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How to Watch the MonsterVerse: Chronological vs Release Order Guide

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Stepping into the realm of colossal titans, I find myself drawn to the thrilling expanse of the MonsterVerse, a shared universe that rivals the likes of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and DCU in its unique blend of action, adventure, and mythology. Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment have skillfully reimagined two timeless movie monsters – Godzilla and King Kong – breathing new life into their iconic forms while weaving a captivating tapestry of recurring characters and long-term narrative arcs.

Directors from all corners have contributed to this franchise, each leaving an indelible mark on these towering titans, and the audience has eagerly embraced this cinematic journey. The MonsterVerse is a testament to the enduring power of these legendary creatures, and I can’t wait to see where their epic battles take us next!

The franchise, based on Godzilla and King Kong, is thriving with vigor. In 2024, the fifth installment in the series, titled “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire,” was released, breaking records to become the most profitable entry in the Monsterverse as well as both the Godzilla and King Kong franchises. Moreover, the Monsterverse franchise has ventured into television, with a Netflix animated show called “Skull Island” and a live-action series on Apple TV+ named “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” Given the abundance of Godzilla films available, it can be perplexing to determine which movies belong to the MonsterVerse franchise, even with critically acclaimed titles like “Godzilla Minus One” in the mix.

If you’re someone who’s eager to dive deep into the exhilarating series or simply seeking an exciting weekend marathon filled with monster encounters, here’s a guide on how to watch the MonsterVerse either in chronological sequence or opt for the release order as per your preference.

MonsterVerse in Order of Release

Title Release Date
Godzilla May 16, 2014
Kong: Skull Island March 17, 2017
Godzilla: King of the Monsters May 31, 2019
Godzilla vs. Kong March 31, 2021
Skull Island June 22, 2023
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters November 17, 2023
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire March 29, 2024

MonsterVerse in Chronological Order

  • Kong: Skull Island
  • Skull Island
  • Godzilla
  • Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
  • Godzilla: King of the Monsters
  • Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

To begin with, the initial film in the series, Kong: Skull Island, was actually the second one to be released. This movie follows a group from Monarch, an organization dedicated to investigating enormous creatures and hypothesizing about the Hollow Earth. In other words, Kong: Skull Island unfolds in 1973 (with an introduction set in 1943), setting up much of the foundation for the MonsterVerse franchise by introducing Monarch and their eventual encounters with Kong and Godzilla.

Kong & Godzilla Share a Universe

In an earlier time frame, the movie portrays Kong as a character who is still growing and large enough to battle Godzilla. This version of Kong is smaller but growing, providing an explanation for his size. The movie’s end credits link the Kong and Godzilla series by depicting cave paintings of Rodan, Mothra, King Ghidorah, a drawing of Godzilla, and one of Kong’s ancestors.

In this movie, the most significant figure we meet is Bill Randa, who leads Monarch, portrayed by John Goodman. Goodman has also appeared in a brief role in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” During this film’s timeline, that appearance took place. Interestingly, a younger version of the character (Anders Holms) played a pivotal role in the series, contributing significantly to the development of the organization and the franchise. Consider watching/purchasing Kong: Skull Island on Prime Video.

Skull Island (2023)

The initial animated series in the MonsterVerse, titled “Skull Island“, is currently available as an eight-part series on Netflix. This series unfolds in the early 1990s, making it approximately 20 years after the events of “Kong: Skull Island” and several years prior to the comic book series “Skull Island: Birth of Kong“, which is set in 1995. Unlike the previous entries that were planned by Monarch, the storyline of “Skull Island” revolves around a shipwreck crew who accidentally find themselves on Skull Island while searching for answers to an age-old mystery, instigated by the team’s leader.

