avengers, the world faces an unprecedented threat. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are brought together by S.H.I.E.L.D., helmed by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), they form an unlikely team. This action-packed superhero film, marred with tension and conflict amongst its own ranks, sees them battling Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save humanity. Directed by Joss Whedon, it is a high-stakes blend of adventure and humor that garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
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  • Guardians of the Galaxy
    14

    Guardians of the Galaxy

    Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista
    35 votes
    In the heart of Marvel's cinematic universe, Guardians of the Galaxy introduces us to a new breed of heroes. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a rogue adventurer turned unlikely hero, finds himself in possession of a coveted orb. This catapults him into an intergalactic manhunt led by the villainous Ronan (Lee Pace). Enlisting a ragtag group of cosmic misfits: Rocket (Bradley Cooper), a gun-toting raccoon; Groot (Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid; the deadly Gamora (Zoe Saldana); and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), they must thwart Ronan's sinister plan. A blend of comedy, action, and space opera, this film won two Academy Awards nominations and launched an epic franchise.
  • The Day After Tomorrow
    15

    The Day After Tomorrow

    Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm
    15 votes
    In the thrilling disaster film, The Day After Tomorrow, Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid), a paleoclimatologist, sets out on a daring mission to rescue his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal) amidst a sudden and extreme shift in global climate. The world plunges into a new Ice Age almost overnight, leaving cities frozen and societies in chaos. Meanwhile, Sam and his friends hunker down in the New York Public Library, battling against time and the biting cold. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this movie is a chilling tale of survival against nature's most brutal forces.
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  • Kingsman: The Secret Service
    16

    Kingsman: The Secret Service

    Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton
    20 votes
    In Kingsman: The Secret Service, a British spy thriller, Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton) is an unrefined street punk. His life takes a turn when he's recruited by Harry Hart (Colin Firth), a Kingsman agent who sees potential in him. These agents aren't your run-of-the-mill spies, they're gentlemanly, impeccably dressed, and deadly efficient. They operate from a high-tech base hidden beneath a tailor shop - an ingenious blend of tradition and modernity. As Eggsy undergoes rigorous training to join this elite secret service, the world faces a grave threat from tech-genius Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson). Can Eggsy rise above his rough edges and save the world? This action-packed movie promises intrigue, humor and stylish espionage.
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  • The Fast and the Furious
    17

    The Fast and the Furious

    Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
    17 votes
    In the adrenaline-fueled world of The Fast and the Furious, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), a street racing kingpin, lives by his own rules. Enter undercover cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker), tasked with infiltrating this high-speed underground culture. He's drawn in by its allure - and Toretto's sister, Mia (Jordana Brewster). As engines roar and rubber burns, loyalties are tested and boundaries blurred. This action-packed thriller, directed by Rob Cohen, blends crime drama with car chases, offering viewers a fast-paced ride through Los Angeles's street racing scene. It's a thrilling journey where speed is a currency and trust is as elusive as the finish line.
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  • Alita: Battle Angel
    18

    Alita: Battle Angel

    Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Keean Johnson
    48 votes
    In the visually stunning cyberpunk world of Alita: Battle Angel, a compassionate doctor, Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz), salvages a discarded cyborg core, Alita (Rosa Salazar). Amidst the scrapyard metropolis of Iron City, he rebuilds her into a new body and she awakens with no memory of her past. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, she discovers latent fighting skills that hint at a dark history. Meanwhile, shadowy figures from behind-the-scenes steer her towards an uncertain future. This action-packed film is layered with intrigue and mystery, as it takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through memory, identity, and redemption.
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  • Kick-Ass
    19

    Kick-Ass

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong
    11 votes
    Kick-Ass, a 2010 superhero black comedy film, is centered around Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan. Unhappy with his mundane life, he decides to become a superhero, despite having no powers or training. His audacious move becomes viral, inspiring a new wave of self-made masked crusaders. The plot thickens as Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and her father Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage), real-life vigilantes, join him in his quest against local gangster Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong). This film won the Empire Award for Best British Film.
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  • Tron
    20

    Tron

    Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner
    32 votes
    In the groundbreaking 1982 film Tron, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a computer programmer, finds himself digitized and thrust into a neon-lit cyber universe. This digital realm is ruled by the villainous Master Control Program and its henchman Sark (David Warner). Accompanied by security program Tron (Bruce Boxleitner) and Yori (Cindy Morgan), Flynn embarks on a high-stakes quest to dismantle the oppressive regime. A unique blend of science fiction and action, Tron is celebrated for its pioneering use of computer graphics, setting new standards in visual effects.
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  • Thor: Ragnarok
    21

