Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

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Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

Writer: Casey Chong

"Gojira", or internationally known as, "Godzilla", is more than just a monster movie. First appearing in 1954, "Godzilla" is famously known for revolutionising the kaiju genre in the history of Japanese cinema. The black-and-white classic, in turn, became so successful at the Japan box office during its original release in 1954 and subsequently paved the way for more sequels and reboots over the course of 60 years. Since then, "Godzilla" is hailed as a Japanese icon and also became a mass inspiration for many future filmmakers around the world, including Mexican director Guillermo del Toro for his kaiju-inspired Hollywood blockbuster, "Pacific Rim" in 2013. To date, there are 30 feature movies of Godzilla made in Japan and Hollywood (the 1998 American remake directed by Roland Emmerich and the 2014 reboot by Gareth Edwards). Following the success of Edwards' version of "Godzilla" two years ago, the Japanese version has finally made its own huge comeback with "Shin Godzilla" this year. Otherwise known as "Shin Godzilla" in Japan, the brand new reboot had already attracted positive reception both critically and financially when it first premiered in its native country back in July. Thankfully, local fans and audiences can finally witness the return of Japanese Godzilla stomping into our cinemas this 25 August. To honour the upcoming release of "Shin Godzilla", let's take a step back towards the past and check out every Godzilla movie examined and evaluated from its successful black-and-white origin in 1954 to the recent Gareth Edwards' Hollywood reboot in 2014.

28. "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." (2003)

A direct sequel to 2002's "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla", the movie set a year after the battle between Godzilla and Kiryu. Complicating matters is the arrival of Mothra. Pretty much the same old movie like "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla". The biggest exception in this sequel is the inclusion of Mothra and her two larvas. Fortunately, "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." contains some decent fun alongside a breakneck pace and great special effects.

29. "Godzilla: Final Wars" (2004)

Godzilla fights a gallery of old nemesis as well as a new monster named Monster X. This is the last Godzilla movie in Japan before the iconic monster made its comeback twelve years later with "Godzilla Resurgence". "Godzilla: Final Wars" features a roster of Godzilla's old foes such as Rodan, Hedorah, Gigan and Ebirah. It's almost like watching of a string of "greatest hits" put together into one movie. The result is over-the-top, with all the insane kaiju action that you come to expect from a "Godzilla" movie.

30. "Godzilla" (2014)

Following a series of strong tremors that mysteriously shook the Janjira power plant to rubble, the nuclear catastrophe has somehow awakened the otherworldly Godzilla. This is the second time that Hollywood had attempted to put their own spin in the Americanised version of "Godzilla" following the much-maligned Roland Emmerich's version in 1998. While the 2014 version has its own shortcomings (e.g. lacklustre characters development), director Gareth Edwards manages to nail the creature design of Godzilla close to the spirit of the original 1954 black-and-white classic. The special effects are impeccable with great sound effects best experienced on the big screen, as well as Edwards' unusual camera placements of showcasing the iconic monster in various point-of-views.

"Shin Godzilla" opens in cinemas nationwide on 25 August 2016.

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Cinema Online, 24 August 2016