Godzilla

Godzilla

Year: 1998

Runtime: 139 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Roland Emmerich

ActionSci-FiThrillerHorror

Following French nuclear tests, a massive prehistoric creature emerges, unleashing devastation upon New York City. A desperate US military mobilizes to stop the giant monster, facing a race against time to prevent its offspring from causing further destruction and widespread panic.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Godzilla yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Godzilla (1998)

Trace every key event in Godzilla (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nuclear Experiments Begin

Nuclear experiments conducted in French Polynesia lead to unforeseen consequences. One ordinary lizard undergoes a transformation into the colossal mutant known as Godzilla, setting off a chain of catastrophic events.

French Polynesia
2

Godzilla Attacks New York City

The monstrous Godzilla makes its way toward New York City, wreaking havoc along the way. Ships are destroyed and fishing fleets drown, creating chaos in the waters as the creature approaches the bustling metropolis.

New York City
3

Last Surviving Fisherman

In the midst of the chaos caused by Godzilla, the French secret service manages to locate the last surviving fisherman. His utterance of the name 'Godzilla' serves as a chilling confirmation of the monster's identity.

4

Niko Tatopoulous Joins the Crisis

Scientist Niko 'Nick' Tatopoulous is summoned to assist with the Godzilla crisis due to his research on mutations. His knowledge of the impact of radioactivity leads him to uncover vital information about Godzilla's origins.

New York City
5

Meeting in Panama

Nick travels to Panama to meet with Col. Hicks and Elsie, a representative from the National Institute of Paleontology. Together, they strategize on how to deal with the Godzilla threat and assess the situation further.

Panama
6

Audrey's Struggles

In New York City, Audrey, a struggling assistant newscaster, yearns for a promotion that seems out of reach. Her professional jealousy intensifies as her boss continues to take credit for her hard work.

New York City
7

Mission to Jamaica

Nick and his team travel to Jamaica to collect flesh samples from a boat that Godzilla attacked. During this mission, they encounter Phillipe Roache, who presents himself as an insurance agent with hidden motives.

Jamaica
8

Godzilla's Trajectory

After analyzing the attacks, Hicks determines that Godzilla is heading toward the Eastern Seaboard of the USA. Nick reinforces this by suggesting that Godzilla is a mutated hybrid, born from intensive nuclear testing.

9

The Subway Tunnels

In New York, Godzilla wreaks havoc but then mysteriously disappears into the subway tunnels. Nick and the crew deduce that the creature is hiding underground, complicating their tactical plans.

New York City
10

Fish as Bait

Nick proposes using fish as bait to lure Godzilla out of hiding. The plan leads to an explosive encounter with the creature, resulting in widespread damage and further confirmation of Godzilla's terrifying nature.

New York City
11

Nick's Discovery

After examining a blood sample, Nick discovers that Godzilla is pregnant, which adds a new layer of urgency to the crisis. Simultaneously, tension builds as Audrey misuses Nick’s confidential data for a news report.

12

Locating Godzilla’s Nest

With Roache's assistance, Nick learns crucial information about Godzilla's origins linked to nuclear tests. Together, they search for the creature's nest, unaware that Audrey and Victor are trailing them.

13

The Nest in Madison Square Garden

The military sets a trap to capture Godzilla, leading Nick to discover the creature's nest in Madison Square Garden. He realizes that the nest contains 200 eggs, further complicating the potential crisis.

Madison Square Garden, New York City
14

Destruction of the Nest

With the hatchlings about to emerge, Audrey broadcasts live from the scene, urging the military to take action. Just in time, the Airforce obliterates the nest, but Godzilla arrives furious, seeking vengeance.

New York City
15

Final Showdown at the Brooklyn Bridge

As the final showdown ensues, the military successfully traps Godzilla at the Brooklyn Bridge. With combined efforts, they orchestrate its destruction, but the uncertainty remains with one egg still unaccounted for.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:56

Unlock the Full Story of Godzilla

Don't stop at just watching — explore Godzilla in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Godzilla is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Godzilla Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Godzilla, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Godzilla Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Godzilla

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Godzilla. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Godzilla

More About Godzilla

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Godzilla: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Godzilla

Similar Movies to Godzilla

Discover movies like Godzilla that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.