Godzilla Movies: Showa Era
This watch order features the original Japanese Toho kaiju universe from 1954-1975, telling an interconnected story that extends beyond just Godzilla. The era includes standalone films for Rodan and Mothra before they join Godzilla's world, plus the Frankenstein duology that exists in the same continuity. Note that Godzilla himself doesn't appear in five of these films, but they introduce monsters and establish the shared universe.
The Showa Era chronicles not just Godzilla's evolution but the creation of an entire monster mythology where kaiju coexist. Watch as the series gradually shifts from serious horror to colorful spectacle, building a rich universe where continuity matters and monsters from different films eventually unite in epic crossovers like Destroy All Monsters.
There are 11 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

Godzilla
When ships begin mysteriously sinking near a Japanese island, an expedition discovers a massive 50-meter tall monster called Gojira. The ancient creature emerges to terrorize Japan in this groundbreaking kaiju film that launched the legendary Godzilla franchise.

Godzilla Raids Again
Two fishing pilots discover a second Godzilla and a new monster called Anguirus, leading to a devastating kaiju battle as both creatures head toward Osaka while Japan desperately tries to stop them.

Rodan
When mining engineer Shigeru investigates mysterious deaths in the mines, he discovers prehistoric creatures have awakened from their ancient slumber. As giant flying monsters emerge to terrorize Japan, the military must find a way to stop these ancient beasts before they destroy everything in their path.

Mothra
When shipwreck survivors are found on a mysterious island, a scientific expedition discovers tiny twin fairy priestesses who serve as guardians of Mothra, a mythical giant moth deity. After the fairies are kidnapped by a greedy businessman, the mighty Mothra emerges to rescue them.

King Kong vs. Godzilla
When a pharmaceutical company captures King Kong for publicity purposes, the giant ape must face off against the awakened Godzilla in an epic battle between two legendary monsters.

Mothra vs. Godzilla
When greedy entrepreneurs claim a giant egg found after a typhoon, Mothra's tiny fairies plead for its return with the help of sympathetic journalists. As Godzilla emerges to threaten Japan, the nation must seek help from the very creature whose egg they refused to return.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
When a meteorite brings the destructive three-headed space monster Ghidorah to Earth, Japan's legendary kaiju Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra must join forces to defend the planet from this extraterrestrial threat.

Frankenstein Conquers the World
After Frankenstein's immortal heart survives the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, it gives birth to a wild boy who grows into a giant monster. This Japanese kaiju film combines classic horror with post-war atomic age themes as the creature terrorizes the countryside.

Invasion of Astro-Monster
Astronauts discover mysterious aliens on Planet X who request to borrow Godzilla and Rodan to fight a monster threatening their world, offering a cure for cancer in return. However, the aliens' true motives prove far more sinister than they initially appear.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep
When a group of teenagers becomes stranded on a remote island, they discover that the natives have been enslaved by terrorists who control a giant crustacean monster. The survivors must awaken the sleeping Godzilla to help them defeat the terrorists and free the islanders.

The War of the Gargantuas
When a destructive sea creature spawned from Frankenstein's monster begins attacking Tokyo, its peaceful mountain-dwelling brother must choose between family loyalty and protecting humanity. A classic kaiju battle ensues between the two giant humanoid brothers, leaving the city caught in the crossfire.

Son of Godzilla
A reporter discovers scientists conducting weather experiments on a remote island inhabited by giant monsters, where Godzilla must raise and protect an infant creature as his own son.

King Kong Escapes
When the evil Dr. Who's robot Mechani-Kong fails to mine a rare element, he captures the real King Kong to do the job. This sets up an epic showdown between the giant ape and his mechanical duplicate atop Tokyo Tower.

Destroy All Monsters
In this classic kaiju film, Earth's monsters are contained on a remote island until alien invaders take control of them and unleash them upon major cities around the world.

All Monsters Attack
A lonely schoolboy in industrial Japan escapes his troubles through dreams of Monster Island, where he befriends Minilla and learns to face his own bullies.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah
When an alien life-form arrives on Earth and begins consuming pollution while spewing toxic acid, Godzilla must face off against this corrosive menace that threatens both humanity and the King of Monsters himself.

Godzilla vs. Gigan
When manga artist Gengo discovers suspicious activities at an amusement park, Godzilla and Anguirus must team up to face a new alien threat and the cyborg monster Gigan.

Godzilla vs. Megalon
When an undersea civilization seeks revenge for nuclear testing that has damaged their world, they unleash the monster Megalon with the help of a stolen humanoid robot called Jet Jaguar. The kaiju battle escalates when Godzilla arrives to face off against the giant insect-like creature.

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
When Godzilla seemingly returns to his destructive ways and attacks his ally Anguirus, the appearance of a second Godzilla reveals that an impostor mechanical weapon has been masquerading as the real King of the Monsters.

Terror of Mechagodzilla
When a submarine mission to recover Mechagodzilla's remains is attacked by the massive dinosaur Titanosaurus, an Interpol investigation reveals a conspiracy involving alien invaders and a scientist's cyborg daughter who controls the mechanical monster.
Other Film Series
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Two iconic alien species clash in brutal combat, with humans caught in the crossfire of their ancient conflict.
Divergent
A dystopian trilogy following Tris Prior as she discovers her Divergent nature and leads a rebellion against the faction system controlling post-apocalyptic Chicago.
Mortal Kombat
A martial arts fantasy franchise based on the popular video game series about interdimensional fighting tournaments.
Predator
Elite alien hunters stalk Earth throughout history, seeking the most dangerous prey in brutal combat.
Resident Evil
Live-action film adaptations of the popular survival horror video game series, featuring two distinct storylines across seven films.
Skyline
A sci-fi trilogy following humanity's battle against alien invaders, with each film building directly on the previous story.