After the success of the deeply expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe, many studios have attempted to recreate similar success, to a varied degree. Most look to universes like Star Wars, The Fast and Furious movies, and as WB’s other property, The Conjuring Cinematic Universe, in terms of successful franchises. And even with the movies’ faults, there is no denying that Warner Bros.’ MonsterVerse is among the best and most successful cinematic universes, which is undoubtedly thanks to the universe’s epic Kaiju battles.
With only four movies in its franchise, WB has provided us with many exciting, over-the-top, and spectacular monster battles, that quite easily rank among the best in cinema. Yes, there are still a heap of issues at the core of their movies, but these thrilling set pieces all but make up for it. From humans battling giant monsters, to the simply epic Kong vs Godzilla showdown, here are the best moments in the Warner Bros. MonsterVerse.
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7 Humans Vs Skull Crawlers - Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Warner Bros. Pictures
The main antagonist of Kong Skull Island is the utterly grotesque and deadly Skull Crawlers. The Skull Crawlers are immensely powerful, proving quite a worthy foe for the great Kong himself, which makes their battle against the humans ever-so terrifying, tense, and epic. The scene places the human characters of Skull Island in the haunting graveyard of Kong’s parents, along with many other skeletal remains of prehistoric creatures, layering this scene with more memorable and thrilling aspects that make this scene so memorable.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Stylistic and action-packed, this battle with the Skull Crawlers provides many awesome character moments. With Tom Hiddleston’s Captain James Conrad sprinting through a cloud of green gas, sporting a gas mask and wielding a Katana, while chopping through a swarm of Skull Island bats. Likewise, John C. Reilly’s Lieutenant Hank Marlow stands toe-to-toe against a Skull Crawler with just his Katana, living to tell the tale. Yes, there are a lot of Katana moments, but when has a Katana ever not been cool? Also, hearing Samuel L. Jackson shout, “Set up the 50” before cutting to a heavy machine gun perched in the middle of a Triceratops’ skull, is always going to be awesome.
6 Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah - Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
When it was announced that the menacing King Ghidorah was making his MonsterVerse debut in Godzilla: King of The Monsters, fans were ecstatic, expecting a battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah on an enormous scale, and we were not disappointed. Sure, this may not be their best battle, but it was still simply an electrifying and jaw-dropping first battle, nonetheless. Filled with epic cinematography and choreography, both titans blast atomic and electric blasts at each other in the middle of a dark Arctic storm, providing for some great lighting. The battle also provides a great demonstration on how powerful and dangerous Ghidorah is, getting the upper-hand on Godzilla many times, before fleeing, so he can grow even more powerful.
5 Kong and Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla - Godzilla vs Kong (2021)
Photo Credit - Legendary Pictures
Seeing Mechagodzilla appear in Godzilla vs Kong was a huge surprise that immediately got us expecting a huge brawl between all three titans. Thankfully, we were gifted just that, as the giant lizard and gorilla team up to take down this robot, with the mind of King Ghidorah uploaded into its mainframe. Copying many of Godzilla’s attacks, while having the added benefit of speed, proved quite a difficult challenge for both the titans, but equipped with his axe and Godzilla’s atomic breath, the two sliced and chopped the robot to pieces, before Kong ripped out its spine, letting out a powerful roar while pounding his chest.
The choreography was thrilling, as Godzilla and Mechagodzilla both blast their atomic breaths at each other, while Kong and Godzilla smash the robot into buildings, trying to pull its arms off. Even though the scene was a little short, it was still brilliant, nonetheless.
4 Godzilla vs Kong (Round 1) - Godzilla vs Kong (2021)
Legendary Pictures
The first of two battles between the infamous titans puts Kong out of his depth, literally. As Godzilla targets Kong upon open water, Kong must do everything to avoid Godzilla’s atomic breath, as well as being drowned by the titan. Throwing planes at one another, and jumping from boat to boat, the battle between Kong and Godzilla was once again brilliantly choreographed and beautifully shot, as we feel every punch, kick, and explosion. This scene did not disappoint, and only got us more excited for the ultimate showdown later in the film.
3 Godzilla and Mothra vs King Ghidorah and Rodan - Godzilla: King of Monsters (2019)
What’s better than two giant titans going toe-to-toe? Four giant titans battling one another. Taking place in a demolished Boston, Godzilla and Ghidorah finally get their rematch, both with the aid of Mothra on team Godzilla, and Rodan on team Ghidorah, taking the battle to the sky. Again, the choreography is epic and exciting, as the two titans once again shoot their powerful atomic and electric breaths at each other, as well as throwing each other into tall buildings, which seems to be a common theme in this franchise. The lighting in the scene is a standout, as the blues and yellows accentuate the darkness of the scene, providing a more tense and engaging monster battle. Ghidorah proves his prowess, beating Godzilla to a pulp. However, with the help of Mothra’s powers, Godzilla rises more powerful than ever, bursting with immensely powerful atomic energy, melting everything around him, and handing it to Ghidorah, making Godzilla the rightful King of the Monsters.
2 Kong vs Helicopters - Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Warner Bros.
Filled with epic slo-mo shots, heart-pounding music, and a lot of explosions, the first true introduction to Kong was incredibly exhilarating. As one of the most stylish action scenes of recent years, Kong destroys many helicopters in very impressive ways, throwing palm trees through the front windows, having two helicopters crash into each other, and forcing a few to shoot each other down. This scene is endlessly exciting, and it has the added benefit of having some truly inspired cinematography and sound editing, culminating in a brilliant scene and one of the reasons why Kong: Skull Island is the best King Kong movie.
1 Godzilla vs Kong (Round 2) - Godzilla vs Kong (2021)
The moment fans have been waiting for; the epic showdown between the two iconic titans, and it did not disappoint. This epic showdown is the epitome of the franchise, excelling in its perfectly brutal and destructive choreography, lighting, and sound design. The lack of music accentuates the brilliant sound design, as we hear every raw growl, groan, punch, smash, and crash, adding realism and expanding on its layers of excitement. The beautifully-lit city of Hong Kong is a perfect arena for the destruction the two titans cause, as they throw each other into buildings in this Neon wonderland. On top of this, the scene ends with the two titans screaming at each other, and that is sure to send shivers down your spine.
