Summary
Warning! This article contains spoilers for Godzilla Minus One.The Godzilla ofGodzilla Minus Oneis the most recent Japanese version of the King of the Monsters, but has yet to share the screen with other Toho monster movie staples.Ever since the firstGodzillain 1954, the titular kaiju has been the beating heart of the giant monster movie genre,withGodzilla Minus Onebeing one of the latest entries ina long line of Godzilla movies. However, the film leaves out the plethora of other famous Toho monsters that have contended with Godzilla as enemies over the years.
At first, it may seem like this is an unlikely prospect for several reasons. Though Godzilla seems to be dead bythe ending ofGodzilla Minus One, the presence of a lingering heartbeat sound and the strange biological infection of the victims ofGodzilla’s lingering radiation may imply that this version of the famous beast may be somehow resurrected for a future film. If this were to be the case, upping the ante with a face-off between Godzilla and another returning monster from Toho would make the payoff to the tease of his survival well worth it.
10 Best Movies Like Godzilla Minus One
Godzilla Minus One is one of the most popular monster movies recently, and these 10 other films are great for fans looking for something similar.
8Gigan
The blade-wielding alien warrior
One of the most unique designs of a Godzilla monster is none other than the interstellar conqueror, Gigan. First appearing in 1972’sGodzilla vs. Gigan, the creature is a weapon used by the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens to terrorize the Earth.Later, Gigan re-appeared inGodzilla vs. Megalon, teaming up with the latter while on-loan from his alien masters. Known for his visor-like eye, bladed hook arms, and circular buzzsaw chest, Gigan has some of the most unique weaponry of any Godzilla monster, getting an upgrade inGodzilla: Final Warsto be even more terrifying.
Gigan’s strange appearance and extraterrestrial origins may make him seem like a bad fit for the grounded universe ofGodzilla Minus One,which acts as a headier, more meditative Godzilla film pondering larger themes in the same vein as the original 1954 classic. However, as the first monster to ever make Godzilla bleed on screen, Gigan might be a surprisingly good fit for the grim tone established inGodzilla Minus One, possibly carving up the latest Japanese Godzilla interpretation with his deadly arsenal of alien blades.
7King Ghidorah
Perhaps Godzilla’s single biggest nemesis
Having fought so many different monsters over the years, it’s hard to pinpoint a single overarching villain in Godzilla’s many continuities.By far the closest thing the King of the Monsters has to an archenemy is King Ghidorah, a golden three-headed dragon with a tyrannical personality to match his intimidating appearance. First hitting theaters in 1964’sGhidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, the ferocious kaiju also known as Monster Zero has since returned to do battle with his eternal rival plenty of times, most recently in 2019’sGodzilla: King of the Monsters.
King Ghidorah would be a fitting first enemy for the world ofGodzilla Minus Oneto introduce. An alien in some continuities and a genetically-altered mutant creation in others,King Ghidorah is a versatile enemy that can be worked into the lore of the first film in a multitude of ways. Besides this, Ghidorah is so much of a crowd-pleasing threat that the different Godzilla continuities have brought him back again and again to up the stakes of their battles, withGodzilla’s hatred of King Ghidorahbeing a universal constant shared between every series.
6Biollante
The plant-based abomination that might fit perfectly into Minus One
Admittedly, the sudden presence of alien creatures might result in some tonal whiplash, consideringGodzilla Minus Onepresents one of the most realistic Godzilla universes ever made.In this case, having Godzilla go up against a fellow mutant creature might be a better bet, with Biollante being one of the most interesting cases. A three-way splice between the DNA of a rose, Godzilla himself, and her creator’s dead daughter, Biollante is a gargantuan plant-like creature whose destructive capabilities rival Godzilla’s own.
Godzilla Minus Onemay have already sewn the seeds for Biollante’s appearance, withNoriko getting an infusion of Godzilla’s cellsmuch like the dead daughter of her debut film,Godzilla vs. Biollante. Something of a tragic figure in the lineup normally straightforward evil beings of the Godzilla mythos,Biollante could match the tone ofGodzilla Minus One, returning as a potent photosynthetic threat necessitating a response from a revived Godzilla. Her unique design would also be a joy to see rendered with the same thoughtfulness of Godzilla inGodzilla Minus One.
5Hedorah
The smog monster representing the Earth’s pollution
Part of the success ofGodzilla Minus Onecan be attributed to its ability to turn Godzilla into a metaphor once again, mixing in the themes of nuclear war from the original 1954Godzillawith a healthy dose of survivor’s guilt. In this sense, when choosing an opponent for him,it might be best to consider another monster that represents a clear theme, even if it is an unsubtle one. Enter Hedorah, also known as the Smog Monster, a being from another world that feeds on Earth’s pollution.
