Let's explore the top-grossing Godzilla films of all time. These movies showcase thrilling battles between the King of all Monsters and formidable adversaries, accompanied by mind-blowing visual effects that vividly depict the destruction. Not only have these films made a tremendous impact on theaters, but they also have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Join us and experience Godzilla's power for yourself.
#1 Godzilla 2014
You should definitely check out Gareth Edwards's Godzilla (2014). It's a reboot of the iconic franchise, but this time it offers a fresh and modern take. In this film, you'll witness the colossal size and immense power of Godzilla when it faces off against the MUTO monsters. As chaos and destruction unfold, Godzilla fights to restore balance to the world.
Not only did Godzilla (2014) earn a whopping $529 million worldwide, but it also holds the title of the most profitable Godzilla film of all time. Roger Ebert praised this movie as a brilliant reimagining of an old story. The sheer filmmaking craft on display in this film outshines almost any comparably budgeted superhero picture you can think of.
#2 Godzilla vs. Kong
Witness the ultimate clash between two legendary monsters, Godzilla and King Kong, in Adam Wingard's blockbuster film Godzilla vs. Kong (2021). Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping showdown as these colossal titans battle for dominance, while humanity struggles to comprehend and control the unfolding chaos.
With an all-star cast, this movie transcended expectations, earning a staggering $467 million worldwide, despite its release during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Godzilla vs. Kong emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of 2021, captivating both critics and audiences alike, with a remarkable rating of 75% (critics) and 91% (audience) on Rotten Tomatoes. Moreover, fans can look forward to the thrilling sequel, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, slated for release in 2024.
#3 Godzilla: King of the Monsters
The movie showcases the emergence of multiple legendary kaiju creatures, including Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah. As these ancient and powerful monsters collide, humanity faces the consequences of their destructive battles and must choose whether to join forces with Godzilla to restore balance or succumb to the devastation caused by the creatures.
For me personally, this is one of my favorite Godzilla films. This is one of the highest-grossing movies, which brought the creators $386 million worldwide. The only thing that spoiled the impression a little, but it does not relate to the film itself, is that in my country it was not available for viewing on streaming services immediately after its release. To fix the problem, I used a VPN to watch Youtube TV abroad. Now there are a lot of similar titles that you have to “unlock” in order to watch with the whole world, and not later. I just wanted to draw your attention to this point.
#4 Shin Godzilla
You should watch Shin Godzilla, a 2016 film that Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi directed. This version of the iconic monster showcases Godzilla as a force of nature, reflecting societal and political challenges. As the Japanese government struggles to respond effectively, the film explores disaster response, bureaucracy, and the role of government. Shin Godzilla has been a thought-provoking and critically acclaimed addition to the franchise, earning $75.4 million in Japan and $78 million worldwide.
#5 Godzilla 2000
Godzilla 2000 (1999), directed by Takao Okawara, kicks off the Millennium era of Godzilla movies. In this thrilling action-packed film, a UFO accidentally awakens Godzilla from slumber while trying to exploit Earth's resources. A spectacular battle ensues, where humanity relies solely on Godzilla to defend the planet against an enormous extraterrestrial threat. Although the film's return to a more traditional Godzilla design and the introduction of new alien adversaries added to its allure, audiences were left disappointed. The New York Times went so far as to label it a movie "only diehard fans" could appreciate.
#6 Godzilla 1998
You might recall the famous Godzilla (1998) film. In the movie, a group of scientists and military personnel track and attempt to eliminate the destructive creature as it emerges from the sea, wreaking havoc in New York City.
Before its release, the film generated substantial hype, but it received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Much has been criticized for its deviation from the original Japanese concept and its prioritization of spectacle over storytelling. Nevertheless, the film garnered global attention for its impressive special effects and intense action sequences. Godzilla grossed approximately $379 million worldwide, proving to be a commercial success despite the divided opinions.
#7 Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla 2
In 1993, you can follow Takao Okawara's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2 in the footsteps of Godzilla vs. Mothra from 1964. Here, humans construct Mechagodzilla, a mechanical kaiju, as a defense against the return of Godzilla. However, a mystical connection between Godzilla and Mothra's offspring complicates the battle.
As a remarkable addition to the Heisei era, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2 cements its place in the franchise's history with its memorable clashes between gigantic creatures and its exploration of ecological themes. This movie earned approximately $36 million internationally and received an 83% critics score and a 71% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Conclusion
Yes, there were other Godzilla films, but they came out a long time ago and brought less money to their creators. Most likely, now it only makes sense to watch them for the most devoted fans, since the graphics are difficult to come to terms with. It is better to immediately concentrate on the films listed, they are the most successful, and confirmation of this is large incomes.
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Browse images from the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong sequel here as well as images from Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Toho’s Godzilla Minus One.
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