BLOOD WORK: THE 100 GREATEST KAIJU

THE 100 GREATEST KAIJU

Can you name all the kaiju here?

Hello and welcome to Blood Work's list of the top 100 greatest kaiju! This list is meant to celebrate the various kaiju to have emerged since 1954 in film and television. We here at Blood Work love all things giant monsters. We simply can't get enough of these destructive colossal beasts.

This list is meant to celebrate kaiju, not to put down anyone's favorite or to be disrespectful in any way towards other's thoughts or feelings. We are aware that any single kaiju on this list could be someone's favorite. As such if you feel that a particular kaiju's placement on the list isn't right then please let us know in the comments below along with a reason why they should be higher on the list.

This is a list of giant monsters, in particular kaiju of film and television. It does not include all giant monsters from movies. We understand that what qualifies as "kaiju" varies from person to person. Below is a list of qualifying criteria for the list and exclusions we've made for the list.

Standards and Requirements

*Note*
The MUTO from Legendary's Godzilla (2014), the kaiju from Pacific Rim, the Skull Crawlers from Kong: Skull Island, and the Cloverfield monster have been omitted due to how recent they are and the fact that they were completely CGI effects. Zilla from Tri-Star's Godzilla (1998) has been included because Toho (the company responsible for the creation of kaiju) has accepted the monster as one of their own.

**Note**
Ultra-Man, Jet Jaguar, Zone Fighter, Take-Majin, and other similar characters have been omitted for the reason that they are not monsters. They're super heroes not kaiju and this is a list for kaiju. Mechagodzilla, Mechanikong, and Moguera have been included even though they are robots because at one time or another they were enemy or alien monsters.

***Note***
Monsters such as Gorgo, the Ymir, the Rhedosaurus, the Giant Claw, Knife-Head, Reptilicus, and others have been omitted due to the fact that their country of origin is not Japan or neighboring Asian countries. For this list we're keeping the parameters to primarily Japan and surrounding Asian countries. Zilla is the only exception to this.

We understand that this leaves out a ton of great giant monsters from the list. We love these monsters too and soon they will have their own list! Be on the look out for it and for now enjoy the list we've complied here.

And finally, we realize that we ourselves have probably missed a few kaiju, either unforgivably slipping our minds or even worse, kaiju we've never beheld before! Please, if you know of any kaiju that fit this list's criteria that we've shamefully left out, let us know!

On with the list already!

First of course is the bonus kaiju.

101

ZILLA a.k.a. GINO

First Appearance: Godzilla (1998)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001. Did not appear in film but was mentioned as existing)

Thoughts

I gotta admit the design for Gino is pretty cool. But the stigma around the 1998 Godzilla movie prevents most of us from fully appreciating it. If the 1998 movie had been named THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS then I'm sure folks would appreciate it more.

Anyway, Toho's acceptance of the character (albeit as a completely unique monster and not Godzilla) is why she's on the list.

100

HANGYOLAS

First Appearance: Death Kappa (2010)

Thoughts

Okay, it's a goofy movie but it maybe among the last kaiju films to use classic suitmation techniques to bring the kaiju to life. Hangyolas is a neat design even if it is a bit pudgy.

DEATH KAPPA

First Appearance: Death Kappa (2010)

Thoughts

Finishing off the kaiju from the film Death Kappa is Kappa himself. Again, the movie is just a fun goofy flick, just like the kaiju starring in the movie. Not to be taken seriously, and not all kaiju should be, Death Kappa is a fun and fairly recent addition to the kaiju list.

98
GIANT CONDOR

First Appearance: Ebirah: Horror of the Deep a.k.a. Godzilla Vs the Sea Monster (1966)

Thoughts

Coming seemingly out of nowhere, the Giant Condor sequence in Sea Monster, is brief but frenetic. There's no setup and no after effects. If you cut it out completely you'd never know. Somebody at Toho must really like the Giant Condor though for not only is it present in Sea Monster but the entire sequence is repeated again in Godzilla's Revenge (stock footage). And then there's the impressive artwork above.

He's a minor kaiju in the grand scheme but worthy of note for the impressive puppertry.

ODAKO ~ GIANT OCTOPUS

The Green Gargantua battling Odako, the giant octopus

First Appearance: King Kong Vs Godzilla (1962)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965. Appears in an alternate ending), War of the Gargantuas (1966)

Thoughts

Odako makes the list for being in three films and battling three humanoid kaiju each time. Based off the legends of giant squids and octopi, and of course the Kraken, Odako is a very real life kind of kaiju. Octopi are naturally odd looking creatures and translate well to scary giant monsters. Odako kind of made a recent appearance in Kong: Skull Island too!

One of the Godzilla movies I watched the most as a kid was King Kong Vs Godzilla. The Kong vs giant octopus fight was a moment I looked forward to seeing every time. I even bought a toy octopus to fight with my Godzilla and King Kong toys. To sum it all up, giant octopi make for great kaiju and Odako was the first.

MONSTER SNOWMAN

First Appearance: Half Human a.k.a. Ju Jin Yuki Otoko (1955)

Thoughts

This was the monster movie Ishiro Honda made after Godzilla. While the Monster Snowman isn't a giant by any means, he is a man-in-a-suit monster by kaiju effects master Eiji Tsuburaya and that automatically qualifies him for the list.

This kaiju was sort of a testing ground for humanoid kaiju and a prototype for Toho's King Kong and the Gargantuas.

95

MATANGO

First Appearance: Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People (1963)

KAIJU DOSSIER: MATANGO

Thoughts

One of the most unique kaiju on the list, Matango is a fungus that infects human beings and eventually transforms them completely into humanoid mushrooms. Sounds crazy, right? Well, the idea is mirrored in the video game "THE LAST OF US." Play that game and then tell me if the concept is crazy or not.

From the creative team behind the original Godzilla franchise, Matango is a hidden gem among kaiju.

94

Toho's FRANKENSTEIN

Top: Baragon. Bottom: Frankenstein

First Appearance: Frankenstein Conquers the World a.k.a. Frankenstein Vs Baragon (1965)

Thoughts

Once upon a time the creator of the original 1933 King Kong posed the idea of King Kong Vs Frankenstein. Toho bought the rights to that story and eventually turned out the kaiju above. The heart of the Frankenstein Monster was shipped to Hiroshima in 1945 for scientific analysis. Then the bomb hit. In the aftermath survivors scavenged the ruins for anything they could find. A young, starving boy found the heart and ate it. It transformed him into a giant humanoid creature.

It's a cool origin story and one interesting kaiju. It's also a "one of a kind" interpretation of the Frankenstein Monster. As a fan of both kaiju and Frankenstein, this is a special blend of the two.

