A pharmaceutical publicity stunt unleashes two legendary beasts on a collision course in Japan.
KING KONG VS. GODZILLA
The two mightiest monsters of all time! ...In the most colossal conflict the screen has ever known!
A newspaper and television station funded by a pharmaceutical company want a sensation, which happens to be the discovery of King Kong on an island. He is captured and brought to Japan, where he escapes from captivity and battles Godzilla.
Quick Answer
King Kong vs. Godzilla is a 1963 Japan/USA action, adventure, fantasy, and science fiction film directed by Thomas Montgomery and Ishirō Honda about a publicity-hungry executive who brings King Kong to Japan, where the giant ape escapes and clashes with Godzilla.
Programmer's Pick
When your marketing department’s big idea is ‘giant monster vs. giant monster,’ you know you’re in for a uniquely Japanese spectacle. King Kong vs. Godzilla gleefully tosses kaiju, corporate satire, and a parade of slapstick destruction into the blender, then hits ‘puree.’
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Directors
- Thomas Montgomery, Ishirō Honda
- Writers
- George Worthing Yates, Willis H. O'Brien, Paul Mason, Bruce Howard, Shinichi Sekizawa
- Release
- 1963
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Country
- Japan, United States of America
- Language
- English
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
- Also Known As
- (Godzilla-) Schlachtfest der Giganten, Il trionfo di King Kong, Die Rückkehr des King Kong, La Revancha de King Kong
Why This Matters
This film marks the first color and widescreen appearance for both King Kong and Godzilla, and is notable as the first Toho-produced film to feature King Kong. It was also the most attended Godzilla film in Japan and became the second-highest-grossing Japanese film upon its release.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
Watch two of cinema’s most famous giants, King Kong and Godzilla, square off in a battle of epic proportions.
A pharmaceutical executive’s quest for ratings sparks the entire kaiju calamity, adding a satirical edge to the monster mayhem.
From tropical island rituals to urban rampages in Japan, the film delivers a wild ride across contrasting landscapes.
Slapstick moments and parody touches inject a comedic flavor rarely seen in giant monster movies.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Questions from the Vault
When was King Kong vs. Godzilla released? +
King Kong vs. Godzilla was released in 1963.
Who directed King Kong vs. Godzilla? +
King Kong vs. Godzilla was directed by Thomas Montgomery and Ishirō Honda.
How long is King Kong vs. Godzilla? +
King Kong vs. Godzilla has a runtime of 91 minutes.
What genre is King Kong vs. Godzilla? +
King Kong vs. Godzilla is an action, adventure, fantasy, and science fiction film.
Where can I watch King Kong vs. Godzilla? +
You can watch King Kong vs. Godzilla on SassyFlix.
Why does King Kong get stronger from electricity in this film? +
King Kong feeds off electricity, which actually makes him stronger, as demonstrated when he tears through power lines meant to stop him.