How to Watch Kong and Godzilla Movies: A Definitive Guide

Want to dive into the world of colossal titans? This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap through the Monsterverse, charting the course to watch every King Kong and Godzilla movie in the order that best suits your viewing preference.

Table of Contents

A Kaiju-Sized Question: How Exactly Do You Watch These Movies?

The question of how to watch Kong and Godzilla movies hinges on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Are you aiming for chronological accuracy, following the events as they unfold within the fictional universe? Or are you interested in release order, witnessing the evolution of special effects and narrative styles across decades of cinematic history? Ultimately, the “best” way is subjective, but we strongly recommend starting with the release order. This approach allows you to appreciate the progression of the visual effects, monster design, and storytelling. It also avoids potential spoilers and tonal shifts that can be jarring when jumping between eras. After experiencing the films in release order, a chronological viewing can offer a fresh perspective on the Monsterverse’s connected narrative.

The King’s Timeline: Release Order

This is arguably the most rewarding way to experience the grandeur and evolution of both Kong and Godzilla. Here’s the list, spanning decades and showcasing the incredible advancement in visual effects:

King Kong (1933): The original and still incredibly influential. A group of filmmakers encounter a giant ape on Skull Island.
Godzilla (1954): The dawn of the atomic age gives rise to a terrifying monster. This film is a powerful allegory.
King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962): The first, and arguably most entertaining, showdown between the titans.
Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964): Godzilla faces off against the iconic Mothra.
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964): The introduction of Godzilla’s ultimate nemesis.
Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965): Godzilla and Rodan team up to fight King Ghidorah.
Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966): Godzilla battles a giant lobster.
Son of Godzilla (1967): A lighter, more family-friendly Godzilla film.
Destroy All Monsters (1968): A grand spectacle featuring nearly every Toho monster.
All Monsters Attack (1969): (Also known as Godzilla’s Revenge) A controversial film, primarily aimed at children.
Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971): A bizarre and environmentally conscious Godzilla film.
Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972): Another classic showdown with a memorable villain.
Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973): Considered one of the cheesiest but also beloved entries.
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974): The debut of Mechagodzilla, a robotic doppelganger.
Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975): A direct sequel to Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.
King Kong (1976): A remake of the 1933 classic, starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange.
Godzilla (1984): A darker reboot of the Godzilla franchise.
King Kong Lives (1986): A much-maligned sequel to the 1976 King Kong.
Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989): A more mature and visually impressive Godzilla film.
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991): A time-traveling adventure with Ghidorah.
Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992): A visually stunning rematch between the two titans.
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993): Mechagodzilla returns with a new design.
Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994): Godzilla faces off against a cosmic clone.
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995): A powerful and emotional film, considered by many to be the best of the Heisei era.
Godzilla (1998): Roland Emmerich’s controversial Americanized take on Godzilla.
Godzilla 2000 (1999): The beginning of the Millennium era of Godzilla films.
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000): Godzilla battles a giant dragonfly.
Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001): A darker and more serious Godzilla film.
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002): Another Mechagodzilla iteration, this time built from the original Godzilla’s bones.
Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003): A direct sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla.
Godzilla: Final Wars (2004): A celebration of the entire Godzilla franchise, featuring numerous monsters.
Kong: Skull Island (2017): A reboot of the Kong franchise, set in the Monsterverse.
Godzilla (2014): The American reboot that kicked off the modern Monsterverse.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019): Godzilla faces off against King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Rodan.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021): The epic showdown between the two titans.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024): Godzilla and Kong must team up against a new threat.

The Monsterverse Chronological Order

For those interested in following the storyline within the Monsterverse, here’s the suggested chronological order:

Kong: Skull Island (2017): Set in 1973, this film serves as an excellent introduction to the Monsterverse.
Godzilla (2014): The events of this film unfold largely in the present day, following the emergence of Godzilla and the MUTOs.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019): Set five years after Godzilla (2014), this movie sees the awakening of other Titans.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021): Follows the events of King of the Monsters, with Godzilla and Kong clashing for dominance.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024): Continues the storyline, exploring the Hollow Earth and introducing new threats.

Where to Watch

Finding these films can be tricky, as availability varies by region and platform. Here’s a general overview:

Streaming Services

Netflix: Often carries a rotating selection of older Godzilla films, as well as potentially some Monsterverse titles depending on your region.
HBO Max/Max: Typically the best place to find Monsterverse movies, as they are owned by Warner Bros.
Hulu: Can occasionally have select Godzilla and Kong movies available for streaming.
Amazon Prime Video: Offers many Godzilla and Kong films for rent or purchase. Subscriptions like Shudder or Screambox (through Prime Video channels) can unlock more niche titles.

Physical Media

Blu-ray/DVD: Owning physical copies ensures you can watch the movies anytime, regardless of streaming availability. Look for box sets and special editions.

Digital Purchase

iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft Store: Allow you to purchase digital copies of the films for permanent access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

H3 What’s the best order to watch the Monsterverse movies for newcomers?

We recommend release order within the Monsterverse: Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla (2014), Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. This provides a gradual introduction to the lore and visual spectacle.

H3 Are the classic Toho Godzilla films worth watching?

Absolutely! While the special effects may seem dated by modern standards, the classic Toho films are essential viewing for any Godzilla fan. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the character’s history and cultural significance.

H3 Is the 1998 Godzilla movie part of the Monsterverse?

No, the 1998 Godzilla movie is not considered part of the Monsterverse. It is a standalone film that has been largely disowned by Toho and many fans.

H3 Do I need to watch every Godzilla movie to understand the Monsterverse?

No, you don’t. The Monsterverse is relatively self-contained. While knowledge of past Godzilla lore might enrich your experience, it’s not necessary to understand the core plot.

H3 What’s the difference between Godzilla and Zilla?

“Zilla” is the name Toho gave to the Godzilla from the 1998 film. It’s often used disparagingly by fans to differentiate it from the true Godzilla. The main differences are in appearance, abilities, and overall portrayal. Godzilla is far more powerful and iconic.

H3 Where can I find the original Japanese versions of the Godzilla films?

Finding the original Japanese versions (with subtitles) often requires a bit more digging. Criterion Collection has released restored versions of some of the classics. Streaming services can also sometimes offer both versions.

H3 Are there any Kong movies besides King Kong and Kong: Skull Island?

Yes! There are several Kong movies, including sequels and reboots like Son of Kong, King Kong vs. Godzilla, King Kong Escapes, King Kong Lives, and others. They range in quality and connection to established lore.

H3 Why are Godzilla and Kong so popular?

Their popularity stems from their roles as powerful symbols of nature’s fury, humanity’s hubris, and the potential for both destruction and protection. Their battles represent primal conflicts and the balance of power.

H3 Are there any animated Godzilla or Kong series worth watching?

Yes! Godzilla: The Series (a sequel to the 1998 film, ironically) is surprisingly well-regarded. Kong: The Animated Series is another option. More recently, Skull Island on Netflix is a new anime series that expands the Monsterverse lore.

H3 What does “Kaiju” mean?

“Kaiju” is a Japanese word that literally translates to “strange beast.” It is commonly used to refer to giant monsters, particularly those from Japanese cinema.

H3 What are the Hollow Earth theories explored in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire?

The Hollow Earth theory proposes that Earth is hollow and contains a hidden ecosystem within. In the Monsterverse, it is a source of immense power and the ancestral home of the Titans.

H3 Will there be more Monsterverse movies after Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire?

While nothing is definitively confirmed, the success of the Monsterverse suggests that more films are likely. The end of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire certainly leaves room for further exploration of the Hollow Earth and the Titans’ place in the world.