93

RAIGA

First Appearance: Deep Sea Monster Raiga (2009)

Thoughts

In a world of rising CGI effects in movies, films with practical effects done in the classic style are becoming increasingly rare. Raiga is one of the last kaiju made in the classic style. It's a cool design and an entertaining movie.

KROIGA

First Appearance: Latitude Zero (1969)

Thoughts

Kroiga, which translates from Japanese to English as "Black Moth" is the major kaiju featured in the Toho sci-fi film Latitude Zero. A result of super science and abominable surgical prowess, Kroiga is a lion with a vulture's wings and a human brain, then magnified to kaiju size.

Kroiga is the closest any kaiju film has come to recreating the classic Griffon from Greek mythology. It is also among the final few kaiju by original Godzilla director Ishiro Honda.

91

KUJIRA GAMI

First Appearance: The Whale God a.k.a. Kujira Gami (1962)

Thoughts

The Moby Dick of kaiju, a giant monster whale. Kujira Gami, also referred to in the film as Shatsu, was one of the earliest kaiju from Daiei Studios, the studio who would later be responsible for such kaiju gems as Gamera and Daimajin. Shintaro Katsu (Zatoichi) and Hongo Kojiro (hero of several Gamera films) star in the film as the men hunting Kujira Gami. In many respects the film is a precursor to JAWS as Shatsu racks up quite the body count.

It's one of the more obscure kaiju on the list but well worth tracking down. The movie is more of a drama than a tokusatsu/kaiju film but it is a very good movie nonetheless. Costarring in the film is Akira Kurosawa and Godzilla veteran Takashi Shimura.

90

GOLIATH

First Appearance: Daigoro Vs Goliath (1972)

Thoughts

One of the last kaiju films of the 1970's not featuring Godzilla, Goliath was the title antagonist of a children's kaiju film. He's a great looking kaiju for the little he's in the film.

89

DAIGORO

First Appearance: Daigoro Vs Goliath (1972)

Thoughts

The titular hero of Daigoro Vs Goliath. Daigoro is definitely one of the most child friendly kaiju out there (as evident by the cute design). Just a fun kaiju from the classic era.

88
KUMASOGAMI

Concept art from film

First Appearance: Yamato Takeru a.k.a. Orochi: the Eight Headed Dragon (1994)

Thoughts

Kumasogami is one of the elemental gods from the legend of Yamato Takeru. A wicked cool design and a great kaiju from the Heisei era.

87

KAISHIN MUBA

Concept art from film

First Appearance: Yamato Takeru a.k.a. Orochi: the Eight Headed Dragon (1994)

Thoughts

Again from Yamato Takeru, this is one cool looking kaiju. The concept art is the only whole look at the kaiju I could find. A truly great design.

86
JIRAIYA

Jiraiya is the toad kaiju on the left

First Appearance: The Magic Serpent a.k.a. Kairyu Daikessen (1966)

Thoughts

A ninja with the ability to transform himself into a kaiju via black ninja magic. Combining two of my favorite things: ninjas and kaiju. Period piece kaiju are fairly rare and what few that exist are something special. Jiraiya can turn himself into a giant frog kaiju. That's cool but I always found the badguy of the movie to be a cooler looking kaiju.

OROCHIMARU

Orochimaru is the dragon on the right

First Appearance: The Magic Serpent a.k.a. Kairyu Daikessen (1966)

Thoughts

The other ninja kaiju on the list. Orochimaru is the badguy of the movie but his kaiju design, that of a classic mythological dragon, I like way more than the frog kaiju. They're both cool in my book but Orochimaru has the edge.

84
MAGUMA

First Appearance: Gorath (1962)

KAIJU DOSSIER: MAGUMA

Thoughts

One of Toho's unsung kaiju menaces. Maguma is one of those kaiju that most wouldn't look twice at. It was featured briefly in Gorath and cut out entirely of the English edited version. The kaiju is a more natural design and fairly simplistic. But Maguma is one of Haruo Nakajima's roles, directed by Ishiro Honda, produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka, and effects by Eiji Tsuburaya.

Every kaiju from these men are special and worthy of note in my book. Maguma almost reappeared in Destroy All Monsters. So, someone other than myself must like the big walrus. Anyway, give him another look and see if you can find the greatness in the kaiju that I did.

83

ABORAS

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television Appearances: The☆Ultraman (1979 animated series), Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series (small cameo)), Ultraman X (2015 television series)

Thoughts

A classic enemy kaiju of Ultra-Man's from the original series. A simple yet effective kaiju.

ZETTON

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Return of Ultraman (1971 television series), Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman Max (2005 television series), Ultraman Mebius (2006 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle (2007 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman Mebius Side Story: Ghost Reverse (2009 movie), Ultraman Saga (2012 movie), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Ginga S (2014 television series), Ultrman Ginga S: the Movie (2015), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

One of Ultra-Man's biggest baddies, Zetton is one of the more humanoid enemies of Ultra-Man and I personally find them less interesting than the more monstrous enemies. But Zetton is one of the better humanoid enemies of Ultra-Man and worthy of the list.

NERONGA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle (2007 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series)

Thoughts

A redesign of the kaiju Baragon, Neronga is another kaiju from Ultra-Man's original series. He doesn't appear often in the Ultra-Man franchise but he is one of the better looking kaiju in Ultra-Man's rogues gallery.

80

KEMULAR

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series)

Thoughts

Another Ultra-Man original series villain, Kemular's unique design is what makes this kaiju great and memorable.

79

ZAMBOLAR

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series)

Thoughts

I'm a big fan of the more dinosaur like kaiju designs and Zambolar is one of the good ones from the original Ultra-Man series. A cool design both familiar and unique.

78

SKYDON

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

A lot like Zambolar above, Skydon is a more naturalistic design reminiscent of dinosaurs. Another great kaiju from Ultra-Man's original series.

77

DORAKO

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultrman Ginga S: the Movie (2015), Ultraman X (2015 television series)

Thoughts

Dorako is one of those kaiju that gets better every time he appears. He seems like a prototype for the famous kaiju, Gigan. An Ultra-Man original series villain, Dorako is one of the Ultra-Man greats.

76
TAKKONG

First Appearance: Return of Ultraman (1971 television series)

Thoughts

Takkong is great because of his design alone. He's the beach ball kaiju! He is truly a unique and special kaiju among them all. Another Ultra-Man classic.

75

GAMAKUJIRA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

Another classic kaiju from the original Ultra-Man series. Again, a naturalistic design lending just a touch of believability. Another memorable kaiju.

74

HYDRA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

The Rodan of the original Ultra-Man series. Hydra, which has nothing to do with the Greek myth, is another of Ultra-Man's classic enemies and a fun and familiar design.

73

SEABOZU

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series)

Thoughts

Seabozu is quite different from most kaiju in that he's a ghost kaiju. He's actually a sympathetic kaiju who wants nothing more than to return to the great kaiju graveyard in space. He is one of the most memorable kaiju of the original Ultra-Man series and for that matter of any Ultra-Man series.

