Most of the initial and well known computer graphics was created by University of UTAH, funded by DARPA. ‘Computer Animation’ ages back from the time of computer graphics were into existence. 3D animation is often accredited to William Fetter who invented the phrase "Computer graphics". In 1960, as an employee of ‘Boeing’ he used computers to generate animation for specific models. While in one of the project he created a 3D depiction of a human body which is famously called as ‘The Boeing Man’.

In 1976, the innovative use of computer generated animation was used was used by Ed Catmull and Fred Parke in a movie "Futureworld" in the form of a human hand and face to give a high-tech, science fiction look to the film. It was the first commercial use of such techniques.

The technique has been used in various movies, has became a standard in film, television and video games. This started with a film “Star Wars Episode IV: A New hope” written and directed by George Lucas. The animated movie “Toy Story” premiered in 1995 was the first feature - length 3D animated movie which broke the box office records ensuring that the 3D animation would be a staple in the cinematic community for decades to come.

References:
http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=184916
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5070359_history-computer-animation.html
http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=184916