Godzilla Millennium Series Ranked: Which Film Reigns Supreme?

The cinematic journey of Godzilla spanning over seven decades can be divided into distinct phases, each with its own distinctive flavor and mood. However, the Millennium Era stands out uniquely by merging classic Godzilla humor with intense monster combat action. Interestingly, this era started earlier than anticipated due to the failure of Tristar’s American Godzilla film, providing Toho with an opportunity several years ahead of schedule. Originally slated to begin in 2005 after Tristar had completed their planned trilogy starring the character known as Zilla, this era now recognized as the Millennium Era of Godzilla started earlier due to circumstances.

The Millennium Period stands out for its fusion of the previous eras in the tale of Godzilla, merging the heroic, humanized aspect from the Showa Era with the destructive, villainous persona from the Heisei Era across several films. The Showa Era’s latter phases emphasized this sympathetic portrayal of Godzilla, while the Heisei Era brought back his antagonistic nature for numerous movies and maintained a somber, grave mood. However, the Millennium Period incorporated aspects from both versions of Godzilla unevenly in terms of quality and appeal for re-watching.

6. Godzilla Vs Megagurius (2000)

Black Hole Mayhem With An Underwhelming Antagonist

In the sci-fi movie “Godzilla vs. Megaguirus,” which was set in 2001, the plot revolved around Japan’s defense forces creating a revolutionary weapon called Dimension Tide. This weapon could open miniature black holes, theoretically sending Godzilla, should he ever cause destruction again, far away from present-day Japan through a wormhole. However, things took an unexpected turn when a prehistoric insect, a dragonfly, came through a wormhole and laid an egg in the current era. This plot followed after Godzilla had already returned to protect Earth in “Godzilla 2000: Millennium” and was then reset so that he only acknowledged the events of the original 1954 “Godzilla.

In a twist of events, tiny creatures called Meganulon, renowned for their ability to draw energy from nuclear sources like Godzilla, give birth to an enormous queen named Megaguirus following a complex chain of incidents. Godzilla engages in combat with the insect-like kaiju and ultimately defeats it, only to seemingly disappear into one of the black holes afterwards. Despite some creative efforts, Megaguirus fails to capture our interest as an engaging villain and doesn’t seem too formidable against Godzilla. The movie itself lacks compelling performances, a solid storyline, and ends up being a rather forgettable addition to Godzilla’s storied history.

5. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Godzilla’s Greatest Hits In Movie Form

Speaking straightforwardly, the group responsible for “Godzilla: Final Wars” truly deserves recognition for its entertaining factor. The movie is absurd in terms of plot, acting, action sequences, and music, yet it manages to be a delightful watch for those who prefer not to think too much. The narrative takes inspiration from one of Godzilla’s recurring classic themes, where Earth’s monsters are manipulated by aliens, leaving Godzilla as the only hope to eliminate them all. In a nod to past stories, the designs of Millennium Era characters like Godzilla’s familiar foes and allies are intriguing, as is the ultimate antagonist, Monster X/Keizer Ghidorah.

All Toho Godzilla Movie Eras – Key Details
Era	Timeline	Number of Movies	First Movie	Last Movie
Shōwa	1954–1975	15	Godzilla	Terror of Mechagodzilla
Heisei	1984–1995	7	The Return of Godzilla	Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
Millennium	1999–2004	6	Godzilla 2000: Millennium	Godzilla: Final Wars
Reiwa	2016-present	5	Shin Godzilla	Godzilla Minus One

Although the film appears to be a heartfelt tribute to Toho’s iconic characters, it’s disheartening to witness Godzilla easily defeating some of his most cherished companions and adversaries from previous stories. The movie slows down at times, and its length could have been reduced significantly. In addition, the film leans too heavily on cheesy moments; for instance, a character seriously prepares to face Godzilla with a sword, and unfortunately, Ebirah is not even killed by Godzilla, but rather by mutated humans armed with laser weapons. While the concept was intriguing, the execution falls short in numerous aspects.

4. Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)

The New Godzilla Is Revealed

In the movie Godzilla 2000: Millennium, Godzilla made a comeback with a sleek, edgy new look. However, despite the impressive visual upgrade and some intriguing aspects of the film, it sadly adhered too closely to the conventional Godzilla narrative, resulting in a rather uneventful experience. The transition in special effects from the Heisei Era to the Millennium Era is apparent, and there are appealing elements within the movie; yet, overall, it falls flat in terms of plot and action. As we’ve seen many times before, Godzilla 2000: Millennium includes an alien invasion force that eventually gives rise to a monster for Godzilla to fight.

Millennium repetitively uses these same aspects, which can be a bit tiresome.

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

Kiryu Returns For More Robotic Mayhem

In Tokyo S.O.S., which follows directly after Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, Godzilla faces off against Kiryu – a new version of Mechagodzilla constructed using the remains of the 1954 Godzilla. The films focus on Akane Yashiro as the remote pilot and deliver exceptional acting by Yumiko Shagu that significantly enhances both movies. The movie also includes Mothra in its narrative, turning it into a three-way confrontation between Godzilla and Kiryu until Mothra selflessly gives up her life once more.

Although Tokyo S.O.S. has some issues with its storyline and character development, it should be recognized for prioritizing the monsters and their fights. The script is streamlined, which is intentional in this instance rather than a shortcoming. Tokyo S.O.S. may not reach the heights of iconic Godzilla films, but it stands on its own as an enjoyable watch and one of the more robust offerings from the Millennium Era.

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

The Darkest Version Of Godzilla Wreaks Havoc

In the realm of Godzilla enthusiasts, the film frequently referred to as “GMK” stirs debate due to its portrayal of Godzilla. This Godzilla features glowing white eyes and embodies pure evil, representing the vengeful spirits of those perished during the Pacific War. Some ardent Godzilla fans find this depiction off-putting. Interestingly, King Ghidorah is shown as a protector of Earth instead of a destructive force in this movie. Alongside Mothra and Baragon, he forms a trio of guardian monsters, tasked with halting an angered Godzilla. Compared to other films from the Millennium Era, this one carries a more somber tone.

This new take on Godzilla and King Ghidorah in the film makes it captivating from the start, as it presents a fresh perspective rather than following the usual patterns typical of Millennium Era productions. The visual effects are exceptional according to Godzilla standards, and the mature themes resonate with many viewers, particularly those who prefer the original symbolic roots of Godzilla over the campy aspects of the Showa Era. In fact, Collider ranked it as the best Godzilla movie in 2023, even surpassing the 1954 original film.

1. Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)

The Introduction Of Kiryu And Its Absolute Zero Cannon

In the films Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and its follow-up Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., the main character is the Kiryu version of Mechagodzilla, initially portrayed as a helpful defense mechanism. Yumiko Shaku’s portrayal of Lt. Akane Yashiro, the pilot for Kiryu, adds depth to the story as she grapples with genuine remorse and guilt in her fights against Godzilla. The original design for Kiryu is one of the most impressive in the entire Godzilla film series, with its enhancements and powerful Absolute Zero Cannon making it even more formidable.

In the film titled “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla,” the character Kiryu turns against Godzilla due to an intricate plot device: Godzilla’s roar activates the recollections of the original Godzilla within Kiryu, who is mechanically constructed from the skeleton of the original. This gives Kiryu a sense of personality and depth, making him one of the few Godzilla enemies that feels like a genuine character rather than just a destructive kaiju. The script is well-written, with an engaging pace and sharp dialogue, and the monster battles are particularly impressive within the Millennium Era. It’s no wonder that Kiryu is often considered one of Godzilla’s most formidable movie adversaries.

2025-05-05 00:15

GBP JPY PREDICTION

GBP RUB PREDICTION

EUR RUB PREDICTION

USD RUB PREDICTION

USD ZAR PREDICTION

USD MYR PREDICTION

USD THB PREDICTION

USD IDR PREDICTION

USD PHP PREDICTION