72

GIGASS

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

Gigass is the closest we may ever come to seeing Ultra-Man battle King Kong or a Gargantua. A humanoid design which could be taken as either a mega-primate like Kong or the mythical abominable snowman. In any case he's another memorable classic from Ultra-Man's original series.

71

JIRASS

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

I'm not sure who they were trying to fool with this one, but this kaiju is awesome for the simple fact that we fans got to see Ultra-Man battle Godzilla. Jirass was merely the Godzilla suit from Invasion of Astro-Monster with the addition of a sail around his neck. Then midway through the battle the sail gets ripped off! So it literally becomes Ultra-Man vs Godzilla.

Jirass gets high placement for being Godzilla's evil cousin.

MAGULAR

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman X (2015 television series)

Thoughts

Another well done quadrupedal kaiju from the Ultra-Man series. Magular has a great design and is one of the best kaiju from Ultra-Man's original series.

69

PESTAR

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series)

Thoughts

Pestar is one of the most creative and unique kaiju from any television show or film. Truly one of a kind and among Ultra-Man's most memorable foes.

68

DODONGO

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

Like Pestar, Dodongo is among the more unique and creative designs for a kaiju. A Chinese dragon-horse looking kaiju. It was one of the designs that exceeded the execution. Dodongo is among Ultra-Man's best kaiju from the original series.

67

GERONIMON

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

Probably considered politically incorrect in today's day and age, Geronimon nonetheless is one of the more well executed kaiju of the Ultra-Man series. A Godzilla-like kaiju, fun, colorful, and maybe a little offensive today.

66

JAMILA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series)

Thoughts

Jamilla seems partially inspired by Marvel Comics "Thing" of the Fantastic Four or the monster movie FIRST MAN INTO SPACE (1959). All three characters were astronauts that were transformed into monsters by cosmic radiation. Jamilla is another sympathetic kaiju like Seabozu and his episode is one of the highlights of the first Ultra-Man series.

65

GUESRA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Superior Ultraman 8 Brothers (2008 film), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

A genuine fish-like sea monster, Guesra is another classic kaiju from the original Ultra-Man series. A neat design and a fun kaiju.

64
ELEKING

First Appearance: Ultra-Seven (1967 television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman Taro (1973 television series), Ultraman Story (1984 movie), Ultraseven (1994 series), Ultraman Max (2005 television series), Ultraman Mebius (2006 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle (2007 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Retsuden (2011 television series), Ultraman Ginga S (2014 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman X (2016 movie), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

Eleking is one of Ultra-Man's super villains. A mainstay of the franchise, Eleking has a great design and remains one of the most memorable and iconic kaiju of the Ultra-Man universe.

63

BEMULAR

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultra Zero Fight (2012 youtube mini series), Ultraman Ginga S (2014 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

Ultra-Man's very first enemy in the very first episode of the original series. This kaiju gains legendary status for that fact alone.

RED KING

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman Taro (1973 television series), The☆Ultraman (1979 animated series), Ultraman 80 (1980 television series), Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman Max (2005 television series), Ultraman Mebius (2006 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle (2007 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultra Zone (2011 variety show), Ultra Zero Fight (2012 youtube mini series), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster Hero Battle Royale (2014 special movie), Ultraman Ginga S (2014 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman X: Here It Comes! Our Ultraman (2016 movie), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

The Ultra-Man kaiju just keep coming! Red King first appeared in the original Ultra-Man series and has since gone on to be a mainstay of the franchise and one of Ultra-Man's super villains. A truly classic kaiju.

61

GOMORA

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: The 6 Ultra Brothers Vs The Monster Army (1974 movie), Ultraman 80 (1980 television series), Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series),
Ultraman Max (2005 television series), Ultraman Mebius (2006 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle (2007 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman Zero Side Story: Ultraman Zero Vs Darklops Zero (2010 movie), Ultraman Zero Side Story: Killer the Beatstar (2011 movie), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster Hero Battle Royale (2014 special movie), Ultraman Ginga S (2014 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

Again, another of Ultra-Man's greatest and most prolific enemies. Gomora is one of Ultra-Man's original enemies and frequently returns to battle the space hero. A cool design and a memorable kaiju.

60

BALTAN

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Return of Ultraman (1971 television series), Ultraman: Great Monster Decisive Battle (1979 movie), The☆Ultraman (1979 animated series), Ultraman 80 (1980 television series), Ultraman: the Ultimate Hero (1993 television series), Ultraman Cosmos (2001 television series), Ultraman Max (2005 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster Hero Battle Royale (2014 special movie), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman X: Here It Comes! Our Ultraman (2016 movie)

Thoughts

Perhaps Ultra-Man's most recognizable enemy, Baltan is one of if not the greatest enemy of Ultra-Man's. He's appeared in many different Ultra-Man series and remains one of the first kaiju one thinks of when they think of Ultra-Man's rogues.

59
MEFILAS

First Appearance: Ultra-Man (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman Taro (1973 television series), Ultraman Story (1984 movie), Ultraman Mebius (2006 television series), Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Ultraman Mebius Side Story: Ghost Reverse (2009 movie), Ultraman Retsuden (2011 television series), Ultra Zero Fight (2012 youtube mini series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

Like Baltan and Zetton before him, Mefilas is one of the more intelligent and devious of Ultra-Man's enemies. He has returned time and time again to plague Ultra-Man and has proven to be one of Ultra-Man's greatest threats.

Another one of the more humanoid like designs, Mefilas, like Zetton, almost doesn't qualify as a kaiju but he remains a classic Ultra-Man villain.

58
KANEGON

First Appearance: Ultra-Q (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultraman Zearth (1996 movie), Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy (2004 television series (female version)), Ultraman Retsuden (2011 television series), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster Hero Battle Royale (2014 special movie)

Thoughts

Before Ultra-Man there was the series Ultra-Q and Kanegon is one of the most iconic of the kaiju in Ultra-Q. He's appeared numerous times in the Ultra-Man franchise and remains one of the most recognizable of the series.

57

GARAMON

First Appearance: Ultra-Q (1966 original television series)

Thoughts

Either as Garamon or Pigmon, this kaiju was one of the first in the Ultra series. Recognizable, memorable, and iconic, Garamon stands among the classic kaiju of the Ultra series.

56

GOMESS

First Appearance: Ultra-Q (1966 original television series)

Subsequent Television and Film Appearances: Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle: Never Ending Odyssey (2008 television series), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie (2009 movie), Ultraman Saga (2012 movie), Ultraman Ginga (2013 television series), Ultraman X (2015 television series), Ultraman Orb (2016 television series)

Thoughts

The very first kaiju in the Ultra series. Debuting in the very first episode of Ultra-Q, Gomess is a redesign of an old Godzilla suit. He's powerful and an impressive kaiju.

