The series wasn’t officially called the “Monsterverse” until Legendary Pictures took it up, but Godzilla and Kong have had their fair share of fights and alliances over the years. Together, the two were part of the Monsterverse long before Legendary coined the term. While 1955’s Gojira remains the best film in the entire series, times have changed, and we must settle for what modern, effects-driven studios deliver. Most of the Monsterverse films of the past decade have been underwhelming, but some, such as 2014’s Godzilla, received positive reviews thanks to Legendary’s investment in both storyline and action. Here are 10 more Kong and Godzilla films since 2001 that you should watch if you love the series.

Shin Godzilla (2016)

Toho revived Godzilla with this reimagining of the traditional, apocalyptic monster that could breathe destruction onto Tokyo. Released at a time when remakes of the franchise were struggling, Shin Godzilla breathed new life into the series by incorporating more dynamic human characters and a more menacing Godzilla. The story follows the re-emergence of Godzilla as a destructive force, spewing radiation across Tokyo and rendering the city uninhabitable. Just as the UN threatens to nuke the remnants of Japan, a team of US and Japanese scientists devises a plan to stop the monster.

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

This film showcases an antagonistic Godzilla, harking back to its original depiction as a threat to humanity. Building on the franchise’s roots, Godzilla once again poses an existential threat to Japan, and human efforts to stop it prove futile. In this instalment, a trio of guardian monsters—Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Baragon—emerge to challenge Godzilla. The climactic battle between the four monsters remains one of the highlights of the Millennium Godzilla series.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

As the second entry in Legendary’s Monsterverse, Kong: Skull Island brought a fresh take on the iconic King Kong. The film expanded Kong’s lore by introducing a group of Iwi natives living on Skull Island and elevating Kong’s role beyond that of a mysterious beast. The plot follows a team led by seismologist Houston Brooks as they map the island and investigate the theory of a Hollow Earth. The film received widespread acclaim for its strong storyline and spectacular visuals, laying the groundwork for 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong.

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)

Released during the golden jubilee of the Godzilla franchise, Final Wars is widely regarded as one of Toho Studios’ best pre-Monsterverse films. Years after being entombed in ice, Godzilla awakens to save humanity from the Xiliens, an alien race intent on using monsters—including the formidable Monster X—to conquer Earth. Featuring fewer visual effects but more emphasis on action and narrative, this film remains a fan favourite for its portrayal of a heroic Godzilla.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

After two years of anticipation and a production budget of over $200 million, Godzilla vs. Kong became HBO Max’s most-watched film of 2021, grossing nearly $500 million worldwide. The film reinvents the iconic rivalry between the two titans with stunning visuals and action-packed sequences. The story follows Kong’s journey from Skull Island to the Antarctic in search of Hollow Earth, only to clash with Godzilla. The plot thickens when a greater threat to humanity is revealed, linked to Apex Corporation’s secret project.

Godzilla (2014)

This film marked a triumphant return for Godzilla, blending a compelling storyline with jaw-dropping action. It centres on a soldier caught in the crossfire of a battle between Godzilla and the MUTOs (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms), with major cities like New York under threat. A team of scientists and soldiers join forces to neutralise the MUTOs, with Godzilla emerging as humanity’s unlikely saviour. Its success inspired subsequent films in the Monsterverse.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

This sequel to 2014’s Godzilla expands the Monsterverse with a grand spectacle of titanic battles and impressive visual effects. Dr Emma Russell, a scientist working with the Monarch organisation, believes humanity is Earth’s greatest threat and releases the Titans to restore balance. Godzilla, however, allies with Mothra and a group of biologists to save humanity from annihilation. While it struggled at the box office, the film is cherished for its engaging storyline and breathtaking monster battles.

King Kong (2005)

This Peter Jackson-directed film is one of the most celebrated Kong adaptations, winning Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing. The plot follows a struggling filmmaker who travels to Skull Island to capture footage of its unique creatures secretly. His greed leads him to kidnap Kong, intending to profit from exhibiting the giant ape. As expected, things go disastrously wrong, cementing Kong’s role as a tragic hero.

Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)

This animated feature by Toho reimagines Godzilla as a villainous force that drives humanity to abandon Earth. Aboard a spaceship in search of a habitable planet, humans eventually return to Earth, only to confront the still-dominant Godzilla. The film performed well on Netflix and in cinemas, leading to two sequels in 2018. Its fresh perspective on Godzilla’s reign makes it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (2018)

A direct sequel to Planet of the Monsters, this animated film follows the survivors of the first battle against Godzilla, led by Captain Haruo. The story delves into their efforts to protect humanity and a native Earth race from Godzilla’s reign of terror. The climactic battle between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla is a standout moment, offering fans a thrilling addition to the animated trilogy.

Would you recommend any other Monsterverse films to add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!