Every Godzilla & Kong Movie Ranked!

Godzilla and Kong are both kings of the box office - now it's time to revisit their cinematic legacy by ranking all 45 films in which they've appeared!
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0:00 - Intro
2:05 - 45 - 41
12:53 - 40 - 36
19:36 - 35 - 31
31:40 - 30 - 26
39:24 - Ad break: Mando
40:55 - 25 - 21
51:19 - 20 - 16
1:03:09 - 16 - 11
1:15:41 - 10 - 6
1:28:24 - 5 - 1

[@DanMurrellMovies]

I'm at half a dozen 'well actually's, which is usually my threshold to respond in the comments: yes, apparently the Japanese version of King Kong vs Godzilla is on the bonus disc of the Criterion set. It wasn't on the same disc as the movie itself, which is where you usually find alternate versions, and with 45 movies to watch, the last thing on my mind was bonus features. So I suppose the record has been set straight.

[@jasonwebster9300]

Terrific video ranking the films of the Godzilla/Kong franchises Dan. I wholeheartedly agree with you on the top three. I have Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) at four and Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack (2021) at five, respectively. I have Godzilla vs Destroyoah (1995) at six followed by Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), King Kong (1933), Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005), and Godzilla (2014). Godzilla Minus (2023) is my all-time favourite.

[@theragingjewishhippi]

"Well actually" people are the worst.

[@brandonandcharlene9527]

Just FYI....the criterion collection does have the Japanese version of KKvG. It's a bonus feature on disc 8 however. Admittedly confusing for those that don't know.

[@danskyder1564]

I LOVE these kinds of epic ranking videos!!

[@omeshsingh8091]

Godzilla Minus One stands on the shoulders of giants. It takes the tropes of so many previous monster movies and seamlessly weaves them together with cultural authenticity and a consistent cinematic tone.

[@papasquatofficial9282]

Y’all better run this video up so Dan continues to make 2 hour long reviews of various series!

[@DanMurrellMovies]

It's my least popular video BY FAR of my last ten in the first few hours, so let's pump up those numbers!

[@ShaneRob93]

@@DanMurrellMovies These types of videos do tend to be growers, though.

[@yesspazsmith9895]

@@DanMurrellMovies You're always talking about those legs, but I'm often requesting you look at the tail. I think this video will have a long tail. This will be watched for years. Great work.

[@Karin-fj3eu]

Yessss Wait, its 2 hours? Lmao I didn't even notice yet

[@latissimusdomsi]

​@@DanMurrellMoviesweird, it's my favorite video by far in a while

[@zachary5845]

As a lifelong godzilla fan, it's really interesting to get a perspective of someone who's watching many of the films for the first time.

[@Bruffs-poopy]

Yeah

[@TheMetalGaia]

As a newer Godzilla fan, it's really interesting to get the perspective of someone who's watched these movies many times.

[@D.S.handle]

@zachary5845 it is interesting what’s the placement you most disagree here?

[@shawnmccloskey32]

​@@D.S.handlepersonally, 1974 MechaGodzilla should be higher.

[@D.S.handle]

@@shawnmccloskey32 what about the original film?

[@BryanCostner]

Dan's whole ranking of these Godzilla and King Kong movies is already a movie of its own based on that video's runtime 😂

[@MahiMahi-yu5jo]

He left out a lot. If he ever includes all the TV series... 😅

[@dazzer1882]

I like the one Godzilla fights Kong and Kong says 'Mothra'. Godzilla is like 'why do you keep saying that name?'

[@phothewin6019]

Kong: _"... save...Mothra..."_ Godzilla: _"WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME???!!!"_

[@AlexSciChannel]

You got the whole squad laughing bro 😐

[@dannygillespie6614]

"And by the Freddy vs Jason rules of monster fighting" is one of the best and most Dan sentences ever.

[@thomasafowler82]

"Soviet commander Ron Burgundy" 🤣🤣🤣

[@errolowl1]

I had to go back to see if I heard that right! 🤣

[@KeithFraser82]

*kaiju devastate Japan, again* "Boy, that escalated quickly."

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Ahahahaha!!! I thought the same thing when I watched it again recently.

[@stiimuli]

yeah that got me too XD

[@thats4thebirds]

I’m just glad we live in a time where we can get those super deep introspective thematic Godzilla movies… and also the ones where a giant lizard gets punched in the face by a giant monkey on an aircraft carrier. There are two wolves in me…

[@BryanCostner]

Hats off to Dan for finding a huge free time to watch all those 45 Godzilla and Kong movies combined. Apparently because of this, I sure need a lot to catch up

[@filmscorn1105]

In defense of the 2005 film, Peter Jackson initially wanted the original Anne Darrow to deliver the final line of the film, but she passed so Carl Denham delivers it like in the original film. The fact that he lives is in my mind important because it goes with the theme of shattered dreams and that life comes and snatches them away.

