The 15 Best Godzilla Movies
I enjoy the better sound, special effects, and suits of the newer Godzilla movies so they tend to be higher on my list. However, the modeling and sets, tend to be better in some of the Showa (original) era films. If you are Mechagodzilla or Ghidorah, there is a good chance you're on my list. I really wanted a top 10 list, but soon found that the Showa era was under-represented.
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- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsTakashi ShimuraAkihiko HirataAkira TakaradaAfter a dinosaur-like beast - awoken from undersea hibernation by atom bomb testing - ravages Tokyo, a scientist must decide if his similarly dangerous weapon should be used to destroy it.This is a serious film that I'm sure shocked audiences at the time. It's really a disaster flick which we in the US saw a lot of in the 70's. In more ways than one, it was ahead of its time! While technology has made leaps and bounds in special effects since then, there is something charming and sad about the original that sets it apart.
- DirectorMasaaki TezukaKoji HashimotoTakao OkawaraStarsNoboru KanekoMiho YoshiokaMickey KogaMothra and her fairies return to Japan to warn mankind that they must return Kiryu to the sea, for the dead must not be disturbed. However Godzilla has survived to menace Japan leaving Kiryu as the nation's only defense.This movie is well done. Not too much to hate on, and no hokey special effects. The music is innovative and works well throughout. Tokyo has Godzilla insurance by now right? Features Mothra and MG(aka Kiryu). Some think GMK is better, however, this one is technically flawless. The grandfather played a leading role in the second Godzilla film Godzilla raids again(aka Gigantis the Fire Monster), as a corporate pilot.
- DirectorShûsuke KanekoStarsChiharu NiiyamaRyûdô UzakiMasahiro KobayashiA reporter, notorious for working on pseudo-documentaries, must uncover the legend of the three guardian monsters who must rise to defend Japan from the vengeful spirits within Godzilla.Features: Rich lush landscapes and detailed sets, a white eyed demonic Godzilla nicknamed Oni, vicious destruction, good pacing, Baragon. Notes: G's heat beam seems quieter and less destructive than 85, story is a little convoluted, daytime special effects and CG suffers a little.
- DirectorTakao OkawaraKazuki ÔmoriStarsMasahiro TakashimaRyoko SanoMegumi OdakaThe United Nations assembles the ultimate weapon to defeat Godzilla, while scientists discover a fresh pteranodon egg on a remote Japanese island.Features: Fire Rodan, G-Force, Garuda 1 Fighter(can be used to form up Super-Mechagodzilla!), G-Crusher Attack plan. Baby G, ESP girls. Baby G looks a little and silly, but its not enough to kill its ranking. Garuda pilot has some good lines.(US subtitled version). I actually like the dubbed version better, which is rare.
- DirectorMasaaki TezukaKazuki ÔmoriStarsYumiko ShakuShin TakumaKana OnoderaA new Godzilla causes the JSDF to construct a cyborg countermeasure from the original monster's remains. The beast's restless soul is discovered to inhabit the machine as the pilot must learn to find value in her own life.Can never have too much MG. They also call him Kiyru and he's never looked better! The sets and action always look better at night, and you get a lot of that here.
- DirectorKoji HashimotoR.J. KizerIshirô HondaStarsRaymond BurrKeiju KobayashiKen TanakaThirty years after the original monster's rampage, a new Godzilla emerges and attacks Japan.This lizard is mad! He's probably mad at the bad american actor in this movie. I know, the irony that the cheese is homegrown hurts our american pride. I still like the scale and set modeling, and the return of Godzilla the Destroyer! Leave the kiddie stuff in the 70's and lets get back to killing!
- DirectorKazuki ÔmoriKoji HashimotoKenjirô OhmoriStarsKunihiko MitamuraYoshiko TanakaMasanobu TakashimaDesolate by the loss of his daughter, a geneticist creates a monstrous new mutation.Every rose has its thorn, in this case, its Godzilla! One of my favs, as it stands out amongst the crowd. The music takes a slight hit(think 80's porn) and style is dated and erratic, but Godzilla hasn't looked better! Godzilla's roar has an added "cougar" element. Excellent Godzilla suit same as Godzilla '85 before it.
