Destroy All Monsters (1968)

61% of users liked it
(7,011 ratings)

This colorful, no-holds-barred clash of the titans -- directed by Inoshiro Honda (one of monsterdom's foremost experts) -- features nearly all of Japan's ground-pounding superstars, including Godzilla (and son), Mothra, Rodan and Ghidorah... and even tosses in Anzilla, Baragon, Goro, Wendra, Spiga… More This colorful, no-holds-barred clash of the titans -- directed by Inoshiro Honda (one of monsterdom's foremost experts) -- features nearly all of Japan's ground-pounding superstars, including Godzilla (and son), Mothra, Rodan and Ghidorah... and even tosses in Anzilla, Baragon, Goro, Wendra, Spiga and Varan for the explosive climax. The setup involves a race of evil aliens known as Kilaaks, who release the world's population of giant monsters from their quarantine on Monster Island, employing powerful mind-control devices on the monsters as part of their master plan for subjugating humanity. When the secret equipment used for this purpose is discovered beneath Mount Fuji and destroyed, the aliens make a last-ditch attempt at reclaiming their foothold by summoning three-headed Ghidorah from space -- but by then, Godzilla and the other city-stompers have rallied together to defend the Earth from the alien menace. Released in Japan as Kaiju Soshingeki, this is one of Honda's more colorful monster extravaganzas, and a must-see for fans of the genre. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Ishirô Honda
Written By: Inoshiro Honda, Kaoru Mabuchi
Genres: Action & Adventure, Anime & Manga, Art House & International, Classics, Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: May 23, 1969 Wide
On DVD: Feb 3, 2000

Critic Reviews

Steve Biodrowski, Cinefantastique
For the ten-year-old living inside us all, it is entertainment of the most awesome sort.
, Time Out
In some ways these features are more like sporting events than fantasies.
, Film4
That the special effects could have been more realistically concocted by a 12-year-old with a Super 8 camera only adds to the fun.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
All-star monster-fest isn't nearly as fun as I remembered.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Luke B

Love Godzilla, love other monsters, love aliens, love destruction, love this movie.Destroy All Monsters takes us into the future where all monsters are now confined to Monster Island. All goes well until a race of alien metal people kidnap the monsters. Then, they brainwash them and… More
Love Godzilla, love other monsters, love aliens, love destruction, love this movie.Destroy All Monsters takes us into the future where all monsters are now confined to Monster Island. All goes well until a race of alien metal people kidnap the monsters. Then, they brainwash them and set them to attack the major cities of the world. After so many Godzilla island adventures, it was so good to see the cities having their asses whooped. Great designs and model work left for a series of inventive attacks. By the end it all descends into a chaotic (and very unfair) fight. However, their were some genuine moments of panic. There was a moment between Anguilas and King Ghiddorah which left me almost covering my eyes. The sheer intensity, and likable monsters made it an engaging affair. We're left to deliberate how creatures instinctively know who their enemies are. This is a greatest hits for all fans of the genre.
Bruce B

This film was in the 42nd Street Volume 1 Trailer Collection, When TOHO ran out of ideas with Godzilla, and our other famous Japanese monsters they combined them in a few movies, this is one of them. A group of people from outer space and on the moon are controlling the monsters. The… More
This film was in the 42nd Street Volume 1 Trailer Collection, When TOHO ran out of ideas with Godzilla, and our other famous Japanese monsters they combined them in a few movies, this is one of them. A group of people from outer space and on the moon are controlling the monsters. The West was far ahead of there time in this movie with blue lasers, implants to control people. A good Saturday afternoon film. 3 stars.
Greg S

Aliens take over the minds of the residents of Monster Island---Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and pals---and send them out to destroy the cities of the world. Crazy giant monster derby with non-stop action; anyone who isn't just a little charmed by men in rubber suits knocking over… More
Aliens take over the minds of the residents of Monster Island---Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and pals---and send them out to destroy the cities of the world. Crazy giant monster derby with non-stop action; anyone who isn't just a little charmed by men in rubber suits knocking over plywood skyscrapers doesn't have an ounce of kid left in them.
Christopher B

Godziilla's having a party and everyone's invited. My favourite Godzilla flick as a kid, this one has all the monsters being controlled by aliens. Heaven.