One of the most popular subgenres of film since the earliest days of the medium has been kaiju movies. The term “kaiju” originates from Japan, meaning “strange beast,” and usually is used to refer to movies featuring giant monsters. Among these giant monsters, none stand taller (figuratively or literally) than Godzilla.
TheGodzillafranchise has been astaple of the kaiju movie genre since 1954. The character is often regarded as one of the first kaiju to ever be depicted in film. However, the franchise has since spawned countless inspirations. There are plenty of movies outside theGodzillafranchise that are must-watches for fans of giant monster movies.
10Them!
Released in America the same year as the originalGodzilla,Them!was directed by George Douglas. Douglas’s career spanned five decades and multiple genres, withThem!being his go at a giant monster movie. Rather than a Godzilla-esque lizard, the giant monsters in this movie are mutated ants.
The film received an Oscar nomination for its use of special effects, and has been consideredone of the greatest science-fiction films of the 50s. Its themes were also relevant to the Cold War-era, with the ants serving as metaphors for nuclear disaster. It has even been referenced in modern-day films such as Marvel’sAnt-Man and the Wasp.
9The Blob
The popularity of giant monster movies continued into the late 1950s with the sci-fi horror classicThe Blob. This Irvin Yeaworth-directed movie features the future “King of Cool” Steve McQueen in his first starring film role. Here, McQueen plays a teenager who discovers the amorphous, red creature that terrorizes a rural town.
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The Blobis nowadays seen as an iconic example of a B-movie, which generally refers to low-budget, commercial films. It’s often seen as fairly cheesy or dated, but its legacy makes it worth a watch. Plus, it has even netted the approval of celebrity astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who applauded the gelatinous monster’s scientific basis.
8Starship Troopers
Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel was adapted into a film in 1997. Similar toThem!, the monsters in this film are hostile, giant insects, though the approach to fighting them varies from the older example.Starship Troopersis instead framed like a war movie, focusing on an interstellar war between mankind and these insect-like aliens.
Upon release,Starship Trooperswas almost universally panned by critics, detesting the film’s violence and repetitive narrative. However, in recent years,there’s been a public change of opinion, recognizing the movie’s criticisms of fascism and political propaganda. The film nonetheless proves to be divisive, but is ultimately geared to fans of the genre.
7Jurassic Park
Jurassic Parkis, without a doubt, one of the most iconic films ever made. It’s certainly seen as a highlight of Steven Spielberg’s illustrious, commercially-successful career. It’s a bit of a stretch to callJurassic Parka “kaiju” movie, but it does incorporate a lot of elements from the genre: giant dinosaurs, a basis in science fiction, and lots of gore.
Most fans of giant monster movies have probablyalready seen and fallen in love withJurassic Park. However, the film is also a good primer for those unacquainted with the genre. Above all else, it features a brilliant cast including Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and a career-defining performance by Richard Attenborough.
6King Kong (2005)
TheKing Kongfranchise has always been closely associated with theGodzillafilms, especially recently, when King Kong and Godzilla were pitted against each other in Legendary Pictures' Monster-Verse. However, some iterations ofKing Kongstand on their own, such as Peter Jackson’s solo film from 2005.
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Starring Naomi Watts, Jack Black, and featuring Andy Serkis as the titular monster, this film is a marvel of on-screen spectacle. It’s not wise to expect any less from a director like Peter Jackson, whose filmography consists of stunning visuals and creative ambition. Still, this remake is often seen as a beautifully-made tribute to the original 1933 film.
5Colossal
Colossalmay have skirted the eyes of the mainstream public, but it should definitely catch the attention of kaiju fans.The film stars Anne Hathaway as a writerwho accidentally manifests a giant monster across the world and learns she can control its movements. The ensuing events are a surprisingly fresh take on the kaiju film genre.
With supporting roles featuring Jason Sudeikis and Tim Blake Nelson, the execution of this film is a marvel. It pays homage to monster films that came before it, especiallyGodzilla, while also charting its own path. Ultimately, it survives by the charisma and power of its leading actress.
4Pacific Rim
Guillermo del Toro’s shot at a kaiju franchise swept audiences off their feet when it premiered in 2013. It’s a rare example of a giant monster movie that feels well-supported by its human cast, including Idris Elba, Charlie Day, and Rinko Kikuchi. It takes place in a future where Earth is overrun by kaiju and must defend itself.
Of course, the method Earth chooses to fight makes for some pretty magnificent cinematic moments. The human race creates giant mechas called Jaegers, mentally linking its two pilots to control the robot’s movements. This film is simply designed forfans of the genre who love imagining the limitless possibilities of a franchise like this.
3Cloverfield
FutureThe Batmandirector Matt Reeves joined forces with J. J. Abrams in 2007 to reinvent the giant monster movie genre. The end result wasCloverfield,which spun the genre’s stereotypes on its head in its stylistic choices. The entire film is formatted as found footage, depicting a group of friends fleeing from a kaiju monster attack.
What is most unique about the monster fromCloverfieldis its ambiguity. The monster is rarely seen in full, only shown in glimpses via the shaky camera recording. The film has also spawned several sequels that indirectly continue the story ofCloverfield, such as10 Cloverfield LaneandThe Cloverfield Paradox.
2The Iron Giant
Again, it might be a stretch to consider Brad Bird’s animated directorial debut a kaiju movie. However, it could be argued thatThe Iron Giantshares similar themes to other giant monster movies, albeit with a heartwarming side to it. Set in 1957, the film follows a young boy who befriends a giant robot and helps him evade the U.S. military.
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Since its release,The Iron Gianthas become regarded as a modern classic of animated films. The Vin Diesel-voiced robot has also made cameo appearances in films likeReady Player One. Overall, it seeks to question what it means to be a creature that can cause so much pain and destruction, even by accident.
1The Host
Parasitedirector Bong Joon-ho has dipped his filmmaking toes in many genres. In 2006, he releasedThe Host, his take on a kaiju film. Starring Song Kang-ho, the film follows a clumsy father trying to find his daughter after she is kidnapped by a mutated sea monster.
The Hostis perhaps one of the most beautiful kaiju movies ever created. Not only does Bong Joon-ho inflect this genre film with his typical brand of humor, but he also defies genre expectations. Most of all, the film features a lot of political metaphors, especially when it comes to America’s hand in creating the monster. Out of all the films on this list,The Hostshould be at the top of any kaiju fan’s watchlist.
