Godzilla’s 10 Best “Versus” Movies, Ranked

The Godzilla “versus” movies are a part of the beloved, long-running Godzilla franchise that started in 1954 with the original Godzilla. Even though some of them are unfortunately considered to be Godzilla movies you can skip, each of the titles offers a unique take on the reptilian’s adversaries. Delving into Godzilla’s complex legacy, they also feature compelling portrayals of an often misunderstood character. As the iconic monster is pitted against a total of 19 villains across the Godzilla franchise, spectacular battles, that are both action-packed and surprisingly emotional, take center stage.

The range of memorable foes, 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 monster’s dual nature as both a destructive force and a protector, these Godzilla “versus” titles stand out as both a cornerstone of pop culture and a must-watch for fans of monster movies.

10

Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

Directed By Jun Fukuda

Godzilla vs. Megalon ranks lowest in the monster series of “versus” movies, 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 plotline, all most likely the result of a restricted budget. However, the silly Godzilla kids movie has one of the franchise’s saddest moments ever, making it a worthwhile watch for those looking to dive into Godzilla’s emotional landscape.

While he’s often portrayed as a force of destruction in earlier films, by the 1970s, Godzilla had fully transitioned into a heroic figure, making the destruction of Monster Island quite a somber moment here. From a campy brawl to some serious emotional stakes, Godzilla vs. Megalon brings a cult classic appeal in the form of whimsical storytelling (and one of Godzilla’s most bizarre battles).

9

Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

Directed By Jun Fukuda

Even though Gigan already feels like it belongs in Godzilla’s Monsterverse, the 1972 title Godzilla vs. Gigan didn’t get much love on IMDb compared to Godzilla’s other “versus” movies. Rated 5.6 stars out of 10 on IMDb, the film featured a questionable amount of recycled footage, particularly for scenes of destruction and battles (arguably the most important part of any Godzilla picture). Additionally, the human storyline felt a bit silly, even by kaiju standards.

Still, despite its flaws, Godzilla vs. Gigan 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, over-the-top fights in the monster series, cementing its place as a fan favorite; even decades later. Looking past its few campy blemishes, Godzilla vs. Gigan is filled with unique energy, colorful villains, and moments worth revisiting.

8

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Directed By Masaaki Tezuka

Godzilla facing off against a massive, mutated insect queen born from prehistoric creatures altered by radiation is definitely a memorable watch, yet it did not excel in the eyes of IMDb critics. Rated a solid 6 out of 10 stars on the platform, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus offers a distinctly different vibe compared to traditional Godzilla “versus” movies. The film introduced a mix of sci-fi elements, including experimental weapons and interdimensional technology, adding a fresh feel to the kaiju battles, but not without their limitations.

To be honest, the plot here felt quite underdeveloped. Combined with an overarching feeling of an inconsistent tone, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus’ story arguably makes the movie one of the weaker entries in the franchise. Still, the 2000 title still has its merits, including fun action sequences and a non-traditional Godzilla adversary, making it far from the absolute worst installment in the series.

7

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Directed By Yoshimitsu Banno

Godzilla vs. Hedorah offered Godzilla fans a strong departure from the more straightforward kaiju battles that they might have been used to. With an environmental message taking center stage in the movie’s underlying symbolism, the 1971 entry stands out for its creativity and boldness. However, with a 6.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb, it’s clear that its experimental style and heavy-handed tone may not have resonated all that well with all viewers.

Even though the plot felt a bit inconsistent and the visuals were unusually bizarre at times, even for this monster universe, Hedorah, also known as the Smog Monster, ultimately grew to be an iconic Godzilla villain worthy of a heartwarming 50th-anniversary tribute. So, if you’re a Godzilla newbie looking for something a little different, or if you appreciate films that take risks, Godzilla vs. Hedorah is definitely worth giving a chance to.

6

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

Directed By Jun Fukuda

Those looking to tune into Godzilla fighting a robotic version of himself, wielding powerful weapons such as missiles, laser beams, and force fields, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla is the movie you cannot miss. The 1974 title gave fans something fresh and exciting compared to Godzilla’s previous monster clashes, raising the stakes of the battle.

However, despite its creative ideas, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla is ranked quite moderately compared to other entries. With a 6.2 out of 10 stars on IMDb, the movie failed to deliver the emotional depth many grew to expect from the Godzilla series. Nonetheless, its iconic premise and equally legendary showdown make it a memorable installment, especially with King Caesar’s debut. The special effects used were also impressive for their time, making Mechagodzilla one of the most noted Godzilla villains that set the tone for future franchise entries.

5

King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

Directed By Ishirō Honda

With Godzilla’s role in Godzilla x Kong being a major disappointment, the original Godzilla entry that introduced the iconic prehistoric ape takes the cake as the better “versus” movie. King Kong vs. Godzilla holds a special place in cinema history, as the 1962 title was the first time the two monsters faced each other on the big screen, in color.

The newly vibrant visuals effectively enhanced the plot and gave both Godzilla and King Kong a larger-than-life feel. Finally, the cultural crossover paved the way for future international monster meet-ups, earning a 6.2 out of 10 stars on IMDb. Yet, as a mix of light-hearted comedy and intense action, King Kong vs. Godzilla might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The campy undertone of the story is notably characteristic of its era, making the somewhat uneven tone a bit easier to digest.

4

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)

Directed by Kazuki Ōmori

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

With a 6.5 out of 10 stars on IMDb, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah stands out as a quintessential Godzilla “versus” movie in terms of kaiju spectacle, but it was not without its fair share of flaws. Despite ranking in the top four installments of the reptilian’s rivalry realm, its complex time-traveling setup was hard to keep up with at times, somewhat disrupting the plot progression to the point of distraction.

3

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)

Directed By Kazuki Ōmori

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 equally fascinating and grotesque to watch come to life.

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

2

Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

Directed by Ishirō Honda

The 1964 Mothra vs. Godzilla cemented Godzilla’s reputation as a force of nature, but it also somewhat introduced moral complexity to kaiju conflicts. As Mothra strikes 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, making Mothra vs. Godzilla stand out as a quintessential entry in the reptilian series. Notably, it was also the first time the two creatures shared the big screen.

Contrary to popular belief, Mothra didn’t beat Godzilla here; she actually died. Still, that didn’t make her any less iconic, as the title earned a 6.5-star rating from IMDb’s reviewers. The pair’s battles were skillfully brought to life using special effects impressive for its era, so it’s no surprise that Mothra vs. Godzilla ultimately heavily influenced kaiju films of the future.

1

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)

Directed By Takao Okawara

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

Godzilla’s death is also one of the main reasons the film stands out as a mandatory watch in the franchise, as it’s a somber farewell to a beloved character (rampages aside, we can’t help but to love Godzilla). Arguably one of the saddest deaths across all Godzilla movies, the heart-wrenching moment undoubtedly represents the culmination of Godzilla‘s journey. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah thus remains etched into the memories of many, rightfully placing itself as one of the most iconic movies of the entire franchise.

Source: IMDb