If you’re trying to count every time the Big G has stomped across a city skyline, you’ve probably realized it's a bit of a nightmare. It isn't just one long story. It’s a messy, glorious, 70-year-old pile of reboots, alternate timelines, and international licensing deals.
Honestly, the short answer is that there are 38 official Godzilla movies currently released.
But that number is about to change. With the massive success of Godzilla Minus One, Toho has already pulled the trigger on a sequel titled Godzilla Minus Zero, which is slated to hit theaters in November 2026. If you count that upcoming entry, we’re looking at 39. Then you have the American side of things—the "MonsterVerse"—with Godzilla x Kong: Supernova looming in 2027.
Basically, the King of the Monsters is busier now than he was in the sixties.
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How many Godzilla movies are there across the different eras?
To make sense of the 38 films, you have to break them into "Eras." These aren't just chronological blocks; they represent totally different vibes, styles, and often, completely different versions of the monster.
The Showa Era (1954–1975)
This is where it all started. There are 15 movies in this first run. It begins with the 1954 original—a bleak, terrifying metaphor for nuclear trauma—and ends with Terror of Mechagodzilla. Somewhere in the middle, Godzilla went from being a walking nightmare to a superhero who does drop-kicks and talks to other monsters. It’s weird, it’s campy, and it’s the foundation of everything.
The Heisei Era (1984–1995)
After a nearly ten-year break, Toho brought him back. This era consists of 7 movies. They ignored everything after 1954 and started a new, more serious continuity. If you like giant lasers, biological mutations (hello, Biollante), and a Godzilla that looks consistently mean, this is usually the fan-favorite era. It ended with the literal death of the character in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah.
The Millennium Era (1999–2004)
This era is the most confusing for newcomers. There are 6 movies here, but they aren't a single story. Almost every movie is a "reboot" that acts as a direct sequel to the 1954 original, ignoring everything else. It was Toho’s way of experimenting with different directors. It culminated in Godzilla: Final Wars, which was basically a giant monster rave to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
The Reiwa Era (2016–Present)
This is the modern Japanese era. So far, we have 5 movies here, but it’s split up.
- Shin Godzilla (2016): A standalone political satire/horror masterpiece.
- The Anime Trilogy: Three films released on Netflix (Planet of the Monsters, City on the Edge of Battle, and The Planet Eater).
- Godzilla Minus One (2023): The Oscar winner that went back to the post-WWII roots.
- Godzilla Minus Zero (2026): The upcoming sequel that will bring this era's count to 6.
The American Versions (1998–Present)
We don't always talk about the 1998 TriStar film (the one with the tuna), but it’s officially part of the count. Then you have the modern Legendary Pictures "MonsterVerse."
- Godzilla (2014)
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
That’s 5 American films total.
Why the count gets confusing
You might see people online arguing over whether there are 33 or 38 movies. This usually comes down to whether they are only counting the Japanese films produced by Toho.
Toho has made 33 live-action and animated films. If you add the one TriStar movie and the four Legendary films, you get 38.
Then there’s the "Zilla" issue. In the movie Godzilla: Final Wars, Toho actually featured the 1998 American monster just to have the "real" Godzilla beat the crap out of him in about 30 seconds. They officially renamed that American design "Zilla" because, as the fans say, "they took the God out of Godzilla."
Even with the name change, that 1998 film is still technically a "Godzilla" movie for licensing purposes.
What most people get wrong about the timeline
You can't just watch these 1 to 38 and expect a coherent story. If you tried that, you’d see Godzilla die at least three different times and come back with no explanation.
Most people assume it’s like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It isn't. It’s more like James Bond, but even more fractured. For example, Godzilla Minus One is a prequel to the entire concept, but it isn't a prequel to the 1954 movie—it’s its own thing.
If you're looking for a place to start, most experts (and casual fans) suggest the "Big Three":
- Godzilla (1954): Essential viewing.
- Shin Godzilla (2016): For a modern, terrifying take.
- Godzilla Minus One (2023): For the best human story the franchise has ever told.
What's next for the franchise?
We are currently in a "Golden Age" for Kaiju fans. For decades, we’d go ten years without a single movie. Now, we have two different studios making them at the same time.
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Toho is doubling down on the "Minus" universe with Godzilla Minus Zero. Director Takashi Yamazaki is returning, and given how the last one ended (no spoilers, but that neck bruise was ominous), the hype for November 2026 is already off the charts.
On the Hollywood side, Adam Wingard's run with the MonsterVerse has been a massive box office hit. The New Empire proved that audiences still want to see Godzilla and Kong team up to punch other giant things. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova is the next big milestone there.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to actually tackle this massive filmography, don't try to watch all 38 in a month. You’ll get burnt out on rubber suits and city destruction.
- Watch by Era: Pick the Heisei era if you like continuity, or the Showa era if you want to see the history.
- Check Streaming Rights: Most of the Showa films are on Max or the Criterion Channel. The Reiwa films like Minus One and the anime trilogy are largely on Netflix.
- Mark the Calendar: Set a reminder for November 6, 2026. That is the confirmed North American release date for Godzilla Minus Zero. It’s dropping just three days after the Japanese premiere on Godzilla Day (November 3).