Best Anime For Fans Of Godzilla And Other Kaiju Franchises

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Summary

  • Popular anime series feature giant monsters for Kaiju fans to enjoy, such as Attack on Titan and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
  • Modern adaptations like SSSS.Gridman and Godzilla Singular Point mix thrilling action with Kaiju elements effectively.
  • The return of the Gamers franchise with the series Gamera Rebirth on Netflix excited fans with epic battles and appearances of classic opponents.

For more than seven decades, Kaijus or giant monsters have been a significant component of Japanese culture and media, yet it appears they are less prevalent in anime compared to other traditional themes such as superheroes or mechanical robots (Mechas). However, the impact that series like Godzilla, Gamera, and Ultraman have left on the animation industry is undeniably substantial and noticeable.

Indeed, it’s fortunate news for followers of Kaiju series and the Tokusatsu genre as a whole, as there are numerous acclaimed anime productions that spotlight colossal, city-wrecking beasts that humans must battle. These series encompass some of the most recognized and cherished anime intellectual properties globally. For diehard Godzilla and Kaiju enthusiasts, the following shows are highly recommended.

1. Dandadan

A Bizarre Shōnen Series With Multiple Characters Inspired By Kaiju Flicks

From the manga penned by Yukinobu Tatsu, Dandadan rapidly emerged as one of the top and highly-anticipated new anime productions in 2024. Intriguingly, it draws significant influence from the realm of Tokusatsu, with numerous characters and aspects reminiscent of the Ultraman series, such as the Serpo Aliens that bear a striking resemblance to the Dada Aliens. Moreover, its creative portrayal of the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, is so overtly inspired by Shin Godzilla that devotees of that movie will undoubtedly appreciate its depiction.

Beyond these points, it’s also worth mentioning the “Kaiju Arc” from the manga, which is set to appear in Season 2 of the anime. This storyline introduces Bamora, an extraterrestrial girl who wields a colossal Exosuit reminiscent of kaiju creatures. With her suit’s immense destructive abilities, she can level entire cities. It’s clear that creator Yukinobu Tatsu holds a deep affection for both Godzilla and Ultraman, and this influence is palpable throughout the series, Dandadan.

2. Attack On Titan

Humans Fighting Against Deadly Giants (By Turning Into Them)

Overlooking the grim backdrop and intricate politics, it’s simple to lose sight of the fact that “Attack on Titan” is essentially a tale centered around colossal beasts, the titular Titans. However, delve deeper, and you’ll find that Hajime Isayama’s groundbreaking narrative is fundamentally a struggle between mankind and these lethal giants. This gripping battle, reminiscent of some of the grittiest Kaiju films, is particularly captivating to fans, thanks to the thrilling sequences where humans fight and vanquish Titans while soaring through the air in their omnidirectional mobility equipment.

As a bystander, I’ve noticed that the human-like design of most Titans in “Attack on Titan” might not align with what some Kaiju fans are accustomed to. However, a correction was made later when nine Special Titans were introduced, each with distinct designs and remarkable powers. The series’ most unforgettable battles, such as the one between the Attack Titan and the Female Titan, or the one between the Attack Titan and the Warhammer and Jaw Titans, seem to have been plucked right from a timeless Kaiju movie.

3. Neon Genesis Evangelion

A Psychological Drama With A Huge Giant Monster Element

It’s undeniable that Neon Genesis Evangelion stands out as one of the most renowned and highly praised anime series in the industry. However, if we overlook its intricate psychological aspects and richly developed characters, it’s fair to say that the show primarily revolves around giant robots, or mechas, whose mission is to safeguard Earth from the menace of monstrous beings called Angels.

The Kaiju genre plays a significant role in the very foundation of Neon Genesis Evangelion, a fact often emphasized by its creator, Hideaki Anno. This is evident in characters like Jet Alone, whose design bears striking resemblance to the classic ally of Godzilla, Jet Jaguar. In fact, Neon Genesis Evangelion has become such an integral part of the Kaiju genre that it has had multiple crossovers with the Godzilla intellectual property. Additionally, Anno himself has directed some highly acclaimed giant monster movies, including Shin Godzilla and Shin Ultraman.

