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II. The birth of Godzilla: A brief history

The birth of Godzilla marks the beginning of an iconic legacy that transcends generations. Created by the brilliant minds of Tomoyuki Tanaka, Ishirō Honda, and Eiji Tsuburaya, Godzilla emerged from the depths of the ocean to captivate audiences worldwide.

It all started in 1954 when the original film, “Godzilla,” hit the silver screen. This colossal creature, a manifestation of the atomic age and post-war anxieties, quickly became a metaphor for the destructive power of nuclear weapons. The film’s success propelled Godzilla into the hearts of millions, establishing a franchise that would stand the test of time.

Godzilla memorabilia

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Over the years, Godzilla’s appearance and characterization evolved. From a menacing force of nature to a defender of humanity, this colossal creature took on various forms and roles. Godzilla’s iconic design, with its jagged spines, powerful tail, and thunderous roar, became instantly recognizable, solidifying its status as a pop culture phenomenon.

Throughout the franchise’s extensive history, Godzilla has engaged in countless epic battles against formidable foes. From classic adversaries like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla to new challengers introduced in recent installments, each battle showcases the immense power and resilience of the King of the Monsters.

Beyond the silver screen, Godzilla’s influence spreads far and wide. Its impact on popular culture can be seen in a myriad of ways, from merchandise and video games to references in music, art, and literature. Godzilla has become an enduring symbol of resilience, strength, and the human capacity to overcome adversity.

As we delve deeper into the epic history of Godzilla’s battles, we will unravel the intricacies of each encounter, exploring the themes, special effects, and cultural significance that have made these battles legendary. Join us on this thrilling journey through time as we witness the rise of Godzilla and the monumental clashes that have solidified its place in cinematic history.

Continue to part III

Godzilla’s Filmography

Toho films

#Title
(Click to see where to buy)
YearDirector(s)Effects directorMonster co-star(s)Current U.S. licenses
Shōwa era (1954–1975)
1Godzilla1954Ishirō HondaEiji TsuburayaNoneThe Criterion Collection
2Godzilla Raids Again1955Motoyoshi OdaAnguirus
3King Kong vs. Godzilla1962Ishirō HondaKing Kong, the OodakoUniversal Pictures Home Entertainment
The Criterion Collection
4Mothra vs. Godzilla1964MothraThe Criterion Collection
5Ghidorah, the Three-Headed MonsterKing Ghidorah, Rodan, Mothra
6Invasion of Astro-Monster1965King Ghidorah, Rodan
7Ebirah, Horror of the Deep1966Jun FukudaSadamasa ArikawaEbirah, Mothra, the Ookondoru[e]
8Son of Godzilla1967Minilla, Kumonga, Kamacuras
9Destroy All Monsters1968Ishirō HondaKing Ghidorah, Rodan, Mothra, Anguirus, Minilla, Kumonga, Manda, Gorosaurus, Baragon, Varan
10All Monsters Attack (Godzilla’s Revenge)1969Ishirō HondaGabara, Minilla
11Godzilla vs. Hedorah
(The Smog Monster)
1971Yoshimitsu BannoTeruyoshi NakanoHedorah
12Godzilla vs. Gigan1972Jun FukudaGigan, King Ghidorah, Anguirus[g]
13Godzilla vs. Megalon1973Megalon, Jet Jaguar, Gigan, Anguirus, Rodan
14Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla1974Mechagodzilla, King Caesar, Anguirus
15Terror of Mechagodzilla1975Ishirō HondaMechagodzilla 2, Titanosaurus
Heisei era (1984–1995)
16The Return of Godzilla1984Koji HashimotoTeruyoshi NakanoShockirus[h] (Giant Sea Lice)[94]Kraken Releasing
17Godzilla vs. Biollante1989Kazuki ŌmoriKoichi KawakitaBiollanteMiramax
18Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah1991King Ghidorah, Mecha-King Ghidorah, the Dorats, GodzillasaurusSony Pictures Home Entertainment
19Godzilla vs. Mothra1992Takao OkawaraMothra, Battra
20Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II1993Mechagodzilla, Super Mechagodzilla, Rodan, Fire Rodan, Baby Godzilla
21Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla1994Kensho YamashitaSpaceGodzilla, Moguera, Fairy Mothra, Little Godzilla
22Godzilla vs. Destoroyah1995Takao OkawaraDestoroyah, Godzilla Junior
Millennium era (1999–2004)
23Godzilla 2000: Millennium1999Takao OkawaraKenji SuzukiOrga, the MillennianSony Pictures Home Entertainment
24Godzilla vs. Megaguirus2000Masaaki TezukaMegaguirus, the Meganulons, the Meganulas
25Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack2001Shusuke KanekoMakoto KamiyaKing Ghidorah, Mothra, Baragon
26Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla2002Masaaki TezukaYûichi KikuchiMechagodzilla
27Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.2003Eiichi AsadaMechagodzilla, Mothra, Kamoebas
28Godzilla: Final Wars2004Ryuhei KitamuraMonster X, Keizer Ghidorah, Zilla, Rodan, Mothra, Gigan, King Caesar, Anguirus, Minilla, Kumonga, Kamacuras, Manda, Hedorah, Ebirah
Reiwa era (2016–present)[k]
29Shin Godzilla2016Hideaki Anno
Shinji Higuchi
Shinji HiguchiNoneFunimation
30Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters2017Kōbun Shizuno
Hiroyuki Seshita
N/AServum, Dogora, Dagahra, Orga, Kamacuras, Anguirus, Rodan, MechagodzillaNetflix
31Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle2018Mechagodzilla City, Servum, Vulture
32Godzilla: The Planet EaterKing Ghidorah, Mothra, Servum
33Godzilla Minus One2023Takashi YamazakiTakashi YamazakiTBA

American films

#TitleYearDirector(s)Effects supervisorMonster co-star(s)Current U.S. licenses
TriStar Pictures (1998)
1Godzilla1998Roland EmmerichVolker EngelBaby GodzillasSony Pictures Home Entertainment
Legendary Pictures / MonsterVerse (2014–present)
2Godzilla2014Gareth EdwardsJim RygielMUTOs (male and female)Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
3Godzilla: King of the Monsters2019Michael DoughertyGuillaume RocheronKing Ghidorah, Mothra, Rodan, Kong (archival footage), Queen MUTO, Behemoth, Methuselah, Scylla
4Godzilla vs. Kong2021Adam WingardJohn “DJ” DesJardinKong, Mechagodzilla, Skullcrawler, Warbat,[101] Hell Hawk
5Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire2024Alessandro Ongaro[103]Kong

-Godzilla. (2023, July 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_(franchise)

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