Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

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Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

Writer: Casey Chong

"Gojira", or internationally known as, "Godzilla", is more than just a monster movie. First appearing in 1954, "Godzilla" is famously known for revolutionising the kaiju genre in the history of Japanese cinema. The black-and-white classic, in turn, became so successful at the Japan box office during its original release in 1954 and subsequently paved the way for more sequels and reboots over the course of 60 years. Since then, "Godzilla" is hailed as a Japanese icon and also became a mass inspiration for many future filmmakers around the world, including Mexican director Guillermo del Toro for his kaiju-inspired Hollywood blockbuster, "Pacific Rim" in 2013. To date, there are 30 feature movies of Godzilla made in Japan and Hollywood (the 1998 American remake directed by Roland Emmerich and the 2014 reboot by Gareth Edwards). Following the success of Edwards' version of "Godzilla" two years ago, the Japanese version has finally made its own huge comeback with "Godzilla: Resurgence" this year. Otherwise known as "Shin Godzilla" in Japan, the brand new reboot had already attracted positive reception both critically and financially when it first premiered in its native country back in July. Thankfully, local fans and audiences can finally witness the return of Japanese Godzilla stomping into our cinemas this 22 September. To honour the upcoming release of "Godzilla: Resurgence", let's take a step back towards the past and check out every Godzilla movie examined and evaluated from its successful black-and-white origin in 1954 to the recent Gareth Edwards' Hollywood reboot in 2014.

25. "Godzilla vs. Megaguirus" (2000)

Godzilla fights a giant dragonfly-like creature, Megaguirus. It's far from the best movie in the Millennium series, but decent enough with some stunning visuals (e.g. the Shinjuku flooding scene) and great monster action during the climactic finale. The Megaguirus creature design may look like a carbon copy of the iconic Mothra, but the new kaiju monster still looks intimidating in its own right.

26. "Godzilla, Mothra And King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack" (2001)

Three legendary guardian monsters - Baragon, Mothra and King Ghidorah - must be awakened to stop Godzilla from destroying Japan. Otherwise known as "GMK", this 26th "Godzilla" entry feels like watching "Destroy All Monsters" all over again but made for the Millennium series generation. True to its title, the movie offers plenty of kaiju smackdowns involving Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah.

27. "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" (2002)

Following the appearance of a new Godzilla, a giant robot is built out of the bones of the original Godzilla from 1954 to stop the monster. Almost 10 years after "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II", the Mechagodzilla is back with a brand new robotic design. Otherwise known as Kiryu, the new Mechagodzilla design looks far superior than the one seen in 1993. The movie is also a triumph in the special effects department.

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Cinema Online, 19 September 2016