Unleash the colossal might and grandeur of the legendary kaiju with the ultimate guide on how to watch the Godzilla movies in order. Since its inception in 1954, the Godzilla franchise has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, enthralling audiences with its thrilling battles, monstrous creatures, and thought-provoking themes.
With numerous installments and reboots over the years, navigating through the vast Godzilla filmography can be a daunting task. Fear not, for in this comprehensive guide, we will lead you through the cinematic journey of the King of the Monsters, ensuring you experience the full evolution of this iconic series.
From the original classic to the latest monstrous showdowns, prepare to witness the immense power and enduring legacy of Godzilla in the order that best unveils the grand tapestry of this timeless saga. So grab your popcorn, brace yourself for epic destruction, and join us as we embark on an adventure that spans decades of awe-inspiring cinematic history.
Godzilla Movies in Chronological Order
The Godzilla movies in chronological order offer an exhilarating cinematic journey that spans several decades. Beginning with the original 1954 film, simply titled Godzilla, viewers are introduced to the iconic monster and the destruction it wreaks upon Japan. As the franchise evolved, sequels and reboots emerged, each adding depth to the mythology and expanding the roster of colossal creatures.
Traditionally, the Godzilla movies in chronological order start with the original 1954 film, Godzilla. However, in our curated list, we take a reverse approach, beginning with the most recent installment, Godzilla vs. Kong from 2021. Therefore, it is recommended to watch all the Godzilla movies in order from the bottom to the top of our list!
36. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
In the epic clash that concludes the Godzilla movies order, Godzilla vs. Kong brings together two iconic titans in a battle for supremacy. As ancient rivalries resurface and new threats emerge, humanity’s fate hangs in the balance. With stunning visuals and adrenaline-fueled action, this colossal showdown serves as the grand finale, leaving audiences in awe of the King of the Monsters and the awe-inspiring legacy of the Godzilla franchise.
| Cast | Alexander Skarsgard, Rebecca Hall, Millie Bobby Brown |
| Director(s) | Adam Wingard |
| IMDb Rating | 6.3/10 |
35. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
If you’re wondering, “What are the Godzilla movies in order?” then Godzilla: King of the Monsters takes its place as the second-to-last installment in the series. In this thrilling chapter, humanity faces a new wave of monstrous creatures awakened to wreak havoc upon the world. As chaos ensues, Godzilla emerges as humanity’s last hope, clashing with colossal adversaries in a battle for dominance that will determine the fate of the planet.
| Cast | Vera Farmiga, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown |
| Director(s) | Michael Dougherty |
| IMDb Rating | 6/10 |
34. Godzilla (2014)
When it comes to watching the Godzilla movies in chronological order, Godzilla 2014 takes its place as a pivotal entry in the series.
Trapped in the middle of an ancient conflict between Godzilla and two parasite monsters known as MUTOs, a soldier tries to make his way back to his family. The second series remake will be produced entirely outside Japan, representing a significant departure from the norm.
Legendary MonsterVerse is also connected to this period (featuring Kong: Skull Island).
| Cast | Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen |
| Director(s) | Gareth Edwards |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
33. Godzilla (1998)
A huge reptile creature emerges from the depths, wreaking havoc as it stomps onto New York City. A scientist who studies earthworms, his ex-girlfriend who works as a reporter, and several other unlikely heroes get together to stop it.
Despite having stars like Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, and Hank Azaria – Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla remake for Sony ultimately flopped.
As a result of the film’s poor response, plans for a sequel and a third installment were scrapped.
| Cast | Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo |
| Director(s) | Roland Emmerich |
| IMDb Rating | 5.4/10 |
32. Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)
Godzilla: The Planet Eater is the end of the Godzilla anime trilogy. It includes the return of the three-headed monster Ghidorah, who poses a danger to the whole planet of Earth. Godzilla takes on a heroic role once again by joining forces with humans to save the end of the world.
| Cast | Mamoru Miyano, Tomokazu Sugita, Takahiro Sakurai |
| Director(s) | Kobun Shizuno |
| IMDb Rating | 5/10 |
31. Godzilla: City On The Edge Of Battle (2018)
When it comes to knowing how to watch Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle takes its place as a significant installment in the series. In this thrilling animated film, the human race faces the relentless onslaught of Godzilla and other fearsome creatures. With dwindling resources and mounting desperation, a group of survivors must embark on a perilous mission to reclaim their planet from the grasp of these monstrous beings.
| Cast | Mamoru Miyano, Tomokazu Sugita, Takahiro Sakurai |
| Director(s) | Kobun Shizuno |
| IMDb Rating | 5.8/10 |
30. Godzilla: Planet Of The Monsters (2017)
When it comes to the chronological order of Godzilla movies, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters marks a significant chapter in the series. Set in a future where Earth has been overrun by monstrous creatures, humanity embarks on a daring plan to leave the planet and return years later to reclaim it. However, they soon discover that Godzilla, the ultimate force of destruction, now reigns supreme. The film follows the survivors’ relentless battle for survival and their quest to take back their home from the wrath of the King of the Monsters.
| Cast | Mamoru Miyano, Tomokazu Sugita, Takahiro Sakurai |
| Director(s) | Kobun Shizuno |
| IMDb Rating | 6/10 |
29. Shin Godzilla (2016)
In the sequence of all Godzilla movies in order, Shin Godzilla enters with a fresh take on the iconic monster. The movie illustrates Godzilla’s rapidly evolving form as it rampaged through Tokyo.
