Top 10 Godzilla Atomic Breath Scenes
#10: Burning G Spark Heat Ray
“Godzilla: Final Wars” (2004) The big bad in this 2004 film was an amped up version of Monster X, a.k.a. King Ghidorah. This iteration went under the moniker of Keizer Ghidorah, and presented one of the few (mild) challenges to the supercharged “Final Wars” Godzilla. This fight necessitated The Big G to bust out a spark version of his Spiral Heat Ray in order to send Keizer Ghidorah out to space for good. Godzilla charges this one up with assistance from Shinichi Ozaki, and then unleashes the Spark Heat Ray with a funny-looking, spinning flourish to deliver the final blow. It’s certainly impressive, to say the least.
#9: Spray Blast
“Godzilla” (1954) These days, many Godzilla fans are used to an atomic breath attack that either charges up before it’s unleashed, or is exhaled in some sort of concentrated beam. However, the original “Godzilla” from 1954 also featured a version of the creature’s atomic breath that acted more like a spray blast. This attack is seen during Godzilla’s rampage through Tokyo, as he melts down some power lines. The blast almost appears to retain a mist-like consistency as its effect causes the lines to glow white-hot before being destroyed. Granted, some of this effect probably comes down to the movie-making technology of the day, but we never forgot how cool this scene looked when we were kids.
#8: Infinite Spiral Heat Ray
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“Godzilla vs. Destoroyah” (1995) This movie made international headlines when Toho announced that they were going to be killing off Godzilla. The beast even debuts an intensified version of his atomic breath attack as he rages through Hong Kong early on in the film. Unfortunately, Godzilla is at a critical meltdown stage by the time his son, Godzilla Junior, is tragically killed by Destoroyah. It’s at this point where a father’s rage overcomes Godzilla, and he unleashes his Infinite Spiral Heat Ray to finally defeat his enemy. Burning Godzilla may perish at the end of “Godzilla vs. Destoroyah,” but the sight of this insanely powerful atomic attack still leaves us breathless.
#7: God Destroyer
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“Godzilla in Hell” (2015) The IDW Comics team must’ve had a blast back when they created these ludicrous stories back in 2015. The “Godzilla in Hell” series takes The G Man to hell and back (literally), even pitting him against The Almighty in a battle for the ages. The panel where Godzilla actually blasts God with an atomic breath is something we couldn’t have believed, if we hadn’t seen it with our own eyes. The story is dark with a capital D, but so over-the-top that we can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
#6: Defeating Orga
“Godzilla 2000” (1999) Never put it past The King of the Monsters to come up with an inventive plan for atomic death. Orga was a creature that came from Godzilla’s DNA, and it attempted to absorb Godzilla during their final encounter in “Godzilla 2000.” That plan didn’t end well, however, thanks to some quick thinking on Big G’s part. At first, it looked as if Godzilla had charged recklessly into Orga’s mouth. However, The King of the Monsters was actually just getting into position. Once inside of Orga’s mouth, Godzilla charged up a huge atomic blast. The final result was Orga getting completely obliterated by the attack. Ouch.
#5: Blasting Through the Earth
“Godzilla vs. Kong” (2021) The MonsterVerse movies admittedly deliver a lot of fanservice to the Godzilla community, and for that, we are thankful. One of the most badass scenes in 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” just has to be when Godzilla charges up his atomic breath for a blast that cuts straight through solid ground, down to the Hollow Earth below. This attack is intended to send a direct message to Kong on the other side, and the pair are soon battling above ground. The Hong Kong confrontation that occurs is super-exciting and memorable, but it’s all set up via that insane atomic blast. Outstanding.
#4: Pulse Blast
“Godzilla Singular Point” (2021) This Japanese anime may not be that well known to North American Godzilla fans, but we’re hoping that changes sooner, rather than later. Case in point? This devastating atomic breath attack that occurs during the series contains an extremely cool and unique design. The decision to present an atomic breath attack like some sort of pulse blast creates a visual that stands out from the rest of the “Godzilla” franchise. The attack’s circular pulses feel concussive, while also burning with the sort of radioactive heat that we’ve come to expect from Godzilla.
#3: Shindo’s Death
“Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” (1991) It isn’t often that we get to see an atomic breath blast from Godzilla take out one singular person at point-blank range. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what happens to World War II veteran Yasuaki Shindo in 1991’s “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.” Shindo possesses a complicated history with the creature, dating back to when the dinosaur who would become Godzilla saved the man’s life against American forces. This backstory matters little when the pair meet face-to-snout in the modern day, however. Granted, there’s a brief moment of recognition between Shindo and Godzilla, but The King of the Monsters soon does what he always does: blasting whatever’s in front of him to kingdom come.
#2: Kiss of Death
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“Godzilla” (2014) The MUTOs certainly have a bad go of it during their appearance in the very first MonsterVerse movie, 2014’s “Godzilla.” The male MUTO gets impaled on a building after getting tail whipped, but that’s nothing compared to what happens to its mate. The female MUTO is unfortunately on the receiving end of Godzilla’s “Kiss of Death” right before she exits the film. There’s nothing romantic here, as Godzilla forcibly opens up the MUTO’s mouth and blasts hot atomic death down her throat and into her neck. It’s gruesome and gross, not to mention a terrible way to end a first date.
#1: Radiation Heat Ray
“Shin Godzilla” (2016) This modern classic was unique in a number of ways, not the least of which was the film’s decision to present Godzilla as a new, continually evolving species. The beast’s atomic breath attack also gets a purple-hued upgrade, complete with a creepy, unhinged jaw effect for good measure. The Radiation Heat Ray is a focused version of Shin Godzilla’s Thermal Flame, slimmed down to give it a sharp, cutting visual on screen. This added flair not only makes the Radiation Heat Ray look cool, but also lends the scene where Shin Godzilla uses it another layer of unpredictability and danger.
