Top 10 Godzilla Kaijus Ranked

By
Darren J Tyson
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Godzilla has fought and defeated a lot of Kaijus in his time as earth’s protector. Spanning 38 films the Godzilla franchise revolutionized the monster genre. Introducing nuclear mutation to the genre before it quickly became a cliché. The creators took a Japanese tragedy and turned into something that will outlast the ages. A true work of art the original Godzilla (1954). But what are the best Kaiju that have featured in the films. Excluding Godzilla of course, who else would be in line for the coveted King of the Monsters title. Here are the Top 10 Godzilla Kaijus Ranked …

Godzilla Kaijus Ranked – Top 10

Kaiju 10 – Rodan  

Rodan | Wikizilla, the kaiju encyclopedia
Image Source: Wikizilla

One of the few monsters to start as his own IP, Rodan actually had his own film in 1956 titled “Rodan.” After his debut film Rodan went on to feature in numerous entrees in the Godzilla franchise. Some of the appearances include the films: Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of Astro-Monster, Destroy All Monsters, Godzilla Final Wars and more. With Rodan’s most recent appearance being in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters. In which he appeared to be the only surviving titan, other than the King himself- Godzilla. Resembling a giant pterodactyl Rodan is extremely fast and holds a power beak. As well as the ability to breath fire down onto his opponents.

Kaiju 9 – Biollante

REVIEW: Godzilla vs Biollante (1989) – FictionMachine
Image Source: Fiction Machine

Looking like the little shop of horrors monster on growth hormone, Biollante is a mutated rose that first appears in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).  Biollante was the first opponent for Godzilla in the Heisei series of film. The Heisei series consisted of various films that brought new Kaiju to the franchise. Sadly, no Godzilla monster introduced in the Heisei series reappeared in the Millenium Era. With the sole exception of the adult Godzilla Junior, appearing via stock footage in the opening of Godzilla Final Wars. Hopefully Adam Wingard can see Biollante’s potential and brings him into the MonsterVerse.

Kaiju 8 – Kamacuras

Kamacuras | Wikizilla, the kaiju encyclopedia
Image Source: Wikizilla

Debuting back in 1967 in Son of Godzilla, as a giant mutated praying mantis. A creature that’s appearance already evokes fear, at least in me. That must be why Kamacuras, despite it’s few appearances, had such an impact on me. In the film three Kamacuras unearth Minilla’s egg and try to, what I assume, eat it. Luckily for Minilla they are unsuccessful and only manage to prematurely hatch the baby. This acts as an alarm bell for the massive Godzilla who kills two of the three Kamacuras. Leaving the third to be consumed by a giant spider- Kumonga.

Godzilla Kaijus Ranked – Top 7

Kaiju 7 – Megalon

Godzilla vs. Megalon Short Film Releases for Godzilla Fest 2023
Image Source: CBR

Megalon is the guardian of the underground kingdom of Seatopia. In his first appearance in Godzilla vs Megalon (1973) he was unleashed onto the world due to mankind’s repeated nuclear tests had savaged Seatopia. This gave us another perspective in the franchise. One that was of another population/civilization’s guardian. It gave us a glimpse into how these creatures, these Kaiju, are dependent upon by multiple civilizations. Hinting at the future inclusion of even more guardian Kaiju. Something that Legendary are keen on using in their MonsterVerse. Megalon is a giant insectoid Seatopian God and has even teamed up with everyone’s favourite cyborg dinosaur- Gigan!

Awesome Godzilla Short Film Sees the King of the Monsters Battle Megalon — GeekTyrant
Image Source: GeekTyrant

A short film commemorating Megalon’s 50th anniversary was released at Godzilla Fest 2023 on 3rd November 2023. Titled Godzilla vs. Megalon, it is a sequel to the 2022 short film Godzilla vs. Gigan Rex.

Kaiju 6 – Mothra

Berbagai Momen Kematian Tragis yang Dialami Mothra
Image Source: Greenscene

Mothra aka Queen of the monsters has acted more as a guardian to humanity. With Mothra often found helping humans and Godzilla. Such as her appearance in Godzilla: King of the Monsters in which she dies helping Godzilla fight Ghidorah. Mothra has also starred in her own movie trilogy. Mothra’s own movies include: Mothra (1961), Rebirth of Mothra (1996), Rebirth of Mothra 2 (1997), and Rebirth of Mothra 3 (1998). First fluttering onto the scene back in 1961, Toho soon incorporated her into the Godzilla franchise. With her featuring in 11 Godzilla movies, two of which she is the titular character- Mothra vs Godzilla (1964) and Godzilla vs Mothra (1992). She is clearly one of the most beloved Kaiju in the whole world, with her second only to the King of the Monsters himself- Godzilla.

