The mix of monsters, action, drama, and a little horror is a perfect combination of what people love about movies. Creature flicks have become a Hollywood and film staple throughout the years. Oftentimes referred to as monster movies, the likes of King Kong, Godzilla, and the use of aliens, deep water creatures, and even dinosaurs have all contributed to this beloved genre in ways that stay as timeless as it is entertaining. Story retellings and crossovers between creatures like King Kong and Godzilla never get old. As time goes on and technology continues to improve, reinventing and revamping these incredible creatures is keeping their stories alive.
King Kong, as a character and a film franchise, has become one of the most recognizable names in entertainment history. King Kong, the character, was first introduced into the world of film in 1933 in the movie fittingly titled King Kong. Since then, there have been many films and shows, both live-action and animated, that have been made surrounding everyone’s favorite giant gorilla. If you are interested in watching any or all of the King Kong films, we have put together a list of all of them in order of release date for you to take your pick.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
King Kong (1933)
RKO Pictures
To kick things off, 1933 was the year when King Kong made its way to the big screen. The debut of this creature in King Kong is just as iconic as its now-stellar reputation in the film industry. In this movie, our main protagonist ends up on a mysterious island and gets captured by natives. She ends up getting rescued, the monster Kong is now in captivity, and all hell breaks loose.
Son of Kong (1933)
Son of Kong is a sequel to the first King Kong film, also produced by RKO Pictures. When Kong was made into a spectacle when brought into the city, the showman behind it all is now facing the consequences of his actions. In the return to Kong’s home Skull Island, the team comes across another giant ape that they believe to be the offspring of the giant ape they know, the Son of Kong.
The King Kong That Appeared in Edo (1938)
Zenshō Cinema
The Japanese film industry also jumped on the King Kong train, creating a two-part silent film surrounding the giant ape. The King Kong That Appeared in Edo came out in 1938, five years after King Kong was first featured in a film. However, if you are interested in checking this one out, good luck. This film is hard to find and is considered a lost film.
King Kong vs Godzilla (1962)
Toho Co.
This is what started it all. In order to make sure that the movie magic surrounding these monster movies does not die, stories cannot always be repeated or recreated. So, it is only fitting to have one of the best crossovers in movie history and pin them against each other. King Kong vs Godzilla has all the action and sci-fi appeal you could want and, coming from the 60s where special effects were still coming to fruition, the incredible fight scenes between Kong and Godzilla are at the very least charming as much as they are entertaining.
King Kong Escapes (1967)
Another King Kong movie? Yes, but this time, add robots! In King Kong Escapes, society has tried to utilize Kong as a tool, developing a robot copy of the giant ape to dig out valuable minerals from the Earth. However, since they are not successful and the robot is not performing up to standards, they seek out to capture the real King Kong. Then, of course, like the title reveals, he escapes.
King Kong (1976)
Dino De Laurentiis Corporation
The 1976 movie King Kong is a retelling of the original film from 1933. In this film, Dawn (played by Jessica Lange) is rescued from shipwreck only to be taken by natives on a mysterious island to be sacrificed to Kong. When they are unsuccessful, Dawn is rescued, and the giant ape is taken back to be shown off as an exhibit.
Queen Kong (1976)
Dexter Film London
In the same year as the previous entry in this list, Queen Kong was released. The British-German film parodies the King Kong franchise, following an all-female film crew on an island where they encounter Queen Kong, who falls in love with he male-lead. Legal action was taken against this movie, and it never made it to theaters.
King Kong Lives (1986)
De Laurentiis Entertainment Group
Now, we are hitting a new age of King Kong films. In King Kong Lives, the mighty Kong is presumably dead. However, with the curative powers of modern medicine, he is revived. In this second chance at life, Kong decides to dip his foot in family life, impregnating a female Kong. This one is definitely not one to miss.
The Mighty Kong (1998)
Lana Productions
So far, the King Kong movies have all been live-action more or less. However, what is an iconic movie monster without some animation? The Mighty Kong is an animated direct-to-video movie that retells the original story of King Kong.
King Kong (2005)
Universal Pictures
In 2005, Peter Jackson directed King Kong. This thrilling adventure movie retells the original King KOng storyline in a way that is entirely new and refreshing. From the star-studded cast to the groundbreaking CGI for its time, this movie breathes a whole new life into this iconic story. And come on, there are dinosaurs.
Kong: King of Atlantis (2005)
BKN International
In the mysterious world of creatures and monsters, horror, and adventure, it is only fitting to have crossover after crossover. For this 2005 animated film, King Kong gets involved in the leadership of the lost city of Atlantis. Kong: King of Atlantis is your typical, fun, family adventure cartoon, although it may not be the most memorable King Kong film out there.
Kong: Return To The Jungle (2007)
Kong: Return to the Jungle is another animated King Kong film that does not really do much for the King Kong franchise. This one is directly connected to Kong: The Animated Series so, if you are interested in having some wholesome family fun, this one works.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Warner Bros.
After a 10-year drought, King Kong graces the big screen once again with a splash. In 2017, Kong: Skull Island came out starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, and John Goodman. This action-packed film follows a group of soldiers and explorers visiting the mysterious and uncharted Skull Island.
Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)
Legendary Pictures
In 2021, the movie world’s favorite monsters face off again for an epic battle in the 2021 movie Godzilla Vs. Kong. In an attempt get Kong back to where he belongs, the team encounters an angry Godzilla, leading to a great battle that reveals even more about what lies within the planet we live on. This epic action monster film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Julian Dennison, Alexander Skarsgård, and Brian Tyree Henry.
