Looking for the correct Monsterverse Movies in order? Good news: this is one of the rare franchises where release order and chronological order are almost identical — with just one twist. Every film lines up the way it was released, except Kong: Skull Island, which is set in 1973 and technically happens first on the timeline, even though it was the second film released.
Created by Legendary Pictures in partnership with Warner Bros., the Monsterverse revived Godzilla and King Kong for a new generation, grossing well over $2 billion combined at the global box office and expanding into hit streaming spin-offs. It’s become one of the most reliable monster-movie franchises of the last decade. Before you press play, here’s the quick-answer table to get you oriented fast.
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Quick Answer: Monsterverse Movies in Order
| # | Film | Year | Director | Timeline Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Godzilla | 2014 | Gareth Edwards | 2nd (set present-day) |
| 2 | Kong: Skull Island | 2017 | Jordan Vogt-Roberts | 1st (set in 1973) |
| 3 | Godzilla: King of the Monsters | 2019 | Michael Dougherty | 3rd |
| 4 | Godzilla vs. Kong | 2021 | Adam Wingard | 4th |
| 5 | Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire | 2024 | Adam Wingard | 5th |
Quick callout: If you’re watching for the first time, stick to release order — the storytelling was designed that way, and Skull Island’s 1973 setting is explained through flashback-style world-building, not required prior context.
Monsterverse Movies in Order: The Complete Watch Guide
1. Godzilla (2014)
The film that kicked off the modern Monsterverse, this reboot keeps Godzilla mostly in the shadows for its first hour, building dread before unleashing him on San Francisco. Director Gareth Edwards deliberately withheld full monster shots for as long as possible, a callback to Spielberg’s “less is more” creature-feature philosophy. It ends by establishing Monarch, the secretive organization that ties every future Monsterverse film together, setting the stage for a much bigger shared universe.
2. Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Set in 1973 against a Vietnam War backdrop, this film sends a Monarch expedition to a mysterious, uncharted island — and straight into Kong’s territory. The 1970s setting wasn’t just an aesthetic choice; it let the filmmakers reference classic war movies while sidestepping direct comparisons to Peter Jackson’s 2005 King Kong. A mid-credits scene explicitly name-drops Godzilla, confirming both monsters share a universe and pointing toward their eventual collision.
3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
This entry finally goes wide with the Monsterverse’s mythology, introducing fan-favorite Titans like Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah in a global, apocalyptic showdown. Composer Bear McCreese wove classic 1960s Godzilla musical themes into the score as a tribute to the original Toho films. The ending sets up an inevitable clash between Godzilla and a certain giant ape, directly priming audiences for the next chapter.
4. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
The crossover fans had waited years for, this film finally pits its two titular Titans against each other while also digging into Hollow Earth lore and a shadowy tech conspiracy. It became a surprise box-office success, releasing simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max during the pandemic. The final act plants the seeds for a shift from rivalry to alliance, teeing up the team-up structure of the next film.
5. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
The highest-grossing Monsterverse film to date, this sequel sends Godzilla and Kong — now uneasy allies — up against a devastating new threat from deep within Hollow Earth. It leans further into world-building around ape societies and ancient Titan history than any previous entry. As the current endpoint of the theatrical saga, it closes out this five-film chapter while clearly leaving the door open for more.
Do You Need to Watch Godzilla (2014) Before King of the Monsters?
Yes. While each Monsterverse film can technically stand alone as a monster spectacle, the character arcs, Monarch mythology, and escalating Titan threats build directly on each other. Skipping earlier films means missing key setups that pay off later.
Minimum viable watch order (if you’re short on time):
- Godzilla (2014) — establishes Monarch and the modern Godzilla
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) — introduces the core Titan roster
- Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) — the essential crossover
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) — current story endpoint
(Kong: Skull Island is optional if you only care about the Godzilla-centric throughline, but it’s short and sets up Kong’s role beautifully.)
How Many Monsterverse Movies Are There?
There are currently 5 Monsterverse films, plus two TV spin-offs: the animated series Skull Island (Netflix) and the live-action series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Apple TV+). A sixth film is already in production.
All Monsterverse Movies in Order by Release Date
1. Godzilla — May 16, 2014
2. Kong: Skull Island — March 10, 2017
3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters — May 31, 2019
4. Godzilla vs. Kong — March 31, 2021
5. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire — March 29, 2024
What’s Next for the Franchise?
The sixth Monsterverse film, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is officially confirmed and currently in production, with a theatrical release date of March 26, 2027. Adam Wingard has stepped aside as director, with Grant Sputore (I Am Mother) taking over behind the camera and David Callaham returning to write the screenplay.
Dan Stevens is confirmed to reprise his role as Trapper, joined by a stacked new cast including Kaitlyn Dever, Sam Neill, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Matthew Modine, and Alycia Debnam-Carey. Early teasers point toward a new world-ending threat forcing Godzilla and Kong’s alliance to be tested further. As with any pre-release project, plot details and the release date could still shift before 2027.
FAQ
Are the Monsterverse movies connected to the original Japanese Godzilla films?
No. The Monsterverse is a separate Legendary/Warner Bros. continuity distinct from Toho’s classic Japanese Godzilla timeline, though it draws inspiration from it.
What order should I watch the Monsterverse in, release or chronological?
Release order is recommended for first-time viewers, since that’s how the storytelling and reveals were designed — chronological order only rearranges Kong: Skull Island.
Do I need to watch Monarch: Legacy of Monsters to understand the movies?
No, it’s a supplementary spin-off that deepens the Monarch organization’s backstory, but it isn’t required to follow the core film plots.
Is there a Monsterverse movie coming in 2026?
No. The next confirmed film, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, is scheduled for March 2027, not 2026.
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