Godzilla is more than just a movie or two.
Godzilla is an enduring culture legend, and the most recognizable Japanese cultural symbol.
He first appeared in 1954 in the Japanese movie of the same name, and has starred in numerous movies, comic books, animated shows, and more.
He even has a hit rock song about him, "Godzilla" by Blue Oyster Cult.
His origin stories vary somewhat, but they all include atomic mutation and since the Atomic bombings of World War II were still fresh in the minds of the Japanese at that time, he is seen as a metaphor of the dangers of weapons of mass destruction.
Some follow on movie stress the perils of pollution as well.
Although he started as a monster, seemingly unhappy and bent on destruction and certainly terrifying, some later roles showed him as a hero, often protecting Tokyo from other monsters and generally playing the "good guy.
" In later movies he's gone on to be a villain again, but is portrayed as far more intelligent and feeling.
He even adopts a son in one movie, named Minilla.
Minilla went on to several other movies as well.
Godzilla has won several awards including Best Supporting Actor ("Godzilla vs.
Mothra), several Japanese Academy Awards, and he has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His appearance and even color have changed somewhat over time, but the essentials, large, prehistoric, and dinosaur like, have not changed significantly.
And we haven't seen the last of him yet.
A new film is due out in 2012!