4. SSSS.Gridman

A Modern Adaptation Of An Old-School Tokusatsu Show

In 2018, anime enthusiasts worldwide were drawn in instantly by SSSS.Gridman, a fresh series about a boy who turns into a colossal superhero named Gridman to battle the menacing Kaiju endangering his city. Few realized that this was a contemporary reinterpretation of Tsuburaya Productions’ original Tokusatsu TV show, Gridman the Hyper Agent.

SSSS.Gridman is straightforward yet impactful, boasting numerous exciting and daring battles against colossal monsters. The studio behind this production, the acclaimed Studio Trigger, played a significant role in its creation; they have previously worked on extravagant series such as Darling in the Franxx or Kill la Kill. Luckily for fans, a sequel of comparable quality, named SSSS.Dynazenon, hit screens in 2021, and Studio Trigger was involved with it too.

5. Gamera: Rebirth

Godzilla’s Rival Franchise Deserved An Excellent Animated Adaptation

For quite some time, devotees of Kaiju might recognize Gamera, a renowned franchise of Tokusatsu films produced by Kadokawa Daiei, which often squared off against the Godzilla series as its main rival. Though it never achieved the fame of the Monster King, numerous exceptional Gamera movies underscored this colossal turtle’s merit in the industry. Regrettably, following the unveiling of 2006’s Gamera the Brave, the series remained relatively quiet for a number of years.

In a thrilling turn of events that pleased many fans, the legendary creature Gamera made a comeback in 2023 with the premiere of Gamera: Rebirth, an innovative CGI anime series produced by ENGI and distributed globally on Netflix. This fantastic show boasts all the elements required to rejuvenate the giant turtle as a captivating force once more, including spectacular conflicts, top-notch animation, and encounters with some of its most iconic classic adversaries such as Gyaos, Jiger, Zigra, and Guiron.

6. Godzilla Singular Point

The King Of The Monsters’ Only Anime Series Is A Lot Of Fun (And A Bit Confusing)

On several instances, the Godzilla series ventured into the realm of animation. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that fans received an anime adaptation, with the release of the animated feature film “Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters” in Japanese theaters (and on Netflix a few months later globally). Interestingly, the King of the Monsters didn’t get a regular episodic anime series until 2021, when “Godzilla Singular Point” debuted on the same streaming platform.

Fueled by both science and creativity, this anime has earned a reputation for being complex, thanks to its technical dialogue and abstract themes. However, these challenging aspects don’t diminish its appealing qualities such as charming characters, stunning animation, and exhilarating kaiju battles. The highly anticipated series, Godzilla Singular Point, brought back some classic old-school monsters from the franchise, like Jet Jaguar, Anguirus, Kumonga, and many others, not to mention an awe-inspiring portrayal of the legendary Godzilla himself. This show is a passionate tribute that every Godzilla fan should experience.

7. Kaiju No. 8

An Action-Packed Shōnen Series With A Protagonist That Wields Kaiju Powers

In 2024, Kaiju No. 8 proved to be another blockbuster hit, and rightfully so. It was the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Naoya Matsumoto’s manga, which depicts a world where humans are in a perpetual struggle against colossal monsters. A seemingly ordinary man named Kafka Hibino finds himself in possession of mysterious abilities that enable him to transform into a formidable hybrid of human and kaiju, capable of effortlessly vanquishing these monstrous foes.

In contrast to their widespread appeal, Kaijus have seldom been spotlighted in action shonen anime. However, Kaiju No. 8 successfully merged these genres in a compelling and impactful manner. The title character boasts a remarkable design, the kaiju adversaries are not only menacing but also visually striking, the combats are skillfully animated and exhilarating, and the backstory of the Kaiju invasion adds an intriguing layer to its universe that keeps both viewers and readers engrossed. If Godzilla were ever transformed into a traditional action shonen anime, it would likely resemble Kaiju No. 8, demonstrating that this is indeed a concept that fans of Godzilla (and other Kaiju series) will undoubtedly appreciate.

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2025-01-12 13:34