All 36 Movies Featuring Godzilla in Chronological Order (Including ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’)
Godzilla, a colossal titan that emerged from the depths of the Japanese seas, has long captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Through countless sequels, spin-offs, and reboots since its 1954 debut, tracking Godzilla’s cinematic journey can be a herculean task. In this guide, we’ll simplify that journey for you, presenting the Godzilla movies chronologically. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just beginning your kaijū adventure, this list ensures you won’t miss a roar or rampage.
There are 36 Godzilla movies in total and a single TV show. Thirty-two of them have been produced in Japan and are divided into four larger groups based on the so-called production eras. Movies produced between 1954 and 1975 belong to the Shōwa era; those produced between 1984 and 1995 belong to the Heisei era; the Millennium era encompassed movies produced from 1999 to 2004; the current Reiwa era includes movies produced from 2016 until today. The remaining four movies and a tv show are American and are divided based on the production company.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated in November 2023 to include Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
All movies featuring Godzilla in release date order
As we’ve already mentioned, there are a lot of Godzilla movies to mention, so it’s best to start by ordering them in their release date order.
- 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)
- Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
- Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
- Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
- Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
- Destroy All Monsters (1968)
- All Monsters Attack (1969)
- 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)
- Godzilla (1998)
- Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
- Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
- Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)
- Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)
- Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
- Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
- Shin Godzilla (2016)
- Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)
- Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)
- Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)
- Godzilla (2014)
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)
Are all movies featuring Godzilla connected & what is the best way to watch them?
Godzilla movies can be a bit tricky when it comes to continuity. There are different series and timelines within the Godzilla franchise. Some movies are part of a shared universe, while others stand alone. The original Japanese Godzilla films from the 1950s to 1970s have a loose continuity, but it’s not as tightly connected as, say, the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Heisei series (1984-1995) and the Millennium series (1999-2004) have their own separate continuities. The recent American Godzilla films, starting with the 2014 reboot, also have their own continuity.
If you want to start with the classic Japanese Godzilla films, you might begin with the original “Godzilla” (1954) and then follow the Showa series. You could start with the Heisei series and then move on to the Millennium series for a more modern take.
As for the American Godzilla films, the MonsterVerse series began with Godzilla (2014) and includes Kong: Skull Island (2017), Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).
Ultimately, there’s no one “right” way to watch them. It depends on whether you prefer the classic Japanese films, the more recent American ones, or a mix of both. Just pick a series or era that interests you and go from there!
Godzilla movies in chronological order
Navigating the expansive world of Godzilla can seem daunting, given its rich history spanning over six decades. With a myriad of films produced both in Japan and America, it’s crucial to approach them in their intended sequence to fully appreciate the evolution of the iconic monster. Here, we’ve compiled the definitive chronological order of the Godzilla movies, offering fans a seamless dive into the depths of this kaijū legend’s tale.
1. Godzilla (1954)
The inaugural entry, Godzilla (1954), directed by Ishirō Honda, set the stage for the entire kaijū genre. This film introduces audiences to the menacing, colossal lizard awakened by nuclear radiation. Steeped in political and social undertones reflective of post-war Japan, it not only showcased groundbreaking special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya but also featured the haunting musical score by Akira Ifukube. As Godzilla rampages through Tokyo, the movie masterfully blends horror with a poignant commentary on nuclear disasters, making it an instant classic.
2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Quickly following the original’s success, this sequel introduces the monster Anguirus. As the two titans clash, Osaka becomes their battleground, marking the inception of monster-versus-monster battles that would become a franchise staple.
3. King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
Two of cinema’s most iconic monsters face off. While King Kong and Godzilla battle for supremacy, audiences reveled in the thrilling spectacle that brought together these two titanic figures.
4. Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
When Godzilla faces off against Mothra, a beloved kaijū in her own right, it’s not just a clash of titans but a battle of ideologies, as Mothra seeks to protect her worshippers.
5. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
A meteorite unleashes King Ghidorah, a golden three-headed dragon, setting the stage for a grand showdown. Godzilla teams up with Mothra and Rodan to combat this new cosmic threat.
6. Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)
Venturing into space, Godzilla confronts King Ghidorah once again, but this time on Planet X, while humans deal with extraterrestrial diplomacy and deception.
7. Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)
In a tropical island setting, Godzilla encounters Ebirah, a gigantic lobster. This adventure combines elements of horror with the traditional kaijū action.
8. Son of Godzilla (1967)
Introducing Minilla, Godzilla’s offspring, this film showcases a tender side to the monster as he mentors his child on Monster Island while facing various threats.
9. Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
Emphasizing environmental themes, Godzilla battles Hedorah, a pollution-born monster, highlighting the consequences of mankind’s ecological negligence.
10. Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
Godzilla and Anguirus team up against Gigan and King Ghidorah, orchestrated by malevolent aliens planning Earth’s takeover.
11. Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
With the introduction of the robot Jet Jaguar, this film sees Godzilla facing off against Megalon and Gigan, culminating in a tag-team-styled showdown.
12. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
An imposter Godzilla reveals itself as Mechagodzilla, a robotic doppelganger, leading to a climactic confrontation between machine and monster.
13. Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
Continuing from its predecessor, Godzilla battles an upgraded Mechagodzilla and the aquatic kaijū, Titanosaurus.
14. Destroy All Monsters (1968)
Set in the future, this ensemble film brings together multiple monsters, including Godzilla, in a battle against King Ghidorah, under alien control.
15. All Monsters Attack (1969)
Departing from the usual formula, this film delves into the imaginative mind of a young boy who dreams of Monster Island, teaching lessons about courage and bullying.
16. The Return of Godzilla (1984)
Reviving the darker tones of the original, Godzilla returns as a terrifying force of nature, symbolizing nuclear anxieties in a cold war backdrop.
17. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
A bio-engineered creature, Biollante, confronts Godzilla in a battle that blends science fiction and horror, questioning the ethics of genetic manipulation.
18. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
Time-traveling elements bring forth King Ghidorah, leading to battles that reshape history.
19. Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
The battle between these iconic monsters emphasizes environmental themes, reflecting early 90s ecological concerns.
20. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)
Not a direct sequel, this film reimagines the Mechagodzilla concept, introducing Rodan and a baby Godzilla to the mix.
21. Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
Cosmic crystals birth SpaceGodzilla, a galactic version of our hero, leading to battles that determine Earth’s fate.
22. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
Drawing from the franchise’s roots, Godzilla faces Destoroyah, a creature originating from the Oxygen Destroyer weapon. A touching narrative that symbolizes ends and new beginnings.
23. Godzilla (1998)
A Hollywood interpretation, this film reimagines Godzilla as a creature spawned from nuclear testing, wreaking havoc in New York City.
24. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
The movie ignores all previous movies except the original one, but is usually considered to be in-continuity with the 1998 American movie due to a reference.
This story depicts Godzilla as Japan’s punishment for forgotten wartime atrocities, leading to epic battles with other iconic monsters.
25. Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
A return to Japanese production, this film introduces Orga, an alien adversary, marking a new era for Godzilla films.
26. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)
The film ignores the events of all previous films except the original. In the film’s continuity, Godzilla was never destroyed by the Oxygen Destroyer. Instead, he withdrew after his initial attack, then reappeared in 1966 and 1996.
Presenting an alternate history, Godzilla battles the dragonfly-like kaijū, Megaguirus, in a reality where he was never defeated in 1954.
27. Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)
The film is once again a direct sequel to the original film, ignoring the events of all the films in between.
This modern reimagining pits Godzilla against a Mechagodzilla built from the bones of the original 1954 Godzilla.
28. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
A direct sequel to the previous film, Mothra joins the fray, introducing new dynamics to the Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla battle.
29. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
Celebrating the franchise’s 50th anniversary, this film brings together a plethora of monsters from the series’ rich history. From global battles to an epic final confrontation in Antarctica, it’s an homage to the legacy of Godzilla.
30. Shin Godzilla (2016)
Directed by Hideaki Anno of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” fame, this reimagining of the Godzilla mythos offers a contemporary and satirical take on bureaucracy. The film portrays the King of Monsters as an ever-evolving force of nature, with Japan’s government struggling to respond.
31. Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)
Venturing into animation, this trilogy opener introduces a post-apocalyptic Earth dominated by Godzilla. Humans return from space to reclaim their planet, leading to new confrontations with the colossal beast.
32. Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)
Continuing the narrative, humans discover the remnants of Mechagodzilla City. This technological bastion offers a glimmer of hope in their struggle against Godzilla.
33. Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)
Concluding the animated trilogy, the cosmic entity King Ghidorah arrives, posing a threat even greater than Godzilla. The film delves into philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the universe and the cost of victory.
The modern American continuity is completely different from the Japanese one and there was no way for us to connect it, which is why we are giving it a separate section. The earliest movie in this narrative’s chronology is Kong: Skull Island (2017), which is set several decades before the 2014 Godzilla movie. But, since Skull Island is not a Godzilla movie, but a King Kong movie, we are not going to analyze it here. What follows is the chronological order of the MonsterVerse movies featuring Godzilla.
34. Godzilla (2014)
Helmed by Gareth Edwards, this film served as a reboot for the storied monster, bringing him into the modern age. With a more realistic take, it presents Godzilla as an ancient alpha predator who surfaces to restore balance when other ancient creatures, known as the “MUTOs,” threaten the planet. The narrative elegantly interweaves human drama with titanic monster battles, making it a significant entry into the Godzilla lore.
35. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)
After the intense showdown between Godzilla and the MUTOs, which left San Francisco in ruins, and the jaw-dropping revelation that monsters are real, two siblings decide to follow their father’s path. In doing so, they unearth their family’s ties to the secretive organization called Monarch.
Following the clues takes them into the realm of monsters and eventually leads them to Army Officer Lee Shaw. The story unfolds in the 1950s, and half a century later, Monarch faces a threat based on Shaw’s knowledge. This gripping saga spans three generations, exposing long-buried secrets and illustrating how monumental, life-altering events can echo through our lives.
36. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
Directed by Michael Dougherty, this sequel escalates the action by introducing iconic kaijū such as Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah. The Earth witnesses a cataclysmic battle as Godzilla confronts these ancient super-species, who compete for supremacy, leaving humanity’s existence hanging in the balance. This entry is packed with homages to the classic Godzilla films, solidifying its place in the monster’s cinematic legacy.
37. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
A culmination of the recent “Monsterverse” saga, this film pits the King of Monsters against the King of Skull Island. With humanity caught in the crossfire, these two titans engage in an earth-shattering battle for dominance. The movie serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of these cinematic giants and their capacity to captivate audiences worldwide.
Where to watch all the movies featuring Godzilla?
Almost all movies featuring Godzilla can be watched on Apple TV, with a few notable exceptions. The movies Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992), Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, and Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994) can only be found on PlutoTV. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)can only be rented from Google Play or Amazon. Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle and Godzilla: The Planet Eater can only be streamed on Netflix.
Godzilla 2000: Millennium and Godzilla: Final Wars are also available on Hulu.
Will there be more movies featuring Godzilla?
There will be more movies featuring Godzilla. In the West, the mythical monster has become a part of the MonsterVerse, and there are several movies, as well as live-action shows being developed that feature both Godzilla and other kaiju.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!
