Beyond Godzilla and King Kong: Exploring the Best Giant Monster Films

When it comes to giant monster movies, the classics like Godzilla, King Kong, and even the sporadic entries from Gamera and Godzilla's own spin-offs often dominate the conversation. However, there are many other films that have captured the essence of monster movies, each offering unique and thrilling experiences.

Popular Giant Monster Films Beyond Godzilla and King Kong

Here are some of the most notable giant monster films that stand out, each unique in their own way:

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is one of the earliest entries in the giant monster film genre. It tells the story of a giant gorilla who is awakened from deep below the Earth's surface by an atomic bomb test.

Them! (1954)

Them! was directed by Gordon Douglas and stars James Whitmore, Marianne Martinez, and Whit Bissell. This film follows a group of scientists and a couple of Army officers who discover that giant ants are terrorizing a town in California.

Tarantula (1955)

Tarantula stars William Robinson and Gale Storm as a married couple and their cat. The film tells the story of a giant tarantula that terrorizes a small town, and after a series of incidents, the couple realizes the spider was reintroduced to the town by a scientist.

It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)

It Came from Beneath the Sea is a classic film that revolves around a giant octopus and a submarine. The film explores a mysterious aquatic creature that is destroyed after being lured to the surface by a ship's captain.

The Deadly Mantis (1957)

The Deadly Mantis, starring Robert Fuller and Corbin Bernsen, follows a scientist who discovers a caterpillar that develops into a deadly mantis that terrorizes the streets of Los Angeles. The film is a showcase of the innovative stop-motion animation techniques that were used in the era.

Defining Giant Monsters

The definition of a "giant monster" can vary depending on who you ask. For me, films like Jaws and Jurassic Park definitely fit the bill given the scale of the creatures. However, some might argue that these are more realistic depictions of natural phenomena, rather than outright monsters.

Understanding the criteria mainly comes down to opinion and personal analysis. However, if we base this on numbers and popularity, the Godzilla franchise clearly stands out. With over $10 billion in franchise value, according to Toho, it's hard to argue against Godzilla's reign as the overall king of giant monster movies.

Challenges with Other Films

While the Godzilla and King Kong franchises have remained popular and consistent, other films like Gamera have faced challenges. The legal disputes surrounding King Kong, as well as the inconsistent output from the Gamera franchise, have impacted the overall appeal and consistency of these films.

For instance, the Gamera films, which span from 1965 to 2006, faced issues due to the original company going under and the franchise being bought out due to poor business practices. This highlights the importance of stable infrastructure and consistent output in maintaining a franchise's appeal.

Additional Recommendations

There are many films that fit into the giant monster genre, each offering its own unique take on the genre. Some notable mentions include:

Ray Harryhausen Films

Ray Harryhausen's films, such as Valley of the Gwangi, offer a unique blend of dinosaurs, cowboys, and thrilling action. The film is highly recommended, especially for those who grew up watching classic monster movies.

Colossus: The Forbin Project

Colossus: The Forbin Project is a lesser-known entry in the giant monster genre, but it stands out due to its impressive set design and the idea of a gigantic computer complex. The film is a must-watch for those interested in the series.

Other Notable Monstrous Creatures

If you're looking for different types of monstrous creatures, there are plenty of options:

Dragonslayer and Jabberwocky: These films feature fantastical creatures that are sure to captivate audiences. Jabberwocky in particular has a fascinatingly designed monster that is both bizarre and clever. Night of the Lepus: While largely considered a cult classic and not particularly good, this film serves as a reminder of the educational value of monster movies, even if they're not the best.

With a vast array of monster films to choose from, there's a special place in the genre for everyone. Whether you're fond of the classic giant insects, awe-striking computer complexes, or fantastical creatures, there's a monster movie out there that will capture your imagination.