Godzilla Millennium Era: Movies In Order

Hey there, fellow Godzilla fans! Ready to dive into the Millennium Era of our favorite giant lizard? This era is packed with unique takes on the Godzilla mythos, and we're going to explore them in order. So, buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let’s get started!

What is Godzilla Millennium Era?

Before we jump into the films, let's quickly define what we mean by the Godzilla Millennium Era. This period spans from 1999 to 2004 and is characterized by a series of standalone Godzilla films. Unlike previous eras where films had direct continuity, the Millennium Era movies mostly ignore the events of earlier films, except for the original 1954 Godzilla. Each movie offers a fresh, modern perspective on the Godzilla story, making it an exciting time for fans.

Each film in the Millennium Era generally disregards the continuity established in previous Godzilla series, such as the Showa and Heisei eras, and instead creates its own self-contained storyline, this approach allowed filmmakers greater creative freedom to experiment with different themes, tones, and visual styles. This means you can jump into any of these movies without needing to watch the others—though, of course, watching them all is highly recommended!

For instance, Godzilla 2000 brings a more sci-fi oriented narrative, and it has a lot of influence from science and technology of the time, while Godzilla vs. Megaguirus introduces a completely new and unique enemy for Godzilla to face. Also, each film tends to feature updated special effects and more modern storytelling techniques compared to earlier Godzilla eras, giving them a distinct feel and appeal to contemporary audiences, this era of Godzilla movies allowed for a diverse range of interpretations of the character and the world he inhabits, making it a fascinating period for both longtime fans and newcomers.

The Millennium Era also stands out for its attempts to reflect contemporary social and political issues. Films touched on topics such as genetic engineering, environmental concerns, and the role of technology in society, adding layers of depth to the monster action, the Godzilla series in the Millennium Era sought to be relevant to the times, using the Godzilla narrative to explore anxieties and challenges facing the world. This approach helped keep the franchise fresh and engaging, ensuring that Godzilla remained a cultural icon through the turn of the century.

Godzilla 2000 (1999)

Godzilla 2000 marked the return of Godzilla to the big screen and kicked off the Millennium Era with a bang. In this film, Godzilla battles against a new foe: Orga, a mysterious alien organism that evolves and mutates throughout the movie. The story revolves around the Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN), a group dedicated to studying and understanding Godzilla. When a giant UFO appears, it collides with Godzilla, leading to an epic confrontation.

The film delivers a solid monster mash with some great visual effects for its time. It's a straightforward Godzilla movie that focuses on the action and the spectacle of the monsters battling it out. The Godzilla design is also notably different, with a more menacing and reptilian look. The narrative follows a group of scientists from the Godzilla Prediction Network (GPN), led by the determined Yuji Shinoda, who are dedicated to studying and predicting Godzilla's movements, their research leads them to a mysterious alien object that crashes to Earth, setting the stage for a thrilling confrontation.

One of the strengths of Godzilla 2000 is its visual effects. For its time, the CGI and practical effects were top-notch, making Godzilla and Orga look incredibly realistic and menacing, the battles between the two monsters are well-choreographed and visually stunning, providing plenty of excitement for fans of the genre. The design of Orga is also particularly noteworthy. Starting as a UFO, it transforms into a terrifying creature with the ability to absorb and adapt to Godzilla's DNA, making it a formidable opponent.

Godzilla 2000 set the tone for the Millennium Era by presenting a self-contained story that didn't rely on previous continuity, this approach allowed the filmmakers to create a fresh and modern take on the Godzilla mythos, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. The film also explored themes of human arrogance and the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, adding a layer of depth to the monster action. While it may not be the most profound Godzilla film, its solid action and impressive visuals make it a great entry point into the Millennium Era.

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus (2000)

Released in the same year as Godzilla 2000, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus takes a different approach. This film introduces a new insect-like monster, Megaguirus, created by a dimensional experiment gone wrong. The story involves a group of scientists attempting to create a black hole to eliminate Godzilla, but instead, they inadvertently create a wormhole that brings forth ancient dragonfly larvae.