An Exploration of the Universe’s Mythology

The show complements the MonsterVerse timeline by providing creative freedom to explore the universe’s mythology without interfering with the primary movie plotlines. Since it’s a short-form animated series available on Netflix, many of its story elements haven’t been featured in other MonsterVerse films or shows. Check out Skull Island on Netflix

Godzilla (2014)

In the initial movie, titled “Godzilla,” it portrays a world where giant monsters are unbeknownst to the general population. The story unfolds as Godzilla makes his appearance to combat mysterious beings known as MUTOs (Massive Undisclosed Terrestrial Organisms), who were causing destruction and endangering the planet. Unlike in subsequent sequels, the character Ford Brody (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) does not reappear, but characters such as Dr. Ishirō Serizawa (Ken Watanabe), Dr. Vivienne Graham (Sally Hawkins), and Admiral William Stenz (David Strathairn) do return in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

A Massive Turning Point in the Epic Franchise

In 2014, the epic battle between Godzilla and the MUTOs in San Francisco marked a significant milestone for the franchise. This event laid the groundwork for numerous character developments and plot lines seen in both “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” It was during this time that humans first discovered the existence of colossal creatures, later known as titans. The consequences of this discovery would have profound effects on various characters in the subsequent storyline.

The tragic loss of their son in the San Francisco battle forced Dr. Mark and Emma Russell to follow separate paths leading up to the events in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” Meanwhile, the immediate aftermath of Godzilla’s appearance was delved into further in “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.”

Watch Godzilla on Apple TV+

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023)

Monarch: Chronicles of Titans Deviates from Typical Kaiju Battle Chaos, Focusing on a More Captivating, Realistic Narrative that Highlights Human Influence as a Key Factor in the Evolution of a Story Depicting How Mankind Deals with the Looming Threat of Monstrous Creatures in Our Reality and the Hidden Forces at Work to Protect Humans from Danger.

The team composed of Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell, along with Kiersey Clemons, Joe Tippett, Anna Sawai, Elisa Lasowski, and Ren Watabe, weave a tale that traverses various decades, unveiling the intrigues of Monarch, their hidden truths, and the global undercover missions aimed at controlling monstrous creatures. This narrative unfolds in the aftermath of Godzilla and serves as a prelude to the 2019 sequel, offering insights into the events that transpire over a five-year period within this fictional universe.

Apex Cybernetics’ Backstory Is Revealed

Cate Randa (Sawai), granddaughter of Bill Randa from the movie “Kong: Skull Island”, was adopted by her father, Hirisho Randa. Unfortunately, she was on the bridge that Godzilla destroyed in the 2014 film, causing the death of many of her students. The series “Godzilla vs. Kong” delves into the origins of Apex Cybernetics, the company responsible for creating Mechagodzilla, and explains how the technology advanced dramatically from the grounded 2014 “Godzilla” film to the futuristic hover vehicles seen in “Godzilla vs. Kong”.

By the time Godzilla: King of the Monsters hit the screens, Monarch had transformed into a globally recognized organization. The change from MUTO to Titans terminology was also evident then. The last episode of the season is set in 2017, a mere two years before the events of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and subtly suggests that the world had already caught wind of Skull Island’s existence. Critics have lauded this series as a remarkable addition to one of the most universally acclaimed shared universes ever created. Don’t miss out on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+

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Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Monarch: Legacy of Titans unveils new dimensions in the Godzilla franchise, brimming with additional titanic creatures and enriching the lore of their realm. The monsters are now speculated to be the colossal beings from ancient myths, and as humanity gains more insight into their existence, Monarch has evolved into a public organization. This film welcomes iconic Godzilla allies such as King Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra to the series. Monarch: Titans’ Inheritance provides an engaging, Earth-rooted narrative that aligns more closely with the classic Toho Godzilla films in terms of tone and style.

A Mash-Up of Legendary Monsters

In the movie, the antagonist Ghidorah leaves a significant impact on the series as the weather he creates intensifies and floods most of Skull Island. Moreover, one of his severed heads later serves as the blueprint for Mechagodzilla. The post-credit scene in the film also presents two characters, Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler) and Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown), who reappear in Godzilla vs. Kong. Lastly, Joe Morton portrays Dr. Houston Brooks, a character from Kong: Skull Island, originally played by Corey Hawkins.

