Has Godzilla Ever Been Defeated by Humans in His Own Films?
In the long history of Godzilla on the big screen, the question of whether humans have ever managed to defeat the iconic Kaiju has been a topic of fascination for fans. This article will explore instances where Godzilla has faced defeat at the hands of human ingenuity, highlighting the various methods and technologies used in these films.
Early Defeats (1954-1995)
The original run of Godzilla films from the 1950s and 1980s saw several instances where Godzilla faced defeat from human weapons and strategies.
Godzilla (1954): Godzilla was killed when an Oxygen Destroyer was used, though it is also often stated that he disappeared rather than being killed.
Godzilla Raids Again (1955): In this film, a landslide caused by aircraft burying Godzilla alive was a significant defeat. However, the exact circumstances and confirmation of his death are not well-documented.
Son of Godzilla (1967): A weather control device gone awry created a blizzard that froze both Godzilla and Minya. This is often considered a defeat, though it's somewhat speculative.
Return of Godzilla (1984): Cadmium missiles briefly disabled Godzilla, and after he was revived, he was tricked into walking into a volcano, which can be seen as a form of defeat.
Godzilla vs Biollante (1989): Although Godzilla quickly recovered, the film closes with him retreating.
Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991): As a Godzillasaurus, Godzilla suffered a severe injury and was driven from the beach by a US navy broadside. Eventually, he was subdued and carried away by Mechanized King Ghidorah. His revival was too late, resulting in his being dropped and dragged beneath the ocean.
Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1992): Devastated by Mechagodzilla, Godzilla was paralyzed and mortally wounded.
Godzilla vs Destoroyah (1995): Humans used freeze weapons to freeze Godzilla solid for several hours, but this was a temporary defeat as he eventually recovered.
Recent Defeats (1998-Present)
The late 1990s and 2000s featured more lethal defeats of Godzilla by human technology and tactics.
Godzilla (1998): In this film, Godzilla was mauled by submarine torpedoes, entangled in the Brooklyn Bridge, and ultimately killed by fighter jets. Almost all of his offspring were also wiped out during an airstrike.
Godzilla Mothra King Ghidorah All Monsters Attack (2001): Human drills pierced Godzilla's hide, causing him to explode and die.
Godzilla X Mechagodzilla II (2002): A freeze weapon from Mechagodzilla badly wounded Godzilla, forcing him to retreat.
Godzilla Final Wars (2004): Inflicted with a temporary defeat, Godzilla was buried under ice by the Gotengo flying submarine.
Shin Godzilla (2016): A series of US air attacks forced Godzilla to stop and hibernate. Later, a JSDF chemical attack froze him.
Godzilla King of the Monsters (2019): An Oxygen Destroyer once again defeated Godzilla, though this time it caused him to enter a deep hibernation.
Godzilla: Minus One (2023): Another Oxygen Destroyer left Godzilla decapitated and unable to move.
Conclusion
Throughout the span of these films, it's clear that humans have employed a variety of technologies and tactics to defeat Godzilla in his own films. Despite numerous setbacks and losses of lives and equipment, Godzilla has managed to survive nearly all these defeats, often returning to fight another day. The thirteen films listed above showcase the persistent and evocative story of humanity's struggle against this powerful creature.