Have you ever wondered how actors in movies pull off those stunts? Like the visualization of what looks like an energy glow coming out of their bodies?
You guessed it right!
They use special effects and high-quality editing. But the question remains how do filmmakers edit their movies?
The following blog contains a Hollywood video editing software list, all available on Amazon. These are well-liked by both industry veterans and newcomers and may surprise you a little.
But first, let’s understand the important things to consider before deciding on which software works best for your project.
What is NLE or Video Editing Software?
Linguistic editing, which involved the actual splicing of film strips, was once the norm for editors. This method was inexpensive, but it had a number of significant complications. The source content must be used to correct flaws in linear editing.
Because of non-linear editing (NLE) software development, film editors no longer need to handle the original source material.
It is easier to work with NLE software because it preserves the original files while providing more alternatives. The video, audio, and other materials are digitally loaded into the software. Editors have complete creative freedom over their work when it comes to editing. Instead of working from beginning to end, they can start in the midst or quickly move on to another scenario.
The use of NLE software facilitated the help of several camera perspectives, audio tracks, and special effects. Within the last few years, NLE software has witnessed an advance in functionality. Avid Media Composer and Adobe After Effects are two more capable editing solutions.
Aside from NLE software, professional filmmakers employ a range of other technologies. In Hollywood, dedicated digital audio workstations (DAWs) are frequently used, such as Avid Pro Tools or Apple Logic Pro X. Depending on the filmmaker’s needs, After Effects or The Foundry Nuke can be utilized for 3D compositing.
Now, Let’s move on to the second part of the question, which is:
Which Things to Consider Before Choosing?
Keep the following 3 things in mind.
- Budget
- Features
- Workflow
Budget
You may be able to cut down your possibilities for video editors if you have a specified budget in mind. However, keep in mind that video production might be expensive. The most expensive aspects of video production are frequently lighting, cameras, and a powerful computer.
The processor and RAM on your computer must be capable of handling video editing.
You should adjust your budget based on the amount of video production you want to pursue. If you’re just shooting films for your family, using a smartphone and open-source video editing software is excellent. But if you’re a professional or a YouTuber trying to develop your talents, an editing application is well worth the money.
You may want to update in the future but remember that learning new software and purchasing the same package again is a waste of money. As a result, I recommend investing in a long-term proofreading package that will fulfill your needs for several years.
Workflow
There are a few factors to consider, such as your level of experience and the type of software you currently use. With so many options and settings available, it may be puzzling for those who are less experienced.
Less advanced video editing software, such as iMovie, may better fit the needs of newbies.
However, even these are severely constrained and cannot generate the quality of a professional video. Overall, editing video and sound in Avid, Adobe, and Final Cut can be mastered rather rapidly if you stick to the fundamentals.
Learning how to use the more advanced tools, on the other hand, requires more time.
If you’ve used similar software in the past, it might be a huge help when you’re just starting. If you’ve ever used an editing application, you’ll note that most of them have a timeline with tracks, a media player, and a media library.
The distinction between the two software options is made through details such as shortcuts, plug-ins, and option menus. Getting started with Adobe Premiere Pro can help to be familiar with other Adobe programs such as Photoshop or InDesign. Final Cut Pro X will be a no-brainer if you’ve used iMovie or Garageband before.
Features
Professionals rarely utilize free editing software due to its limited capabilities and low final output quality. Free video editors, for example, may not handle all video formats and sources. These programs can edit 4K and 8K video at 30 frames per second, while others can only edit 1080p video in MP4 or AVI codecs at 30 frames per second (fps).
Everything is future-proof, even if it is a little overwhelming right now. However, color correction, frame cropping, and special effects are the things you don’t need right now. And nothing is more frustrating than needing a function in your favorite program but not finding it.
You’ll also have to deal with exporting and importing certain scenes between the two programs you’re using.
Best Hollywood Video Editing Software
Here is the list of video editing software used in Hollywood:
Adobe Premiere Pro CC:
For a good reason, Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC (the most recent edition of the creative software company’s pro-level editing suite) is one of the most popular professional editing tools. Top-tier filmmakers and TV editors use Premiere Pro and YouTubers to edit in any current format (from 8K to virtual reality).
This software allows users to color-correct and fine-tune audio as well as edit the raw film in a variety of ways. Customers that subscribe to Creative Cloud will receive all of the company’s latest upgrades right immediately.
Movies Edited on Adobe Premiere Pro:
- Superman Returns
- The Social Network
- Avatar
- Hail Caesar
- Hugo
- Deadpool
- Gone Girl
Avid Media Composer:
Avid Media Composer is a high-end video editing software intended for professionals. Avid is used to edit almost every major motion picture, television show, and commercial.
