Every Godzilla Movie in Chronological Order: From 1954 to 2024

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  • Showa Era

    • Godzilla (1954)
    • Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
    • King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
    • Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
    • Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
    • Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)
    • Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)
    • Son of Godzilla (1967)
    • Destroy All Monsters (1968)
    • All Monsters Attack (1969)
    • Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
    • Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
    • Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
    • Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
    • Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
  • Heisei Era

    • The Return of Godzilla (1984)
    • Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
    • Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
    • Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
    • Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)
    • Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
    • Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
  • TriStar Era

    • Godzilla (1998)
  • Millennuim Era

    • Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
    • Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)
    • Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
    • Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)
    • Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
    • Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
  • Reiwa Era (Ongoing)

    • Shin Godzilla (2016)
    • Godzilla: Planet of Monsters (2017)
    • Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)
    • Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)
    • Godzilla Minus One (2023)
  • Monsterverse (Ongoing)

    • Godzilla (2014)
    • Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
    • Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
    • Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Godzilla, a colossal creature from fiction, made its debut on the movie screen in Japan back in 1954. From rising out of the sea, this titan has been the focus of 38 feature films, as well as multiple TV series, comic books, and video games.

The production of Godzilla movies spans across different periods, each having its unique characteristics. The Showa period from 1954 to 1975 produced the initial fifteen films that established and characterized Godzilla, introducing many of his adversaries. After a break, the Heisei era from 1984 to 1995 revitalized the series with seven more movies. The Millennium period from 1999 to 2004 followed suit, offering six standalone films. In Japanese Godzilla filmmaking, the latest phase is the Reiwa era, which started in 2016 and currently consists of five films produced up to this point.

At around the same time as these Japanese films, the year 1998 saw the appearance of American Godzilla movies, specifically the film titled Godzilla. Furthermore, in the year 2014, an expansive universe of four more movies, collectively known as the Monsterverse, were added to the franchise.

Showa Era

Godzilla (1954)

The first movie in the series, titled “Godzilla”, introduced viewers to the colossal beast causing chaos among humans and animals alike. This titanic creature surfaced from the Pacific Ocean and laid waste to Tokyo before being defeated by the Japanese Navy. Even after Godzilla’s demise, continued atomic testing could potentially bring forth another monster like him rising from the ocean in the future.

Godzilla, the iconic character, is owned and originally brought to life by Toho Co., Ltd, a Japanese entertainment company. Over the years, they’ve been responsible for producing and distributing all 32 films featuring this legendary monster.

Godzilla Raids Again (1955)

In the film Godzilla Strikes Again, Godzilla faces his initial screen adversary, Anguirus. Amidst their fierce battle, both monsters wreck Osaka city to pieces. Ultimately, Godzilla defeats Anguirus only to be buried beneath a gigantic avalanche later on.

King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

Titled “King Kong vs. Godzilla“, this film marks the third installment in both the King Kong and the Godzilla series, as these iconic characters make their debut on screen in color for the first time. Seven years prior, Godzilla was buried under an avalanche, only to re-emerge in this movie. Meanwhile, King Kong wreaks havoc on Faro Island, battling a giant octopus. The two titans eventually find themselves in Japan, engaging in a fierce battle that involves hurling rocks and bursts of heat at each other. As the story concludes, both King Kong and Godzilla plummet off a cliff, leaving their future threats uncertain. At this time, the film is not available for streaming.

Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

Following the events of “King Kong vs. Godzilla,” Godzilla vanishes into the ocean. Contrarily, in “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” the titular monster arises from the mud after a storm causes an egg belonging to the insect deity Mothra to wash up on shore. After agreeing to aid in the fight against Godzilla, Mothra meets its demise. Nevertheless, the egg hatches, giving birth to two Mothra larvae who ensnare Godzilla in silk before he plunges back into the sea. Essentially, “Mothra vs. Godzilla” picks up where “King Kong vs. Godzilla” leaves off, with a new twist and continuation of the monster battles on Max.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)

Titled “Ghidorah: The Space Dragon Confronted“, this film features an epic alliance between three iconic kaiju – Godzilla, Mothra, and Rodan in the skies. Ghidorah, a terrifying three-headed beast, looms as a threat to Earth. The movie showcases various city raids by Godzilla and battles between him and Rodan, but the climactic event is their joint effort to expel Ghidorah from our planet. When Godzilla and Rodan witness Mothra valiantly battling Ghidorah single-handedly, they join forces with her, successfully sending the cosmic menace back into space.

Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)

In the movie “Invasion of the Monster Planet,” two space travelers encounter the Xiliens, an extraterrestrial race seeking to harness Godzilla, Ghidorah, and Rodan for a war against their foe “Monster Zero.” However, the astronauts soon discover that the Xiliens aim to conquer Earth, using the monsters to enter a trance state for their nefarious purposes. In the end, the Xiliens are vanquished, leaving the future of the titanic creatures uncertain. Catch it on Max.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)

In the thrilling movie titled “Ebirah, Horror of the Deep,” it’s no surprise that a colossal, lobster-like beast named Ebirah is the main villain, controlled by a Japanese terrorist group known as the Red Bamboo. When attempting to break free from the Red Bamboo’s grasp, a band of people inadvertently summon Godzilla, who later engages and eliminates Ebirah. As the story unfolds, Mothra makes an appearance and scares Godzilla away before any more harm can be inflicted on humans. You can stream this action-packed adventure on Max.

Son of Godzilla (1967)

In the movie titled “Son of Godzilla“, an enormous egg crackles open, unveiling a tiny Godzilla. When the little one lets out a cry for help, its father, Godzilla, appears to claim the baby as his own. The infant is eventually named Minilla and, despite never growing as large as Godzilla, the duo join forces to vanquish a massive spider known as Kumonga. Watch it on Max.

Destroy All Monsters (1968)

In a period of global tranquility, Destroy All Monsters portrays humanity’s struggle to contain Godzilla, Mothra, and other perils. However, these monsters are ensnared by the cunning schemes of an extraterrestrial faction, the Kilaaks, who instigate global city devastation. In a turn of events, Godzilla and his monster compatriots revolt against the Kilaaks, eliminating them. The monsters are then allowed to return to Monsterland, a designated sanctuary where they reside peacefully once more. Watch on Max.

All Monsters Attack (1969)

In the film titled “All Monsters Attack“, a young boy named Ichiro forms a friendship with Minilla. They observe as Godzilla battles foes such as Ebirah, Kumonga, and others. Minilla often finds himself in challenging situations, even facing a bully named Gabara. By the movie’s end, both Ichiro and Minilla stand up to their tormentors, demonstrating courage and resilience. Stream it on Max.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

In the movie “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” an alien resembling a horse-head arrives on Earth via a comet. This creature, menacingly polluting our planet and endangering humanity, faces off against Godzilla. The climax of this battle sees Godzilla emerging victorious, not as a foe to mankind, but as its unlikely savior. You can watch this epic showdown on Max.

Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

In the film, the titans Godzilla and Anguirus join forces to battle the extraterrestrial adversaries Gigan and Ghidorah, rather than facing off against each other as one might initially assume.

Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the epic battle between titans in my favorite film, “Godzilla vs. Megalon.” In this classic clash, the insectoid monster Megalon, dispatched from the underwater civilization of Seatopia, surfaces to challenge Godzilla. The two titans engage in a fierce duel, with the menacing Gigan joining forces with Megalon. However, humanity doesn’t stand idle; they deploy Jet Jaguar, a mighty robot, to counter Megalon’s onslaught. In an unexpected turn of events, Godzilla and Jet Jaguar unite their forces to subdue Megalon and Gigan, ultimately forcing them into a hasty retreat. If you haven’t yet experienced this timeless battle, be sure to stream it on Max!

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

In this clash, Godzilla goes head-to-head with a robotic version of himself, Mechagodzilla. Initially, Mechagodzilla pretends to be Godzilla, but its true alien heritage is eventually revealed. In the end, when it’s time for the decisive battle, Godzilla and King Caesar, the protector of Okinawa, join forces and manage to overcome Mechagodzilla.

Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

In my viewpoint as a fan, the epic battle between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla unfolded in “Terror of Mechagodzilla.” In this film, after Godzilla viciously detached Mechagodzilla’s head, the remnants of the robot sunk to the ocean floor. However, humanity would soon face a new threat – the colossal aquatic dinosaur, Titanosaurus.

The sinister Simeons, the builders of Mechagodzilla, unveiled another robotic monster and deployed it to Tokyo to combat Titanosaurus. In the end, Godzilla valiantly defeated both adversaries, restoring peace for now.

If you’re interested in reliving this epic showdown, be sure to catch “Terror of Mechagodzilla” on Max!

Heisei Era

The Return of Godzilla (1984)

In the Heisei period, Godzilla’s Revival marked the start, and it carries a more serious atmosphere than previous films within the series. This movie introduces new motifs that would later define this era, portraying Godzilla as a foe to humanity once again. A series of nuclear incidents are attributed to Godzilla, following which he unleashes several rampages. Eventually, an attempt is made to confine his fury by imprisoning him within a volcano.

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)

In the storyline of “Godzilla vs. Biollante,” Godzilla breaks free from his volcanic confinement following the manipulation of his cells to produce Biollante, a massive, plant-like creature. Subsequently, these two colossal beings engage in numerous battles, with Godzilla ultimately prevailing. This narrative serves as an introduction to Miki Saegusa, a Japanese character endowed with psychic abilities, enabling her to converse telepathically with the mighty Godzilla.