55
UTAM ~ THE PEKING MAN

First Appearance: The Mighty Peking Man (1977)

Thoughts

Basically he's Hong Kong's own version of King Kong, the movie in essence is a Chinese remake of the 1976 King Kong film. The monster effects and special effects were done by the same people from Toho that worked on the Godzilla series from that era. So, in essence it's a Toho monster movie. And so much more.

This movie is incredibly ridiculous. It's a Shaw Brothers film and 100% entertainment. It's like a cross between a Mondo film, kung fu, a Tarzan gender bender, a romance, and a monster movie. There really is nothing quite like it.

54

PULGASARI

First Appearance: Pulgasari (1985)

Thoughts

North Korea's very own kaiju and, just like the Mighty Peking Man, all the effects were done by the same people from Toho. The actor who portrayed Godzilla during the Heisei era films plays Pulgasari.

The film is almost like a fairly tale or fable from Korean myth. A monster rises up to defend an oppressed people. This monster feeds on metals so the people feed it everything they have. After the people have been freed from their oppressors the monster continues to feed. The monster eats so much that the people can't work or make a living. They have to kill their savior who has now become their oppressor.

Interpret that as you will. I just like that the film's message seems to be promoting an anti-dictatorial regime.

As for the kaiju, it's a cool design and is wonderfully realized by the fine folks at Toho (who may or may not have been forced to make the film against their will).

53
KEIZER GHIDORAH ~ MONSTER X

First Appearance: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Thoughts

The final kaiju introduced into the Toho kaijuverse (as of 2017). Keizer Ghidorah is a reinvention of the classic kaiju King Ghidorah and essentially repeating the design elements of 1996's Desghidorah from Mothra.

It's a cool looking kaiju and who doesn't love the three-headed space monsters that have plagued the Toho kaijuverse since 1964? I do feel that Keizer Ghidorah is the least effective of all the Ghidorahs in terms of suit design and execution. It's still neat to see another version of Ghidorah even if it wasn't up to par with previous iterations.

52

DAGAHRA

First Appearance: Mothra 2 a.k.a. Rebirth of Mothra II (1997)

KAIJU DOSSIER: DAGAHRA

Thoughts

Dagahra is one cool kaiju and one of the best realized kaiju in Toho. The kaiju is the highlight and primary reason to watch Mothra 2. The design is wicked awesome too. The only thing holding him back is a lack of noteriety. People need to know how awesome this character is!

51

DESGHIDORAH

First Appearance: Mothra a.k.a. Rebirth of Mothra (1996)

KAIJU DOSSIER: DESGHIDORAH

Thoughts

Of all the King Ghidorah reinventions this one is my favorite. The design is scary, awe-inspiring, and wicked awesome. It's just so cool looking! Another marvel of the Toho Heisei kaiju era.

50

YAMATA NO OROCHI

First Appearance: The Birth of Japan (1959)

Subsequent Appearances: Yamato Takeru a.k.a. Orochi ~ the Eight-Headed Dragon (1994)

Thoughts

Of all the kaiju out there this one you'd think the Japanese would want to have done right. Orochi is right out of Japanese mythology and I feel the filmmakers nailed it. I especially like the 1994 rendition. I can't tell you how much I want to see the Heisei Godzilla vs the Heisei Orochi. A very well done and great looking kaiju. With Orochi being a part of Japanese myth, the story of the great eight-headed dragon has influenced many contemporary Japanese narratives including video games, anime, and film. And why not? Just look at how amazing this kaiju is!

49
YONGARY

First Appearance: Yongary ~ Monster From the Deep (1967)

Thoughts

We saw North Korea's kaiju. Now we see South Korea's kaiju. Yongary is basically an analog of Godzilla and came out in the year of the great kaiju boom, 1967. Yongary didn't quite take off like Godzilla or Gamera did but he's still an interesting and fun kaiju.

48

GAPPA

First Appearance: Gappa ~ The Triphibian Monster (1967)

Thoughts

Gappa is actually a pretty neat monster. At home in the water, on land, and in the air, Gappa is a true triphibian kaiju. The story is very similar to the monster movies King Kong and Gorgo. While looking like a giant chicken Gappa still has a fairly cool design, incorporating much of the elements that made Godzilla and Rodan great.

Gappa came out in 1967, the biggest year in kaiju cinema history.

47
GUILALA

First Appearance: The X From Outer Space (1967)

Subsequent Appearances: Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit (2008)

Thoughts

One of the jokes of the kaiju world, I have a soft spot for Guilala. He's a goofy looking kaiju and his second movie completely embraces that goofiness. He's a nigh invincible, hell-bent on destruction, space monster. He has a pretty cool death scene in the original and the second film is just plain fun.

46

MEGAGUIRUS

First Appearance: Rodan (1956 (as a Meganulon))

Subsequent Appearances: Godzilla Vs Megaguirus (2000)

Thoughts

A monster dragonfly seems like a natural idea for a kaiju and the design for Megaguirus is pretty cool. I always love seeing Toho revisit classic characters that have been neglected for a long time. Knowing what Megaguirus came from, the killer insects from 1956's Rodan, and seeing the evolution of the character is truly awesome. Unfortunately the character would likely be better served as a CGI creation versus the marionette used in the film.

Even if the execution in the film left something to be desired, the kaiju is still great.

45

ORGA

First Appearance: Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)

Thoughts

The only 100% original kaiju of the Millennium Godzilla series, Orga is one of the most unique and interesting kaiju in the Toho roster. Not only from a design perspective but powers and origin as well. A combination of Godzilla dna and alien genetics, Orga also possesses a cannon like weapon which may or may not have originated as part of a space ship. Orga also has unlimited potential for redesign as one of its abilities is to absorb other kaiju dna and transform its body accordingly.

Even though he was thoroughly trashed by Godzilla, Orga still remains one awesome kaiju.

44

ZEDUS

First Appearance: Gamera The Brave (2006)

Thoughts

Zedus appears like a reinvention of Gamera's first kaiju opponent, Barugon, with an added Dilophosaurus frill. Definitely a scary kaiju, Zedus is a truly malevolent kaiju. Sinking ships, feasting on human beings, and picking on an adolescent Gamera. Zedus is a total jerk. But a neat designed jerk. He made for a great antagonist in Gamera The Brave.

It would be cool to see both Zedus and Barugon team up in a movie.

43

ZIGRA

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Zigra (1971)

Thoughts

Gamera's final enemy from the Showa era, Zigra is perhaps the closest we'll ever get to seeing a shark kaiju. I love sharks and seeing something that resembles a shark kaiju is totally cool, even if the movie doesn't work as well as others. Zigra is full of potential and would be neat to see reinvented in a new, more serious movie. Zigra being a transformed alien space ship is interesting too.