Avid offers a diverse set of professional video editing tools, and color correction tools and simple-to-add titles are just a few possibilities accessible. On the other hand, Avid Media Composer remains the finest alternative due to its audio editing capabilities.
Movies Edited on Avid Media Composer:
- Wonder Woman
- The Dark Tower
- Alien: Covenant
- Dunkirk
- Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Oceans 8
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
- Ant-Man
- The Wasp
- Hotel Artemis
Adobe Premiere Elements 2020:
If you’re not yet ready for the more complex features of Premiere Pro, Adobe Premiere Elements is a terrific place to start. The video editor employs Adobe’s automated technology, such as the Reduce Noise effect, to quickly and efficiently convert low-light recordings into clean footage.
If you want to be a little more creative, you can utilize the 23 step-by-step guided edits to make everything from time-lapse films to animated GIFs, video collages, and even full-length movies.
This is a one-time purchase, not a subscription plan, and it may be installed on a Mac or PC by CD-ROM or a separate download. Because most capabilities do not require internet access, it can be utilized offline and installed on up to two PCs for non-concurrent use (at least after the initial installation).
Vegas Pro 18:
Professionals can quickly organize all of their files into libraries and collections using the latest edition of this powerful video editing program, which can then be accessed via Vegas Pro and edit, correct, and master their audio files using Sound Forge Pro.
Style Transfer, the best GPU acceleration in the market, and Vegas Pro’s flexible and simple color grading options all come together in Vegas Pro. Planar motion tracking, HDR compatibility, and powerful plug-in administration are also included in Vegas Pro.
The cost reflects the fact that this is professional-grade equipment. An 8-core 3.0 GHz processor (or an 8-core 3.0 GHz processor for 4K) is required, as is an internal sound card and 1.5 GB of free space for program installation.
Rav.AI:
Rav.AI has emerged today as one of the most fantastic resolves for video editing software for Hollywood-level production in 2025 …specifically for the function of AI automation in video editing.
Using sophisticated techniques in artificial intelligence, Rav.AI provides filmmakers with a tool to do the otherwise repetitive and time-consuming work of choosing the shots, correcting the color, and managing the scenes.
The latter is a unique feature of the program since it allows for wise decisions on what particular shot to include in a scene based on the content, mood, and length of the shots to be used. For example, in tools such as Rav.AI, the system can look for certain emotional scenes regarding transitions or color grading to make watching smooth.
Also, the compatibility with other editing software, such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro, makes it more suitable. Hollywood studios use Rav.AI to cut tens of hours of footage into sequences that are one or two minutes long or enhance images. In this way, editors spend less time on mundane tasks and much more time on creative choices with the help of Rav.AI.
Sora:
Sora has quickly become one of the most popular business video editing services in Hollywood productions of 2025, especially with the advanced option of cloud-based software. Sora is perfectly designed to work in multiple teams simultaneously.
Iit is most beneficial when many people are involved in the project, including editors, sound designers, and colorists: high-definition editing tools, multi-party collaboration, and even integrated artificial intelligence to help with the editing. Of course, its most remarkable characteristic is that it is designed to create 3D animations and effects, making it a mainstream software for sci-fi and action film editors.
For instance, in editing “Quantum Battle,” Sora was applied to execute action sequences seamlessly and efficiently for VFX and timing. Furthermore, Sora is designed to be easy to use with simple controls, making it easy for even first-time users to use with professional edits; it is equally powerful to execute large-scale productions of even Hollywood standards. This power, simplicity, and availability of cloud functionality will make Sora vital in 2025.
Corel VideoStudio Pro 2020:
A recent upgrade to this HD, 4K, and 360 video editing tool includes quick templates and simple functionality. You’ll have access to over 1500 video filters and effects (as well as new creative overlays, titles, and backdrops).
You’ll get to explore capabilities like screen recording, stop motion animation, DVD menu creation, and green screen effects.
You can export to a variety of formats, in addition, to directly uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, burning to DVD, or exporting to the most popular file formats. Using royalty-free music from the program’s music library, combine photos, video clips, and sounds from various sources into a single track.
Conclusion
The type of video editing software found in Hollywood has changed in 2025, and the state-of-the-art tools in this software sector include Rav.AI and Sora. These platforms include AI automation, cloud-based cloud-based work, enhanced visualization, etc., making them suitable for high-budget, high-quality movie production.
Among the many tasks that Rav.AI is especially good at are shot selection and color correction, which saves editors time for brainstorming. This is, however, not the case with Sora, which has cloud capability and 3D animations to simplify large projects, especially for science fiction and action films.
In deciding which software to use for filmmakers, they should consider the budget, some of the features they desire, and, more importantly, how it would affect their workflow to enhance their creations.
