Godzilla first crashed through silver screens way back in 1954. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, Godzilla’s 70-year history includes a ton of lore to sort through. There are over 35 films to watch, the bulk of which come from the Japanese film studio Toho, but there are also complimentary films from TriStar and Legendary’s MonsterVerse in Hollywood.
The franchise also has four different eras to understand—though some give the American studios each their own era, bringing that total up to six. If you’re wondering how they all fit together and looking for the correct order to watch the Godzilla movies, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.
How to watch all Godzilla movies in chronological order
There are 33 Japanese Godzilla films from Toho and five American films. Between the different eras, reboots, relaunches, and re-cut films, the order and continuity of the story can get confusing. Although there’s some timeline jumping between the different studios and eras, we’ve put the Godzilla movies in chronological order, so you can catch up on it all.
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Shōwa Era (1954-1975)
The films in this era were released in chronological order, making them easy to follow. The era is named after Japanese Emperor Hirohito, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. Throughout the first Godzilla movies, we meet tons of exciting giant monsters, including Anguirus, Mothra, Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla. This is why many credit the Godzilla franchise for creating the kaiju (“strange beast” in Japanese) film genre.
1. Godzilla (1954)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Max
After an American atomic bomb test, Godzilla rises out of the Pacific Ocean, where he’d been dormant for centuries. The 164-foot sea monster attacks Tokyo, angry because his home was destroyed in the bomb testing. Godzilla’s radioactive tail and the film’s concept were inspired by the devastation of the Hiroshima ruin, witnessed by the film’s director, Ishiro Honda. There’s also an edit of the film for American audiences: Godzilla, King of Monsters!
2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Max
Japan’s citizens believe they’re safe after Godzilla was killed in the first film. To their horror, a second, cloned Godzilla appears. This time, he’s fighting his long-time enemy Anguirus, a giant ankylosaurus. It’s the first of many Godzilla movies that features a fight between two giant monsters. Filmmakers also created a dubbed, edited version for American audiences called Gigantis, the Fire Monster.
3. King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
Where to watch: U-Next, Prime Video
In this film, a pharmaceutical advertising director plans to use King Kong to increase sales by featuring him in TV ads. Meanwhile, Godzilla escapes from his iceberg prison after an accident involving an American nuclear submarine. The two meet on mainland Japan and battle it out, leading to an unforgettable fight atop Mount Fuji. This film is the first where both characters appear in color.
4. Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
First introduced in her own Toho debut film in 1961, Mothra returns to fight Godzilla in this film. It all starts when a businessman puts Mothra’s giant egg on display instead of returning it to Infant Island where it belongs. Godzilla suddenly appears near Nagoya, and Mothra defends the city while its citizens try to dodge the destruction. You can also watch an Americanized version of this movie called Godzilla vs. The Thing.
5. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
Godzilla morphs from villain to hero when a three-headed monster named Ghidorah arrives on Earth from outer space. It’s not an easy transition, and Mothra must persuade Godzilla to protect the planet from total destruction. They’re joined by Rodan, another kaiju from the Toho universe, for an epic battle of new proportions. There’s an American version of the film by the same name.
6. Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Freevee, Max
Also released in the U.S. as Monster Zero, this movie follows two astronauts who encounter Xiliens while exploring Planet X. The Xiliens ask them for help defeating Ghidorah, who fled to Planet X after his fight with Godzilla. Godzilla and Rodan head to the astronaut launch pad back on Earth to be sent to Planet X, but things go awry when the Xiliens’ true intentions become clear. Don’t miss Godzilla’s victory dance at the end—a first in the series!
7. Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
After the last film’s battle, Godzilla seeks rest on a remote island inhabited by a terrorist organization. They’re developing nuclear weapons, using the people of Infant Island as slaves, and commanding a giant crustacean named Ebirah to protect their evil doings. A group of men stumble upon the sleeping Godzilla and ask for his help to fight them. The movie was released in the U.S. as Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster.
8. Son of Godzilla (1967)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Max
Godzilla becomes a father when his son, named Minilla, hatches from an egg on tropical Solgell Island. Conditions aren’t ideal for a newborn, as scientists on the island are attempting to use a radioactive device to create snow on the island and accidentally awaken monstrous spiders and mantises. Godzilla arrives to raise his son and fight off the giant bugs.
