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.
Practical Effects
Rain-drenched Manhattan chase scenes still slap practically
Sound
That weird roar they paid for and immediately abandoned
Stunts
Helicopter tunnel sequences are genuinely bananas
Director
Roland Emmerich
Matthew Broderick
Dr. Niko Tatopoulos
Jean Reno
Philippe Roaché
Maria Pitillo
Audrey Timmonds
Hank Azaria
Victor 'Animal' Palotti
Kevin Dunn
Colonel Hicks
Michael Lerner
Mayor Ebert
Harry Shearer
Charles Caiman
Arabella Field
Lucy Palotti
Vicki Lewis
Dr. Elsie Chapman
Doug Savant
Sergeant O'Neal
Malcolm Danare
Dr. Mendel Craven
Lorry Goldman
Gene, Mayor's Aide
Philippe Bergeron
Jean-Claude
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Toho literally renamed this creature 'Zilla' in future films because it lacked Godzilla's 'soul.' Savage.
This film's reception directly led to Toho's Millennium era — Japan reclaimed their king with 2001's Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack as deliberate corrective.
US
