Godzilla, the mighty King of the Monsters, has stomped his way through cinemas for over 60 years! With dozens of movies featuring the atomic lizard and his monstrous friends, it can be confusing to know where to begin. This guide will break down the different Godzilla eras and recommend how to watch them, whether you’re a seasoned kaiju (monster) fan or a curious newcomer.
Godzilla Eras: A Timeline of Terror
Godzilla movies can be broadly divided into distinct eras, each with its own style and tone. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Showa Era (1954-1975):The birthplace of Godzilla! These films often portray him as a destructive force, a consequence of war and nuclear weapons.
- Heisei Era (1984-1995):Godzilla returns as a more heroic protector of Earth, battling other giant monsters. Special effects take a leap forward in this era.
- Millennium Era (1999-2004):A mix of approaches, with some films featuring the classic Godzilla and others introducing entirely new takes on the character.
- Reiwa Era (2016-Present):The MonsterVerse! This American-produced series features a new, Hollywood Godzilla alongside other iconic kaiju like King Kong.
Choosing Your Godzilla Adventure:
There are two main ways to approach the Godzilla films: chronological order by release date or chronological order within each era’s storyline.
1. Release Date Order: A Historical Journey
This is a great way to experience Godzilla’s evolution alongside pop culture. You’ll see the changing special effects, cultural anxieties, and overall tone of the franchise.
Starting Point: Godzilla (1954) – The original film that started it all! Witness the awe and terror of the first atomic monster.
Highlights:
- Showa Era:See Godzilla battle iconic foes like King Ghidorah and Mothra. Witness the goofy charm and environmental messages of some later films.
- Heisei Era:Enjoy Godzilla’s heroic turn and impressive special effects battles.
- Millennium Era:Experience a variety of styles, from dark and gritty to lighthearted and comedic.
- Reiwa Era:Dive into the MonsterVerse with a fresh start for Godzilla in Hollywood.
Things to Consider:
- This approach can feel disjointed as the eras have different tones and storylines.
- Some earlier films might feel dated for modern viewers.
2. Chronological Order by Era: A Deep Dive
This method lets you experience each era’s story unfold in sequence. It’s a good choice if you want a deeper understanding of a specific period’s themes and characters.
Recommended Starting Points:
- Showa Era:Godzilla (1954) – As above, the classic starting point.
- Heisei Era:The Return of Godzilla (1984) – This film essentially reboots Godzilla for a new generation.
- Millennium Era:Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999) – Another soft reboot, introducing a new Godzilla for the new millennium.
- Reiwa Era:Kong: Skull Island (2017) – This prequel sets the stage for Godzilla’s arrival in the MonsterVerse.
Things to Consider:
- You’ll be jumping back and forth between eras if you want to watch them all chronologically.
- Some films within an era might reference events from earlier movies in that era.
Godzilla for Everyone: Tips for New Viewers
- Start with a “greatest hits” selection:If you’re unsure where to begin, try films like Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1964) for classic action or Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) for a fun, campy experience. In the MonsterVerse, Godzilla (2014) is a good starting point.
- Embrace the cheese!:Some Showa Era films have a lighter tone and even silly moments. Enjoy them for what they are – fun, monster mash romps!
- Subtitles vs. Dubs:Both are available for most films. Experiment and see which you prefer.
Join the Fandom!
Once you’ve begun your Godzilla journey, there’s a whole world of kaiju fandom to explore. Online communities, fan art, and even Godzilla-themed merchandise await!