"Let them fight."
Godzilla is one of the longest and best-known sci-fi franchises ever, but it can be hard to pick a place to start watching. With Godzilla vs. Kong coming in March, it's time for a refresh.
Luckily, almost all of the best Godzilla movies are streaming now on HBO Max. Here are the eight films you need to watch to become a kaiju expert.
It's a very different movie from the originals, but King of the Monsters has unbeatable special effects and a faster pace than the classics. Plus, it sets up Godzilla vs. Kong.
Destroy All Monsters is deservedly remembered for its scenes of global destruction and over-the-top battle royale finale.
The introduction of one of Godzilla's biggest antagonists is worth seeking out for its delightfully cartoonish special effects alone.
With its explicit pro-environmental message and psychedelic imagery, this is one of the best-looking, smartest, and most disturbing Godzilla movies.
This truly bizarre entry features treacherous, sunglass-wearing aliens and the famous Godzilla victory dance.
Godzilla teams up with former enemies Mothra and Rodan for some of the best battles of the early Godzilla movies.
Great special effects and one of the most adorable kaiju ever make this one of the best of the series.
Nothing tops the original, with its unnerving tone, clear allegory about the danger of nuclear weapons, and revolutionary special effects.