6 Essential Godzilla Movies Monsterverse Fans Need to Watch Before ‘Supernova’

The next installment in the Monsterverse series is Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. This sequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will be the sixth Godzilla movie made entirely by a Hollywood studio, and the sixth film overall in the popular Monsterverse. Scheduled for release on March 26, 2027, it will be the 40th film featuring Godzilla and the 14th starring King Kong.

Details about the plot are still unclear, but it looks like SpaceGodzilla will appear, bringing Godzilla and Kong together as allies once again – they make a pretty great team, even better than Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker! Director Adam Wingard, who directed the last two monster movies, couldn’t return due to other commitments, but the new film is in good hands with Grant Sputore, known for the sci-fi thriller I Am Mother. With the movie not coming out until 2027, there’s plenty of time to rewatch some classic Godzilla films and get ready for Supernova.

6
‘Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla’ (1994)


Toho

After a period of calm, a new monster arrives on Earth with plans for conquest. This time, it’s SpaceGodzilla, born from cells taken from Godzilla himself, and he even endangers Little Godzilla. The United Nations sends M.O.G.U.E.R.A., a new robot built by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to take Mechagodzilla’s place, to stop him. However, SpaceGodzilla proves to be a formidable foe, and it might take Godzilla himself to save the world in Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.

With SpaceGodzilla appearing as a villain in the next movie, it’s worth watching this older film – it’s where he first appeared! This movie clearly explains SpaceGodzilla’s origins: Godzilla cells, carried into space by Biollante, were hit with strong radiation from a black hole, and that’s how SpaceGodzilla was created.

Considered one of the strongest Godzilla films from the 1990s, Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla tells a straightforward but emotionally resonant story. The film cleverly explores the connection between Earth and outer space, and offers thought-provoking ideas about genetic engineering and how things can change. Director Kensho Yamashita, influenced by German Expressionism, allows the story to develop at a relaxed pace, paying close attention to visual color and the characters’ conversations.

5
‘Godzilla’ (1954)


Toho

As a huge monster movie fan, I always get hooked right from the start of the original Godzilla. It begins in 1954 with these strange reports of ships disappearing near Odo Island, and then, boom – Godzilla shows up and starts tearing through Tokyo! The movie really gets interesting when they introduce Dr. Serizawa, a brilliant scientist who’s created this incredibly powerful, but dangerous, weapon called the Oxygen Destroyer. He knows it could stop Godzilla, but it’s so potent it could also be a disaster for everyone. The tension is just incredible – will he risk using it to save the city?

The original Godzilla film is a must-see for anyone interested in giant monsters. It’s important to understand where the character came from and how it’s changed over time. Fans of recent Godzilla movies will especially enjoy seeing director Ishirō Honda’s initial take on the iconic creature and how different it is from modern versions.

This classic Japanese film offers a surprisingly engaging story filled with small conflicts, frustrating rules, and difficult moral choices. It all builds to an unforgettable climax! What makes it truly special is its groundbreaking use of special effects – a technique called ‘suitmation’ where a performer in a suit interacts with incredibly detailed miniature worlds. You won’t want to miss this piece of cinema history.

4
‘Godzilla vs. Biollante’ (1989)


Toho

In the film Godzilla vs. Biollante, companies are fiercely competing to obtain samples of Godzilla’s cells. At the same time, Japanese scientist Dr. Genichiro Shiragami (played by Kōji Takahashi) is conducting a risky experiment. He’s attempting to combine Godzilla’s DNA with plant and human cells, driven by a desire to honor the memory of his deceased daughter. Unfortunately, this experiment results in the creation of Biollante, a terrifying plant-based monster.

Biollante’s existence played a role in the creation of SpaceGodzilla, making Godzilla vs. Biollante a helpful backstory to the upcoming Supernova, as it demonstrates how the plant-based monster contributed to the overall conflict. The film also established a common trope in kaiju movies: Godzilla battling enemies that can evolve into stronger versions of themselves.

This ’80s Godzilla film is packed with exciting action, especially as Godzilla battles a tough, fast-moving monster. The camerawork by Yūdai Katō is dynamic and inventive, using sweeping shots to create a thrilling visual experience that would influence later Godzilla movies. While the film often shows intense suffering and sadness, it ultimately concludes with a powerful message of hope, bringing the story full circle.

3
‘Godzilla 2000’ (1999)


Toho

In Godzilla 2000, scientists find an ancient rock that unexpectedly comes to life and travels towards Godzilla. When Godzilla attacks with his fiery breath, a UFO appears from inside the rock, paralyzes him, and steals his DNA. The beings inside the UFO then merge into a single, powerful creature called Orga, and begin to destroy everything in their path.

With the introduction of SpaceGodzilla, Supernova is shaping up to be a standout alien invasion film. Watching Godzilla 2000 now feels particularly relevant, as it shares a similar theme of an attack from outer space. Plus, this movie is a great starting point for viewers new to the Japanese Godzilla films, as it doesn’t require knowledge of the complex backstory – it only connects to the very first Godzilla movie from 1954.

This moving and beautifully shot film powerfully portrays how conflicts can escalate and the devastating consequences that follow. Naomi Nishida delivers a heartfelt performance as a determined photojournalist facing incredibly difficult circumstances, and she’s matched by a strong ensemble cast.

2
‘Mothra vs. Godzilla’ (1964)


Toho

In Mothra vs. Godzilla, a huge storm brings a strange egg to the coast, believed to be Mothra’s. When people try to profit from the egg, things get complicated with the sudden appearance of Godzilla, who breaks free from an iceberg and starts destroying Japan. This leads to a battle between Godzilla and the two young Mothra larvae that have just hatched.

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The connection between the films Mothra vs. Godzilla and Supernova starts with Godzilla vs. Biollante. In that film, Godzilla cells are sent into space. Toho later suggested that Mothra’s travels through space may have carried these cells. By the time Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla was made, these cells had been changed by space radiation and black holes, resulting in the creation of SpaceGodzilla.

I absolutely adore this strange and wonderful kaiju film from the 60s – it really doesn’t get the recognition it deserves! Director Ishirō Honda was a genius, using incredibly innovative effects and truly creepy creature designs. Everything about it feels a little… off, from the sets to the way the camera moves, creating a really unique and dreamlike experience. Honestly, I think everyone should see it – you won’t be disappointed!

1
‘Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II’ (1993)


Toho

Following Godzilla’s victory over Mecha-King Ghidorah, the United Nations creates a special task force called the “United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center” (UNGCC). Its military team, G-Force, decides to build a new monster-fighting machine – Mechagodzilla – using the parts left over from Ghidorah. The question is, will this new robot be a powerful enough opponent for Godzilla?

Following Mechagodzilla’s destruction in a previous film, some of its parts were used to create M.O.G.U.E.R.A., a strong new robot designed to fight giant monsters. M.O.G.U.E.R.A. then assisted in the battle against SpaceGodzilla in Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla. Could something like this happen again in Supernova?

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II isn’t your typical monster movie. It boasts a surprisingly complex story with unsettling and deceitful human characters who hide a dangerous side. If you’re looking for a kaiju film that’s both disturbing and unique, this one’s a great choice – and it was also the first Japanese film to use Dolby Digital sound, so it sounds fantastic!

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2025-12-22 02:10