Godzilla 2000 Review

Monster Appearances: Godzilla, Orga

Orga Ship

To celebrate the 69th anniversary of Godzilla, Godzilla 2000 returned to theaters thanks to Fathom Events, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the film on the big screen once again. For many viewers, the last time this movie played theatrically in the U.S. was during its original dubbed release (which we were lucky enough to attend for Dan’s 7th birthday). This time around, audiences were able to experience the original Japanese version, offering a fresh perspective on the first entry of the Millennium Era.

Godzilla 2000 marks a turning point for the franchise, introducing a more aggressive and imposing incarnation of Godzilla while moving away from the continuity of the Heisei series. The suit design stands out with its jagged purple dorsal plates and expressive movements, giving Godzilla a more feral presence. Seeing this version of the King of the Monsters on the big screen truly highlights the scale and intensity that can sometimes be lost in home viewing.

Orga

The film’s human storyline primarily serves as a way to explore humanity’s relationship with Godzilla, while the real standout is the monster action—especially the introduction of Orga. With its alien origins and bizarre transformation, Orga remains a memorable Millennium-era opponent and one that would be great to see revisited in the future. The visual effects, sound design, and music all benefit greatly from the theatrical setting, reinforcing why Godzilla is best experienced in cinemas whenever possible.

Godzilla vs Orga

Revisiting Godzilla 2000 in its original Japanese form allows longtime fans to appreciate the film without the alterations of the U.S. edit, while newer viewers get to experience a pivotal chapter in Godzilla’s cinematic history as it was originally intended. We would love to see Fathom Events continue bringing Godzilla films back to theaters, especially heading into Minus Zero & Supernova it would be the perfect opportunity to build off the hype!

Check out our full video review to hear our thoughts on seeing Godzilla 2000 back on the big screen for Godzilla Day!