The 10 Best Godzilla "Versus" Movies, Ranked

Godzilla “versus” films are part of the beloved and long-running Godzilla franchise which began in 1954 with the original Godzilla. Although some of them are, unfortunately, considered Godzilla movies you can skip, each of the titles offers a unique look at the reptilian adversaries. Delving into Godzilla's complex legacy, they also present compelling portraits of an often misunderstood character. As the iconic monster faces off against a total of 19 villains from the Godzilla franchise, spectacular, action-packed and surprisingly emotional battles take center stage.

The array of memorable enemies, from shape-shifting plant creatures to robotic doppelgängers, have become iconic in their own right, but the “versus” format consistently keeps Godzilla at its center. Highlighting the dual nature of the monster as a destructive and protective force, These Godzilla “versus” titles stand as pop culture cornerstones and must-watches for monster movie fans.

10

Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

Directed by Jun Fukuda

Godzilla vs. Megalon ranks lowest in the “versus” movie monster series, with a 4.8 star rating on IMDB. The 1973 title had its fair share of questionable moments, from an overly campy tone to a very simple plot, all likely the result of a restricted budget. However, the silly children's Godzilla film has one of the saddest moments in the franchise, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Godzilla's emotional landscape.

Although he is often portrayed as a force of destruction in previous films, by the 1970s, Godzilla had completely transitioned into a heroic figuremaking the destruction of Monster Island a pretty dark moment here. From an over-the-top fight to some serious emotional stakes, Godzilla vs. Megalon brings cult-classic appeal in the form of a whimsical narrative (and one of Godzilla's most bizarre battles).

9

Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

Directed by Jun Fukuda

Even though Gigan already looks like he belongs in the Godzilla Monsterverse, the 1972 title Godzilla vs. Gigan It didn’t get much love on IMDb compared to other “versus” Godzilla films. Rated 5.6 stars out of 10 on IMDb, the film featured a questionable amount of recycled footage, especially for scenes of destruction and battles (arguably the most important part of any Godzilla film). Plus, the human plot felt a little silly, even by kaiju standards.

Still, despite its flaws, Godzilla vs. Gigan It has some standout elements that make it a memorable watch in the franchise. Gigan, a cyborg kaiju in the form of pure 1970s awesomeness, gave us some of the most chaotic and over-the-top fights in the monster series, cementing his place as a fan favorite; even decades later. Looking beyond its few exaggerated blemishes, Godzilla vs. Gigan is packed with unique energy, colorful villains, and moments worth revisiting.

8

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Directed by Masaaki Tezuka

Godzilla facing off against a massive mutant insect queen born from prehistoric creatures altered by radiation is definitely a memorable watch, but it didn't stand out in the eyes of IMDb critics. Rated 6 out of 10 stars on the platform, Godzilla x Megaguirus offers a distinctly different vibe compared to traditional “versus” Godzilla films. The film introduced a mix of science fiction elements, including experimental weapons and interdimensional technology, adding a fresh feel to the kaiju battles, but not without its limitations.

To be honest, the plot here felt quite underdeveloped. Combined with a comprehensive sense of inconsistent tone, Godzilla vs. the story arguably makes the film one of the weakest entries in the franchise. Still, the 2000 title still has its merits, including fun action sequences and a non-traditional Godzilla adversary, which makes it far from the worst episode in the series.

7

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Directed by Yoshimitsu Banno

Godzilla vs. Hedorah offered Godzilla fans a sharp departure from the more straightforward kaiju battles they were accustomed to. With an environmental message at the heart of the film's underlying symbolism, the 1971 entry stands out for its creativity and boldness. However, with a rating of 6.1 out of 10 on IMDb, It's clear that its experimental style and heavy tone may not have resonated well with all viewers..

Even though the plot felt a little inconsistent and the visuals were at times extraordinarily bizarre, even for this monster universe, Hedorah, aka the Mist Monster, ended up becoming an iconic Godzilla villain worthy of a moving 50th anniversary tribute. So if you're a Godzilla newbie looking for something a little different or if you like films that involve risks Godzilla vs. Hedorah It's definitely worth giving a try.

6

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

Directed by Jun Fukuda

Those who wish to tune into Godzilla fighting a robotic version of himself, wielding powerful weapons like missiles, laser beams, and force fields, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla It's the film you can't miss. The 1974 title gave fans something new and exciting compared to Godzilla's previous monster clashes by upping the stakes of the battle.