[@stewhv94]

Final Wars is so batshit insane that I can't help but love it. "GIGAAAAAANNNNNNN... RISE!!"

[@chaseparker1993]

Unironically one of my favorite G movies

[@afrocut]

Same here

[@denniscool6224]

Facts

[@MahiMahi-yu5jo]

Unapologetically fun

[@RangerMcFriendly]

*Inserts Keith Emerson banger track after*

[@Austin_Bundy]

"Monster Zero if you're nasty" had me rolling lol

[@Doran.]

Oh yeah, what is the joke there? It totally went over my head

[@Austin_Bundy]

@@Doran. It’s in a Janet Jackson song lol

[@Dragoncurse4]

@@Austin_Bundy Has nothing to do with Janet Jackson. lol Invasion of Astro-Monster was changed to Godzilla vs Monster Zero in America. Hence the joke of "Monster Zero if you're nasty."

[@matanm6829]

Quite the list sir. Nothing but respect. Hope to see more long form videos like this where you go deep into what you love.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

The more people watch, the more I'm able to do videos like this. Tell your friends!

[@jim1242]

Hopeing for a James bond ranking one day!

[@Henrystickmin538]

Most respectable List ever. Love how All monsters attack was in 45.

[@nerdsman567]

While I don’t entirely agree with with some of the rankings on this list, I really appreciate how you not only took the time to sit down and watch all of these movies, but also took the time to write brief but informative reviews for each film. As a longtime kaiju fan, I’m glad we live in a time where film critics are taking kaiju movies more seriously, becoming more open-minded to the genre’s wide variety of themes and concepts, and putting in more time and effort to review them as actual movies.

[@paradisecity0406able]

I got a feeling that 'Godzilla Minus One' will *STOMP* the competition away 🦶

[@anonemusofficial2511]

be sure it dose

[@user-hr1gw3qr8w]

Can't beat the original.. You people just don't have any sense of appreciation for history what a shame, this generation always thinks the latest is the "bestest EVER!!

[@firerook]

I love this kind of dedication, a top 10-15 of those you already saw + maybe 2-3 classics will have been fine, but the extra mile to watch all 45 movies to rank them is why Dan is the best.

[@candlesandcarnage]

Shin Godzilla - I am STILL waiting for a second movie. I don't think we are getting it, but, it was so so good.

[@ShogunZIlla]

The ending really set up some creepy possibilities for a sequel that I hope we see someday.

[@RaymondNolasco]

I think Shin Ultraman is considered the “next” film (complete with Shin Gojira burst in the beginning title). Ending with the recent Shin Kamen Rider

[@TCReyes]

Heisei era movies need a 4k physical media release in the US. I feel Dan’s pain.

[@Naymond]

I found ways to acquire them all and would buy a boxed set and re-home my current copies without a second thought. I would absolutely double dip the Heisei era.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Dan’s out-of-context clips at the end of each film are cracking me up!!

[@jacobringenwald]

Watching the original Godzilla for the first time is a pleasant surprise. Considering how campy the movies get, finding out that Gojira is a legit great movie with a powerful message comes as kind of a shock

[@joeldipops]

Please also try the original Mothra. It's not AS good as Gojira, but I think still earns its place in cinema history.

[@reviewer0418]

You’re insane, Dan, and I love it

[@schemingforsriracha3151]

I vividly remember your negative review of KOTM back in 2019, so color me absolutely surprised at how high up your list it made it. Loved to see that knowing the context of all the Godzilla films helped you reevaluate KOTM on rewatch because yes, if you knew what happened it's easier to see how effective of a love letter the film is to the franchise as a whole. However I always understood as a standalone movie why it didn't work for people especially if one goes in knowing very little about other Godzilla films.

[@luxurybuzz3681]

KOTM is not a good movie

[@schemingforsriracha3151]

@@luxurybuzz3681 and I said I understand as a standalone why it didn't work for people. So awesome, you don't think it's a good movie I understand.

