Since its first appearance in 1954, the kaiju created by Tomoyuki Tanaka was a huge success all over the world and became a gigantic franchise with films produced not only in Japan, but also in other countries.
Sometimes depicted as the villain and other times as the hero, the numerous versions and arcs of Gojira (as he is called in Japan) have had their ups and downs. Another King of the Monsters movie came out in March, this time Godzilla vs. Kong, titled The New Empire. To refresh our memories, here are 10 of the best Godzilla movies and which streaming to watch them on.
The 10 best Godzilla movies
10. Godzilla (1954)
The original Godzilla film is certainly worthy of being placed in the top 10 of the best films in the series, not only because it marked the beginning of films about the monster, but because it symbolizes the destruction caused by nuclear weapons in Japan in mid-1945.
The premise of the film is that of a giant reptile, created thanks to nuclear testing, walking towards Tokyo causing destruction wherever it goes, while the authorities try to contain the panic of the population and find a way to destroy the 50 meter tall monster.
Amazon Prime Video.
9. Godzilla (2014)
The 2014 American Godzilla has a somewhat weak script compared to Japanese productions, but it pleased Western audiences with the greatest Godzilla ever created at the time. It was later surpassed with the release of the Japanese production Shin Godzilla in 2016.
In the 2014 storyline, a naval officer specializing in bombs travels to Japan to aid his father in an investigation into mysterious creatures that threaten human life, and now they need the help of another powerful creature to save civilization .
available on Max and Amazon Prime Video and purchasable on YouTube, Google Play Movies and Apple TV.
8. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Having two iconic creatures like Godzilla and King Kong together in one film obviously requires spectacular action scenes. The production was highly anticipated especially because it is the union of two very popular franchises, even if it is not the first time that a film with Godzilla vs Kong has been produced, if we take into consideration the 1962 Japanese production of the same name.
The 2021 film is a sequel to Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Godzilla II: King of the Monsters (2019), in which humans search for a way to end Godzilla’s mysterious attacks and find a home for Kong. The film brought glorious battle scenes, as well as promising a sequel due out in March 2024.
available on Max and Amazon Prime Video and purchasable on YouTube, Google Play Movies and Apple TV.
7. Godzilla II: King of the Monsters (2019)
Set 5 years after the events of the 2019 film (mentioned in point 9), this sequel brings more monsters for great showdowns. You might argue, “but this isn’t the first time Godzilla fights other creatures in a movie.” Yes, in fact, it’s not even close to the first time, and we will list the other previous films later, but this film in particular deserves its place in this list for bringing an epic visual image and great clash scenes.
The plot is simple: an agency called Monarch tries to convince the government of the importance of studies on powerful kaiju who end up dueling each other, putting the existence of the human race at risk.
available on Max and Amazon Prime Video and purchasable on YouTube, Google Play Movies and Apple TV.
6. Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
In 1992, a creature that made its grand debut in the Heisei Era was Mothra. There were already productions with the giant moth in the Showa Era, which first appeared in 1961 with its own film, but from 1964 onwards it began to participate in some films with Godzilla and other kaijus, with its last appearance in the Showa Era 1968.
Thus, in 1992, more than 20 years had passed since he last appeared on movie screens. In this production, Mothra fights to save civilization from the monstrous Godzilla who threatens the planet, causing destruction wherever he goes.
available on Amazon Prime Video.
5.Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Toho Studios’ latest release, 2023’s Godzilla Minus One, deserves a place on this list. Seven years after his last appearance, the story of the giant monster returns to its origins, set shortly after World War II, when Japan was still trying to recover from the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In this scenario, Godzilla appears as a cruel and dangerous monster that destroys everything it sees in spectacular scenes that deserve to be recognized.
It’s only been a few months since the film was released in theaters so it hasn’t arrived on streaming platforms yet, but it will be available soon.
4. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
This production takes on a darker tone when it introduces Godzilla’s new adversary: ​​Destroyah. This film has a direct connection to the first feature film from 1954, as Destroyah is the result of the Oxygen Destroyer defeating Godzilla’s first appearance.
As one of the strongest opponents of the king of monsters, great battle scenes between these two titans are guaranteed, as well as bringing some apprehension because Godzilla has a heart that is basically a nuclear reactor about to explode and end the human race .
Currently, the film is not available on any streaming service, but with the rise of recent films in the franchise, we can hope to see the production on some platform again.
3. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Attack of the Giant Monsters (2001)
Even though the title isn’t the best, this particular film is worth checking out. In this production Godzilla is awakened by an American submarine and directs all his fury towards Japan, as happens in most films.
However, this Godzilla is not so much a nuclear accident as it is a creation of the tortured souls of World War II. And to save the Japanese people, the help of three other kaiju will be needed: Baragon, Mothra and Ghidorah.
Currently, the film is not available on any streaming service, but with the rise of recent films in the franchise, we can hope to see the production on some platform again.
2. Godzilla: Final Battle (2004)
To celebrate Godzilla’s 50th birthday, the 2004 film brought together 15 kaiju in total, as well as mutants, aliens, and plenty of action. This production is fast paced with chaotic and sometimes very funny fights, thanks to the huge amount of events that take place in the 2 hours and 5 minutes of the film.
In the synopsis, a submarine, in the midst of combat against Godzilla, launches missiles to destroy the king of the monsters, but the offensive ends up leaving both trapped in an ice cave in Antarctica. In the years that followed, due to natural disasters, kaiju appeared and began to destroy several cities around the world, but the same phenomenon also caused the appearance of mutants who were recruited by the Earth Defense Force to fight against the monsters. It’s everything a giant monster movie can be.
Currently, the film is not available on any streaming service, but with the rise of recent films in the franchise, we can hope to see the production on some platform again.
1. Shin Godzilla (2016)
And the top spot for best film on this list goes to 2016’s Shin Godzilla, with the simple premise of a giant creature that emerges from the depths of the sea and begins destroying Tokyo with its immense size and enormous strength.
Set in the 21st century, the film has a little less action than most kaiju films, but with some horror elements and a more logical approach to the events that follow.
The screenplay was written by the author of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hideaki Anno (who also directed the film together with Shinji Higuchi), and brings reflections on nuclear weapons and their consequences, as well as portraying the bureaucratic and political side in a sober way , but always prioritizing the risk to civilization that Godzilla represents.
available on Max and Amazon Prime Video.
The post What are the best Godzilla movies? appeared first on Olhar Digital.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