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)

In the movie Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, Godzilla – weakened from exposure to harmful bacteria at the end of his battle with Biolante – must still confront the three-headed space monster, King Ghidorah. Radiation-exposed, King Ghidorah is dispatched by the Futurians, an alien faction that dominates Japan. Godzilla battles and overcomes Ghidorah initially, but in a time-twisting escapade, he finds himself battling Robo-King Ghidorah instead.

Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)

As a cinephile, I can’t help but get excited about the comeback of the legendary monster Mothra in “Godzilla vs. Mothra”. This epic reappearance is prompted by the unearthing of one of her eggs. A group of enigmatic beings known as Cosmos take charge of this egg and share with us humans an intriguing tale about a past civilization that attempted to create a male moth counterpart named Battra.

In this cinematic adventure, Mothra and Battra clash, but our beloved titan emerges victorious. However, when her egg is found, the formidable Battra re-emerges. The trio of Mothra, Battra, and Godzilla then descend upon Japan, with Mothra stepping in to protect Battra from Godzilla’s wrath. Despite Mothra’s valiant efforts, Godzilla manages to defeat Battra. However, our heroic moth uses her mystical powers to imprison the King of Monsters beneath the ocean’s surface.

If you’re as eager as I am to witness this thrilling spectacle, be sure to stream it on The Criterion Channel!

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)

In the film “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II“, Godzilla initially seems subdued, but humans continue constructing anti-Godzilla devices using parts of Mecha-King Ghidorah. A new Baby Godzilla emerges at a research facility and is used as a decoy to provoke a battle between Godzilla and Megagodzilla. Rodan and Godzilla previously contended over the Baby Godzilla egg, but it hatched before they could claim it. In this fight, both Rodan and Godzilla take on Mechagodzilla, ultimately destroying it. The victorious Godzilla and Baby Godzilla then depart for the ocean together. Watch it now on Pluto TV.

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

Exposure of Godzilla cells to cosmic radiation gives birth to SpaceGodzilla, setting the stage for an epic clash in the movie “Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.” In this thrilling encounter, both Big and Mini Godzillas square off against their new adversary. Multiple battles ensue between Godzilla and SpaceGodzilla, culminating with the triumph of the original. Don’t miss out on catching this spectacle on Pluto TV!

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)

Due to Godzilla possessing a nuclear core, its potential meltdown poses a danger to Earth. At the same time, the Destoroyah, shape-shifting creatures, arise from the ocean. It’s later found out that the Destoroyah can be subdued by cold temperatures, which transforms them into one colossal creature.

In the movie titled “Godzilla vs. Destoroyah“, Miki Saegusa attempts to reach out to a matured Godzilla, affectionately known as Godzilla Junior. Upon arrival, however, Destoroyah annihilates the young Godzilla. Enraged, Godzilla seeks revenge against Destoroyah but his health deteriorates further. In the final battle, Godzilla defeats Destoroyah, yet his own heart succumbs to the strain and he passes away. The fallen Godzilla Junior absorbs the lethal radiation and is reborn as a new, powerful Godzilla. Watch it on Pluto TV.

TriStar Era

Godzilla (1998)

In this modern retelling, Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, among others, headline the production. The film, titled “Godzilla”, revolves around the character of Dr. Niko “Nick” Tatopoulos, portrayed by Broderick, and his team as they encounter and battle against Godzilla upon his arrival in New York City. Upon its global release, “Godzilla” garnered significant success, but within the US borders, it was met with disappointment instead of triumph.

Millennuim Era

Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)

At the turn of the new millennium, Godzilla 2000: Millennium centers around the Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN) and their attempts to foresee the power that is Godzilla. Following two confrontations between the monster and a UFO, the UFO emerges with an intent to gather genetic material from Godzilla. Once they obtain Godzilla’s DNA, they create Orga, a creature of their own making. Godzilla and Orga engage in combat, during which Orga absorbs more DNA and transforms into a clone of Godzilla. In the climactic battle, Orga attempts to consume Godzilla but is ultimately destroyed. You can stream or download on Apple TV.

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

In the context of the 1954 classic “Godzilla,” the film “Godzilla vs. Megaguirus” portrays Godzilla as he targets nuclear and plasma power sources, remaining a threat to humanity. This time, the villain arrives on Earth via a wormhole. The Meganulon creatures give birth to Meganula, which blend with Godzilla’s energy to produce Megaguirus, their queen. You can watch it on Pluto TV.

