As a new Godzilla Film comes out this weekend, it's important to remember his legacy. He stomped Tokyo and the World over 20 times.
During his run, he had many imitators- some good and some bad. Is it bad to emulate Godzilla? Hell no!
To find out who did it right, who did it wrong and who did it the weirdest, read on...
10. Gorgo: This American attempt went through a lot of changes, with its location moving from Japan to France to the British Isles. It didn't disguise the fact that this was clearly trying to be the King.
9. Daimajin (Series): A statuesque attempt at emulating the Series. He's a Statue. Get it? Oh and his Plot- involving a tiny Statue that grows into a giant to free the innocent will come up again.
8. Orochi- The Eight-Headed Dragon: This big guy tried to sneak in while Godzilla was on his last legs- nice try! In 1994, the Godzilla Film Series was not performing as well, leading to a temporary series end in 1995. This one tried to stake it's claim and kind of failed.
7. Frankenstein Conquers the World: No doubt the weirdest one to make the list! The Plot involves nuclear energy, Frankenstein's monster and a second monster. Not content with making one monster, they co-opted Baragon, Godzilla's first rival! You know that you're trying to be Godzilla when you borrow the Supporting Cast, no?
6. Q- The Winged Serpent: A late attempt and a personal favorite of mine. The late Larry Cohen made this homage to Monster Movies featuring a giant Reptile. His could fly, however, topping Godzilla. Well, except for that one time. It's a unique Film, but, I mean...Godzilla started all of this as being viable, so it makes the list.
5. Rodan: One of the earliest attempts and it comes from the same Director. He gave us a new Monster! It...isn't well-remembered. The poor guy rebounded to be a Co-Star in Godzilla Films...although never a big part of them.
4. Reptilicus: A killer monster from the land of Danishes! Okay, it's just Denmark. Their version is more of a long dragon from China than, well, Godzilla. It's a Cult Film and it's alright.
3. Cloverfield: I mean...duh. Do I need to explain this? Is this technically a Series at this point or just random BS? Be honest now...
2. Pulgasari: The most infamous one for its history. Kim Jong Il wanted his own Godzilla Film. To that end, he kidnapped a Japanese Director and Actress to make stuff for him. The final Film they made- before their escape- was this Godzilla knock-off by way of Daimajin. Hey look- the pay-off!
1. Yonggary/Reptilian: Not the most infamous for its history, but for its terrible execution. The Film's original release- in 1999- was received so poorly that it was re-released with improved effects in 2001. It was literally called the '2001 Upgrade Edition!' Released under a new name in America- as being a Remake (of sorts) of a forgotten South Korean Film wasn't useful in the States- it blatantly copied a Godzilla moment on its box art.
Do you like these would be heirs to the Throne? I like many of them myself.
Here's hoping that the current Film lives up to the legacy!
During his run, he had many imitators- some good and some bad. Is it bad to emulate Godzilla? Hell no!
To find out who did it right, who did it wrong and who did it the weirdest, read on...
9. Daimajin (Series): A statuesque attempt at emulating the Series. He's a Statue. Get it? Oh and his Plot- involving a tiny Statue that grows into a giant to free the innocent will come up again.
7. Frankenstein Conquers the World: No doubt the weirdest one to make the list! The Plot involves nuclear energy, Frankenstein's monster and a second monster. Not content with making one monster, they co-opted Baragon, Godzilla's first rival! You know that you're trying to be Godzilla when you borrow the Supporting Cast, no?
5. Rodan: One of the earliest attempts and it comes from the same Director. He gave us a new Monster! It...isn't well-remembered. The poor guy rebounded to be a Co-Star in Godzilla Films...although never a big part of them.
4. Reptilicus: A killer monster from the land of Danishes! Okay, it's just Denmark. Their version is more of a long dragon from China than, well, Godzilla. It's a Cult Film and it's alright.
2. Pulgasari: The most infamous one for its history. Kim Jong Il wanted his own Godzilla Film. To that end, he kidnapped a Japanese Director and Actress to make stuff for him. The final Film they made- before their escape- was this Godzilla knock-off by way of Daimajin. Hey look- the pay-off!
1. Yonggary/Reptilian: Not the most infamous for its history, but for its terrible execution. The Film's original release- in 1999- was received so poorly that it was re-released with improved effects in 2001. It was literally called the '2001 Upgrade Edition!' Released under a new name in America- as being a Remake (of sorts) of a forgotten South Korean Film wasn't useful in the States- it blatantly copied a Godzilla moment on its box art.
Here's hoping that the current Film lives up to the legacy!
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