[@simshigh]

Yeah, as a lifelong “Godzilla” fan, it’s my incredibly subjective favorite film of the Legendary ones thus far (I haven’t seen “The New Empire” yet, though), although I do like them all. I just rank them differently than most other people and it always pains me to see KotM get dogged on, but maybe I’m more biased than I realize or I just have shit taste, LMAO. That being said, I do recognize that the human element in that film resonates with me more than most, and that, like you and OP noted, it’s definitely a better Godzilla film than it is a standalone movie. It just has a special place in my heart. :’)💖

[@daredevil6145]

Since Human parts almost suck always in MONSTERVERSE series, however KOTM doenst even have good Monster Fights. It looks cool on 1st shot..m where they start fighting. Then its all Cuts and shaky and cut to humans again etc. VFX is the best outta all after Godzilla 2014

[@yanal0611]

"Leaving the humans with a very real 'Get your shit together' look." That made me laugh way more than it should have.

[@zacharyp1089]

Godzilla 2014 is absurdly underrated by most people. The movie is awesome.

[@shukilevyandbrookesheildsl2638]

How the Hell did I just realize after almost ten years that Quicksilver and The Scarlett Witch are from Alabama. It literally went completely over my head until Dan pointed it out 😳

[@brucecrawford_17]

"Impressive. Most impressive."- Darth Vader

[@OrionInSpace]

Impressive… very nice.

[@rinedgecombe8165]

King Kong (1933) at number 1 just for that line delivery for 'I thought you hate women', 'yeah, I know'

[@backdrop8469]

"I think this is awfully exciting, I've never been on a ship before!" "Well I've never been on one with a woman before"

[@Fuuntag]

What I really wanted but was too afraid to ask or even hope for. A big thanks to all of those of you who support Dan for making this possible for all of us. ❤

[@BankMoviegoer]

A feature-length Dan's video? YES!!!

[@cotywalton484]

clearly what is needed is an event where Baby Godzilla has an official crossover with Cocomelon and has to fight a Murrellosaurus sent by aliens to break Cocomelon's grip on their children from years of cross-dimension television interference

[@brentage5000]

That was the most insane sentence I've ever read. I love it😂

[@KeithFraser82]

And then Baby Godzilla, Cocomelon and Murrelosaurus team up to fight the Mecha-Teletubbies!

[@RangerMcFriendly]

@@KeithFraser82nah. MechaBarney!!

[@therealsnek8765]

This is where the fun begins.

[@Epicpanzer]

The Japanese Version of the original King Kong vs Godzilla is available in the Criterion Set in the bonus feature disc. Mandate from Universal since they have distribution rights in the US for the film.

[@AntsMovies]

Dude this must’ve taken a long time to put together. I don’t even like these movies but I’ll watch this to see your work. Good job man

[@lukasbohnenkamper4954]

This is a precious, kaiju sized Easter egg.

[@metalandmagi6486]

I'm not a Godzilla or a Kong fan, but I have to appreciate the dedication! And I love seeing how wacky some of the plots of these movies are! Also love the "destruction rating."

[@Rflo1123]

Lifelong Godzilla fan and big fan of the channel, this is like my dream video! Thanks, Dan!

[@scottfw1193]

The same!

[@JScotty4Reel]

I listened to this via podcast but wanted to swing to drop a like and a comment. The time and energy you put into this comprehensive ranking really shows and is appreciated.

[@davethomasfounderofwendys]

Much like myself, Dan is never one to cut corners

[@V0LTUnDeAd]

I'm so glad you had vs Hedorah in your top 10! It's my third favorite Godzilla movie and it's always super underrated

[@ericwalkerwhitelaw8537]

My Man just watched 45 movies of the same characters and people be like... you missed a bonus one. Hats off to you Fan, I would love to see more videos like this. It makes us remember the original movies alongside our reebots.

[@howa0016]

As a lifelong Godzilla fan, I salute you Dan. That is a monumental task to take on, and not an easy one to power through. The series can definitely have its peaks and valleys. Amazing video and keep up the great work!

[@sonofliberty1]

What a gem of a video that I would have skipped if it wasn't by Dan. I was not interested in these films other than as a fan of films in general (I try and see as many films as I can at least once) but the humour, care for detail and interesting asides that Dan puts in here made me watch a feature length video and get interested in the series. Great stuff.

[@sonofliberty1]

For what it's worth, Kong: Skull Island is probably my personal favourite of the ones I've seen. It took me by surprise how much I enjoyed it at the time of watching (I thought the 2014 Godzilla would get me interested in the series but it left me somewhat cold) and the mix of the human stories and the Kong/ "monster" lore really worked well together as an individual film. The overall themes of the series war/humanity/nature were all present and fit perfectly within the ongoing Vietnam War background.

[@SpongeBobaFett]

Love this list. Some genuinely hilarious editing and jokes on here. I hope it gets more views because I'd love to see you make more of these!

[@harvsk.4181]

Dan doing the Lord's work.