Anyway, there is no other kaiju quite like Zigra.

42

VIRAS

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Viras (1968)

Thoughts

Another of Gamera's extra-terrestrial opponents, Viras is one mean monster. A kind of squid-like alien, Viras possesses a high level of intelligence and a taste for world domination. Design-wise Viras is interesting and fairly straight-forward. Viras' battle against Gamera is pretty brutal and intense. That fight is what makes Viras stand out as a great kaiju.

Like Gamera's other enemies, Viras could be reinvented in a very cool way in the future.

41

JIGER

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Jiger (1970)

Thoughts

Gamera deals with some pretty mean enemy kaiju, which is kind of surprising given his films are generally very kid friendly. Jiger is just plain mean. He possesses a devastating heat ray attack and needle-like bone projectiles. But most nefarious of all is that he has a scorpion like tail that, when stabbed in an opponent, lays eggs inside the enemy kaiju's body. That's just plain nasty.

Jiger gets high ranking for being one of Gamera's toughest opponents.

40

GUIRON

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Guiron (1969)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GUIRON

Thoughts

A kaiju who's head is a giant knife? That's awesome! He kind of falls into the category of kaiju based off of tools, a small category but there's more than one. Not based off any natural creature, Guiron's design is fresh and interesting and has since become a true classic.

Even Guillermo Del Toro paid homage to Guiron in his film, Pacific Rim.

39

BARUGON

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Barugon (1966)

Thoughts

Gamera's very first kaiju opponent, Barugon (not to be confused with Toho's Baragon) is Gamera's elemental opposite. He is perhaps Gamera's true nemesis of the Showa era Gamera series. Gamera Vs Barugon is my favorite sequel of Gamera's original series and maybe even the best Showa Gamera film altogether arguably.

The battle between Gamera and Barugon is epic and bloody, making Barugon a kaiju for the ages.

38

MECHANIKONG

First Appearance: King Kong Escapes (1967)

Thoughts

Giant robots are a staple of the kaiju world. Some, like Jet Jaguar, are super heroes and not kaiju. Giant robots like Mechanikong are true threats like kaiju. Mechanikong is the first mechanized double of a kaiju (predating Mechagodzilla by seven years!) and one of King Kong's tougher opponents.

Mechanikong started a trend that has persisted to this day: Giant robots vs kaiju.

37
DOGORA

First Appearance: Dogora ~ The Space Monster (1964)

KAIJU DOSSIER: DOGORA

Thoughts

Dogora is maybe Toho's most curious and interesting kaiju ever. A giant space monster bigger than any kaiju in existence, Dogora has a hunger for carbon which could potentially ravage the entire planet, devouring coal at first, diamonds, and potentially to carbon based lifeforms (humans). Seeing how amazing Dogora looks in his film is truly an achievement for the Showa era kaiju films.

Dogora, while one of the most obscure kaiju out there, is one of the most special kaiju out there rife with potential for further exploration.

36
GABARA

First Appearance: Godzilla's Revenge a.k.a. All Monsters Attack (1969)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GABARA

Thoughts

The high school/grade school bully of the kaiju world, Gabara served a basic function in his single film appearance: to challenge Minya and help teach a lesson to a young boy named Ichiro. Where Gabara becomes something more is in his design. Gabara is inspired by the Yokai monsters of Japanese mythology.

A melding of kaiju and Japanese mythology is rare and cool.

35
MECHA-KING GHIDORAH

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah (1991)

Thoughts

Part kaiju. Part cyborg. Mecha-King Ghidorah is a weapon from the future, reviving the nearly dead King Ghidorah. Designed specifically to battle Godzilla, Mecha-King Ghidorah is equip with many weapons to repel the king of the monsters and even succeeds... barely. Designed with a cockpit for a pilot, Mecha-King Ghidorah is more like a Gundam or Jaeger and was the first of the mech-kaiju to have a pilot actually inside. Adds a whole new dimension to battling a kaiju when a human is inside. Very cool.

This was the first Ghidorah variation and perhaps the best.

34

GOROSAURUS

First Appearance: King Kong Escapes (1967)

Subsequent Appearances: Destroy All Monsters (1968)

Thoughts

Gorosaurus began as an homage to the Tyranosaurus Rex from the original 1933 King Kong film. He was merely there to recreate the Kong/Tyranosaurus battle. But the suit for Gorosaurus was so well done that Toho decided to use it for Destroy All Monsters and make him not just a dinosaur but a full fledged kaiju. He has since become a classic character with a fan following all his own.

He's a simple kaiju in design and one of the best executed among the Showa era kaiju films.

33
GANIMES

First Appearance: Space Amoeba a.k.a. Yog, the Monster From Space (1970)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GANIMES

Thoughts

Part of a triple kaiju threat, Ganimes is the kaiju version of the common Rubble Crab (a super cool looking crustacean in its own right). An incredibly detailed kaiju, Ganimes was one of the first few kaiju designed and created after Eiji Tsuburaya's death. Tsuburaya can never be replaced but Sadamasa Arikawa displayed great skill with Ganimes and the other monsters from Space Amoeba.

32
KAMOEBAS

First Appearance: Space Amoeba a.k.a. Yog, the Monster From Space (1970)

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

KAIJU DOSSIER: KAMOEBAS

Thoughts

Toho's very own kaiju turtle, Kamoebas is a wonderful character. Arguably more impressive in design than the Showa era Gamera, Kamoebas is one of the main reasons to watch Space Amoeba and my favorite of the Space Amoeba kaiju trio. Who doesn't love giant mutant turtles? Kamoebas is relatively obscure among kaiju and I wonder if that has something to do with Toho holding him back out of respect for the other giant turtle of Japanese cinema, Gamera.

Even if there already is a kaiju turtle that doesn't mean there can't be more. Just the brief glimpse of an updated Kamoebas in Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. looked amazing. If only we could've seen it in action.

31
GEZORA

First Appearance: Space Amoeba a.k.a. Yog, the Monster From Space (1970)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GEZORA

Thoughts

While it is true that Odako came first, Toho's true tentacled terror is none other than Gezora. The first of the three kaiju from Space Amoeba and undoubtedly the top dog of the three. Gezora, like Kamoebas, has a kaiju counterpart in Viras and it's arguable that Gezora's execution is superior to Viras. Both kaiju are great and Gezora has the makings of a great enemy for Godzilla, when and if they ever revive him for a new movie that is.

30
EBIRAH

First Appearance: Ebirah: Horror of the Deep a.k.a. Godzilla Vs the Sea Monster (1966)

Subsequent Appearances: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: EBIRAH

Thoughts

The original colossal crustacean, Ebirah is definitely the best looking kaiju of those based off sea life (at least the original Ebirah from 1966). Not even letting a single tiny canoe pass through its waters, Ebirah was more deadly than any shark. In fact, Ebirah's portrayal was closer to that of the Kraken than any of the tentacled kaiju.

