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.

19. "Godzilla vs. Mothra" (1992)

It's a three-way battle between Godzilla, Mothra and Battra! Otherwise known as "Godzilla vs. Mothra: The Battle For Earth", this updated version of the 1964's "Mothra vs. Godzilla" has an Indiana Jones-like adventure angle just to spice things up. Apart from witnessing the return of Mothra, the movie also introduced another kaiju named Battra.

20. "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II" (1993)

The United Nations Godzilla Countermeasures Center (UNGCC) engineered an ultimate weapon in the form of a new mecha monster known as Mechagodzilla to defeat Godzilla. Despite the obvious title of "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II", it is not a sequel or even a reboot of the 1974 "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla". As confusing as the title may sound, this 1993 version is best treated as a brand new entry altogether. What matters the most is the promising epic monster smackdowns as well as a distinctive upgrade of Mechagodzilla and the re-introduction of Rodan.

21. "Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla" (1994)

Godzilla faces two new foes; a giant robot known as M.O.G.U.E.R.A. and a Godzilla-like clone radiating from a black hole, SpaceGodzilla. It's business as usual in "Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla", with all the usual monster smackdowns you've come to expect from a typical "Godzilla" movie. Except the two new antagonists are technically inferior. The M.O.G.U.E.R.A. (an acronym of "Mobile Operation Godzilla Universal Expert Robot, Aero-Type") is basically a rip-off from Mechagodzilla. The SpaceGodzilla design isn't that inspiring either, with the overall look resembling the same old Godzilla. The only glaring exception is the two huge crystals protruding from its shoulders. On the bright side, "Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla" features one of the most elaborate smackdowns in the series.

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Cinema Online, 24 August 2016