Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a 2019 action horror film directed by Michael Dougherty, starring Vera Farmiga as Dr. Emma Russell, Kyle Chandler and Millie Bobby Brown. It runs 2 hours 12 minutes and earned $387.3 million worldwide on a $170 million budget. It earned 4 award nominations, including Best Fantasy Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2019. Critics gave it 42% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 12m (132 min)
- Director
- Michael Dougherty
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Warner Bros.
- Budget
- $170M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Godzilla: King of the Monsters About?
The premise of Godzilla: King of the Monsters without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Monarch's scientists investigate a world where mythical monsters exist, encountering Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and the devastating King Ghidorah. These powerful creatures clash in an epic battle for dominance, threatening humanity's survival. As the ancient monsters awaken and fight, the world faces unprecedented destruction and chaos, forcing Monarch to find a way to restore balance.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- monster
- terrorism
- destruction
- showdown
- kidnapping
- monster versus monster
- flying monster
- creature feature
- monsterverse
- helicopter
- dragon
- eco terrorist
+38 more Show fewer
- eco terrorism
- godzilla character
- godzilla
- mothra character
- king ghidorah character
- rodan character
- monster movie
- kaiju
- sequel
- heavy rain
- shared universe
- titan
- animal character name as title
- father daughter relationship
- scientist
- colon in title
- 2010s
- altered version of studio logo
- mother daughter relationship
- ex husband ex wife relationship
- flashback
- slow motion scene
- explosion
- exploding body
- exploding car
- exploding building
- exploding helicopter
- helicopter accident
- helicopter crash
- fighter jet
- fighter pilot
- ejection seat
- burned alive
- burned to death
- crushed to death
- eaten alive
- creature
- chaos
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Cast & Characters
Vera Farmiga leads the cast as Dr. Emma Russell, with Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mark Russell and Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell. Directed by Michael Dougherty; 18 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Michael Dougherty
-
Vera Farmiga as Dr. Emma Russell -
Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mark Russell -
Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell -
Charles Dance as Alan Jonah
Also Starring in Godzilla: King of the Monsters
· 14 more- Ken Watanabe Dr. Ishiro Serizawa
- Sally Hawkins Dr. Vivienne Graham
- Ziyi Zhang Dr. Ilene Chen, Dr. Ling
- David Strathairn Admiral William Stenz
- Bradley Whitford Dr. Rick Stanton
- CCH Pounder Senator Williams
- Anthony Ramos Staff Sergeant Martinez
- Thomas Middleditch Sam Coleman
- O'Shea Jackson Jr. Chief Warrant Officer Barnes
- Aisha Hinds Colonel Diane Foster
- Jason Liles
- Elizabeth Ludlow
- Lexi Rabe
- Randall P. Havens
More from Michael Dougherty
More films directed by Michael Dougherty, best-rated first: Krampus and Trick 'r Treat.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Godzilla: King of the Monsters 42% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 45/100, strongest in sensory experience (65) and weakest in character & emotion (30).
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Echo Score Breakdown
The film’s visual ambition stands out, but narrative and character weaknesses limit its impact. Both critics and audiences noted spectacular monster sequences contrasted with underdeveloped human drama and uneven plotting. While the spectacle delivers thrilling Kaiju confrontations, the logic gaps and shallow emotional arcs hinder sustained engagement. In net, King of the Monsters offers intermittent excitement but falls short of memorable storytelling.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 60
In terms of direction and visual design, the film presents a bold scale but suffers from inconsistent execution. Reviews praise the creature designs and large-scale action compositions while criticizing uneven cinematography and lackluster special effects in certain scenes. The editing occasionally undermines the intended grandeur by fragmenting sequences. Overall, the visual craft shows ambition but fluctuates in its effective realization.
- Character & Emotion 30
When it comes to character depth and performance, the movie struggles to create resonant human figures. Critics and viewers consistently remark on underwritten dialogue, one-dimensional motivations, and limited emotional stakes, leading to limited audience investment. Occasional strong casting choices cannot overcome the overall lack of chemistry and nuance. Thus, the character development remains a pronounced weakness throughout the film.
- Story & Flow 35
Regarding plot coherence and pacing, the narrative is frequently described as overstuffed yet insubstantial. Feedback highlights logical gaps, abrupt scene transitions, and prolonged human-centric sequences that impede momentum. While the premise of multiple Kaiju awakenings offers originality, the execution relies on expository hand-waves and uneven flow. Consequently, the story delivers sporadic engagement rather than a cohesive arc.
- Sensory Experience 65
In terms of sensory experience, the film’s sound design and visual effects generate powerful moments of spectacle. Reviewers commend the thundering monster roars, immersive score, and striking set pieces depicting elemental powers. Conversely, some note that the relentless volume and splintered visual coherence can feel taxing over time. Overall, the movie’s sensory impact is vivid but at times overwhelming.
- Rewatch Factor 50
As for rewatch value, responses are mixed given the film’s reliance on spectacle over substance. The excitement of Kaiju battles may entice repeat viewings for fans of giant monster action, but the thin character work and narrative inconsistencies limit lasting appeal. Although certain sequences retain visceral thrill, the film lacks depth to sustain broad replay interest.
-
IMDb 6.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 42% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 83%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 48 Metascore
User score 7.0
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.8 /5
1.4K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.2 /5
See on Movie Insider
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Godzilla: King of the Monsters from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Dr. Emma Russell, portrayed by Vera Farmiga, works as a paleobiologist for the Crypto-zoological organization Monarch, which focuses on discovering and researching colossal beings known as “Titans.” Together with her daughter, Madison (Millie Bobby Brown), they witness the emergence of a giant larva named Mothra within a Monarch facility cleverly disguised as a Mayan Pyramid. Using a revolutionary device called the “Orca,” capable of projecting frequencies that can influence Titan behavior, Emma successfully soothes Mothra. However, chaos ensues when a group of ecological terrorists led by Charles Dance’s character, Alan Jonah, launches an attack on the base, abducting both Emma and Madison.