One of the few kaiju exclusive to the water (at least in the 1966 iteration), Ebirah is the undersea kaiju king and still a horror of the deep.

29
BATTRA

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Mothra (1992)

Thoughts

Evil kaiju counterparts are not uncommon but Mothra's counterpart, Battra, is one of the best. In terms of design Battra is a fine example of the great work from the Heisei series. Both the larval form and winged form are spectacular. In terms of story it makes sense that there would be other species of Mothra. The only thing that doesn't make sense is the name (at least not to this English speaker). It's a cool name though and goes great with a cool kaiju.

28
SANDA

First Appearance: War of the Gargantuas (1966)

Thoughts

The hero from one of the best "non-Godzilla" Toho kaiju films, Sanda is the personification of the gentle giant. The idea is that he's an offspring of the kaiju Frankenstein Monster listed above, but another idea is that he may be the Frankenstein Monster himself, just further grown. We like both ideas but for this list we'll consider him his own.

While not as dynamic and intriguing as his evil brother, Sanda is one of the few naturally peaceful kaiju on the list.

27

GAIRA

First Appearance: War of the Gargantuas (1966)

Thoughts

One of the great villains of the kaiju world, Gaira a.k.a. the Green Gargantua is one of the scarier monsters on the list. Toho's own version of the human eating giant from fairy tales. Gaira is brought to terrifying life with a wonderful performance by Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla suit actor. The movie itself is great and the monsters therein are dynamic and memorable.

26

MEGALON

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Megalon (1973)

Thoughts

For as much crap as people like to give Godzilla Vs Megalon, we shouldn't forget the positives of that movie. For instance, Megalon's design and suit is unique and pretty cool. He falls into the "power tools" category of kaiju with his drill-hands and has a pretty cool power set. The Seatopian myth and origins surrounding the character are interesting too, not too dissimilar from Gamera's origins in fact.

While the movie may be the butt of many a joke, the kaiju itself is well executed and well done.

25

KAMACURAS

First Appearance: Son of Godzilla (1967)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla's Revenge (1969), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: KAMACURAS

Thoughts

Reminiscent of the giant insect monster movies of the 1950's, Kamacuras represents some of the finest wire-work and puppetry in all of Toho's kaiju repertoire. They have an incredibly detailed design and a very well executed performance. Giant insects are frightening in general and Kamacuras is one of the best in cinema.

24

KUMONGA

First Appearance: Son of Godzilla (1967)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: KUMONGA

Thoughts

The king creepy crawly kaiju! Tapping into the audience's fear of spiders and the classic giant arachnid monster movies of the 1950's, Kumonga is another crowning achievement in wire-work and puppetry. Even though Ishiro Honda wasn't directing Sea Monster or Son of Godzilla, Tsuburaya and his crew still brought their A-Game to both films. Kumonga's execution is lifelike and brilliantly realized. As the sole representative of giant spider kaiju, Kumonga sets a high bar. Another well done kaiju.

23

KING SEASAR

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla (1974)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Thoughts

The god and protector of the Azumi Royal Family, King Seasar is another melding of actual mythology and kaiju. Based off the "Shisa" from Okinawan myth, King Seasar or Seesar is a protector deity prophesied to save the world from Annihilation. The original design and execution of King Seasar was incredible (the 2004 version pales in comparison). Bringing to life the mythical Shisa in a kaiju form is both cool and naturally appealing.

What better concept for a protector kaiju could there be? As a child watching the original Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla I was instantly drawn to King Seasar. As an adult I feel he's a well designed and executed kaiju.

22

TITANOSAURUS

First Appearance: Terror Of Mechagodzilla (1975)

KAIJU DOSSIER: TITANOSAURUS

Thoughts

Titanosaurus was the last new kaiju to come from the Showa era and was very well executed. From a design aspect he looks perfectly suited for an undersea dinosaur, amphibian in color and sleekness. Said to be an aquatic dinosaur, naturally peaceful, Titanosaurus was manipulated by Dr. Mafune and aliens from the third planet of the Black Hole to attack Japan. Even though he was the final kaiju creation of the Showa era he is one of the best looking and reminiscent of the more classic dinosaur-like kaiju from the 1950's and 60's.

21
VARAN

First Appearance: Varan the Unbelievable (1958)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Destroy All Monsters (1968)

KAIJU DOSSIER: VARAN

Thoughts

He may be one of Toho's most obscure kaiju but he is also one of Toho's best designed kaiju. For the first half of his 1958 film he is wonderfully executed and brilliantly brought to life. Sadly the second half of the movie doesn't live up to the previous (due to the American studio pulling their funding from the project). Regardless, Varan's creature design is unique and wonderful, based off of the Draco lizard. And Haruo Nakajima's performance is so lifelike and powerful.

I could go on and on about how great Varan is and all the untapped potential lying in wait. Just give him a chance if you don't believe me.

20
MANDA

First Appearance: Atragon (1963)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: MANDA

Thoughts

The god of the Mu Empire, Manda was once one of the most powerful kaiju in the world allowing the Mu Empire to thrive and conquer. Manda has an interesting history and classical design, that of an Asian dragon. There is no other kaiju like Manda. One of the more difficult kaiju to bring to life, the advent of CGI could turn that all around. The CGI rendition in Final Wars looked good but perhaps the best example of Manda's potential lies with the Korean movie Dragon Wars.

The classical dragon design and interesting backstory make Manda a very unique and special kaiju.

19
BARAGON

Toho's Frankenstein in the background with Baragon in the foreground

First Appearance: Frankenstein Vs Baragon a.k.a. Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Destroy All Monster (1968), GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

KAIJU DOSSIER: BARAGON

Thoughts

A subterranean dinosaur from ancient times, Baragon burrows through the Earth and surfaces to feed. The kaiju can expel a fiery heat beam from its mouth, employed as both a weapon and a tool for tunneling. Baragon began as an antagonist but has since become a defender of Earth. If not for GMK Baragon would still be an obscure kaiju. Thanks to GMK he has a little more notoriety and another example to show how great a kaiju he is.

18

MOGUERA

First Appearance: The Mysterians (1957)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla Vs Spacegodzilla (1994)

Thoughts

The first mechanized kaiju menace to terrorize Japan, Moguera originally was a weapon for planetary domination by the alien invaders, the Mysterians (a story motif Mechagodzilla would adopt in his 1974 appearance). I'm not sure who the very first giant robot monster is but Moguera is among the earliest and paved the way for giant robot monsters thereafter. His re-imagining for Godzilla Vs Spacegodzilla looks absolutely amazing. In some ways too he looks like a prototype for Gigan, at least in design.

