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Fans of the genre will be aware that a total of 38 Godzilla movies have been released so far. The franchise that started in 1954 continues to this very day. The repeated success that several Godzilla movies have achieved at the box office is proof that cinephiles never really get tired of seeing the giant kaiju cause mass panic and destruction whenever it decides to awaken from its slumber.
The franchise consists of 33 Japanese films and five American films. The Japanese films can be broken down into four different eras namely, the Shōwa era (1954-1975), the Heisei era (1984-1995), the Millennium era (1999-2004), and the Reiwa era (2016-present). However, not every Godzilla movie follows the franchise principle wherein the story of each new movie is directly linked to its predecessor.
In fact, the Godzilla franchise has several breaks and standalone movies, but this list looks at the must-watch titles starring Godzilla that cinephiles can watch in chronological order.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains spoilers.
14 monumental Godzilla movies from the franchise that cinephiles can watch in chronological order
1) Godzilla Minus One (2023): Reiwa era
It might seem strange to find this relatively new Godzilla movie at the top of the list. Chronologically, Godzilla Minus One is the first movie of the Reiwa era but the film explores the origin of the gigantic reptile from 1945 to 1947. This means that the storyline precedes all the events that took place in the first-ever Godzilla movie released in 1954.
Therefore, it is only natural for fans to start their chronological viewing party with this Godzilla movie by Takashi Yamazaki. The story focuses on Kōichi Shikishima, a kamikaze pilot portrayed by Ryunosuke Kamiki who suffers from PTSD after managing to survive a Godzilla attack.
The most successful Japanese Godzilla film from the franchise, Godzilla Minus One won viewers over for being able to deliver exciting action scenes without overshadowing the emotional human tales that add a compelling layer to the overall storytelling.
Where to watch: Godzilla Minus One can be viewed on Netflix.
2) Godzilla (1954): Shōwa era
When this kaiju film by Ishirō Honda was first released, it received mixed reviews but that didn't stop it from becoming the eighth-highest-grossing Japanese film of 1954. In this movie, a dinosaur-like creature is created as a result of nuclear testing and the Japanese government has to find a way to kill it before it can cause more mayhem and destruction.
The starting point of one of the longest-running film franchises in history, this movie is held in high regard even today, thanks to the striking special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya. It also helped pave the way for suitmation, a form of special effects wherein a stunt performer dons a suit and interacts with miniature sets.
It is important to note here that the correct way to watch all titles in Shōwa era is by the order of their release dates.
Where to watch: This 1954 Godzilla movie is available for streaming on Prime Video and Plex.
3) Godzilla Raids Again (1955): Shōwa era
A direct sequel to the 1954 movie, Godzilla Raids Again by Motoyoshi Oda introduces a clone of Godzilla as the first Godzilla was killed in the first movie with an Oxygen Destroyer.
Unfortunately, the authorities are unable to use the same method as the inventor passed away. Not only do they have to come up with a new plan but they also have to deal with a new quadruped monster, Anguirus, that continues to clash with the mighty Godzilla.
In terms of relatable human characters and emotional storylines, Godzilla Raids Again isn't able to reach the same degree of success as its predecessor. However, that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching. After all, this classic Godzilla movie is one of the first in the franchise to give viewers a taste of exciting monster battles.
Where to watch: This thrilling Godzilla movie can be viewed on Plex and Prime Video.
4) King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962): Shōwa era
Filmmaker Ishirō Honda and special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya reunite on this project after the success of the 1954 Godzilla movie. This movie has a special place in the franchise as it is the first time both characters, Godzilla and King Kong, appear on film in color and widescreen.
Following the events of the previous movie, this story first showcases Godzilla trapped in an iceberg since 1955. However, when a nuclear submarine gets caught in the same iceberg, Godzilla finds a way to escape. Meanwhile, a pharmaceutical company looking to boost their ratings capture King Kong and transport him to Japan. Eventually, the two meet and battle it out.
King Kong vs. Godzilla was among the films from the Shōwa era that helped lay the foundation for the Monsterverse movies that have become a rage in the current times. Other films that have one-on-one battles include Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974).