Full summary
The whole story of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Box Office & Budget
Godzilla: King of the Monsters grossed $387.3 million worldwide on a $170 million budget, 2.3 times what it cost. $110.5 million came from the US and Canada and $276.8 million (71%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$387.3M
2.3× its budget
- US & Canada
- $110.5M
- International
- $276.8M
- Budget
- $170M
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Awards & Nominations
Godzilla: King of the Monsters earned 4 award nominations, including Best Fantasy Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2019.
4 nominations1 ceremony
-
Saturn Awards 2019 4 nominations- Nominated Best Fantasy Film Release
- Nominated Best Film Music
- Nominated Best Film Special / Visual Effects
- Nominated Best Performance by a Younger Actor – Millie Bobby Brown
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Trailers & Videos
5 videos: 3 trailers and 2 teasers.
- Trailer Official Trailer #2
- Trailer Final Trailer
- Teaser Time Has Come
- Teaser Beautiful
How Well Do You Know Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which year does the narrative of Godzilla: King of the Monsters begin?
Cars in Godzilla: King of the Monsters
16 cars on screen, including the AM General HMMWV M1025 and the 2007 BAE Systems Caiman CMTV.
-
AM General HMMWV M1025 Important role -
2007 BAE Systems Caiman CMTV Minor role -
2012 Chevrolet Impala Background role -
1981 Dodge Ram Background role
Godzilla: King of the Monsters Also Known As
52 alternative titles, including “Godzilla II: King of the Monsters” and “Fathom”.
- Also known as
-
- Godzilla II: King of the Monsters
- Fathom
- Godzilla 2
- Godzila: Monstrų Karalius
- Gojira Kingu Obu monsutāzu
- 고질라: 킹 오브 몬스터
- Godzilla 2 - Rei dos Monstros
- Godzilla：King of the Monsters
- Godzilla: Rey de los Monstruos 2019
- 哥斯拉2：怪兽之王
- 哥吉拉II：怪獸之王
- 哥斯拉2: 王者巨獸
+40 more Show fewer
- ゴジラ キング・オブ・モンスターズ
- Godzilla II: el Rey de los monstruos
- گودزیلا: سلطان هیولاها
- Godzilla 2 Re dei mostri
- Chúa Tể Godzilla 2: Đế Vương Bất Tử
- Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters
- 哥斯拉II：王者巨獸
- Godzilla: Raja Segala Raksasa
- Godzilla King Of The Monsters
- Godzilla: Rey de los Monstruos
- Godzilla II : Roi des Monstres
- Godzilla II: Rei dos Monstros
- Godzilla II - King of the Monsters
- Ґодзілла II: Король монстрів
- Годзила: Кралят на чудовищата
- Годзилла 2: Король монстров
- Godzilla II: Canavarlar Kralı
- Γκοτζίλα II: O Βασιλιάς των Τεράτων
- Godzilla II Král monster
- 哥斯拉 II : 王者巨獸
- Godzilla II. - A Szörnyek királya
- Годзила 2: Краљ чудовишта
- Godzila II: monstrų karalius
- גודזילה 2: מלך המפלצות
- Godzilla II: Kráľ monštier
- Godzilla II: Król potworów
- 哥吉拉 II 怪獸之王
- Godzilla: Kralj zvijeri
- Godzilla 2: El rey de los Monstruos
- ก็อดซิลล่า 2 ราชันแห่งมอนสเตอร์
- Chúa Tể Godzilla: Đế Vương Bất Tử
- Godzilla II: Regele monștrilor
- Godzilla: Briesmoņu karalis
- Godzilla - King of the Monsters
- Godzila II: Kralj pošasti
- جودزيلا: ملك الوحوش, გოძილა: მონსტრების მეფე
- گودزیلا: پادشاه هیولاها
- Godzilla: Rei dels monstres
- 哥斯拉 2：怪兽之王
- गॉड्ज़िला: किंग ऑफ़ द मॉन्स्टर्स
Seen Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
Movies Like Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla and Godzilla: The Planet Eater.
-
Godzilla vs. Kong 2021 -
Godzilla 2014 -
Godzilla: The Planet Eater 2019 -
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah 1991 -
Godzilla, King of the Monsters! 1956 -
Godzilla vs. Mothra 1992 -
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 1974 -
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus 2000 -
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster 1964 -
Godzilla 1954 -
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire 2024 -
Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. 2003
Godzilla: King of the Monsters FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).
When was Godzilla: King of the Monsters released?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters was released on May 31, 2019.
Who directed Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters was directed by Michael Dougherty.
More films by Michael Dougherty Who is in the cast of Godzilla: King of the Monsters?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters stars Vera Farmiga as Dr. Emma Russell, Kyle Chandler as Dr. Mark Russell and Millie Bobby Brown as Madison Russell, among 18 credited actors.
How much did Godzilla: King of the Monsters make at the box office?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters grossed $387.3 million worldwide ($110.5 million domestic, $276.8 million international) on a budget of $170 million.
How is Godzilla: King of the Monsters rated?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 42% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.
Was Godzilla: King of the Monsters nominated for any awards?
Godzilla: King of the Monsters received 4 nominations across 1 ceremony.
Does Godzilla: King of the Monsters have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Godzilla: King of the Monsters has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
