Going through the whole King Kong franchise is exhilarating. Why did I subject myself to this glorious theatrical rampage, you ask? Well, for one, it’s a lesson in pure, unadulterated monster mayhem. I watched the original 1933 film and the modern Monsterverse showdowns. And I saw Kong morph from a puppet with a penchant for skyscrapers to a CGI beast ready to duke it out with the fiercest foes.
But it’s not just about the evolution of special effects that I enjoyed– it’s the front-row seat to a story that has evolved in all the right and wrong ways. The King Kong franchise has enthralled, amused, and even irritated me with the more chapters that come out. Still, love, danger, and the inescapable allure of an island-sized, fur-covered bad boy make for a story that’s as old as time but as thrilling as ever. So grab your banana smoothie, and let the Kong marathon begin.
1. King Kong (1933)
The granddaddy of all monster movies, 1933’s King Kong is a black-and-white beauty directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The plot follows filmmaker Carl Denham, who drags a crew to the mysterious Skull Island in search of the Eighth Wonder of the World. Here, he stumbles upon the magnificent Kong.
What makes this film an absolute must-watch is the groundbreaking stop-motion animation by Willis O’Brien. O’Brien brought Kong to life and revolutionized the world of special effects. The film’s iconic scene of Kong scaling the Empire State Building with a damsel in distress in hand remains etched in cinematic history.
2. Son of Kong (1933)
Son of Kong is the adorable follow-up to the original King Kong. Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack, this sequel picks up where its giant predecessor left off. It gives us a taste of the softer side of Skull Island. It’s as if Kong decided to start a family, but instead of changing diapers, he’s dealing with adventurers and treasure hunters.
In this romp, Carl Denham, the filmmaker with a knack for stirring up Kong-sized trouble, returns to Skull Island, hoping for a fresh start. He stumbles upon Little Kong, a pint-sized version of his big, hairy dad, who’s got a heart as big as his appetite for adventure.
3. King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1962)
Directed by Ishirō Honda, King Kong vs. Godzilla is the cinematic clash of the titans that put “versus” in the monster mash-up dictionary. This film unleashes the ultimate showdown. It pits the mighty King Kong against the radioactive giant Godzilla. It’s like the heavyweight championship of the monster world, with skyscrapers as the ring.
In this kaiju collision, Kong and Godzilla engage in an epic battle for the ages. And it’s a spectacle that makes the phrase “monkeying around” sound like an understatement. With its campy appeal and monster-sized action sequences, the picture holds a special place in the hearts of kaiju fans.
4. King Kong Escapes (1967)
A kaiju classic, King Kong Escapes, directed by Ishirō Honda, unleashes Kong in an adventure that involves mad scientists, evil robots, and a plot to mine radioactive Element X from the Earth’s core. Kong finds himself in the clutches of the infamous Dr. Who (no, not the Time Lord) and his mechanical doppelgänger, Mechani-Kong.
It’s a battle of the Titans, and Kong’s roaring, tree-swinging antics are in top form as he defends his honor and the world from the machinations of evil scientists. King Kong Escapes features over-the-top performances, hilariously dated special effects, and a peculiar plot.
5. King Kong (1976)
1976’s King Kong, a remake of the iconic 1933 classic, decided, “Hey, why not take the giant ape to the Big Apple again?” Directed by John Guillermin, this groovy ’70s version updates the Kong story for the disco era. It is complete with skyscrapers, polyester, and Jeff Bridges with a luxuriously feathered hairdo.
In this interpretation, Kong is brought to New York City in pursuit of fame and fortune. And then there’s the love story between the giant ape and Dwan (yes, that’s not a typo; her name is Dwan, played by Jessica Lange). While some critics may quibble about the special effects or the liberties taken with the story, this remake has a nostalgic allure that makes it endearing.
6. King Kong Lives (1986)
King Kong Lives is the forgotten, hair-raising sequel to the 1976 Kong remake that dared to ask the question, “What if King Kong didn’t quite kick the bucket?” Directed by John Guillermin (again), this film starts with the audacious premise that Kong somehow survived his fall from the World Trade Center and just needed a few years to rest up.
In this bizarre follow-up, Kong needs a heart transplant. And, of course, they find a giant lady ape named Lady Kong to be his organ donor—even a Kong-sized love story blossoms between the two apes. The special effects may be a bit cheesy by today’s standards, but the plot’s sheer audacity and the actors’ commitment to their roles make it an entertainingly goofy entry in the King Kong saga.
7. The Mighty Kong (1998)
Directed by Art Scott, The Mighty Kong is a musical interpretation of the classic King Kong story that goes the animated route. In this adventure, we follow the intrepid filmmaker Carl Denham. Denham brings Kong to the bustling streets of New York City.
But what sets this version apart is its catchy tunes, including the unforgettable “Kong Song.” It’s like a Broadway musical with a 40-foot, furry leading man. The Mighty Kong is a family-friendly take on the King Kong mythos. It captures the story’s heart while delivering animated antics and catchy songs.
8. King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson’s King Kong is a cinematic beast of epic proportions. This film is a three-hour-plus feast that gives “Long Live the King” a whole new meaning. In this monumental remake of the 1933 classic, Jackson, fresh off The Lord of the Rings trilogy, decided to swap hobbits for a colossal ape. And the result is nothing short of a behemoth blockbuster.
The film, set in the 1930s, follows a motley crew of adventurers who stumble upon Skull Island. The island is home to not just one but a whole family of rampaging dinosaurs, venom-spewing insects, and, of course, the star of the show, Kong himself.
9. Kong: King Of Atlantis (2005)
Kong: King of Atlantis is a direct-to-video animated adventure directed by Patrick Archibald and written by Steven Melching. In this aquatic escapade, Kong is drawn to the mysterious city of Atlantis. The city has resurfaced after eons beneath the waves.
With the help of a brave scientist and a magic bracelet, Kong embarks on a mission to save Atlantis from impending doom. Kong: King of Atlantis dives headfirst into the pool of silliness and delivers a lighthearted take on the King Kong mythos. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon of animated absurdity.
10. Kong: Return To The Jungle (2007)
Kong: Return to the Jungle proves even giant apes can’t resist the siren call of the direct-to-video sequel. Directed by Stuart Evans, this animated jungle jaunt takes the King Kong saga in a new direction. You might find yourself asking, “Is there no island this guy hasn’t been to yet?”
It’s like Kong’s very own travel vlog. But, with more palm trees and fewer selfie sticks. In this tropical adventure, Kong is whisked away from his Skull Island home and plunked into a lush, uncharted jungle. Along for the ride is a group of intrepid explorers. They must navigate the perils of the jungle and find a way back home. And Kong is their colossal companion.
11. Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Kong: Skull Island makes you want to buy a ticket to Skull Island, even if it’s a one-way trip. Set in the 1970s, Kong: Skull Island follows a group of scientists, soldiers, and thrill-seekers who venture to the uncharted Skull Island. They find a land of monstrous creatures, including the big guy himself.
The film boasts relentless action, dazzling special effects, and a Kong that’s bigger and badder than ever. With an all-star cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Samuel L. Jackson, it’s a monster mash-up that’s both entertaining and terrifying.
12. Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)
Godzilla vs. Kong, directed by Adam Wingard, unleashes the beastly brawl of the century. It proves that sometimes, you need a giant radioactive lizard and a colossal ape to settle your differences.
Godzilla and Kong go head-to-head in this monumental clash. They leave a trail of destruction in their wake as they duke it out for supremacy. It’s like watching a heavyweight fight, but instead of boxing gloves, they use entire city blocks as their weapons of choice.
(Featured Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)