However, despite his creative ideas, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla has a fairly moderate rating compared to other entries. With 6.2 out of 10 stars activated IMDBthe film failed to deliver the emotional depth that many expected from the Godzilla series. Despite that, its iconic premise and equally legendary showdown make it a memorable installmentespecially with the debut of King Caesar. The special effects used were also impressive for the time, making Mechagodzilla one of Godzilla's most notable villains that set the tone for future entries in the franchise.

5

King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

Directed by Ishiro Honda

With Godzilla's role in Godzilla vs. Kong Being a huge disappointment, the original Godzilla entry that introduced the iconic prehistoric ape takes the cake as the best “versus” film. King Kong vs Godzilla occupies a special place in the history of cinema, as the 1962 title was the first time that the two monsters faced each other on the big screen, in color.

The vibrant new visuals effectively enhanced the plot and gave Godzilla and King Kong a larger-than-life feel. Ultimately, the cultural crossover paved the way for future international monster encounters, earning 6.2 out of 10 stars in IMDB. However, as a mix of light-hearted comedy and intense action, King Kong vs Godzilla may not please everyone. The story's campy tone is notably characteristic of its time, making the somewhat uneven tone a little easier to digest.

4

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)

Directed by Kazuki Omori

Although definitely not the pinnacle of the monster series, Godzilla vs King Ghidorah completely changed Godzilla's biggest rivalry. In addition to the innovative plot twist, the 1991 entry delivered spectacular monster battles, clever time travel, and stunning visuals. The unique combination of elements raised the stakes for the entire franchise at the time, giving Godzilla vs King Ghidorah a sense of grandeur that its predecessors didn't really have.

With 6.5 out of 10 stars on IMDb, Godzilla vs King Ghidorah stands out as a quintessential "versus" Godzilla film in terms of kaiju spectaclebut it was not without flaws. Despite being among the first four installments in the realm of reptilian rivalry, its complex time travel setup was sometimes difficult to follow, somewhat interrupting the plot progression to the point of distraction.

3

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)

Directed by Kazuki Omori

Godzilla vs. Biollante stands out as one of the most unique entries in the Heisei series. The 1989 film introduced Biollante, a new kaiju created through a combination of Godzilla's DNA, human cells, and plant tissue, who was equal parts fascinating and grotesque to watch come to life.

Biollante's visually complex design with a plant-based structure made her one of the most memorable and powerful characters in the Godzilla universe. Its impressive ability to rapidly grow parts of its body made the creature a worthy adversary of Godzilla, resulting in a dynamic combat style that significantly enhanced the film's fight sequences. Thanks to its special effects and fast-paced action, Godzilla vs. Biollante is one of the most visually stunning kaiju films of the late 1980s. Earning a 6.5-star rating on IMDb, it is among the top three "versus" Godzilla films.

2

Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

Directed by Ishiro Honda

The 1964 Mothra x Godzilla it cemented Godzilla's reputation as a force of nature, but it also somewhat introduced moral complexity into the kaiju conflicts. As Mothra attacks to retrieve her egg, she is no longer just a villain to be conquered; she is a guardian with a mission. Godzilla, on the other hand, is more of a bad guy here, doing Mothra x Godzilla stand out as an entry par excellence in the reptilian series. Notably, it was also the first time the two creatures shared the big screen.

Contrary to popular belief, Mothra did not beat Godzilla here; She really died. Still, that didn't make it any less iconic, as the title received a 6.5-star rating from IMDb reviewers. The duo's battles were expertly brought to life using impressive special effects for the time, so It's no surprise that Mothra x Godzilla ultimately heavily influenced future kaiju films.

1

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)

Directed by Takao Okawara

Destoroyah of Godzilla vs. Destoroyah it's not just another giant monster; is a creature born from the Oxygen Destroyer, the same weapon that killed the original Godzilla in 1954. This connection ties the 1995 title to the franchise's origins, making the story feel like a full circle. Its epic showdowns and high-stakes tension make Godzilla vs. Destoroyah the pinnacle of Godzilla “versus” films (as well as its 6.9 star rating from IMDb users).

Godzilla's death is also one of the main reasons why the film stands out as mandatory viewing in the franchise, as is a somber farewell to a beloved character (violence aside, we can't help but love Godzilla). Arguably one of the saddest deaths in all of the Godzilla films, the heartbreaking moment undoubtedly represents the culmination of Godzillathe journey. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah It thus remains engraved in the memories of many, legitimately placing itself as one of the most iconic films in the entire franchise.

Source: IMDB