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

In the movie “Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack,” an extra monster named Baragon joins the fray. Godzilla engages in combat with Baragon before Mothra unites with Ghidorah to take on Godzilla. Despite Godzilla’s victory over Ghidorah, he ultimately explodes, leaving only his pulsing heart behind. You can catch this thrilling spectacle by renting or purchasing it on Apple TV.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)

In the film titled “Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla,” the updated version of Mechagodzilla, named Kiryu, is introduced. Kiryu was constructed from Godzilla’s leftovers, and as they clash in the movie, Kiryu recalls the tragic demise of the original Godzilla. In this story, Godzilla is a fresh member of the same species. Their climactic fight concludes inconclusively, with Godzilla injured and Kiryu severely damaged. The movie can be streamed on Pluto TV.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

In the aftermath of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, we find ourselves in the story of Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.. One year has passed since Kirya was readied and Godzilla regained his strength, continuing to pose a danger to Japan. In an effort to protect their country, Kirya, Mothra, and Mothra’s offspring unite in battle against the beast. As the story comes to a close, hints at several containers filled with kaiju DNA suggest future events. Catch it on Pluto TV.

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

At the conclusion of the Millennium-era film titled “Godzilla: Final Battles“, humanity faces off against a horde of monsters. However, when extraterrestrial Xiliens appear, all creatures mysteriously vanish. In response, Godzilla engages in single combat with each alien monster. With the Xiliens as his final adversary, Godzilla is prepared to fight them, but a new opponent, Monster X, arrives. The epic battle between Godzilla and Monster X ensues, culminating in their confrontation. In the end, Godzilla and his offspring, Minilla, make their way into the ocean together. You can catch this thrilling adventure on Pluto TV.

Reiwa Era (Ongoing)

Shin Godzilla (2016)

The film titled Shin Godzilla, set during the Reiwa period, introduces an even more colossal Godzilla that enters a slumber state but continues to pose a significant worldwide danger. Scientists delve deep into understanding Godzilla’s mutations in an attempt to find a solution for eliminating this menace. Upon discovering that freezing is the only viable option, a strategy is devised to permanently subdue Godzilla.

Godzilla: Planet of Monsters (2017)

In the distant future, when Godzilla dominates Earth, a band of humans strive to reclaim their world and permanently vanquish the colossal monster. This story unfolds in the animated film titled Godzilla: Planet of Monsters, which marked the debut in the series for this animation format.

Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)

Following directly from the earlier film “Godzilla: Planet of Monsters”, we have “Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle”. Like its predecessor, this animated series carries on the storyline. The battle for Earth between humans and Godzilla persists, but this time, they’ve got Mechagodzilla at their disposal to aid in their struggle. You can watch it streaming on Netflix.

Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)

In the third installment of the Godzilla anime trilogy, titled Godzilla: The Planet Eater, marks the climactic battle for Earth. Here, humans and Godzilla join forces to combat a mutual threat, Ghidorah. Vanquishing Ghidorah ushers in a new era of coexistence between mankind and Godzilla on our planet. You can watch it on Netflix.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

In a reimagining of Toho’s 33rd film, titled “Godzilla Minus One“, the story unfolds in the 1940s, blending themes of post-war resilience, nuclear danger, and selflessness within the iconic series. The fury of Godzilla brings about massive loss and devastation across landscapes, yet courageous Japanese aviators rise to counterattack and attempt to vanquish the colossal creature.

Monsterverse (Ongoing)

Godzilla (2014)

In the initial installment of what’s known as the Monsterverse series, titled “Godzilla“, showcased an unprecedented array of special effects and gigantic monsters unlike any seen before. Starring Elisabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, this film brought the legendary Godzilla to life as it rose from the sea to wreak havoc on Japan once more. However, there were other perils lurking, referred to as Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms or MUTOs. In a climactic battle near San Francisco, Godzilla and the MUTOs clashed, but the “Monarch of Monsters” ultimately prevailed.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

In this new installment titled “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” five years have passed since the last film’s events. The star-studded cast includes Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, and Millie Bobby Brown. Notable creatures such as Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah make an appearance in this sequel. As Godzilla grows stronger, he ultimately assumes the role of leader among the titans.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

At the end of the movie “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” a teaser was shown for the next film, “Godzilla vs. Kong.” This upcoming film will see Godzilla and Kong squaring off against each other in the depths of Hollow Earth. Both Kyle Chandler and Millie Bobby Brown are set to reappear, with Alexander Skarsgård leading the cast as Mechagodzilla makes his appearance, joining forces to take on both titans.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Three years following the epic battle of “Godzilla vs. Kong“, we now find ourselves in a new story titled “Godzilla x Kong: The United Realms“. In this continuation, Kong has ascended to leadership within the subterranean realm of Hollow Earth, while Godzilla maintains his dominance on Earth’s surface. However, as fate would have it, they must put aside their differences and team up to confront an alien threat: the malevolent Shimo, with their ruthless leader, Skar King.

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2025-01-19 22:03