    Thor: Ragnarok

    Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
    31 votes
    In the action-packed Marvel movie, Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest against his former ally, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). Stranded on the alien planet Sakaar without his mighty hammer, he must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarok - the destruction of his homeworld at the hands of the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). In this high-stakes adventure directed by Taika Waititi, Thor must fight for survival and rally against the impending doom. His journey is fraught with unexpected allies, classic Marvel humor, and stunning visual effects that earned the film an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
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  • Iron Man
    22

    Iron Man

    Robert Downey, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow
    32 votes
    Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a genius industrialist and master engineer, builds a powered exoskeleton after a life-threatening incident. The invention transforms him into the armor-clad superhero known as Iron Man. With his new technology, he grapples with his own demons while protecting the world from dangerous threats. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Tony's dedicated assistant, and James Rhodes (Terrence Howard), a military liaison, play pivotal roles in Stark's journey. Directed by Jon Favreau, this action-packed movie won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2009.
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  • Iron Man 3
    23

    Iron Man 3

    Robert Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
    32 votes
    Iron Man 3, an action-packed superhero film, follows the journey of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he grapples with his past and future. Post-Avengers, he faces a formidable foe in the form of terrorist Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), while battling his own inner demons. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) return, lending support to Stark's plight. Directed by Shane Black, this third installment won the Saturn Award for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture. It offers a thrilling blend of stark realities and high-tech fantasy, pushing Iron Man to new limits.
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  • Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
    24

    Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

    Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames
    1 votes
    Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), directed by Christopher McQuarrie, sees Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team confronting the Entity, a formidable rogue AI, with the aid of a powerful terrorist, Gabriel (Esai Morales). The mission unravels past encounters between Hunt and Gabriel, along with the involvement of a French assassin named Paris (Pom Klementieff) and a mysterious figure from Hunt's history. The film uncovers themes of espionage, technology, and loyalty. Praised for its thrilling action, the movie garnered critical acclaim despite facing challenges during production and marked a significant chapter in the iconic film series.
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  • Captain Marvel
    25

    Captain Marvel

    Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn
    34 votes
    In the Marvel Universe's first female-led film, Captain Marvel, Vers (Brie Larson) is a Kree warrior with a past she can't remember. Plagued by strange dreams and images of another life on Earth, she finds herself caught in an intergalactic struggle between her own kind and the Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien race. When she crash-lands on Earth in 1995, Vers teams up with young S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson), embarking on a journey to unravel her forgotten past. As the story unfolds, Vers discovers her true identity as Carol Danvers - Captain Marvel - and harnesses her incredible powers to end the war. This action-packed superhero flick offers mesmerizing visual effects and gripping storytelling while introducing significant characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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  • The Mummy
    26

    The Mummy

    Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah
    14 votes
    In the heart-pounding adventure film The Mummy, Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) stumbles upon an ancient tomb in the midst of a battle-ridden Middle East. Unbeknownst to him, the tomb houses the malevolent Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), cursed for eternity by her own people. As the princess awakens from her crypt, she embarks on a vengeful mission to reclaim what is rightfully hers. The movie, rich in Egyptian mythology and action-packed sequences, unravels as Morton battles this resurrected ancient power. This captivating tale masterfully intertwines history and fantasy, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
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  • Mission: Impossible - Fallout
    27

    Mission: Impossible - Fallout

    Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames
    11 votes
    In Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) returns as an operative for the IMF, a covert organization. A botched mission leaves him and his team, including Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), scrambling to prevent global catastrophe. As they race against time, they are pursued by CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill). The film is a high-octane action thriller, filled with daring stunts and complex plot twists. This installment garnered praise for its direction by Christopher McQuarrie, making it a standout in the long-running franchise.
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  • Rampage
    28

    Rampage

    Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
    16 votes
    Primatologist Davis Okoye shares an unshakable bond with George, an extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla that's been in his care since birth. When a rogue genetic experiment goes wrong, it causes George, a wolf and a reptile to grow to a monstrous size. As the mutated beasts embark on a path of destruction, Okoye teams up with a discredited genetic engineer and the military to secure an antidote and prevent a global catastrophe.
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  • Skyscraper
    29

    Skyscraper

    Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han
    14 votes
    Will Sawyer is a former FBI agent and U.S. war veteran who now assesses security for skyscrapers. While he's on assignment in China, the world's tallest and safest building catches on fire -- and Will gets framed for it. Now a wanted man and on the run, he must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family members when they become trapped inside the inferno.
  • The Fate of the Furious
    30

    The Fate of the Furious

    Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron
    11 votes
    With Dom and Letty married, Brian and Mia retired and the rest of the crew exonerated, the globe-trotting team has found some semblance of a normal life. They soon face an unexpected challenge when a mysterious woman named Cipher forces Dom to betray them all. Now, they must unite to bring home the man who made them a family and stop Cipher from unleashing chaos.
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