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Godzilla

Godzilla

Size does matter.

1998139 minPG-13Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films
Director
Roland Emmerich
Starring
Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria

French nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that viciously attacks freighter ships in the Pacific Ocean. A team of experts, including Niko Tatopoulos, conclude that the oversized reptile is the culprit. Before long, the giant lizard is loose in Manhattan as the US military races to destroy the monster before it reproduces and it's spawn takes over the world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Godzilla?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Godzilla streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free).

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Godzilla?

Godzilla earns 6 badges, led by Overhyped and Box Office Hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Godzilla worth watching?

Godzilla's Midcredits score is the 21st percentile of all films, from 400K ratings across 6 sources. 31% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

21st percentile

Better received than 21% of films

34th percentile among Action23rd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)21st
Approval (how many liked it)24th

52 /100

21st percentile of all films

34th percentile among Action22nd percentile among 1990s

Critics 32 · Audience 53

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.5 — solid but not unanimous.

31% liked it

24th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Action26th percentile among 1990s
31% rated it 7–1069% rated it 1–6

Critics 20% · Audience 28%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 13 noms overall

98th percentile

400K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Action98th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 52% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$130M
Opening weekend$44M
Domestic gross$136M
Worldwide gross$379M

Returned 2.9× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree it's a big-budget, effects-driven monster movie with a thin plot and mixed acting that works as disposable entertainment if not taken seriously.

Fans praised

  • Impressive special effects and creature design for its time
  • Entertaining action sequences and city destruction
  • Fun, mindless popcorn entertainment

Detractors panned

  • Weak script, plotholes, and illogical military tactics
  • Poor acting especially Broderick and Pitillo's flat performances
  • Deviation from Godzilla's character and lack of atomic breath

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Impressive for 1998, but some dated CGI

ActingDivisive40

Broderick bland, Pitillo widely panned, Reno and Azaria praised

PacingDivisive40

Sags in middle, overlong runtime

Dialogue30

Clunky and clichéd, few witty moments

EndingDivisive30

Overstayed welcome with multiple climaxes

CharactersDivisive28

One-dimensional, unmemorable human roles

Plot and storyDivisive25

Thin, predictable, full of illogical gaps

Originality22

Heavily derivative of Jurassic Park and other monster films

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 14 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Godzilla like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its large-scale monster action with spectacle and adventure, while layering in comedic character moments that keep the mood from turning grim.
The rideThe film is mostly tense and thrilling with action set pieces, but the climax and its aftermath carry an emotional weight and melancholic note.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically, from the discovery of Godzilla through its rampage in New York to its eventual defeat.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained by the spectacle and relieved that the monster is defeated.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA giant mutated lizard created by nuclear testing ravages New York City; the story follows the efforts to track and destroy it.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalAmbition · 7% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film is primarily about humanity's struggle to survive a monstrous threat, while also exploring personal ambition and professional deception among the human characters.
StanceThe film interrogates the consequences of nuclear testing and human hubris, as well as the media's role in shaping public perception, without taking a clear moralizing stance.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingNew York City and environs, with a military-scientific command and a newsroom backdrop.
MusicLikely a bombastic orchestral score typical of 90s blockbusters, but composer not confirmed from synopsis.

Content guide

Is Godzilla okay for kids?

PG-13

Godzilla is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sci-fi monster action/violence” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (54/100), sexual content at mild (18/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (8/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). Overall it is heavier than 33% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • BrazilL
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 24% of all filmsHeavier than 33% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 59%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 27%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 26%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 7%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 49%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 59% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Godzilla have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Godzilla?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Matthew Broderick
as Dr. Niko Tatopoulos
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jean Reno
as Philippe Roaché
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Maria Pitillo
as Audrey Timmonds
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Hank Azaria
as Victor 'Animal' Palotti
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kevin Dunn
as Colonel Hicks
Michael Lerner
as Mayor Ebert
Harry Shearer
as Charles Caiman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Arabella Field
as Lucy Palotti
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Vicki Lewis
as Dr. Elsie Chapman
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Doug Savant
as Sergeant O'Neal

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Godzilla?

Movies like Godzilla include Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Independence Day (1996) and Godzilla (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Roland Emmerich, and most are creature features.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its subject: survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Godzilla?

989 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: creation runs amok. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.