Godzilla Movies: Standalone Films

1998 - 20233 Films6h 22m3.9 Average

These three completely separate Godzilla films exist in their own continuities, each offering a radically different interpretation of the legendary kaiju. These range from Hollywood's attempt at an American blockbuster reimagining to Japan's return to serious political allegory and intimate character-driven storytelling.

The standalone entries prove the character's versatility across cultures and creative visions. Each film approaches Godzilla from a fresh perspective, making this selection great for exploring how different filmmakers interpret the same monster.

There are 11 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

1
Godzilla poster

Godzilla

19982h 18m2.9
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria, Kevin Dunn

French nuclear tests mutate an iguana into a massive monster that terrorizes ships in the Pacific before making its way to Manhattan. A team of experts and the military must stop the giant reptile before it can reproduce and spawn a new generation of monsters.

Science FictionActionThriller
2
Shin Godzilla poster

Shin Godzilla

20162h4.2
Original Title: シン・ゴジラ
Director: Shinji Higuchi
Cast: Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara, Kengo Kora, Satoru Matsuo

When a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and terrorizes Tokyo, the Japanese government must navigate bureaucratic red tape while racing against time to find a way to stop the evolving creature. A team of scientists and officials work desperately to uncover the monster's weaknesses before it becomes unstoppable.

ActionScience FictionHorror
3
Godzilla Minus One poster

Godzilla Minus One

20232h 4m4.5
Original Title: ゴジラ-1.0
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka

In post-WWII Japan, survivors must band together to face the devastating return of Godzilla, with no military or government support to help them battle the legendary monster.

Science FictionHorrorAction