9. Destroy All Monsters (1968)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
Humans have reached world peace and sent the planet’s giant monsters to live on Monster Island. Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and other kaiju coexist there until aliens arrive and force them to destroy the world’s capitals using mind control. As they attack New York, London, Paris, and other cities, King Ghidorah returns to add to the chaos while a team of astronauts works to stop it all.
10. All Monsters Attack (1969)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
Released in the U.S. as Godzilla’s Revenge, this movie follows a young, bullied schoolboy with an absent mother. He dreams of traveling to Monster Island to befriend Minilla, who is also dealing with loneliness as Godzilla is always busy fighting other monsters. The film uniquely consists of the boy’s escapist dreams, featuring a more heartwarming storyline than other Godzilla films.
11. Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, Max
Hedorah arrives on Earth, drawn by humankind’s unchecked pollution. Feeding on the pollution, the monster evolves and becomes stronger and bigger. A scientist and his son discover Hedorah and call upon Godzilla who must fight this new and unpredictable foe. In the U.S., the film was released as Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster.
12. Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Max
Alien cockroaches are searching for a new home when they land on Earth. They know they need to destroy humans and Godzilla if they want to take over the planet, so they enlist the help of King Ghidorah and Gigan, a giant bird. Luckily, Godzilla and his enemy-turned-friend Anguirus are ready to defend Earth. The film was also released in the U.S. as Godzilla on Monster Island and in the UK as War of Monsters.
13. Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Max
Nuclear missile testing has destroyed the peaceful underwater kingdom of Seatopia. The Seatopians enlist the help of Gigan and Megalon, a giant sea-dwelling insectoid, to get revenge. They also steal Jet Jaguar, a robot, from the humans, hoping to use him to guide Megalon. When Jet Jaguar breaks free of their control, he switches sides and helps Godzilla protect the humans.
14. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Max
Godzilla has become a protector of humans, yet a prophet foresees that he will destroy Okinawa. Then, Mechagodzilla, a robotic Godzilla doppelganger, appears and begins attacking. He was sent to Earth by the Black Hole Aliens who want to invade the planet. The real Godzilla enlists the help of King Caesar, an Okinawan monster-god, to defeat this new enemy. Internationally, this film is also known as Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster and Godzilla vs. the Bionic Monster.
15. Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Max
Also released internationally as The Terror of Godzilla and Monsters From an Unknown Planet, this movie kicks off soon after the last when a shunned scientist decides to rebuild Mechagodzilla. The Black Hole Aliens reappear and call in Titanosaurus, a giant aquatic dinosaur, to fight alongside Mechagodzilla. Godzilla must take on this duo and overcome Titanosaurus’s mind-control capabilities.
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Heisei Era (1984-1995)
After 21 years of Godzilla movies, Toho took nearly a decade-long hiatus from the character. To rebuild fan interest and increase profits from the movies, this new era focused on better special effects and turned Godzilla back into a villain. In terms of the timeline, these movies pick up after the 1954 Godzilla, ignoring the events of all other movies in the Shōwa era.
16. The Return of Godzilla (1984)
Where to watch: Max, Criterion Channel
In this film, you’re transported back to the Cold War. The events of 1954’s Godzilla have just taken place, and tensions between the world’s superpowers are heating up. In the midst of this global crisis, Godzilla returns stronger and meaner than before. The Japanese government tries to hide the news of his resurrection but can only manage for so long as Godzilla’s attacks demand attention.
17. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
Where to watch: Max, Criterion Channel
It’s been five years since Godzilla attacked mainland Japan. While the country rebuilds, a geneticist who lost his daughter in the attacks crosses her DNA with a plant. As the plant grows, he adds some of Godzilla’s DNA, which was collected during his last attack, to try to keep the plant alive forever. Instead, it becomes Biollante, a giant human-plant-reptile hybrid. Godzilla wakes from his slumber to fight.
18. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
Where to watch: Max, Criterion Channel
Time travelers from the distant future arrive with seemingly good intentions to help Japan avoid impending doom at the hands of Godzilla. However, their true plan comes to light when they release a semi-mechanical version of King Ghidorah to destroy the country and stop it from gaining economic power. Godzilla must battle King Ghidorah to decide the country’s fate.
19. Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
Where to watch: Criterion Channel
After a series of natural disasters occur, in part due to climate change, Godzilla awakens from his hibernation. The events also lead to the appearance of two giant moths: Battra, whose mission is to defend Earth against the threat of people, and Mothra, who wants to protect humanity. All three lock into a chaotic battle, with Japan caught in the middle. In the U.S., this film was also released as Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth.
20. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Despite its name, this movie is completely separate from the events of the Shōwa era Mechagodzilla movies. The Japanese army and the United Nations have created a weapon to defend against Godzilla: Mechagodzilla. At the same time, scientists discover an egg containing Baby Godzilla. Godzilla must defeat Mechagodzilla and protect his unhatched heir, leading to epic fight scenes.
21. Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
When Godzilla defeated Biollante, she escaped to a black hole and unknowingly spread Godzilla’s particles. Cosmic radiation turns the particles into SpaceGodzilla, and the monster comes to Earth. Meanwhile, the UN has been hard at work creating another defensive weapon: Mogera. Godzilla’s tasked with defending Baby Godzilla and himself from these foes.
22. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Godzilla is breaking out in a glowing red rash. His body can no longer handle all the nuclear energy, and he’s nearing a nuclear meltdown. Nearby, construction at the shoreline has awakened mutant crabs that transform into a giant monster called Destroyah. They get into an epic fight that ends this era in Godzilla history.
23. Godzilla (1998)
Where to watch: Apple TV (rent or purchase)
In this TriStar Studios take on Godzilla, his origin story changes. A failed French lab experiment accidentally results in a mutated lizard. It swims to New York, looking for a place to nest, where it grows into the giant Godzilla. While the American military attempts to chase Godzilla down and stop him, scrappy New Yorkers end up being the true heroes.
Millennium Era (1999-2004)
Like the Heisei Era, the Millenium Era treats the original 1954 Godzilla film as its prequel and ignores all the other movies in the franchise. However, the final film in this era stands completely on its own, disregarding Godzilla’s 1954 origins. Most films from this era are independent of one another, except for Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), which share a storyline.
24. Godzilla 2000 (1999)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
The people of Japan now consider Godzilla an inevitable force of nature, and scientists track his movements. An alien UFO lands on Earth disguised as a huge meteor, and the aliens inside use Godzilla’s regenerative properties to create a giant monster called Orga. They have one goal: Use Orga to kill Godzilla and take over the planet.
25. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
In this film, Godzilla didn’t die at the end of 1954’s Godzilla. The battle still rages on, and humans have finally created a weapon to stop him: an artificial black hole device. During a test, a creature escapes from a black hole and lays eggs that hatch into giant dragonflies. They feed their queen, Megaguirus, with Godzilla’s siphoned energy and she becomes infused with his power. It all leads to a massive fight between humans, Godzilla, and Megaguirus.
26. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Japan finally has peace after Godzilla’s death in the 1954 film. Unfortunately, vengeful spirits who died in World War II reanimate Godzilla by possessing his body. The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) call upon spiritual guardians Mothra and King Ghidorah to rescue them from Godzilla’s wrath.
27. Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
A new Godzilla appears and begins attacking Japan, so the JSDF uses the original Godzilla’s skeletal remains to build a weapon called Mechagodzilla to fight it. Mechagodzilla’s pilot soon finds out the original Godzilla’s spirit still lives on through his bones, and she doesn’t have total control of the weapon. Once again, humans must try to survive while the giant monsters battle it out.
28. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Referencing the events of the last film, the JSDF repaired and upgraded Mechagodzilla after its fight with Godzilla. The Infant Island natives, along with Mothra, realize that Godzilla keeps attacking Japan because they used the original Godzilla’s bones to make Mechagodzilla. Humans can correct this wrong by returning the bones to the sea, which means losing their powerful weapon. Meanwhile, Godzilla returns to fight again, and Mothra and Mechagodzilla must team up against him.
29. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Sharing some themes with 1968’s Destroy All Monsters, this film begins in 2044 when various kaiju start appearing in major cities. Anguirius, Rodan, Ebirah, Monster X, and other monsters arrive, as do the Xiliens with less-than-pure intentions to help the humans. Desperate, they call upon Godzilla for help. Can they trust Godzilla (and his monster friends) to save them, or will he harm humans once again?
30. Godzilla (2014)
Where to watch: Max
In the first of the MonsterVerse’s version of the story, Godzilla shows up in San Francisco after dodging an organization that wishes to destroy him. It’s great timing, as the world is dealing with the sudden appearance of several other giant monsters who are threatening humanity. Godzilla is their only hope.
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Reiwa Era (2016-Present)
After 12 years without a Toho Godzilla film, the Reiwa Era kicked off with Shin Godzilla. While the movies of previous eras focus on pitting various monsters against each other, the live-action films in this era place a new focus on people instead of monsters. While the live-action films are standalone, this era also includes an anime trilogy.
31. Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Where to watch: Netflix
Godzilla Minus One is set before the original 1954 Godzilla, making it a prequel to the entire series. However, it makes most sense to watch it at the start of the Reiwa Era instead of at the start of the Shōwa Era, as you need the context of the rest of the series. Just after World War II, an ex-kamikaze pilot takes a minesweeping job and discovers a shipwreck that leads him straight to Godzilla. While the pilot seeks redemption, Japan’s military takes on Godzilla.
32. Shin Godzilla (2016)
Where to watch: U-Next, Prime Video
Although it pays homage to the 1954 film, this movie entirely reboots Godzilla. It creates a new origin story when Godzilla, a mere sea-dwelling creature, comes into contact with nuclear waste and mutates. Set in the present day, Godzilla rises from the sea and attacks. The Japanese government must figure out how to stop him before other countries step in and launch attacks of their own. Hideaki Anno, creator of the hit anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, co-created and co-directed Shin Godzilla.
33. Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)
Where to watch: Netflix
In the first film of the anime trilogy, Godzilla and his fellow giant monsters have made Earth uninhabitable and humans have fled to another planet. After 20,000 years, they’ve run out of resources on their new planet and return to find out if Earth can be recolonized. Can they defeat Godzilla and the other monsters and take back their home?
34. Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)
Where to watch: Netflix
The humans have temporarily defeated Godzilla but they understand he will reawaken soon. Knowing they need something powerful to defeat him, they set out to find what remains of Mechagodzilla and rebuild it. To be successful, they must venture into dangerous Mechagodzilla City and learn how to harness the power of the machine.
35. Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)
Where to watch: Netflix
In the final anime film, the humans have destroyed Mechagodzilla City and Godzilla still terrorizes them. They have alien allies, but they may or may not be trustworthy. In a final attempt at saving their home planet, the humans summon King Ghidorah to take down Godzilla with his freezing powers.
36. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
A sequel to 2014’s Godzilla, this MonsterVerse film continues to showcase Godzilla as a hero fighting to help humanity. Terrorist organization Monarch has released Rodan, King Ghidora, Mothra, and other giant monsters referred to as Titans. Godzilla heads to Antarctica to team up with Mothra and stop the destruction caused by the other Titans. Will Godzilla earn the title of King of the Monsters?
37. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Where to watch: Max
Following the first two MonsterVerse Godzilla films chronologically, Godzilla vs. Kong also references the events of 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. Monarch is back to causing trouble, this time bringing Kong on an expedition to the Earth’s core (called the Hollow Earth) in an attempt to harness its energy. Godzilla senses this movement and attacks. It’s the first time the two have battled in 59 years, and it’s filled with better effects and more dramatic destruction than ever before.
38. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
Where to watch: Max
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire starts right after the events of the last film. Kong has learned that other members of his species exist in the Hollow Earth. Among them is the evil Skar King who wishes to push the world into a second ice age. Kong must team up with his unlikely ally, Godzilla, to stop Skar King and save the planet.
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FAQ: About watching Godzilla movies in order
Do you need to follow the chronological order of Godzilla movies?
Not necessarily. Although movies from the Shōwa and Heisei Eras are chronological, you can still pick up on the storyline in each movie without knowing the entire lore. If you prefer newer films, the live-action films in the Reiwa Era can be watched in any order. Wondering about the Godzilla MonsterVerse watch order specifically? These films are connected, so it’s best to watch them in order of their release.
How many Godzilla movies are there?
There are 38 Godzilla movies. Japanese film studio Toho has produced 33 so far, American studio TriStar has released one, and Legendary Pictures has created four movies as part of the MonsterVerse franchise. There have also been various Godzilla TV series from Toho, TriStar, and Legendary Pictures.
What Godzilla movie should I start with?
There’s no official correct order to watch the Godzilla movies, but it’s generally best to start with the original 1954 Godzilla to get into the original Godzilla lore. If you prefer newer movies with better effects, you can start with Godzilla Minus One. It takes place before the first Godzilla film at the end of World War II, although you’ll miss some of the context of the first film.
Are the Godzilla movies connected?
Some are connected, but not all. The movies in the Shōwa Era follow a chronological plot line. The following Heisei Era movies are also interconnected, though they disregard everything from the Shōwa Era except for the first film. Most movies made after 1995 are standalone, except for the Millennium Era’s Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), and the anime trilogy in the Reiwei Era.
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