Best Godzilla Films of Each Decade?

The Legend of Brian

I'm basically trying to create a playlist for every decade of Godzilla to try and get newcomers in the franchise (more specifically, my friends that I endlessly bother with Godzilla).

While my list feels very solid, I thought I would run it by here to try and get a few suggestions.

50's: Godzilla (1954) Obviously.

60's: This one has been the most difficult. It's a draw between Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster, and Invasion of Astro-Monster. I'm also thinking maybe Destroy all Monsters, however I do want to keep it accessible to newcomers. Your thoughts?

70's: I think Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla is a pretty solid choice, though Terror of MechaGodzilla does hold a special place in my heart.

80's: Return of Godzilla

90's: Do I go for vs. King Ghidorah or vs. Destroyah?

00's: GMK

10's: Shin

Any other suggestions friends?

YukisSpecial

I'll only remark on a couple of them because honestly it's an objectively good list for newcomers even if some of the most "popular" films in the series aren't my personal favorites, but I would only say that Ghidorah The Three Headed Monster is a good one to select for the 60s because of the KOTM 2019 factor, being able to point to it and say "Look, here's a major inspirational source for the new movie coming out to compare to!", aside from the fact that it's a really strong movie anyway with a famous Bond girl.

The only other I would remark on is the 80s, honestly by modern standards and especially for non-fans 1985 can be pretty dull and would say Biollante is the stronger choice, it's more inherently entertaining, has better pacing and a more out there plot that does a good job of balancing the kaiju fighting with the humans vs. Godzilla element present in a lot of the modern films, that might jive better for a night with friends, but obviously that's just personal thoughts and you'll condense it down to what you feel is best.

Godzillatheking123

This is a purely subjective choice, not saying my selection is better than others, just my pick:

1. Gojira (1954), don't think there is another real choice for the 50's. Godzilla Raids Again was charming, but it can't compare to the sheer power of the original.

2.  King Kong vs Godzilla (1962), strange choice perhaps, since the 60's offer the introduction of the other classic kaijus, but it's my nostalgic favorite.

3. Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (1974), we get to see Mecha for the first time, 'nuff said.

4. Godzilla vs Biollante (1989): The movie is uneven, but the design of Biollante is kinda neat, almost like Toho's take on the Little Shop of Horrors.

5. Godzilla vs Destroyah (1995): We get to see the burnt form Godzilla, and his "death" was unexpectedly touching. Good stuff. 

3. GMK (2001): Good movie, I like how it recaptured the terror and horrific nature of Godzilla. 

SupēsuGoji123

1. Gojira (1954)

2. Mothra Vs. Godzilla (1964)

3. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

4. The Return of Godzilla (1984)

5. Godzilla Vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

6. Godzilla Vs. Megaguirus (2000)

7. Shin Gojira (2016)

EmptyH

50s: Gojira (1954). Arguably the best. Great start and excellent film.

60s: Invasion of Astro Monster (1965). Fun movie with great monster action and great human story.

70s: Godzilla vs Hedorah (1971). This one is hard for me. I am torn between this and Terror of Mechagodzilla. But the strangeness of this film gets me every time. I also love the theme.

80s: Godzilla vs Biollante (1989). I wish this were made 1 year later so I could say it is my favorite of the 90s because I also like Return.

90s: Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991). The 90s is my least favorite decade for Godzilla films. At least this one tries something and isn't just a Michael Bay explosion fest.

00s: GMK (2001). Solid godzilla film. The eyes are great.

10s: Shin Godzilla (2016). This is the only film that I sometimes think is better than the original. It is great all around. Good monster stuff. Interesting human story.

FireRodan93

Personally I'd go with (as an introductory run through):

50s Gojira

60s Ghidorah the 3 Headed Monster

70s Gigan (maybe Smog Monster, if you're looking for unique)

80s Biollante (a good entry point to Godzilla's wierdness factor)

90s Gozilla vs. Mechagodzilla (hands down)

00s Godzilla against Mechagodzilla (Tokyo SOS is better, but you have to see the first Kiryu or it doesnt make sense)

10s Godzilla '14 (though I hope to be able to say KOTM by next year)

G. H. (Gman)

Brian,
Have we done this before? Either on here or by way of twitter? Either way, great topic. I need to go back and see if this still matches up:

50s: Godzilla

60s: Monster Zero

70s: Terror of MechaGodzilla

80s: This fluctuates depending on my mood, but for now The Return of Godzilla.

90s: Fluctuates again. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah on a good day, but Godzilla 2000 if I'm sick of Kawakita.

00s: Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack

10s: Shin Godzilla

G. H. (Gman)

Brian,
And on the topic of your 1960s dilemma, it's a hard draw. I typically consider the "Showa trilogy" of 1964 and '65 to be among the best of the series.

I think the safe answer is Mothra vs. Godzilla, but the answer that more accurately represents the period is probably Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster. Monster Zero is probably the least safest, especially out of context--That movie is just bonkers and I love it for being bonkers.

MinecraftDinoKaiju

G. H. (Gman)

We have done a similar topic on this before. In fact, I remember that after I told you I didn't know many of the films from the 50's to the 80's, you specifically told me to catch up. And I remember saying this:

90's: Godzilla vs. Destroyah

2000's: It's between GMK and Final Wars.

2010s: It's between Godzilla (2014), Shin Godzilla, or Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019).

Well, not only will I now update it by saying I saw the 1954 Gojira on Nov. 4 this year, but I will also now say that so far, King of the Monsters (2019) looks more promising than ever. You're welcome.

Edit: Yes, I'm back, but I won't be here as often as I used to (or maybe I will, idk).

G. H. (Gman)

MinecraftDinoKaiju,
I do vaguely recall that.