As government officials and scientists scramble to find a way to stop the creature, a relentless battle for survival ensues.
| Cast | Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara |
| Director(s) | Hideaki Anno |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
28. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
In Godzilla: Final Wars, the Earth faces its greatest threat as an invasion of giant monsters terrorizes cities around the world. In response, the Earth Defense Force awakens Godzilla to battle these formidable creatures and save humanity. Packed with intense action sequences and spectacular monster battles, the film serves as a grand finale to the Showa and Heisei series of Godzilla films, featuring a star-studded cast of kaiju and paying homage to the franchise’s rich history.
| Cast | Roi Kikukawa, Masahiro Matsuoka, Don Frye |
| Director(s) | Ryuhei Kitamura |
| IMDb Rating | 6.3/10 |
27. Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003)
In Godzilla: Tokyo SOS, the story continues from its predecessor, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla.
As the rebuilt Mechagodzilla is put into action to defend Japan against Godzilla’s relentless attacks, a mysterious creature called Mothra enters the fray. With Tokyo caught in the middle of this titanic battle, humanity must find a way to restore balance and protect their city. Filled with thrilling monster encounters and dramatic confrontations, Godzilla: Tokyo SOS showcases the struggle between mankind’s advanced technology and the awe-inspiring power of nature’s ancient guardians.
| Cast | Miho Yoshioka, Takenori Emoto, Mickey Koga |
| Director(s) | Masaaki Tezuka |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
26. Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002)
With a fresh Godzilla on the loose in Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla, the Japanese government creates a robotic version of the monster from the remains of the one that attacked Tokyo in 1954.
| Cast | Shin Takuma, Yumiko Shaku, Kana Onodera |
| Director(s) | Masaaki Tezuka, Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
25. Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
In the sequence of Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack emerges as a captivating entry. Set in a world where Godzilla is revived and wreaking havoc, ancient guardian monsters Mothra and King Ghidorah are summoned to restore balance. As the battle between these colossal creatures unfolds, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
| Cast | Ryudo Uzaki, Masahiro Kobayashi, Chiharu Niiyama |
| Director(s) | Shusuke Kaneko |
| IMDb Rating | 7/10 |
24. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)
In the sequence of all Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus stands as a thrilling installment. In this film, a group of scientists creates a device to eliminate Godzilla once and for all, but their plan goes awry, unleashing a new threat in the form of Megaguirus, a giant prehistoric dragonfly. As the battle between Godzilla and Megaguirus escalates, Tokyo becomes the battleground for an epic clash of titans.
| Cast | Misato Tanaka, Shosuke Tanihara, Masato Ibu |
| Director(s) | Masaaki Tezuka |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
23. Godzilla 2000 (1999)
Not only is this film a sequel to the first Godzilla film from 1954, but it also serves as a relaunch of the series. This film tells the story of Godzilla rescuing Tokyo from the monster Orga, formerly a flying saucer.
| Cast | Takehiro Murata, Takeshi Shirato, Hiroshi Abe |
| Director(s) | Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 6/10 |
22. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
In the sequence of all Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla vs. Destoroyah holds a significant place. As the story unfolds, Godzilla faces a new and formidable adversary in the form of Destoroyah, a monstrous creature born from the Oxygen Destroyer, the weapon used to defeat the original Godzilla in 1954. As Godzilla’s nuclear power reaches critical levels, he becomes a threat to the entire planet. With time running out, a desperate battle ensues, culminating in a climactic showdown that tests the limits of Godzilla’s power and the resilience of humanity.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Takeshi Shirato, Mayako Nigo |
| Director(s) | Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
21. Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
Two new foes have emerged to menace Godzilla – the UN-built machine Mogera and the monster created from Godzilla’s cosmic dust, Space Godzilla.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Takeshi Shirato, Mayako Nigo |
| Director(s) | Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 5.6/10 |
20. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)
While scientists on a secluded Japanese island unearth a new pteranodon egg, the United Nations is putting together the greatest weapon to destroy Godzilla.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Takeshi Shirato, Mayako Nigo |
| Director(s) | Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
19. Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth (1992)
In the sequence of all Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth is a standout entry. The film follows the conflict between Godzilla and Mothra, an ancient guardian deity, as they clash over the fate of humanity. With the discovery of a mysterious artifact, the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, and a battle of epic proportions ensues.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Shinji Takagi, Mayako Nigo |
| Director(s) | Takao Okawara |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
18. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
In the chronological order of Godzilla movies, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah takes its place as an impactful installment. The film revolves around a time-traveling group from the future who attempt to alter history by erasing Godzilla’s existence. However, their intervention unintentionally leads to the creation of the fearsome King Ghidorah. As Godzilla emerges to confront this new threat, a colossal battle ensues, testing the limits of both monsters’ power.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Mayako Nigo, Masanobu Takashima |
| Director(s) | Kahzuri Omori |
| IMDb Rating | 6.7/10 |
17. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
In the sequence of Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla vs. Biollante stands as a notable entry. The film picks up after the events of The Return of Godzilla as a new threat emerges in the form of Biollante, a monstrous creature created through the fusion of Godzilla’s cells with plant life.