Godzilla Kaijus Ranked – Top 5

Kaiju 5 – Destoroyah

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Teases Destoroyah
Image Source: Comic Book News

Looking like a Cthulhu designed by Lovecraft himself, Destoroyah is the most menacing looking Kaiju of the whole franchise. He’s devilish design is perfect in evoking terror in the audience. With them thinking in the back of their minds “is this Godzilla’s last fight?”  Destoroyah was introduced into the series as mutated crustation that mutated due to the Oxygen Destroyer that was used to kill the original Godzilla in 1954. Destoroyah first appeared in the 1995 film Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. With Destoroyah going on to leave a lasting impression with both fans and critics. Both parties loving the rich ties to early Godzilla lore that was woven into Destoroyah whole character and origin.

Kaiju 4 – Gigan

Gigan 50th Anniversary Project Crowdfunding Campaign Announced – The Tokusatsu Network
Image Source: The Tonkusatsu Network

Looking like the ultimate mix of a Spinosaurus, a Parasaur, and a Cyborg donning 45 meter long Scythes and a 40 meter long chainsaw. Gigan is the ultimate example of designing a Kaiju. Taking real life inspiration and creating something iconic. The cyborg dinosaur first appeared in the film Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) and has went on to be a fan favorite. He is the ultimate weapon of the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens. And has even been deployed to Earth alongside King Ghidorah in an attempt to conquer the planet. Yet the pair was defeated by Godzilla and Anguirus before retreating back to space.

Godzilla Kaijus Ranked – Top 3

Kaiju 3 – Mecha Godzilla

Diretor quis evitar erro de famosa franquia ao criar o MechaGodzilla
Image Source: ePipoca

Having multiple incarnations, Mechagodzilla is arguably the Kaiju that evolves the most between his appearances. With the first depiction being in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974), and the latest in Godzilla vs Kong (2021). They’re designed as the perfect Godzilla destroying weapon, even though Godzilla wipes the floor with the robot most times they fight. Aliens and humans have both created their own versions of the monster. With GVK’s Mechagodzilla being built by Apex Cybernetics  as a last ditch attempt to overthrow Godzilla as Earth’s protector. However, they don’t wait for that to be the case, instead inadvertently angering Godzilla by experimenting and containing various titans that are seen as a threat to him.

Kaiju 2 – King Ghidorah

King Ghidorah: The history of Godzilla's ultimate nemesis, aka Monster Zero | SYFY WIRE
Image Source: Syfy

King Ghidorah is Godzilla’s number one rival, having gave Godzilla a close match more than once. The three-headed dragon Kaiju dons a beautifully bright yellow color. Very fitting as creatures with this color in nature often have it as a deterrent. Showing everyone and everything just how deadly it is. KG is just the same his massively imposing figure and hydra like heads evoke fear in just about every human or titan. He has also killed his fair share of Kaiju. His first appearance was Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster and his latest was in the Fest Godzilla 4: Operation Jet Jaguar short. Legendary obviously saw the massive pull King Ghidorah has over Kaiju fans and opted for making him the main antagonist of the sequel- Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Godzilla Kaijus Ranked– Top 1

Kaiju 1 – Monster X/Keizer Ghidorah

Image Source: Wikizilla

One of the latest monsters to be added in the Godzilla franchise, Monster X or Keizer Ghidorah is a skeletal three-headed dragon Kaiju. Making his debut in the film Godzilla Final Wars (2004). He is the most menacing Kaiju to ever face Godzilla. His appearance in nightmare inducing. His pale white and dark black color tone so memorable it’ll easily pop up in your nightmares. Monster X was the last and most powerful of the Xilien’s legion of monsters that Godzilla fought against. Keizer Ghidorah was also the final new Kaiju to be introduced in a Toho film until the Servum was included in the animated film Godzilla: Planet of Monsters.

Summary

Did you agree with our list? Who would you have included? Kumonga? Ebirah? Space Godzilla? Let us know in the comments below and we might just make a part 2!

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