- DirectorTakao OkawaraIshirô HondaKoji HashimotoStarsTakurô TatsumiYôko IshinoYasufumi HayashiThe aftermath of the Oxygen Destroyer brings forth Destoroyah, a beast intent on killing Godzilla, who is on the verge of a nuclear meltdown.Godzilla is a walking nuclear accident waiting to happen, and then he gets a case of the crabs! Oxygen destroying crabs! Excellent new music, but perhaps over used.
- DirectorKazuki ÔmoriKoji HashimotoStarsKôsuke ToyoharaAnna NakagawaMegumi OdakaTime travelers use Godzilla in their scheme to destroy Japan to prevent the country's future economic reign.More Ghidorah? Yes Please! Everyones favorite nemesis is back as King Ghidorah, and King Mecha-Ghidorah. With one of the best scores put in a G-film, its innovative and hard to believe Ifukube is behind it. Godzilla is larger and a little distorted in proportion due to his "rebirth" and his roar has an added cougar element to it.
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsAkira TakaradaYuriko HoshiHiroshi KoizumiWhen opportunistic tycoons refuse to return Mothra's egg to Infant Island, its people must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help when Godzilla arises near Nagoya.Toho found the magic formula! They say this is the Godzilla that represents him best. Features: Great Godzilla suit, complete lifespan of Mothra, classic destructive G, slow and erratic pacing with the tribal/spiritual element and singing.
- DirectorIshirô HondaJun FukudaStarsAkira KuboJun TazakiYukiko KobayashiIn 1999, a race of she-aliens, the Kilaaks, brainwash Earth's monsters into attacking major cities, prompting a team of astronauts to stop the invaders while the monsters battle Ghidorah.Its just cool to see all the monsters in the same movie.
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsYôsuke NatsukiYuriko HoshiHiroshi KoizumiA detective protects a princess who prophecies Earth's destruction by a powerful alien dragon, which Mothra and her fairies - aided by Godzilla and Rodan - must battle against.This movie introduces perhaps the best monster since G himself 10 years earlier. Ghidorah lays waste! Ghidorah and Godzilla fight after a crack binge(I'm referring to the film speed during the fight scenes). The magic formula + 1! Mosura is the icing on the cake.
- DirectorIshirô HondaJun FukudaStarsKatsuhiko SasakiTomoko AiAkihiko HirataAn Interpol investigation uncovers a shunned biologist and his daughter, who are involved in an alien plot to use Mechagodzilla and Titanosaurus to defeat Godzilla and wipe out humanity.The title says it all! Put the kids to bed and lets break some stuff!
- DirectorIshirô HondaStarsNick AdamsAkira TakaradaJun TazakiAstronauts encounter the Xiliens, who ask Earth to rid their planet of "Monster Zero", but when one astronaut romances a mysterious woman, he uncovers the Xilien's true intentions.More of everyone's favorite foe, Ghidorah, Monster Zero, Astro Monster! Godzilla and Rodan fight the terrible threesome in space on another planet, and on Earth. A good story and maybe less fighting. Godzilla does a human dance, which is silly but we can overlook that.
- DirectorTakao OkawaraStarsTakehiro MurataHiroshi AbeNaomi NishidaAn independent group of researchers actively track Godzilla as a giant meteor is discovered. The mysterious rock begins to levitate as its true intentions for the world and Godzilla are revealed.If you can get past some bad cgi, a mouthy girl, and arrogant commander, you will find three cool action movies in one. Jurassic Park meets Independence Day meets Godzilla. The Monster Orga looks like something out of a GWAR or Alice Cooper show. The hybrid use of classic Godzilla/Toho theme music with great newer electronic music, make for an excellent score. The sound design is the most viscious I've heard in a G-flick as the big guy maws a victim! Despite all its faults, its still good enough to make my list.