| Cast | Wataru Mimura, Kunihiko Mitamura, Hiroyuki Kawase |
| Director(s) | Kahzuri Omori |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
16. Godzilla (1985)
Japan is again under attack by Godzilla, thirty years after the first monster wreaked havoc there. This film is a straight sequel to the first Godzilla movie and completely disregards the events of the other films set during the Showa period.
| Cast | Ken Tanaka, Hideo Nakamura, Yasuko Sawaguchi |
| Director(s) | Koji Hashimoto |
| IMDb Rating | 7/10 |
15. Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
When an extraterrestrial species revives Mechagodzilla to wreak havoc on Earth, Godzilla stops them. A traitor researcher provides them with Titanosaurus as a second weapon.
| Cast | Katsuhiko Sasaki, Tetsuya Uozumi, Kojiro Hongo |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
14. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
In the sequence of Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla holds a significant place. The film introduces Mechagodzilla, a mechanical doppelganger of Godzilla created by an alien race. As Mechagodzilla wreaks havoc, Earth’s only hope lies in the form of the heroic Godzilla and the mystical creature King Caesar. Together, they must join forces to defeat the mechanical menace and save humanity from destruction.
| Cast | Katsuhiko Sasaki, Akihiko Hirata, Tomoko Ai |
| Director(s) | Jun Fukuda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
13. Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
Godzilla and a size-changing robot named Jet Jaguar must stop the massive Megalon, who has been sent to destroy the surface world by the undersea republic of Seatopia.
| Cast | Yutaka Hayashi, Rumi Hattori, Kenji Sahara |
| Director(s) | Jun Fukuda |
| IMDb Rating | 4.8/10 |
12. Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
In the realm of Godzilla movies, Godzilla vs. Gigan holds a special place.
The film follows Godzilla and his ally Anguirus as they face off against the monstrous duo of Gigan and King Ghidorah, who are controlled by alien beings plotting to take over Earth. As Tokyo becomes the battleground for this epic clash, humanity’s survival hangs in the balance. Filled with thrilling monster battles, imaginative creatures, and a gripping storyline, Godzilla vs. Gigan offers an action-packed chapter that showcases the enduring appeal of the King of the Monsters.
| Cast | Hiroshi Ishikawa, Tomoko Umeda, Yutaka Hayashi |
| Director(s) | Jun Fukuda |
| IMDb Rating | 5/10 |
11. Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
A new monster has sprung from Earth’s pollution. The fog monster, Hedorah, attacks Godzilla and causes even more destruction in Japan with his toxic gas.
| Cast | Toshie Kimura, Akira Yamauchi, Hiroyuki Kawase |
| Director(s) | Yoshimitsu Banno |
| IMDb Rating | 6/10 |
10. All Monsters Attack (1969)
In the realm of Godzilla movies, All Monsters Attack presents a unique perspective. The film follows a young boy named Ichiro who escapes the challenges of his everyday life by daydreaming about visiting Monster Island, where Godzilla and other kaiju reside. Through his imaginative adventures, Ichiro learns valuable life lessons about bravery and perseverance. While the film features a reduced role for Godzilla himself, it offers a heartfelt story that explores the power of imagination and the universal themes of facing one’s fears.
| Cast | Tomonori Yazaki, Ichiro Urashima, Machiko Naka |
| Director(s) | Akira Kubo |
| IMDb Rating | 3.9/10 |
9. Destroy All Monsters (1968)
In the sequence of all Godzilla movies in order, Destroy All Monsters stands out as a monumental entry. The film is set in the future, where Earth has established a peaceful coexistence with Godzilla and other kaiju on Monster Island. However, when a race of alien invaders takes control of the monsters and unleashes them on major cities across the globe, humanity faces its greatest threat.
