Why Are the Japanese So Obsessed With Godzilla?

Table of Contents

• Godzilla: More Than Just a Monster
• A Symbol of Destruction and Rebirth
• Why So Many Movies?
• Godzilla’s Global Appeal
• List of Godzilla Movies (1954–Today)
• Funny Scenes

If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many Godzilla movies, you’re not alone! Godzilla isn’t just some big lizard that stomps around cities; he’s a cultural icon in Japan. So why are the Japanese so obsessed with him? Let’s dive in and find out.

Godzilla: More Than Just a Monster

Godzilla, or Gojira as he’s called in Japan, first appeared in 1954, in a film created by Toho Studios. But he’s not just a random creature. Godzilla was born out of the trauma Japan experienced after World War II, especially the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In fact, the first Godzilla movie is often seen as a metaphor for nuclear destruction. Godzilla rises from the ocean after being awoken and mutated by nuclear radiation. For many Japanese, Godzilla represents the uncontrollable power of atomic weapons and the devastation they cause.

A Symbol of Destruction and Rebirth

Godzilla isn’t always a villain. In the early films, he’s a destroyer of cities, but as time went on, his role became more complex. Sometimes, he’s portrayed as a protector, defending Japan from other, even worse monsters. This change mirrors the country’s recovery after the war. Japan rebuilt itself into a global power, and Godzilla’s transformation reflects that journey. So, the fascination with Godzilla is partly about how Japan sees itself—both as a victim and as a survivor.

Why So Many Movies?

Japan has produced dozens of Godzilla movies. But why? One reason is that Godzilla has become a beloved part of Japanese pop culture. He’s like a superhero, and just like people love to see new Marvel or DC movies, fans in Japan (and worldwide) love seeing what new adventure Godzilla will have next. Plus, with each new movie, there’s often something deeper going on—whether it’s environmental destruction, technological dangers, or even social commentary on modern Japan.

Godzilla’s Global Appeal

It’s not just the Japanese who are obsessed with Godzilla—people all over the world love him too. Hollywood has made its own Godzilla movies, like the recent “Godzilla vs. Kong.” The universal appeal of Godzilla comes from his ability to adapt. He’s been a destroyer, a protector, and even a tragic hero. His character evolves with the times, making him relatable to new generations.

List of Godzilla Movies (1954–Today)

Here’s a list of all the Godzilla movies ever made, with a brief description of each:

1. Godzilla (1954)

The original classic. Godzilla is awakened by nuclear tests and rampages through Tokyo. This film is a serious commentary on nuclear destruction.

2. Godzilla Raids Again (1955)

Godzilla returns, but this time he battles another monster, Anguirus, while continuing to cause destruction.

3. King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

In this crossover, Godzilla faces off against King Kong in a battle of giants.

4. Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

Godzilla fights Mothra, a giant moth-like creature, as humans try to stop both monsters.

5. Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)

Godzilla joins forces with other monsters to battle King Ghidorah, an alien three-headed dragon.

6. Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)

Godzilla is controlled by aliens and sent to Earth to cause destruction, but he eventually breaks free.

7. Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966)

Godzilla battles a giant lobster (Ebirah) in this island-based adventure.

8. Son of Godzilla (1967)

Godzilla has a son, Minilla, and teaches him how to be a monster while battling other creatures.

9. Destroy All Monsters (1968)

Godzilla and other Earth monsters team up to defeat an alien invasion led by King Ghidorah.

10. All Monsters Attack (1969)

A young boy dreams of visiting Monster Island, where he meets Godzilla and Minilla in his fantasy.

11. Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Godzilla faces off against Hedorah, a monster born from pollution in an environmentally-themed battle.

12. Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972)

Godzilla and Anguirus team up to fight the alien monsters Gigan and King Ghidorah.

13. Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)

Godzilla helps the robot Jet Jaguar fight the monsters Megalon and Gigan.

14. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

Godzilla battles his robotic counterpart, Mechagodzilla, who is sent to destroy him.

15. Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

Godzilla returns to face Mechagodzilla again, along with another monster, Titanosaurus.

16. The Return of Godzilla (1984)

A reboot of the series, with Godzilla once again rampaging through Japan in a serious, dark tone.

17. Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)

Godzilla fights a genetically-engineered plant monster called Biollante.

18. Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)

Time travelers manipulate the past to create King Ghidorah, but Godzilla must fight him in the present.

19. Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)

Godzilla and Mothra battle once again, with Mothra trying to protect the Earth from Godzilla’s wrath.

20. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)

Another round of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, but this time Mechagodzilla is built by humans.

21. Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

Godzilla faces a space-born version of himself, created from his own cells that were mutated in space.

22. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)

Godzilla faces off against Destoroyah, a creature born from the same oxygen destroyer that killed the original Godzilla.

23. Godzilla 2000 (1999)

Godzilla fights an alien creature called Orga while Tokyo is under attack.

24. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Godzilla battles a giant dragonfly-like creature that threatens Japan.

25. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

Godzilla is portrayed as pure evil, while Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Baragon team up to stop him.

26. Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)

Godzilla fights a new version of Mechagodzilla, built using the bones of the original Godzilla.

27. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

Godzilla battles both Mothra and Mechagodzilla in another epic showdown.

28. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

A massive monster mash, with Godzilla taking on nearly every major monster in the franchise’s history.

29. Shin Godzilla (2016)

A modern reboot that reimagines Godzilla as a constantly evolving and terrifying creature, serving as a commentary on Japan’s response to the Fukushima disaster.

30. Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)

Set in the future, humans return to Earth after being driven away by Godzilla and other monsters.

31. Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)

The fight continues in this animated series as humans try to take back Earth from Godzilla.

32. Godzilla: The Planet Eater (2018)

Godzilla faces King Ghidorah in a battle for Earth’s survival in this animated finale.

33. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

A Hollywood-produced film where Godzilla fights King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Rodan in a global monster battle.

34. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

The ultimate showdown between two of cinema’s biggest monsters, Godzilla and King Kong.

And there you have it—everything you need to know about why the Japanese (and the world) are so obsessed with Godzilla, plus a quick rundown of all the Godzilla movies so far. Godzilla isn’t just a monster; he’s a symbol of Japan’s history, resilience, and ongoing challenges. With every new movie, his legend continues to grow.

Funny Scenes

One of my favourite scenes is what I call the ‘Godzilla Side Kick’ 🤭:

More weird scenes I found 🤣