Giant movie monsters
King Kong
Gojira (Godzilla)
In "Gojira" (1954) - released in the United States as "Godzilla," with scenes added featuring Raymond Burr - an amphibious, reptilean creature is awakened and empowered by the radiation produced by nuclear bomb tests. It proceeds to destroy much of Tokyo as scientists try to find a way to stop it.
It was the first of a long series of kaiju films - movies that feature sueprnatural, mythical or alien creatures, often battling one another among fragile cityscapes.
Anguirus
Godzilla returned in a 1955 sequel, "Godzilla Raids Again!" this time fighting another giant monster: the spiky Anguirus.
Giant Ants
Tarantula
Giant Octopus
Rodan
Giant Locusts
Ymir
Monoliths
Kronos
The Giant Claw
Giant Two-Timed Lady
Gorgo
Reptilicus
Mothra
King Kong vs. Godzilla
King Ghidorah
Gamera
Dogora
Gappa
Daimajin
Kumonga
Gorosaurus
Giant Bunnies
Giant Frogs
Super King Kong
Vermithrax Pejorative
Quetzalcoatl
Mechagodzilla
Rancor
Mr. Stay Puft
Arachnids
Balrog
"Cloverfield" Alien
"The Host" Creature
Kaijus
"Big-Ass Spider"
Godzilla
After a poorly-received American remake in 1998 by Roland Emmerich, Hollywood is once again bringing Godzilla to the screen, in a new version directed by Gareth Edwards.
He told the Associated Press that Godzilla is probably "the most recognized character from movie history. Yet, as an adult, it's hard to point at a film where that truly did him justice. Especially with the digital tools we have available today."
In other words, no rubber suits with zippers.
Gallery: "Godzilla" invades Hollywood
Will new "Godzilla" conquer Japan?
Video: "Godzilla" is back in Hollywood
For more info:
"Godzilla" (2014) (Official site)
"Godzilla" (a.k.a. "Gojira") (1954) - Available from the Criterion Collection
Toho Kingdom (fan site)
Toho Pictures (Official website)