17
HEDORAH

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Hedorah a.k.a. Godzilla Vs the Smog Monster (1971)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: HEDORAH

Thoughts

Very few giant monsters carry a deeper meaning. Godzilla and King Kong are the most famous. Hedorah too represents more than just another monster for Godzilla to fight. Where Godzilla was the personification of nuclear power, Hedorah is the personification of pollution and is still relevant today. Both nuclear power and pollution have and are still changing our world. Not only is Hedorah a caution to the world on the effects of pollution, but it's also a great kaiju. Hedorah is a kaiju of infinite possibility and change, and incredibly unique.

16
LEGION

Legion is the monster above and Gamera is the kaiju below

First Appearance: Gamera 2 - Attack of Legion (1996)

Thoughts

Named after the biblical demon of the same name, Legion is one of Gamera's greatest enemies and one of the deadliest kaiju threats to the world depicted on screen. Legion arguably gave Gamera the greatest fight of his life more than any other. It forced Gamera to call upon the lifeforce of the planet itself to summon enough power to defeat it. Legion's death scene too is one of the greatest moments in kaiju cinema.

They say a hero is only as great as his villain, and after battling Legion, Gamera became one of the greatest kaiju ever.

15
IRIS

First Appearance: Gamera 3 - Revenge of Iris (1999)

Thoughts

Iris finished off the Gamera Trilogy by pushing the boundaries of what kaiju could look like and do on screen. She's one of the few kaiju that can only be brought to life fully by using CGI, at least in part. Iris' design is like nothing the kaiju world has ever seen before, more akin to creatures seen in some of the wilder animes out there. Iris' appeal extends beyond merely the design to the character concept, that of an anti-Gamera.

Iris is a visual and conceptual kaiju marvel.

14

BIOLLANTE

First Appearance: Godzilla vs Biollante (1989)

KAIJU DOSSIER: BIOLLANTE

Thoughts

Almost 100% of the kaiju on this list were realized through suitmation and practical effects to one degree or another. Biollante is the pinnacle achievement of practical monster effects. Seeing Biollante fully during the film's climax is a sight to behold. She's a very interesting and unique kaiju and one of the best ever realized on screen.

Biollante is one of my personal favorites and one of the coolest looking kaiju in existence.

13

DESTOROYAH

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Destoroyah (1995)

Thoughts

The closest Godzilla came to ever battling the devil itself would be when he fought Destoroyah. Dwarfing an already bigger than normal Godzilla in size, Destoroyah is both towering and terrifying in design. No other kaiju looks as dark or as evil as this 1995 kaiju. Both the original and final threat to Godzilla, Destoroyah is the monsterization of the Oxygen Destroyer and seemingly built to kill Godzilla.

He may not be Godzilla's #1 rival but he is definitely one of Godzilla's greater opponents.

SPACEGODZILLA

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Spacegodzilla (1994)

Thoughts

Ever wonder what Godzilla's evil twin looks like? Spacegodzilla is the law of karma coming after Godzilla. After all the damage Godzilla has wrought on the land, he finally gets to experience things from the other side. The SNES game Super Godzilla introduced a redesigned and powered up version of Godzilla. The design was so good that Toho decided to turn it into its own monster: Spacegodzilla.

Not only is Spacegodzilla a wonder to see but he also comes equip with a power set even Gamera would be jealous of.

11
Toho's KING KONG

First Appearance: King Kong Vs Godzilla (1962)

Subsequent Appearances: King Kong Escapes (1967)

Thoughts

We're talking about Toho's King Kong specifically and not any other. Obviously based off the most famous giant movie monster of all time, Toho's Kong seperates itself from the other Kongs with a unique look and roar. Kong is way bigger and increases in strength by exposure to electricity. He was also the first kaiju ever to battle a giant robot (Mechanikong). While people have often criticized this Kong as ugly I think the design is part of this Kong's individuality.

I love all the Kongs out there and most definitely Toho's King Kong too!

10

DAIMAJIN

First Appearance: Daimajin (1966)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Return of Daimajin (1966), Daimajin Strikes Again (1966)

KAIJU DOSSIER: DAIMAJIN

Thoughts

Rarely do kaiju films and Japanese period films intersect. And surprisingly the presence of Japanese myth and yokai aren't as prevalent with kaiju as you might think. Three examples of when all the above collide in a live action film are the Daimajin Trilogy. One of the best depictions of an ancient God incarnate and a unique series of films, there is no other kaiju character like him.

The Daimajin films are very well done and witnessing Daimajin himself is an experience unlike any other. He truly is one of the great kaiju out there.

9

GIGAN

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Gigan (1972)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla Vs Megalon (1973), Godzilla Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GIGAN

Thoughts

One of the craziest and totally awesome designs in all kaijudom, Gigan is one of the most recognizable and popular kaiju in the entire roster, Toho or otherwise. Gigan's design is derivative of one or two kaiju listed above but perfected. A cyborg kaiju from outer space, Gigan is the most popular "power tool" kaiju with his buzz saw torso and scythe like forearms. Definitely one of Toho's wildest designs, it nonetheless works well and has made Gigan one memorable kaiju that saves an otherwise weaker film in the Godzilla series.

8

ANGUIRUS

First Appearance: Godzilla Raids Again (1955)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla Vs Gigan (1972), Godzilla Vs Megalon (1973), Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (1974), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Thoughts

One of the two monsters that started the "Versus" motif, Anguirus is legendary for many reasons including being Godzilla's first ever onscreen kaiju opponent. Evoking images of the Anklyosaurus with that of a porcupine, Anguirus is one of the more realistic kaiju being a quadruped. His appearance in Destroy All Monsters resulted in many subsequent appearances and turned him into a fan favorite.

Godzilla's first enemy and later one of his closest allies, Anguirus maintains high status among his fellow kaiju and remains one of the best.

7

GYAOS

First Appearance: Gamera Vs Gyaos (1967)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Gamera Vs Guiron (1969 as Space Gyaos), Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999), Gamera The Brave (2006)

Thoughts

From just another foe of Gamera's to legitimate global threat, Gyaos has returned time and time again growing more dangerous with each incarnation. The closest we'll get to a kaiju vampire-bat, Gyaos feasts on human flesh and drinks human blood. The Gamera Trilogy reinvented Gyaos turning the one into many and giving them an insatiable hunger for flesh. Reappearing in other Gamera films solidified the Gyaos as Gamera's eternal enemy and his never ending mission.

Every time the Gyaos return the stakes rise. In the final Gamera film, Gamera gave his life to defeat them by blowing himself up. If that's what it takes to defeat a kaiju you know it's one hell of an opponent.

