A look at the Godzilla films released in the 2020s, ranking them from good to great. The review covers two movies: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024).
A series that kicked off way back in 1954, and is still going strong to this day, Godzilla is perhaps the first thing many people will think of when they hear the term “giant monster movie,” and for good reason. The titular character has been in almost 40 feature films to date, and those films all belong to a wide variety of genres. Some Godzilla movies are goofy and action-packed, while others focus more on horror and drama.
It’s a series that’s dabbled in out-there sci-fi concepts like time travel, and entries in the series have been produced in both Japan (where the series originated, and where most of the films were made) and the U.S. The U.S. branch of Godzilla took off in a big way during the 2010s, thanks to the beginning of the ongoing MonsterVerse, and two of the three Godzilla movies of the 2020s so far have belonged to that side of things, too. But the 2020s has also seen the release of a live-action Japanese Godzilla movie that ranks among the best in the entire series, so it’s a pretty great time to be a fan of the king of the monsters. Hopefully, the second half of the decade will see the release of some more Godzilla flicks, but for now, here’s every single one of them released during the 2020s so far, ranked from pretty good to pretty great. 3 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' (2024) Directed by Adam Wingard Close Its predecessor established the MonsterVerse as a place for Godzilla and King Kong to get pretty damn goofy, and so it’s not too surprising that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire doubles down on schlock in a way that might alienate those who like their Godzilla films a little more serious. Comparing The New Empire to the likes of most films (besides the original) from the Showa era isn't too far-fetched, because a movie like this is all about getting larger-than-life monsters and having them fight and/or team up; whatever leads to the most action, really. Here, the two title monsters form something of an alliance after their previous battle, thanks to the emergence of a new monster that threatens to conquer the world… though he is kind of all bark and no bite, to the point where you could even call the climactic action set piece a bit of a letdown. But before then, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire revels in destruction and action-packed chaos while sacrificing logic and coherence in an admirably giddy fashion. It occasionally comes close to being great, mostly when it ditches dialogue and human characters altogether. It’s potentially empty spectacle, sure, but if you want a movie that feels like the cinematic equivalent of shoveling several pounds of extra salty potato chips into your mouth for two hours, then Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has your back. Sure, that does mean it’s ultimately not very filling, and no one is going to call it a highlight of either the Godzilla or King Kong series, but there’s entertainment to be found here for sure. It’s colorful, fast-paced, explosive, and unpretentious; you get exactly what you'd expect out of a giant monster team-up movie, and no more… but thankfully, also no less. 2 'Godzilla vs. Kong' (2021) Directed by Adam Wingard King Kong vs. Godzilla was released in 1962, so it took a hell of a long time for those two titular monsters to once more engage in combat, given Godzilla vs. Kong came out almost 60 years on from that film. It was the first big crossover for the MonsterVerse, following one solo King Kong movie (2017’s Kong: Skull Island) and two Godzilla movies (both 2014’s Godzilla and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters). Sure, it was a no-brainer to have these two cross paths, and thankfully, that path-crossing was very enjoyable to bear witness to. Like Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Godzilla vs. Kong is a rather mindless and dopey affair, but it’s got an approach to delivering straightforward blockbuster thrills that makes it fun. The MonsterVerse versions of the two main characters had already been decently established, and so this 2021 film is all about making them clash. Admittedly, there’s a little more to it, but not by much, considering the fact that after their fight, they team up and take on another foe, much like how they do in 2024’s The New Empire
Godzilla Monsterverse King Kong Action Adventure Fantasy Movies 2020S
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
10 Cancelled Godzilla Spinoffs You Probably Didn’t Know ExistedMonsterverse Godzilla and classic Toho Godzilla from the 1970s
Read more »
The New Godzilla Movies Skipped This Perfect Matchup Twice, But The Monsterverse Can Fix ThatGodzilla roars in Godzilla x Kong the New Empire
Read more »
Hiya Toys Reveals LED Godzilla vs. Kong Heat Ray Godzilla Figure Hiya Toys is taking kaiju collecting to the next level with its newest addition to the Exquisite Basic+ Series. Coming to life from the MonsterVerse, a stunning new Godzilla is rising from the depths from Godzilla vs. Kong.
Read more »
Making This Monster Godzilla x Kong 2's Villain Would Fulfill A Rematch Wish Godzilla's Movies Haven't Been Able To Do In 54 YearsGodzilla and Kong roar into the sky in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Read more »
Ranking the Last Five Godzilla Films of the Showa EraA look at the final five Godzilla movies of the Showa era, exploring their stylistic shifts and the reasons behind the franchise's hiatus.
Read more »
19 Current Trends The 2020s Will Be Remembered ForRemember when everyone was obsessed with making sourdough? This decade is a fever dream...
Read more »