The Ultimate Guide to Watching Godzilla and King Kong Films

Whether you're a fan of classic monsters or a newcomer to the world of King Kong and Godzilla, deciding on the order to watch these films can be an exciting challenge. From the earliest entries to the newest additions, there are numerous ways to experience these iconic franchises. In this guide, we’ll explore different approaches and share our recommended viewing order for the most memorable monster marathon.

Approaches to Watching Godzilla and King Kong Films

There is no single "right" answer when it comes to the order of watching Godzilla and King Kong films. Here’s a look at the varied strategies:

Release Order

The most straightforward approach is to watch the movies in the order they were released. This method starts with the original Japanese film, Gojira (1954), and proceeds to the 1933 King Kong. You then switch between Godzilla sequels through the years and the remakes of King Kong. This option provides a clear narrative journey of technological and storytelling advancements over time.

Franchise Timeline

Another strategy is to watch all Godzilla movies chronologically and then all of the King Kong ones. This approach allows you to view the complete lifespan and development of each monster franchise independently, ensuring each franchise has its own distinct story arc.

Showa, Heisei, and Millennium Periods

A more detailed approach involves watching them by franchise timeline. Start with the Showa period (1950s-1970s) Godzilla movies, then move to the King Kong remakes of 1976 and 2005. From there, leap into the Heisei period (1980s-1990s) Godzilla films and finally the Millennium period (late 1990s-2000s) Godzilla films.

Suggested Viewing Order

Combining the major films from both franchises, here is a recommended viewing order that focuses on the most significant entries:

Classic Era

King Kong

1933

Godzilla

1954

King Kong vs. Godzilla

1962

Heisei Era Godzilla

Godzilla vs. Biollante

1989

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

1991

Godzilla vs. Mothra

1992

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II

1993

Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters

1999

Millennium Era Godzilla

Godzilla 2000: Millennium

1999

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus

2000

Godzilla Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack

2001

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla

2002

Godzilla: Final Wars

2004

Legendary Pictures MonsterVerse

Godzilla

2014

Kong: Skull Island

2017

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

2019

Godzilla vs. Kong

2021

Recent Films

As of August 2023, keep an eye out for any upcoming films in the MonsterVerse or new entries in the Godzilla or King Kong franchises that may have been announced or released after Godzilla vs. Kong.

Notes:

Original films often take on different tones and styles, so be prepared for variations in special effects and storytelling. For animated entries, there are also recent releases such as Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017) and its sequels.

This order provides a blend of classic and modern interpretations, allowing you to experience the evolution of these iconic franchises. Whether you choose the release order, franchise timeline, or a mix of both, the ultimate joy is in crafting your own monster movie marathon!