Top 5 Godzilla Movies

Godzilla has been a household name since he first roared across the Pacific in Gojira (1954). Over the years, dozens of spinoff movies have been made, introducing new heroes and villains and sometimes making Godzilla the hero himself! With so many to choose from, which are must-sees? Here are our Top 5 movies to watch at any Godzilla marathon! [Please note that these contain SPOILERS.]

5. GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (1995)

This film really pulls at our heartstrings — mainly because Godzilla’s heart is having a nuclear meltdown! Assembling itself in stages, Destoroyah is a worthy “final” opponent for the King as Godzilla’s death passes the radioactive torch to Godzilla, Jr. Godzilla doesn’t die that often, so it hits you extra hard when he dies protecting others… which brings us to…

4. GODZILLA (2014)

Bryan Cranston puts on a great performance in the first segment of a new Godzilla series that re-introduces the monster to the Western world! The new enemy MUTOs and some great visual effects lead to a truly “smashing” final battle, and the few moments when you think he’s extinguished himself in the process are real nail-biters. Nice to see the giant baddie get some heroic tension.

3. GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA (1962)

Arguably the best suit design of any Godzilla, this 1962 version awakens the popular character of Mothra with the help of some tiny twins, making for a great monster mash that many put at the top of their Godzilla lists.

2. GOJIRA (1954)

The Ishiro Honda classic that introduced us to the atomic-breathing kaiju is still close to the best. This black and white film truly stands the test of time, moving at a brisk pace and drawing eerie parallels to historic events with its nuclear symbolism.

1. SHIN GODZILLA (2016)

It’s nearly dawn during your marathon, and there’s popcorn all over the floor. What movie could possibly keep you awake at this hour? SHIN GODZILLA is the answer. This film did more than bring a bigger and fiercer Godzilla to the screen (in several stages, no less!) — directors Shinji Higuchi and Anno Hideaki led their team to a new epic feat worthy of the King of Monsters: seven Japan Academy Prize awards, including Picture of the Year, Director of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing!

Honorable Mentions: GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE (1989), GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1972), DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968).

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