The King Kong and Godzilla movies have created a captivating cinematic universe filled with epic battles and thrilling adventures. To fully understand and enjoy the storylines and the development of these iconic monsters, it is essential to watch the movies in the correct order. Here, we will introduce the various ways to watch the King Kong and Godzilla movies, including the chronological order and the release order, to help you embark on this exciting journey.
Chronological Order
1.”Kong: Skull Island” (2017):
The story is set in the 1970s. A team of explorers, including scientists, soldiers, and journalists, ventures to the mysterious Skull Island. Here, they encounter the mighty King Kong, a giant ape that is the ruler of the island. This film not only showcases the power and might of Kong but also begins to hint at the existence of other monstrous creatures in the world. It serves as an introduction to a larger universe of giant beasts and sets the stage for future crossovers.
2.”Godzilla” (2014):
Although the events in this movie take place later chronologically, it is the first film in the MonsterVerse that kicked off the series. In 1954, the United States discovers the giant monster Godzilla that has been awakened by nuclear radiation. After an attempt to eliminate it with an atomic bomb fails, Godzilla goes into hibernation in the Pacific Ocean. Years later, in 2014, strange natural disasters occur more frequently, and the truth about the existence of Godzilla and other monsters begins to surface. This film reimagines Godzilla as a terrifying natural force that poses a great threat to humanity1.
3.”Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019):
Picking up after the events of “Godzilla” (2014) and “Kong: Skull Island”, this movie sees the rise of more ancient Titans, such as Mothra, Rodan, and the powerful King Ghidorah. Godzilla must face these powerful foes to claim the title of the “King of the Monsters”. The film delves deeper into the lore of the MonsterVerse, exploring the history and power of these ancient creatures and their relationship with humanity1.
4.”Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021):
After the events of “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”, the two titans, Godzilla and Kong, are pitted against each other in a battle for supremacy. However, as they face off, they discover a common threat that forces them to put aside their differences and work together. This movie is a thrilling showdown between the two iconic monsters and brings together the storylines of both Godzilla and Kong1.
5.”Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (2023) (TV series, optional for a more comprehensive understanding):
This Apple TV+ series provides additional context and backstory to the MonsterVerse. It delves into the history of the Monarch organization, which is responsible for studying and tracking the Titans. The series helps to fill in some of the gaps in the story and offers a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the conflicts between the monsters.
6.”Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (2024):
The latest installment in the franchise continues the story of Godzilla and Kong as they face a new adversary. This movie builds on the events of the previous films and further explores the relationship between the two monsters and their place in a world filled with other powerful creatures.
Release Order
1.”Godzilla” (2014):
As mentioned earlier, this was the first film in the MonsterVerse to be released, laying the foundation for the series. It introduced audiences to the new interpretation of Godzilla and set the stage for the expansion of the universe.
2.”Kong: Skull Island” (2017):
The second film to be released in the MonsterVerse, it focused on the adventures on Skull Island and the introduction of King Kong. The post-credits scene of this movie hinted at the connection between Kong and Godzilla, building anticipation for future crossovers.
3.”Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019):
The third film in the series, it expanded the MonsterVerse by introducing more Titans and intensifying the conflict between the monsters and humanity2.
4.”Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021):
The highly anticipated crossover event between Godzilla and Kong, which brought the two titans together on the big screen for an epic battle2.
5.”Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (2023):
The TV series that further explores the MonsterVerse, adding more depth to the story.
6.”Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (2024):
The latest addition to the franchise, continuing the story of the two monsters.
Watching Platforms
Most of these movies are available on streaming platforms such as Max (formerly known as HBO Max), where you can watch “Godzilla” (2014), “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”, and “Godzilla vs. Kong”. “Kong: Skull Island” can also be found on various streaming services. Additionally, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” is available on Apple TV+. For the best viewing experience, it is advisable to check the availability of these movies on your preferred streaming platforms or purchase/rent them through digital media stores.
Conclusion
Watching the King Kong and Godzilla movies in order allows you to fully appreciate the development of the MonsterVerse and the epic battles between these two iconic monsters. Whether you choose to watch them in chronological order to understand the story’s progression or in release order to experience the franchise-building process, each viewing order offers a unique perspective. With the availability of these movies on various streaming platforms, it has become easier than ever to immerse yourself in the world of giant monsters and enjoy the thrilling adventures of King Kong and Godzilla.
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