[@SeanPFoster]

Life long Godzilla fan here, very happy Godzilla vs. Hedorah made it to the top ten. It’s been one of my favourites since I was a kid. Such a surprisingly cool movie. 😅

[@ULTIMAFAX]

The original Godzilla is a legitimately shocking movie to watch (especially considering all of the other movies) for how closely it resembles what a nuke does in real life, and I can only imagine how upsetting it was to the Japanese when it was first released. It's only held back now by its dated special effects. Minus One definitely comes closest to what Godzilla was originally supposed to be about, and deservedly takes the #1 spot, but I can't help but desire a full-on, rated R remake of the original that reminds the world of how completely horrifying nuclear weapons are. (I haven't seen Shin yet though, so maybe that's actually closer to the tone, but Minus One was SO GOOD.)

[@AllInTheGame01]

Dan, you're absolutely insane & that's why we're all subscribers :)

[@WolfRamAndHart]

I've only seen Godzilla Minus One, Kong Skull Island, and Godzilla King of the Monsters, but I deeply appreciate all the time and effort done, and at the very least, I'd be interested in seeing the 1954 version, and perhaps some of the King Gidorrah or Mothra adventures. (I didn't know there was a pubescent "King Kong" which sounds like Scrappy Doo) If I had my druthers, Dan, you'd be in the "trending" for this authoritative Masterpiece.

[@jeans4108]

This was great! Plus you calling out Baby Godzilla was hilarious 😂

[@mohuss2001]

A feature length review. Mr. Murrell never ceases to amaze me.

[@MikMortsllak]

Talk about going the extra mile. More like the extra marathon. Great video, incredible work. 43:46 🤣🤣 Also loved the baby Godzilla running joke.

[@grahamcann1761]

You included "King Kong Escapes"! Thank you, I was pretty sure you wouldn't when I started watching this. (Once again demonstrating you excellence.) For me, (started watching (and being a fan of,) "Kaiju" movies in the sixties. (Watching "Ultra-man" on Japanese Language TV out of San Francisco. Note I do not speak Japanese, and my dad's an Aussie, and mum is Canadian, eh. 2nd Note: Also included an appearance of a modified Godzilla suit (Jirahs).) there are two types of these movies, the good ("Top-Tier") ("Godzilla" (1954), "Shin Godzilla" (2016), "King Kong" (1933), and "Godzilla Minus One" (2023),) and the fun (pretty much all the rest.). I've enjoyed watching all of these, but it's "the good" that I re-watch and truly enjoy. (And my compliments for seeking the Japanese version: I have both the "dubbed" and "subbed" versions of Shin Godzilla; and I've watched both several times, and note and appreciate some of the differences.) As always, thank you so very much for the videos. I would rate "King Kong" (1933) higher. I had dismissed it, till a couple of years ago when I gave it a rewatch; and I was reminded of, what I think, was a great film with excellent story and characters. And I might ('Might') have had a different Top 3 order, but the same three.

[@MahiMahi-yu5jo]

I would rank Shin Godzilla as first and Minus One as second. Shin Godzilla scared me. It was unsettling. We see on screen the death of a family, including a child, just to drive home the point that Godzilla is a disaster that we were stupid enough to start but are powerless to stop

[@a.bandley872]

A video I've been anxiously waiting for someone to do. Cant wait!

[@PowerPackers90]

Fun Fact: Jack Black's Carl was not the original plan to say the iconic "beauty killed the beast" line. in fact in his original 1996 script Peter Jackson had Carl on one of the planes shooting down Kong and dies. Jackson wanted it to be Fay Wray in a cameo saying the line. but sadly 8 years later when the movie was finally getting made Fay Wray was too sick to film the cameo and I believe died a short well after the films release. So instead they had to go with plan B which was keeping the orginal Carl Deniem saying the line.

[@Kaijutopia]

Outstanding Rankings Video, Dan! As a lifetime Godzilla fan and a longtime admirer of yours, this deep-dive was a real treat. Thank you!

[@johnnnyoddity]

Just finished this video, and I’m thankful for every frame! Well done, Dan! You’re an unsung hero for exploring and studying cinema. This long form format is a gift for movie lovers and I hope you continue these big projects.

[@retrocoin742]

Commenting and liking because i know this took TIME lol. I want to add i enjoyed every minute of watching Dan. The lore for Godzilla and Kong is pretty funny sometimes.

[@thebortthe]

I have been waiting for this ever since I noticed you logging them all on your Letterboxd! Hell yea!

[@matthewcincotta62]

Amazing video! Loved it!

[@Phantomwaxx]

Dan, you continue to do the Lord’s work. Bless you, sir.

[@samusmain5523]

Great video! Thanks for putting the time in.

