Ranking 5 Godzilla Eras: From Showa Era to MonsterVerse

Godzilla, the iconic King of the Monsters, has been a cinematic legend since his debut in 1954. Over the years, Godzilla has seen various eras, each with its own unique take on the colossal creature. From the classic Showa era to the modern MonsterVerse, we’ve witnessed Godzilla’s evolution on the big screen. In this article, we’ll rank the five Godzilla eras and explore what makes each of them stand out.

Table of Contents

5. Reiwa Era (2016-Present)

The Reiwa Era, which began in 2016, brought a fresh perspective to the Godzilla franchise. While it has its merits, it falls to the bottom of our list for several reasons.

One of the notable features of the Reiwa Era is the inclusion of animated projects. However, not all of these animated films hit the mark. Films like “Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters,” “Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle,” and “Godzilla: The Planet Eater” are criticized for their slow pacing and a conclusion that didn’t quite justify the time invested in the earlier installments. Additionally, the anime series “Godzilla: Singular Point” left some fans disappointed.

While “Shin Godzilla” had its moments, it couldn’t carry the entire era on its shoulders. As we look ahead to “Godzilla Minus One” with its intriguing trailer, there’s hope for the Reiwa Era to redeem itself. Nonetheless, as it stands, this era is often considered one of Godzilla’s weakest periods, despite its attempts to innovate.

4. Millennium Era (1999-2004)

The Millennium Era, spanning from 1999 to 2004, is a divisive period for Godzilla fans. Some hail it as one of the best, while others view it less favorably. From my perspective, it’s a mixed bag.

This era introduced us to films like “Godzilla 2000: Millennium” and the wild ride that is “Godzilla: Final Wars.” “Godzilla Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack” also stand out as strong entries. However, there were some lackluster films in the mix, such as “Godzilla vs. Megaguirus.”

One distinguishing feature of the Millennium Era is the lack of continuity among the films. With most being standalone stories, there’s a notable lack of consistency. This makes it an era where viewers might not commit to a full-day Godzilla marathon but instead occasionally pick one to watch.

3. The MonsterVerse (2014-Present)

The MonsterVerse, which began in 2014, has earned a spot high on our list. While some might question this placement, it’s a testament to the success of this shared universe.

The MonsterVerse’s strength lies in its interconnected storytelling, a rarity among Godzilla films. Although not all entries are equal in quality, the fact that they are part of a larger narrative adds to their appeal. This shared universe includes the 2014 “Godzilla” and the thrilling “Godzilla vs. Kong.”

Interestingly, we can’t ignore the 1998 Roland Emmerich “Godzilla” film, which, though not part of the MonsterVerse, adds an American flavor to the mix. The MonsterVerse’s portrayal of King Kong also contributes to its appeal, making it a significant factor in its ranking.

2. Showa Era (1954-1975)

The Showa Era, spanning from 1954 to 1975, is Godzilla’s longest era and one of the best. It played a pivotal role in defining Godzilla’s character and the scope of his adversaries.

During this era, we witnessed the introduction of iconic foes like Gigan, King Kong, and King Ghidorah. Godzilla’s evolution from a terrorizing force to a heroic figure who could even slide on his tail is evident in these films.

The Showa Era boasts a catalog of classics, including “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” “Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster,” “Destroy All Monsters,” “Godzilla vs. Gigan,” and “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.” The original 1954 “Godzilla” film, which still terrifies audiences today, stands as the greatest in the series.

While it’s tempting to place the Showa Era at the top, there’s one era that outshines it in the eyes of many Godzilla fans.

1. Heisei Era (1984-1995)

The Heisei Era, spanning from 1984 to 1995, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Godzilla filmmaking. It kicks off with “The Return of Godzilla,” a personal favorite of many fans who appreciate Godzilla in his terror-inducing form.

What sets this era apart is its impact on the Godzilla universe. It introduced significant changes to familiar characters like Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla while also introducing captivating new foes like Biollante, SpaceGodzilla, and Destoroyah. These characters have since become integral to the Godzilla mythos, and their stories continue to captivate audiences.

While the Heisei Era isn’t flawless, it comes closest to perfection among all five Godzilla eras. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Godzilla and the ability of filmmakers to evolve and expand the lore of the King of the Monsters.

In conclusion, Godzilla’s cinematic journey has been a remarkable one, with each era leaving its mark on the franchise. Whether you prefer the classic Showa Era, the interconnected storytelling of the MonsterVerse, or the terror-inducing Heisei Era, Godzilla’s enduring appeal continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As fans eagerly anticipate future Godzilla films, the King of the Monsters remains an iconic figure in the world of cinema.