| Cast | Akira Kubo, Tadao Takashima, Yukiko Kobayashi |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
8. Son of Godzilla (1967)
Godzilla appears on a tropical island to fight enormous insects and defend his newborn offspring, surprising scientists experimenting with weather changes on the island.
| Cast | Hiroshi Koizumi, Akira Kubo, Yuriko Hoshi |
| Director(s) | Jun Fukuda |
| IMDb Rating | 5.2/10 |
7. Godzilla: Ebirah, Terror of the Deep (1966)
A young guy borrows a boat to track down his missing sibling, but he and his crew are forced to take refuge on an uncharted island with a massive sea creature and a sleeping Godzilla.
| Cast | Akira Takarada, Akihiko Hirata, Kumi Mizuno |
| Director(s) | Jun Fukuda |
| IMDb Rating | 5.5/10 |
6. Godzilla: Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)
The Xiliens, a race of aliens, show up on Earth in search of Godzilla and Rodan so they may return home and destroy Monster Zero. Astronauts Glenn and Fuji were sent to investigate, and they learned that the creature was, in fact, King Ghidorah.
| Cast | Nick Adams, Akira Takarada, Jun Tazaki |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
5. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
A princess goes missing at the same time a prophetess appears, predicting the rebirth of Godzilla and Rodan and the coming of a space monster that would destroy civilization.
| Cast | Yosuke Natsuki, Akiko Wakabayashi, Hiroshi Koizumi |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
4. Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
In the sequence of Godzilla movies in order, Mothra vs. Godzilla holds a significant place. The film follows the epic clash between Godzilla and Mothra, an ancient guardian deity, as they battle for supremacy. As Godzilla threatens humanity, Mothra’s twin fairies call upon her to protect mankind. With thrilling monster encounters and a compelling storyline, Mothra vs. Godzilla showcases the fierce confrontation between these iconic creatures and the relentless determination of both humans and kaiju to secure the fate of the world.
| Cast | Yuriko Hoshi, Hiroshi Koizumi, Kyoko Kagawa |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
3. King Kong vs. Godzilla (1963)
In the realm of Godzilla movies, King Kong vs. Godzilla presents an epic showdown between two colossal titans. The plot revolves around a pharmaceutical company’s attempt to boost ratings by orchestrating a battle between King Kong and Godzilla. As the two behemoths clash in a battle for supremacy, Japan becomes the battleground for this monumental confrontation.
| Cast | Kenji Sahara, Tadao Takashima, Mie Hama |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 5.7/10 |
2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
In the sequence of Godzilla movies in order, Godzilla Raids Again takes its place as a notable entry. The film picks up after the events of the original Godzilla (1954) and introduces a new threat in the form of Anguirus, a vicious monster. As Godzilla and Anguirus engage in a destructive battle, the city of Osaka becomes their battleground.
| Cast | Momoko Kôchi, Koji Kobayashi, Minoru Chiaki |
| Director(s) | Motoyoshi Oda |
| IMDb Rating | 5.8/10 |
1. Godzilla (1954)
In the chronological order of Godzilla movies, it all begins with 1954’s Godzilla. This iconic film introduces the world to the colossal creature known as Godzilla, who rises from the depths of the ocean due to nuclear testing and wreaks havoc upon Japan.
As the nation struggles to find a way to defeat the seemingly indestructible monster, scientists and military forces unite in a desperate battle to save humanity. Godzilla explores themes of nuclear destruction, the consequences of human arrogance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable devastation.
This groundbreaking film sets the stage for the enduring legacy of Godzilla and serves as a powerful metaphor for the dangers of unchecked power.
| Cast | Momoko Kôchi, Akira Takarada, and Akihiko Hirata |
| Director(s) | Ishiro Honda |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5/10 |
Godzilla Movies in Order of Release Dates
The simplest way to watch Godzilla movies in order is to follow their release dates. This approach requires no complicated calculations or extensive research. Simply start with the earliest Godzilla film from 1954 and make your way up to the latest installment in the franchise, Godzilla vs. Kong. Let’s explore how you can enjoy the complete Godzilla saga, witnessing its evolution from the beginning to the thrilling battles of today.
- 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
- Destroy All Monsters – 1968
- All Monsters Attack – 1969
- Godzilla vs. Hedorah – 1971
- Godzilla vs. Gigan – 1972
- Godzilla vs. Megalon – 1973
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla – 1974
- Terror of Mechagodzilla – 1975
- 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 2000: Millennium – 1999
- Godzilla vs. Megaguirus – 2000
- Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack – 2001
- Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla – 2002
- Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. – 2003
- Godzilla: Final Wars – 2004
- Godzilla – 2014
- Shin Godzilla – 2016
- Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters – 2017
- Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle – 2018
- Godzilla: The Planet Eater – 2018
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters – 2019
- Godzilla vs. Kong – 2021
