So, you want to watch all the Godzilla movies? It’s a herculean task, a true monster marathon, but absolutely achievable. There are multiple paths to traversing the King of the Monsters’ cinematic reign, each with its own considerations of release order, chronological order, and the all-important question of continuity. This guide will arm you with the knowledge to choose the path that best suits your kaiju craving.
The Many Paths to Godzilla Enlightenment
The crucial decision before embarking on your Godzilla journey is deciding how to watch them. The movies span several eras, each with a distinct style, tone, and continuity (or lack thereof). Here are your primary options:
- Release Order: This is the most straightforward approach. Watch the films in the order they were released in Japan. This lets you witness the evolution of special effects, the shifting cultural anxieties reflected in the films, and the ebb and flow of Godzilla’s popularity. This starts with Godzilla (1954) and ends with Godzilla Minus One (2023).
- Chronological Order (Within Each Era): While not strictly a single continuous timeline, most eras have a loose internal chronology. While some retcons exist, watching within each era in chronological order can enhance the narrative flow within that era.
- By Era (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa, MonsterVerse): This is a popular method. Each era has a distinct feel. Experiencing them in full blocks allows you to appreciate the individual artistic vision of each period.
- Thematic Clusters: This is for the seasoned Godzilla fan. You could group films based on specific monsters (e.g., a Mothra-centric viewing), themes (e.g., the anti-nuclear themes), or even directors.
- The “Best Of” Route: Perhaps you don’t have the time (or the stomach) for everything. This is a curated selection of the most critically acclaimed and culturally significant films, offering a condensed but powerful Godzilla experience.
Ultimately, there’s no “right” way. It depends on your personal preferences and your tolerance for rubber suits.
The Key Eras of Godzilla
Understanding the different eras is crucial for navigating the vast landscape of Godzilla films.
Showa Era (1954-1975)
- Characteristics: The Showa era is characterized by its gradual shift from a serious, cautionary tale to more kid-friendly, monster-wrestling adventures. Expect plenty of camp, creative monster designs, and surprisingly catchy theme music.
- Key Films: Godzilla (1954), Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973).
Heisei Era (1984-1995)
- Characteristics: A return to a darker, more serious tone, the Heisei era aims for greater scientific accuracy and continuity. Godzilla is once again a force of destruction, though sometimes reluctantly aligned with humanity.
- Key Films: The Return of Godzilla (1984), Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993), Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995).
Millennium Era (1999-2004)
- Characteristics: This era is an anthology, with each film largely disconnected from the others, offering fresh interpretations of the Godzilla mythos. This allows for experimentation and diverse storytelling approaches.
- Key Films: Godzilla 2000 (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 (2016-Present)
- Characteristics: This era has seen a resurgence of Godzilla’s popularity, with both anime and live-action films offering unique and thought-provoking interpretations.
- Key Films: Shin Godzilla (2016), Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017), Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018), Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018), Godzilla Minus One (2023).
MonsterVerse (2014-Present)
- Characteristics: This American-produced series is part of a shared cinematic universe featuring Godzilla, Kong, and other classic monsters. It boasts big budgets, impressive visual effects, and a focus on spectacle.
- Key Films: Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Watching Godzilla Movies
Here are some common questions to help you navigate your kaiju quest:
1. Where can I watch all the Godzilla movies legally?
Streaming services are your best bet. Max often has a selection of classic Godzilla films, and Criterion Channel is an excellent source for the original Godzilla (1954) and some of the best of the Showa era. Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV offer rentals and purchases. Be aware that availability varies by region and changes frequently. Physical media (Blu-rays and DVDs) are also excellent options, offering superior image quality and bonus features.
2. In what order should I watch the Heisei era films?
The generally accepted Heisei era chronological order is: 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), and Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995). This order maintains narrative continuity, though minor inconsistencies exist.
3. Which Godzilla movie is the “best” starting point?
Godzilla (1954) is the obvious starting point due to its historical significance and powerful anti-nuclear message. However, Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) is a visually spectacular and accessible entry point for modern audiences who prefer bigger, louder action. Shin Godzilla (2016) is a more challenging but highly rewarding option, offering a unique and modern take on the franchise.
4. Are the American Godzilla movies considered canon?
This is a contentious topic among fans. Generally, the MonsterVerse films (2014-present) are considered their own self-contained continuity. The 1998 Godzilla film, often referred to as “Zilla,” is largely disregarded by Toho, the Japanese studio that owns Godzilla, and is not typically considered part of any main timeline.
5. What’s the difference between the Japanese and American versions of Godzilla (1954)?
The American version, Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), heavily edits the original Japanese film, adding scenes with Raymond Burr as an American journalist and removing significant portions of the Japanese narrative. The Japanese version is generally considered the definitive and superior version.
6. Do I need to watch the anime Godzilla trilogy?
The anime trilogy (Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, Godzilla: The Planet Eater) is a unique and divisive entry in the Godzilla canon. They offer a distinct science fiction approach to the mythos, but are not for everyone. They are not essential to enjoying the broader Godzilla franchise.
7. Is it okay to skip some of the films?
Absolutely! There are some Godzilla movies that are… less than stellar. Feel free to prioritize the films that appeal to you based on reviews, word-of-mouth, or the descriptions provided in this guide. No one will judge you for skipping Godzilla vs. Megalon.
8. Where can I find subtitles for the Japanese Godzilla films?
Most streaming services and Blu-ray releases offer English subtitles. Reputable fan-subbing groups have also provided subtitles for many films that were previously unavailable in English. Ensure the subtitles are accurate and well-translated for the best viewing experience.
9. What are some common Godzilla recurring characters (human characters)?
Professor Serizawa (a tragic figure in the original film) and Miki Saegusa (a psychic who communicates with Godzilla in the Heisei era) are two notable recurring characters. While characters might reappear, continuity between eras can be loose, so their backstories might vary.
10. Which Godzilla movie has the most monsters?
Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) features a veritable monster mash, with numerous kaiju appearances and battles. It’s a chaotic and over-the-top spectacle. Destroy All Monsters (1968) is a close second and considered a classic for its sheer number of monsters.
11. What’s the best way to approach the Millennium era?
The Millennium era is best approached as a series of standalone films. Each film offers a fresh perspective on Godzilla, so you can jump in at any point without needing prior knowledge.
12. Should I watch the MonsterVerse movies in release order?
Yes, it’s best to watch the MonsterVerse films in release order: Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). While Kong: Skull Island is a prequel, it enriches the overall narrative to watch it in release order. This helps to fully understand the organizations Monarch and Apex Cybernetics, and the escalating threat of the titans.
Embark on your Godzilla journey with confidence! Armed with this guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the atomic breath-filled world of the King of the Monsters. Whether you choose to follow release order, explore specific eras, or curate your own “best of” list, enjoy the ride. After all, every Godzilla movie is a chance to witness the enduring power and cultural impact of this iconic cinematic titan.