These larvae evolve into giant Meganula, which then converge to form Megaguirus. The resulting battle between Godzilla and Megaguirus is a highlight, with fast-paced action and some creative monster abilities. The film emphasizes the destructive consequences of human interference with nature. The plot centers around the Dimension Tide project, a scientific endeavor aimed at creating a miniature black hole to permanently eliminate Godzilla. However, the experiment goes awry, leading to the emergence of Meganulon, ancient dragonfly larvae, which then transform into the massive Megaguirus.

What makes Godzilla vs. Megaguirus stand out is its unique monster design and fast-paced action, Megaguirus is a formidable opponent with the ability to absorb energy and unleash devastating attacks, making the battles between her and Godzilla particularly intense and exciting. The film also features some creative visual effects, showcasing the destructive power of the monsters and the chaos they unleash upon the city.

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus explores themes of scientific hubris and the unintended consequences of technological advancements. The Dimension Tide project, intended to solve the Godzilla problem, ultimately creates an even greater threat, highlighting the dangers of playing with forces beyond human understanding. This theme adds a layer of depth to the monster action, making the film more than just a simple monster brawl. Despite some mixed reviews, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus remains a notable entry in the Millennium Era for its unique monster design, fast-paced action, and cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked scientific ambition.

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

This is where things get really interesting. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (GMK) is often considered one of the best films in the Millennium Era. In this movie, Godzilla is portrayed as a vengeful spirit fueled by the souls of those who died during World War II. He faces off against three ancient guardian monsters: Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Baragon.

The film has a darker, more serious tone, and the monster battles are epic and emotionally charged. The story delves into themes of national guilt, spiritual retribution, and the balance of nature, it is directed by Shusuke Kaneko, known for his work on the Gamera franchise, GMK presents a unique and thought-provoking take on the Godzilla mythos.

GMK stands out for its portrayal of Godzilla as a purely malevolent force, driven by the souls of those who perished in the Pacific War, this depiction adds a layer of complexity to the character, making him more than just a mindless monster. The film also elevates Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Baragon to the status of heroic guardians, tasked with defending Japan from Godzilla's wrath.

The battles in GMK are visually stunning and emotionally resonant, the guardian monsters, though smaller in scale compared to Godzilla, put up a valiant fight, showcasing their unique abilities and courage. The film also features impressive special effects, bringing the monsters to life in a way that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. GMK explores themes of history, memory, and the consequences of past actions. Godzilla's rampage is presented as a form of karmic retribution for the atrocities of World War II, forcing the characters and the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about Japan's past.

This adds a layer of depth to the monster action, making the film more than just a simple creature feature. It encourages reflection on the impact of war and the importance of remembering history, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is a standout entry in the Millennium Era for its unique take on the Godzilla mythos, its compelling characters, and its thought-provoking themes, it is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the nature of good and evil, the burden of history, and the importance of remembering the past.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla brings back a fan-favorite: Mechagodzilla. In this film, Mechagodzilla is constructed from the bones of the original Godzilla from 1954. The human characters struggle with the moral implications of using Godzilla's DNA to fight him, and the story has a strong military focus. This film introduces a more technologically advanced approach to fighting Godzilla, as humanity creates a cyborg Godzilla known as Kiryu to defend against the real Godzilla.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla is a thrilling ride with impressive special effects and intense monster battles. The story delves into the ethical dilemmas of using Godzilla's own DNA against him. The narrative centers around the creation of Kiryu, a cyborg Godzilla built from the bones of the original Godzilla that attacked Tokyo in 1954, this project is spearheaded by the Japan Self-Defense Forces as a means to combat the recurring threat of Godzilla.

What makes Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla compelling is its exploration of the moral implications of using Godzilla's remains to create a weapon, the film raises questions about the ethics of genetic engineering and the potential consequences of tampering with nature, it also delves into the psychological impact on the characters involved, particularly those who are tasked with controlling Kiryu.

The battles between Godzilla and Kiryu are visually stunning and action-packed. Kiryu's design is sleek and modern, showcasing the technological advancements of the time. The film also features impressive special effects, bringing the monsters to life in a way that is both realistic and awe-inspiring, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla explores themes of technological advancement, ethical responsibility, and the consequences of past actions.