6

RODAN

First Appearance: Rodan (1956)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Ghidorah: the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla II (1993 as Fire Rodan), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

KAIJU DOSSIER: RODAN

Thoughts

The original flying monster, Rodan was director Ishiro Honda's second giant monster film and remains to this day one of the best. Taking a natural design and tweaking it into something new, making in essence a Pteranodon into an even greater beast. Rodan's original iteration was so powerful and devastating that it took a volcano to bring them (there were two!) down. Rodan became an icon all his own when he was resurrected for Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster in 1964 and Invasion of Astro-Monster in 1965. He's Godzilla's right hand kaiju enforcer.

Rodan has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved kaiju the world over.

5

MECHAGODZILLA

First Appearance: Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla (1974)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975), Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla II (1993), Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002 as Kiryu), Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S (2003)

Thoughts

Sometimes facing ourselves can be the greatest challenge of them all. Godzilla first experienced this in 1974 when Mechagodzilla first arrived on the scene. For a late entry into the Showa era, Mechagodzilla has proven to be one of the most enduring and endearing opponents for the king of the monsters. Drastically altered for each iteration, Mechagodzilla has also proven to be one of the most versatile kaiju out there, from alien death machine to United Nations defense to a machine possessed by the ghost of a dead Godzilla.

Of all the giant robot monsters out there none are as popular and enduring as Mechagodzilla.

4

KING GHIDORAH

First Appearance: Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla Vs Gigan (1972), Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah (1991), Mothra 3 (1998 as Grand King Ghidorah), GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

Thoughts

The original super-villain kaiju. The golden three-headed space monster is without a doubt Godzilla's ultimate enemy and the bane of kaiju everywhere. King Ghidorah is the most featured of Godzilla's villains and one of the most distinctive designs of any kaiju. He is always a sight to behold and a force to be reckoned with. Evoking thoughts of mythical dragons and other fantastic beasts, Ghidorah stands as one of the most awe-inspiring kaiju ever.

He's iconic and a technical achievement of the genre. When one thinks of an opponent for Godzilla to face Ghidorah is at the top of the list.

MOTHRA

First Appearance: Mothra (1961)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Mothra Vs Godzilla (1964), Ghidorah: the Three-Headed Monster (1964), Ebirah: Horror of the Deep (1966), Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla Vs Mothra (1992), Godzilla Vs Spacegodzilla (1994), Mothra (1996), Mothra 2 (1997), Mothra 3 (1998), GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001), Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Thoughts

Mothra is one of the most recognizable and iconic kaiju of them all. Mothra's been featured in more movies than any of Godzilla's other Toho kaiju and has had four films (without Godzilla) to her own credit. Mothra brings an elegance and beauty to the world of kaiju which few others if any have done. The kaiju moth also completely changed the dynamic of kaiju films forever.

Mothra is perhaps the first intelligent kaiju. She (I don't know if it's a him or a her but I'm going to go with a her for the sake of pronouns) seems to know the world and how everything fits together better than humanity. Numerous times she has stepped in to prevent humanity from destroying the planet and ultimately destroying themselves. And it was through Mothra that Godzilla and Rodan were able to set aside their hatred of mankind and work to save the Earth. No other kaiju can do that while maintain a degree of seriousness or realism.

Mothra pushed the genre forward in an organic way and because of her kaiju films were forever changed.

2

GAMERA

First Appearance: Giant Monster Gamera a.k.a. Gamera the Invincible (1965)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Gamera Vs Barugon (1966), Gamera Vs Gyaos (1967), Gamera Vs Viras (1968), Gamera Vs Guiron (1969), Gamera Vs Jiger (1970), Gamera Vs Zigra (1971), Gamera: Super Monster (1980), Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996), Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999), Gamera the Brave (2006)

KAIJU DOSSIER: GAMERA

Thoughts

If there was ever a rival to the one who holds the title of greatest kaiju it's Gamera. He began as a threat to the world, a lone child believing he was something special. The movie studio, Daiei, wisely recognized the appeal of giant monsters with children and after his first two films the studio transitioned the monster to a full blown hero of the children. Gamera's identity as a hero of the children is the core of his character and taps into one of the enduring as aspects of kaiju: kids love giant monsters.

Gamera wouldn't be the kaiju he is today without the films of the 1990's and 2000's. In my opinion the last four Gamera films are some of the most well done kaiju films ever. I enjoy the classic Gamera films from the sixties and seventies, the first two being my favorites, but it was the Gamera Trilogy of the nineties that solidified him as an absolute favorite and without a doubt one of the greatest kaiju of all time.

Gamera is...

The absolute guardian of the universe!

GODZILLA

First appearance: Gojira a.k.a. Godzilla (1954)

Subsequent Film Appearances: Godzilla Raids Again (1955), King Kong Vs Godzilla (1962), Mothra Vs Godzilla (1964), Ghidorah: the Three Headed Monster (1964), Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965), Ebirah: Horror of the Deep (1966), Son of Godzilla (1967), Destroy All Monsters (1968), Godzilla's Revenge (1969), Godzilla vs Hedorah (1971), Godzilla Vs Gigan (1972), Godzilla Vs Megalon (1973), Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla (1974), Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975), Return of Godzilla (1984), Godzilla Vs Biollante (1989), Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah (1991), Godzilla Vs Mothra (1992), Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla II (1993), Godzilla Vs Spacegodzilla (1994), Godzilla Vs Destoroyah (1995), Godzilla 2000 (1999), Godzilla Vs Megaguirus (2000), GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001), Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002), Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003), Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), Shin Godzilla (2016)

Thoughts

Godzilla was the first kaiju and without a doubt the most prolific kaiju of them all. And why is that? In my opinion it's because he's more than just a kaiju. He's a force of nature. He's an allegory. He's a symbol. He's been an antagonist and a protagonist. A hero and a villain. And he's a country coming to terms with their past. He embodies everything that makes up a kaiju and more. He has an almost dinosaur-like design which grounds him in reality but yet enough unique qualities to where there is no other creature quite like him.

The latter Godzilla films of the sixties and seventies appeal to the child in us all and the early films from the fifties and sixties carry enough weight and gravity to capture our imaginations as adults. The character possesses perhaps the greatest endurance of any kaiju for the reasons I just mentioned above. He is my personal favorite kaiju and is the reason why I love all kaiju as much as I do.

Like his incredible power, Godzilla's appeal is unstoppable.

He is...

The undisputed king of the kaiju!

and

The 100 Greatest Kaiju!

There you have it! With a legacy of over 60 years of films and television shows the kaiju on this list are only a small portion of the entire kaiju population. I know there are kaiju I've left out or forgotten about. If I've made any grievous errors by leaving a kaiju out please let me know! If you think a kaiju should be ranked differently also let me know and tell me your reasons!

Just remember that this list is a celebration of kaiju! The placement of the kaiju on the list is not meant to take away from them or diminish their greatness in any way. We love every kaiju on the list!

And as we have said before there are many many kaiju that are not on this list. All the kaiju featured in the entire chronology of Ultraman number well beyond 100 alone! In the future we'll have to do a list of the hundred greatest enemies of Ultra-Man!