10 Best Godzilla Movies

I’ve never made it a secret how much of a kaiju groupie I’ve always been. Many fond memories were spent at my friend’s house watching his VHS-dubbed copies of Showa and Heisei-era Godzilla movies, always rooting for the G-Man to stomp whatever titular villain was harassing Japan that day. It’s a slice of nostalgia I hold near and dear to my heart, and my enthusiasm for Kaiju films has never dwindled.

With the recent release of the fantastic Godzilla Minus One and another Monsterverse Godzilla film released in March this year; Godzilla fans have been eating well. In fact, the once-Tokyo menace has never been so prominent in the cultural zeitgeist as today. In honour of the G-Man, we take a look at our top ten favourite Godzilla movies since he first graced the silver screen in 1954.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

My first pick may be the most controversial on the list, but trying to condense my favourite films to a top-ten list was no easy task, and every Godzilla fan would have a very different list considering there are thirty-eight films to choose from. While Godzilla vs. Hedorah has always been considered one of the most bizarre entries in the series, I’ve always immensely enjoyed how off-the-rails it gets. Hedorah’s design looks cheap and silly, but I’ve always considered him one of the more unique adversaries in the franchise. While the film looked to capitalise on the recent rise of climate-conscious films appearing at that time, Godzilla vs. Hedorah should be remembered for its large body count and pretty brutal battles.

Godzilla (2014)

The pressure was on director Gareth Edwards, the man who spearheaded the redemption effort to bring Godzilla back to Hollywood in 2014. Roland Emmerich’s 1998 Godzilla adaptation was considered a failure both by critics and long-time fans of the G-Man. While it holds a special place in my heart for being the coolest film I’d seen in the cinema at 6 years old (and kicking off the far superior animated series), it remains a truly dreadful Godzilla adaptation. Luckily, Edwards was up to the task, giving Godzilla a grandiose presence throughout and making an exciting film that understood the source material. Also, the sheer size of Godzilla was a spectacle to behold on top of the first Hollywood interpretation of his atomic breath, which remains the highlight of the film for me.

Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)

Jumping now to probably my favourite run of Godzilla movies, The Heisei Era. Also known as the “Vs” series. This was a reboot for the series that saw a far darker and somewhat more grounded tone to the Showa Era, showcasing Toho at the top of their game in both suit design and VFX. Referring to this series as grounded may be a bit of an overstatement, considering it still has plenty of giant monsters, robots, time travel, and space aliens. Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla II is a perfect example of how confusing I find the naming of this series considering it’s the first of the Heisei films to feature the titular Mechagodzilla and does not share continuity with the original Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla. But confusing continuity aside, Mechagodzilla has always been my favourite adversary to the G-Man. Because what’s cooler than Godzilla? A robot version of Godzilla!!!

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) landed with a resounding critical thud, sparking fervent debate among Godzilla enthusiasts. The film’s laundry list of flaws, including weak human characters and a somewhat silly plot, drew ire from some quarters. However, for those whose hearts beat to the rhythm of kaiju stomps, the movie’s homage to the Showa era brought a nostalgic twinkle. The sight of a scaled-up Mothra, Rodan, and the iconic Ghidorah on the grand stage of a big-budget Hollywood production was, for many fans, an exhilarating realisation of childhood dreams. In the grand tradition of divisive entries in the Godzilla saga, King of the Monsters embraced the spectacle.

Godzilla Vs Biollante (1989)

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) stands out as a more somber and poignant entry in the Godzilla franchise, departing from the traditional kaiju formula. What sets this film apart is its forward-thinking exploration of themes like biotechnology and genetic engineering, which were ahead of their time in the late ’80s. The narrative delves into the consequences of scientific meddling, weaving a cautionary tale that resonates with contemporary ecological concerns. The standout feature of the film lies in its stellar creature design, particularly the visually striking and inventive portrayal of Biollante. The movie not only expands the Godzilla mythos with its thematic depth but also contributes significantly to the legacy of memorable kaiju designs in the annals of Japanese monster cinema.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) & Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

I’m cheating by placing two entries here, but I can’t pick one of these films over the other. Both films are part of the Millennium era of Godzilla films, spanning 1999 to 2004. While Toho’s original goal for the Millennium series was for each entry to be its own contained story, not sharing any timeline or continuity except for the original 1954 film, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) & Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) became the only sequels during the Millennium era. Both films feature some of the best action in any Godzilla film to date, but also a cast of central characters you actively root for. It also helps that both strongly feature Mechagodzilla in his most interesting interpretation in the series.

Godzilla Vs Destoroyah (1995)

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995) is the pinnacle of the Heisei Era in the Godzilla franchise. The film not only marks the culmination of the Heisei series but also serves as a poignant and intense chapter in the Godzilla saga. Destoroyah emerges as a truly remarkable and menacing villain, posing a substantial threat to Godzilla and bringing a palpable sense of danger to the narrative. The stakes are elevated to unprecedented levels, leading to a profoundly emotional death scene that resonates with fans. The film’s conclusion delivers a thrilling and satisfying end to the Heisei series, showcasing the resilience and iconic nature of Godzilla as a cinematic force.

Shin Godzilla (2016)

Shin Godzilla (2016) is perhaps the most distinctive and chilling addition to the Godzilla franchise, presenting the scariest and most unique incarnation of the iconic monster to date. Breaking away from traditional monster movie tropes, the majority of the film unfolds within boardrooms and political settings, offering a sharp departure from the typical Godzilla narrative. This decision, coupled with the film’s sharply written and satirical approach, brings a refreshing perspective to the genre. The film explores political scheming and bureaucratic complexities as Japan struggles to contain Godzilla’s unparalleled threat. This unique approach not only sets Shin Godzilla apart within the Godzilla series but also positions it as a standout entry in the realm of kaiju films, demonstrating the versatility and enduring relevance of the iconic monster in the hands of innovative storytellers.

Godzilla (1954)

The 1954 film “Godzilla” is an undisputed classic that transformed the titular monster into a cinematic icon. Beyond its thrilling monster mayhem, the film is renowned for its deeper allegorical layers. Serving as a powerful metaphor, Godzilla symbolizes the devastating impact of the nuclear bomb. The film poignantly captured the collective fear and awe surrounding nuclear technology, portraying nature’s formidable response to humanity’s unchecked scientific pursuits. Allegory aside, Godzilla is just a fantastic film through and through, with a legendary soundtrack and great special effects.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Before you scream “Holy Recency Bias, Batman,” know that I’ve seen the superb Godzilla Minus One twice and have been sitting on this article for over a month ruminating on my complete thoughts of this film and how it holds up in the series. Minus One takes the top spot for many reasons, mostly due to keeping the spirit of the original film but finding a new emotional slant and adding the most in-depth characters to date. Easily my favourite film of 2023, Minus One is both exhilarating, shocking, and emotional. I never thought I’d find myself tearing up multiple times during a Godzilla film.