The creation of Kiryu is presented as a solution to the Godzilla problem, but it also raises questions about the potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology. The film also touches on the legacy of the original Godzilla attack, reminding viewers of the devastating impact of the monster and the importance of finding a way to coexist with him, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla is a standout entry in the Millennium Era for its compelling characters, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes, it is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, and the ethical implications of technological progress.

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

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. is a direct sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla. In this film, Mothra and Kamoebas appear, warning humanity to return Kiryu (Mechagodzilla) to the sea, as disturbing the bones of Godzilla has upset the natural order. When Godzilla attacks again, Mothra joins forces with Kiryu to defend Tokyo. This film continues the story of Kiryu, the cyborg Godzilla, and explores the consequences of tampering with the natural order, it is a direct sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, continuing the narrative and expanding on the themes introduced in the previous film.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. delves deeper into the ethical dilemmas of using Godzilla's remains to create a weapon. The film raises questions about the balance between technological advancement and respect for nature. It also explores the consequences of disturbing the natural order, as Mothra and Kamoebas emerge to warn humanity about the dangers of desecrating Godzilla's bones.

The battles in Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. are intense and visually stunning. Mothra's appearance adds a new dynamic to the action, as she joins forces with Kiryu to defend Tokyo against Godzilla. The film also features impressive special effects, bringing the monsters to life in a way that is both realistic and awe-inspiring, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. explores themes of environmentalism, ethical responsibility, and the consequences of past actions.

The film suggests that humanity must learn to coexist with nature and respect the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It also raises questions about the role of technology in society and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on it. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. is a compelling entry in the Millennium Era for its thought-provoking themes, thrilling action, and memorable characters. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Godzilla: Final Wars was intended to be a grand celebration of the Godzilla franchise's 50th anniversary. This film throws everything at the screen, featuring a plethora of monsters from Godzilla's past, alien invaders, and a team of super-powered humans known as the Earth Defense Force. The story is over-the-top and action-packed, with Godzilla traveling the globe to defeat various monsters controlled by the aliens.

While it's not always critically acclaimed, Godzilla: Final Wars is a wild and entertaining ride for fans of the series. Godzilla: Final Wars is a bombastic and action-packed extravaganza that brings together a multitude of monsters from Godzilla's history, it is a celebration of the franchise's 50th anniversary and aims to deliver a thrilling and over-the-top experience for fans. The film features a complex plot involving alien invaders, super-powered humans, and a global monster rampage.

What makes Godzilla: Final Wars unique is its sheer scale and ambition. The film crams in as many monsters as possible, creating a non-stop barrage of monster action. The storyline is convoluted but energetic, keeping viewers engaged with its constant twists and turns. While it may not be the most coherent Godzilla film, it certainly delivers on its promise of providing a grand spectacle.

The battles in Godzilla: Final Wars are chaotic and visually impressive, Godzilla travels the world, defeating one monster after another in a series of over-the-top confrontations. The film also features impressive special effects, showcasing the destructive power of the monsters and the chaos they unleash upon the world. Godzilla: Final Wars explores themes of global unity, alien invasion, and the power of humanity to overcome adversity.

The film suggests that despite their differences, people from all nations must come together to face a common enemy. It also celebrates the resilience and determination of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. Godzilla: Final Wars is a polarizing entry in the Millennium Era, but it remains a memorable and entertaining film for its sheer ambition and over-the-top action. It is a fitting tribute to the Godzilla franchise and a celebration of its enduring legacy.

Final Thoughts

The Godzilla Millennium Era is a fascinating period in the history of the King of the Monsters. With its standalone stories and modern takes on the Godzilla mythos, it offers something for every Godzilla fan. Whether you prefer the sci-fi action of Godzilla 2000, the darker themes of GMK, or the all-out monster mash of Final Wars, there's plenty to enjoy in this era. So go ahead and dive in—you won't be disappointed!

Each film in this era brings something unique to the table, ensuring a diverse and exciting viewing experience. From updated special effects to fresh interpretations of classic monsters, the Millennium Era keeps the Godzilla franchise relevant and engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers. So, whether you're a seasoned Godzilla enthusiast or just curious about the King of the Monsters, the Millennium Era is a great place to start!