[@jepmcnair6494]

Great work, Dan! I'm glad I waited to watch instead of listening in my car, because I loved seeing all the clips from over the years.

[@kallewardracing]

Excellent work, as always! Love the effort you put into these longer videos, it always shows.

[@carterforrestmusic]

Amazing video Dan 🔥 that’s a TON of work and we appreciate it

[@Anhelo2010]

Amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Please do more!

[@CraigTheStodd]

This was absolutely brilliant! Having seen only a few of the entries on the list, I feel I've come away with some great recommendations.

[@Pee5Ma]

Thanks for putting all the effort in - I love these long form videos!

[@PatrickMusilek]

I appreciate this video so much! Thank you Dan for putting in all the effort it took to make this video!

[@evanroznoy940]

Commenting for engagement, but as someone who has only recently dove into Godzilla, this list has honestly energized me to catch up on everything I've missed!!

[@amsrremix2239]

This was great Dan . Thank you. Please more content . Your contributions are always appreciated

[@AMAruofAssassinz]

Thank you so much for this, absolutely love your rankings videos. Great work as usual🥃

[@ryanmarkley1979]

Great video Dan, I could only imaging the editing time that went into this, not to mention the days of watching all these films, wow!

[@DeepDished]

This was a great watch and very interesting. I've never really cared too much about these classic Godzilla films but this deep dive has motivated me to check some of them out. Also I loved how you capped each film review with a hilariously out of context scene lol. Really great job and hope to see more long form videos in the future! ✊

[@Obsidian0Sky]

INCREDIBLE video Dan. I enjoyed every entry, I have not seen many of the films in the Millennium era so it was a joy to watch. Thank you for this.

[@abhinavyadav2663]

Amazing video Dan, would love to see more of these long form videos!

[@AlexGNop]

Thumbs up for giving “Kong Skull Island” proper credit

[@alexanna8751]

Solid watch, thanks yet again Dan!

[@jdo126]

Great video Dan ! Added a few of these movies to my list to watch

[@DrockTheClock]

Always appreciated your content. Thanks for covering all of these like this. So many memories over the years. Great to hear a fresh perspective on them.

[@nonchampion]

I really appreciate all the hard work you put in making this and as a life long Godzilla fan it was very enjoyable hearing your thoughts on all the movies.

[@petierodriguez101]

I‘ve always wanted to see Dan take on a video like this! Excited to sit on the couch with some snacks and watch this one :)

[@13mcguirem]

This is a great video! Makes me want to rewatch a bunch of Godzilla movies, thank you!

[@bennozoid1]

Fantastic video Dan! Please make MORE like this!!!!

[@McClintonforThree]

Great ranking! Enjoyed the video!

[@lkid44]

Good stuff. I always like your breakdowns of franchises. Keep up the good work and classic Dan humor.

[@seanmcmurray2872]

A great list! Enjoyed this longer content!

[@dogberry99]

It took me multiple sessions over the last 2 days to get through this, but my goodness was it ever worth it. You are insane, and we are all made better for it (and for you).

[@T3chedOut]

Wow, what an undertaking! Thanks for a great look at all these films and for compiling some cool stats for us data nerds!!

[@tacoexorcist]

Great video Dan, always love hearing other's perspective on the series!

[@mariagracielasayas2875]

Awesome Stream Absolutely loved it! I was a Godzilla fanatic as a child

[@BoxOfficeJack]

I have only seen about 5 of these.... I am now inspired by your video to go and seek all these out and watch them all myself! Love this video Dan, thank you so much!

[@HorrorArtFactory]

Mad respect for you Dan. As always!

[@mikelwagner4630]

I am a huge fan of your content and love when you get the chance to do these more in depth long form videos. Keep them coming!

[@ryanriddle9572]

I’ve only seen about seven of these films and am interested in checking a few more of these out. Super helpful, insightful and entertaining. Thanks for all you do, Dan.

[@Joshuaperlman]

Great job on the list Dan 🎉 Thank you

[@lokuzt]

What a ride, Dan! Thanks for the effort of actually making a visually engaging edition job and not just using another TierMaker™ list. You gave me a lot of fun stuff that I had no idea to use in nerdy trivia conversations with my friends (such as the first appearance of Godzilla's theme and fanfare) :)

[@AnthonyAPerez]

These are my favorite Dan videos! Loved this!

[@TVandManga]

Brilliant video Dan, I really enjoyed it.

[@ieatgremlins]

Barely starting this video. Just wanted to say, Dan, I’m proud of you for putting this together because I know it took tons of time, planning and dedication.

[@erinlynndavidson]

Loved this video. Great coverage, there are so many movies i want to rewatch now