Hedorah has multiple forms, going from a tiny tadpole-like being to a strange flying craft to finally an ambulatory kaiju that ends up dwarfing even Godzilla himself in size. In his debut film,Godzilla vs. Hedorah, humanity must work together with the King of the Monsters in order to take Hedorah down, something that could be an interesting theme for aGodzilla Minus Onefollow-up film. Oozing with the potential for another chance at fighting Godzilla, Hedorah is a seldom-appreciated Toho monster that deserves another shot in the limelight.
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4Mothra
Almost as iconic as Godzilla himself
Of all of Godzilla’s most frequent collaborators, Mothra is one of the few Toho creations to have gotten her own film before duking it out with her more famous reptilian counterpart.First depicted in 1961’sMothra, the insectoid kaiju first crossed paths with Godzilla in a harrowing battle before becoming more well-known as a reliable Godzilla allyin more recent years.Mothra is famous for her frequent deathsand resurrections via a never-ending parade of larval forms, which while powerful in their own right, are capable of metamorphosing into the winged goddess dedicated to protecting the Earth.
Mothra and her famous fairy-like twin priestesses, the Shobijin, might be able to find a place in the world of the first film
Perhaps the second-most famous Toho monster, Mothra would be a good fit to share the screen with any version of Godzilla.Just as Godzilla shows up as a legendary monster in the folklore of Odo Island inGodzilla Minus Onebefore being amplified with a hefty dose of radiation, Mothra and her famous fairy-like twin priestesses, the Shobijin, might be able to find a place in the world of the first film. After spending so many movies as Godzilla’s protector or sacrificial offering, it would be great to see Mothra once again battle him as an enemy.
3Mechagodzilla
The machine answer to Godzilla’s mutant strength
If one monster had to give King Ghidorah a run for his money as the most popular recurring Godzilla enemy, it would have to be Mechagodzilla.First appearing in 1974’sGodzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, the cybernetic steel shadow of Godzilla himself has since been iterated upon with six distinct different versionssprinkled throughout the various continuities of Godzilla’s history. Sometimes an alien creation and sometimes a human weapon meant to combat Godzilla, Mechagodzilla is the pinnacle of robotic achievement in any kaiju universe.
Godzilla Minus Onecould utilize the origin of one version of Mechagodzilla, also known as Kiryu, used in 2002’sGodzilla Against Mechagodzilla.In this iteration,Mechagodzilla is built around the bones of the original 1954 Godzilla killed by the Oxygen Destroyer, sent in as a weapon to kill the modern-day version, only to be possessed by the lingering ghost of the original. A sequel toGodzilla Minus Onecould pull the same trick, building a Mechagodzilla around the bones of the specimen killed in the first movie to fight a new organic Godzilla grown from the cells infecting Noriko.
2Destoroyah
A terrifying creature born from the weapon that killed the first Godzilla
The Oxygen Destroyer from the original 1954Godzillawas one of the mosteffective weapons used by humans in Godzilla movies, but wound up having dangerous unintended consequences. The final film of the Heisei Era,Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, elaborates, describing how anaerobic conditions created by the device allowed for the rapid mutation of dromant sea life.The resulting kaiju is a demonic-looking mess of horns, bat wings, and bony protrusions, giving Godzilla one of his toughest enemies yet.
In truth, Destoroyah’s haunting design alone is reason enough to give him a modern appearance.
With a unique laser horn weapon, the ability to fly and slug it out with Godzilla on the ground, and even a haunting laughter-like roar, Destoroyah is one of the most unique enemies ever created for Godzilla that Toho never recycled.Seeing him return in the wake of a new Oxygen Destoryer in a sequel toGodzilla Minus Onewould be a fantastic payoff to this wait,even if he may seem like an out-of-left-field choice. In truth, Destoroyah’s haunting design alone is reason enough to give him a modern appearance.
1Rodan
The flying devil of the Godzilla universe
Like Mothra, Rodan is another flying kaiju that bears the rare honor of being a non-Godzilla monster to first appear in his own film.Ever since his debut in 1956’sRodanhot on the heels of the release of the originalGodzilla, the fiery creature has been a staple of the Godzilla franchise. Sometimes an enemy and sometimes an ally, Rodan is essentially a giant Pteranodon who frequently arises from the depths of mountains or volcanoes.
Most recently, Rodan enjoyed being at the center of one of the most epic scenes in the Monsterverse, laying waste to a city just by flying over it inGodzilla: King of the Monsters.Seeing this same creativity applied to the world ofGodzilla Minus Onewould be a sight to behold, with Godzilla having to contend with another mythical beast. In particular, Rodan’s demonstrated resistance to Godzilla’s iconic atomic breath would make him more than a match for the King of the Monsters depicted inGodzilla Minus One.
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Godzilla
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.