Where to watch: King Kong vs. Godzilla can be streamed on MX Player.
5) Son of Godzilla (1967): Shōwa era
It is not surprising that several titles from the Shōwa era made the news for their epic monster battles, but Son of Godzilla, in particular, stands out for its playful vibe. It features a baby Godzilla who learns to use his powers under the tutelage of Godzilla. Both encounter and battle against different giant enemies.
As it was specifically targeted towards a younger audience, the focus was on showcasing the growing bond between the father and son duo. At the same time, there are enough fight scenes to keep fans of the franchise happy.
The sequel that followed this 1967 title, All Monsters Attack (1969) also had a playful and cheery mood as compared to the rest of the titles from the era.
Where to watch: This funny Godzilla movie is available for streaming on Prime Video.
6) The Return of Godzilla (1984): Heisei era
The first movie of the Heisei era, The Return of Godzilla follows the storyline of the 1954 Godzilla movie and ignores all the events that took place in the other titles of the Shōwa era. So, The Return of Godzilla is considered a sequel to Godzilla (1954) and as a reboot. It helps reestablish Godzilla as a destructive and intimidating antagonist who invokes fear among the masses.
There is a lot that fans of the franchise loved about this movie by Koji Hashimoto, including the captivating score, the dark and suspenseful aesthetic, and more. As compared to the titles from the Shōwa era, the movies from the Heisei era did feature better special effects in general. Additionally, Teruyoshi Nakano's detailed work in this movie is certainly one of the reasons behind its continued popularity.
Like the Shōwa era, titles in the Heisei era should also be viewed in the order of their release dates.
Where to watch: This 1984 Godzilla movie is available on Plex.
7) Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991): Heisei era
Similar to the Shōwa era, Heisei era movies also boasted of epic kaiju battles. However, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah by Kazuki Ōmori is a step above the rest. The movie helped explain in what way a dinosaur can mutate because of exposure to nuclear radiation and attain the extraordinary powers that Godzilla has come to be known for.
In Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, time travelers go back in time to prevent Godzilla's mutation but they have ulterior motives. They plant small creatures who get exposed to radiation and become the dangerous, King Ghidorah.
During the time of its release, this Godzilla movie came under fire for its fictional depiction of World War II. While the plot may suffer from shortcomings, the main reason to watch this classic is to better understand Godzilla's lore.
Where to watch: Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah is available on Prime Video.
8) Godzilla (1998)
The film earned a reputation as one of the worst films in the Godzilla franchise. However, it is on this list as it is the first film in the franchise that a Hollywood studio had completely produced. The story, set in 1998, follows Godzilla who migrates to New York City to build a nest for its future offspring.
Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, and several other popular faces were part of the cast for the film. The muted storyline didn't exactly win over fans but the thing that disappointed fans the most was the redesign of the kaiju that differed from the source. Even though it has loopholes, the movie still has quite a few clever sequences that fans would be interested in watching.
Where to watch: This 1998 Godzilla movie by Roland Emmerich can be viewed on Apple TV+ and Netflix.
9) Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999): Millenium era
The Millennium era worked a little differently as compared to the Shōwa era and Heisei era. It is like an anthology of Godzilla movies except for Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), which are interconnected. Except for one of the films, all the others follow the first timeline created by the first Godzilla movie from 1954.
In Godzilla 2000: Millennium, the audience is introduced to a group called Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN) that is tracking the giant kaiju. Scientists stumble upon a UFO that could cause additional trouble for the people of Japan.
Fans of the franchise found this Godzilla movie by Takao Okawara to be a fun watch that worked thanks to its tight screenplay and striking special effects. In terms of Godzilla's appearance, Godzilla 2000: Millennium was able to make the legendary kaiju look more menacing and formidable.
Where to watch: Godzilla 2000: Millennium can be streamed on Prime Video.
10) Godzilla (2014)
Another reboot, this Godzilla movie by Gareth Edwards is set in 2014. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, and others, it is the first Monsterverse installment. When two giant creatures, referred to as Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms, surface, it becomes clear that Godzilla is the only one who can fight them.