After the movie concludes, Godzilla emerges victorious against King Ghidorah, ascending to the throne as the ruler of all monsters. Every other titan pays homage to him, but one stands firm in defiance. In the closing credits, we witness a new world order unfolding, and a headline highlights several titans gathering on Skull Island, foreshadowing the epic battle that forms the core of the franchise. Watch Godzilla: King of the Monsters now on Max

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

The much-anticipated movie was titled “Godzilla vs. Kong“. Five years after the occurrences depicted in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters“, which took place in 2024, and a decade since Godzilla’s conflict in San Francisco, Kong is under observation by Monarch within a dome surrounding what’s left of Skull Island. Most of the island has been swallowed up by the storm that surrounds it.

Two Iconic Foes Spectacularly Face-Off

Humans aim to enlist Kong for guiding them to the center of the Earth, seeking an energy source, due to Godzilla’s mysterious attacks on humanity. CEO Walter Simmons from Apex Cybernetics is utilizing Ghidorah’s remaining head to construct Mechagodzilla as a means to battle and annihilate the Titans. This sets up a confrontation between Godzilla and Kong, leading them eventually to set aside their conflicts and join forces to combat a more significant menace instead.

In the finale, Godzilla departs towards the ocean, while Kong establishes a new domain within the Hollow Earth and reigns over it. The revamped version of “Godzilla vs. Kong” was designed as a potential conclusion to the series if necessary, given the underperformance at the box office of the last Godzilla film and the approaching expiration of Toho’s rights deal. Despite being released during the early stages of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, the movie managed to be a box office smash. This success paved the way for Legendary and Toho to negotiate a new agreement for the sequel titled “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire“. Watch Godzilla vs. Kong on Max.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Three years following the premiere of “Godzilla vs. Kong” in 2021, another movie titled “Godzilla x Kong: The Empire’s New Dawn” hit theaters in the same year as its predecessor, which is also the 10th anniversary of the initial release of “Godzilla.” This film marks the beginning of the MonsterVerse franchise. In this movie, Godzilla and Kong join forces to combat a common adversary that poses a threat to the entire world’s destruction.

Adam Wingard (known for “You’re Next” and “The Guest”) is now the first director to oversee two films in the Monsterverse series, having previously directed “Godzilla vs. Kong”. In this thrilling movie, Kaylee Hottle, Rebecca Hall, and Brian Tyree Henry reappear in their characters. The story revolves around mighty Kong and fierce Godzilla, who band together to stop the terrifying Shimo, a frost-breathing monster, and Skar King, a ruthless titan, from causing havoc and destruction on Earth’s surface.

The Fight For Earth Rages On

In the thrilling finale, Shimo defects amidst the fierce final skirmish, siding with Godzilla and Kong against Skar King. With this decisive action, the legendary beasts emerge victorious. Godzilla then retires to the Colosseum for a well-deserved rest, while Kong journeys to Hollow Earth accompanied by Shimo and Suku, assuming the role of their tribe’s new leader. The blockbuster hit, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, amassed an astounding $571.9 million globally, setting records as the highest-grossing film in the Monsterverse and surpassing both the Godzilla and King Kong franchise earnings. This phenomenal success paved the way for another highly anticipated sequel.

Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, and Matthew Modine are set to join Dan Stevens (from “Godzilla vs Kong”) for the upcoming series. Grant Sputore (“I Am Mother”) will be directing, while David Callaham is writing the script for this new creature feature. Although details about the plot remain secret, Legendary hints that it will involve new human characters interacting with the famous Titans Godzilla and Kong as they confront a devastating global catastrophe. Filming for the sequel is set to begin in April 2025. You can catch “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” on Netflix when it releases.

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2025-04-23 22:36

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