Godzillamovies from the 1990s fall under two categories: the TriStar Era and the Heisei Era. The former refers to the studio that made the first-ever American blockbuster film featuring the monster. This would remain the only Hollywood kaiju film until the 2010s. The latter is named after the Emperor of Japan who reigned during this particular timeline.
The Heisei era began when Toho Studios rebooted the series in 1984 withThe Return of Godzilla. This film is a direct sequel to the original 1954 film, ignoring everything else that came before. The Heisei films are set in a continuous timeline, something Hollywood would adopt in the 2010s with the Monsterverse.
There were a total of 7Godzillamovies in the 1990s. But they aren’t equally great. Here’s the ranking, from worst to best.
7’Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah' (1991)
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
InGodzilla vs. King Ghidorah, time travelers pop up in Japan, warning that Godzilla is destined to destroy the country. They also have an idea of how to prevent this: go back in time and remove a dinosaur fromWorld War II-eraLagos Island. However,their actual goal is to unleash the evil King Ghidorah. When their sinister plan is uncovered, Godzilla is resurrected.
An Overcrowded Affair
By the ‘90s, special effects technology had evolved to another step, sothis film has a more fluid style, as illustrated in the fight sequences, which stunned audiences with their effortless rhythmic musicality. Regrettably,Godzilla vs. King Ghidorahis overpopulated. There aretoo many characters with no proper arcs. The film also dives too deep into fantasy elements to appeal to children, all while covering heavier themes mostly tied to the horrors of World War II. Consequently, the tone feels wobbly.
6’Godzilla' (1998)
New York City residents are in trouble inGodzilla. A giant mutated lizard has just emerged from the ocean and is destroying everything. Scientist Nick Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) is thusrecruited by the U.S. military to study the creature and put an end to the destruction. But there is an even bigger problem. Godzilla has laid dozens of eggs in Madison Square Garden.
A Big-Budget Mess
This TriStar classic will leave you gasping for air and occasionally yelling at the hilarious bad taste of certain attack sequences. There aremany senseless moments, but they are likely to wow you rather than anger you. Unfortunately,Godzillafails by copying Old Hollywoodrather than sticking to its lore. It isvery similar to Eugène Lourié’s 1953 movie,The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. None of the scientific elements make sense either. Consequently, the film was panned both in America and Japan.
5’Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla' (1994)
Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla
SpaceGodzilla,an alien monster created from Godzilla’s cells, lands on Earth inGodzilla vs. SpaceGodzillaand becomes a nuisance. It even threatens Little Godzilla, Godzilla’s adopted son. To stop it, the UN deploys M.O.G.U.E.R.A., a mecha built by the JSDF, to replace Mechagodzilla. But SpaceGodzilla istoo powerful and menacing, so Godzilla’s help will soon be needed.
Best-Looking Alien Creature?
Destruction scenes and monster battles are the franchise’s most essential ingredients, andSpaceGodzillauses them sufficiently. SpaceGodzilla’s design is impressive, too. Unfortunately, the film has little to offer away from that.None of the human characters is intriguing enough to make audiences invest in them. Additionally, the dialogue is almost kindergarten-level. It could have been better, but it’s still a largely entertaining affair.
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4‘Godzilla 2000’ (1999)
InGodzilla 2000, scientists discover a 60-million-year-old rock. Before they can study it, it rises and heads to Godzilla’s location.A UFO emerges from within when Godzilla uses his ultra-powerful fire breath to blast the rock. The UFO then incapacitates Godzilla before absorbing its DNA and transferring it to its occupants. Having gathered enough energy, the UFO’s occupants take a single collective form named Orga, ready to cause havoc.
They Don’t Come in Peace
Nominated for Best Home Video Release at the 27th Saturn Awards,Godzilla 2000cleverly spins the overdone alien invasion plot. It’s not often that you see aliens merging into one. Even better,the climactic battle scene is quite brutal and features a major character’s death.
A few things will irk audiences, though. For example,Godzilla is way shorter here; hence, he appears less menacing. Besides that, the special effects aren’t totally neat. Despite the flaws, the movie is pure fun.
3‘Godzilla vs. Mothra’ (1992)
Godzilla vs. Mothra
Japan gets caught up in a three-way monster battle inGodzilla vs. Mothra.The chaos begins when a meteoroid crashes into the Ogasawara Trench and awakens a dormant Godzilla.Mothra and Battra then decide to join forces against Godzilla, concluding that he is the greatest threat to Earth. Will the outnumbered Godzilla survive?
Two Against One
Takao Okawara, one of Japan’s cinema treasures, brings his characteristically sardonic sensibility to this gripping tale about monster conflict. The film hardly slows down. There isan endless sense of adventure, and the clever nods to theIndiana Jonesfranchise all land perfectly. More impressive is that there isenough entertainment even in the scenes where the monsters aren’t present.
A standout plot involves the reconciliation of a divorced couple. Given its awesomeness,Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earthwon a few awards and became the highest-grossing Japanese film of 1993, second toJurassic Park.
2’Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II' (1993)
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla IIplaces fans in the aftermath of Mecha-King Ghidorah’s defeat by Godzilla. Worried, the United Nations establishes the “United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center” (UNGCC) to stop Godzilla. The military branch, G-Force, uses Ghidorah’s remains to build Mechagodzilla. Will our favorite monster measure up against the new foe?
It’s Mecha Again
This bare-knuckles monster movie alsoqualifies as political satire. There are a few notable jokes about the illogical methods that world governments use to prevent threats. Beyond that, there are spirited and atypical performances from actors like Masahiro Takashima and Roko Sano, all of whom infuse the proceedings with great emotional depth. Besides that,Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla IIwasthe first Japanese film to use Dolby Digital sound format, so your ears will be in for a treat. Consequently, the kaiju flick was nominated for Best Sound at the Japan Academy Film Prize (Japan’s version of the Oscars).
1’Godzilla vs. Destoroyah' (1995)
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
InGodzilla vs. Destoroyah, a nuclear meltdown causes Godzilla’s body to start overheating. The development threatens to destroy the planet, so the authorities begin brainstorming on appropriate actions. Meanwhile,a new monster, Destoroyah, emerges from the Oxygen Destroyer that killed the first Godzilla in 1954. The creature then targets Godzilla and his son, Junior.
Okawara’s Masterpiece
Director Takao Okawara’s distinct brand of violence is apparent in this bittersweet, thick slice of nostalgia. This is undoubtedly his best work since 1991’sChōshōjo Reiko. He sticks to his signature style of roaming camera and color-saturated mise en scène, even in the numerous outdoor locations.
The end product isan irresistibly engaging meditation on conflict and the dangers of nuclear experiments. Beyond that,the plot is as airtight as it can be in any movie. Then there’s the sound. No surprise when the movie won in that particular category at the Japan Film Prize.