In terms of visuals, this Godzilla movie earned high praise from fans across the globe. Another aspect that Edwards nails in Godzilla is the balance between the emotional storytelling and the action-packed sequences. The fact that neither is overshadowed ensures that the audience can get the best out of the viewing experience.
Where to watch: This highly-entertaining Godzilla movie is available for streaming on Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
11) Shin Godzilla (2016)
The Godzilla movie by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi is well-known among fans because it deviated from the usual kaiju narrative that people were used to. In this movie set in 2016, Godzilla emerges from the sea and wreaks havoc in Tokyo. Japanese officials have to navigate bureaucratic complexities to defeat the giant creature that seems to get stronger with each attack.
Instead of the usual lizard creature mutation, Shin Godzilla tweaked the origin story to showcase a sort of microorganism that consumes nuclear radiation and ends up evolving. Not only that, Godzilla in this movie is unlike its predecessors, as it has the unique ability to rapidly adapt to different situations and change its form.
The Godzilla movie franchise has plenty of exciting titles but very few solely focus on Godzilla. While monster battles will never not be enticing, Shin Godzilla is able to keep the focus only on Godzilla and still present an entertaining narrative that keeps viewers glued to the end.
Where to watch: This interesting Godzilla movie can be streamed on Prime Video and Max.
12) Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
This American movie by Michael Dougherty is set in 2019 but it follows the events of Godzilla (2014) instead of Shin Godzilla (2016). It stars Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Ken Watanabe, Zhang Ziyi, and more.
Part of the Monsterverse storyline, Godzilla: King of the Monsters introduces global audiences to MUTOs like Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah, all formidable enemies that Godzilla has fought in the past. Things seem to get colossally destructive really fast after eco-terrorists awaken King Ghidorah and other Titans, but Godzilla is always ready to face an old foe.
Unlike the earlier titles in the franchise, the human drama takes a backseat in this Godzilla movie but the larger-than-life monster battles more than makes up for it. The detailed special effects complemented by the impactful foley design help create memorable scenes that tend to linger in the minds of the audience.
Where to watch: Godzilla: King of the Monsters can be viewed on Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
13) Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Interestingly enough, this Godzilla movie is a sequel to both Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Kong: Skull Island (2017). Millie Bobby Brown and Kyle Chandler reprise their roles from the previous Godzilla movie. The cast also features Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza González, and Rebecca Hall, among others.
As expected from the title, this Godzilla movie pits Godzilla against King Kong who is moved to Hollow Earth to retrieve a power source. This film is especially noteworthy as it is the first Monsterverse installment that introduces Mechagodzilla.
Like the other Monsterverse installments that came before, Godzilla vs. Kong delivered in terms of unmissable monster battles. Not only that, the introduction of Hollow Earth also opened up the possibility of other remarkable Titans showing up in future franchise titles.
Where to watch: Godzilla vs. Kong by Adam Wingard can be viewed on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Netflix.
14) Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
This Godzilla movie, also directed by Adam Wingard, is the most recently released title from the franchise. The cast boasts a mix of new and recurring actors, including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, and more. In this Godzilla movie, Kong has to team up with the legendary kaiju to fight against formidable enemies, Skar King and Shimo.
In terms of narrative, the Monsterverse movies tend to put more focus on the one-on-one battles instead of the human drama. Visually, the movie is top-notch and is much more realistic than the earlier titles from the franchise but the storytelling does have loopholes that are hard to ignore. Nevertheless, it is a great viewing experience for fans who can't get enough of the powerful and menacing Godzilla.
Where to watch: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire can be rented on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
The full list of all Godzilla movies, Japanese and American, released to date
Shōwa era (1954-1975)
Heisei era (1984-1995)
Millennium era (1999-2004)
Reiwa era (2016-present)
TriStar Pictures
Monsterverse
Fans who want the full kaiju experience without having to watch all 38 movies can indulge in the notable titles from this list as they represent the major milestones in the franchise loved by cinephiles in Japan and around the globe.
