Here is the conclusion to “My Ranking Of The Gamera Franchise Part 1“.
6. Gamera vs. Gyaos
Gamera vs. Gyaos is quite an important film in the franchise as it introduced Gyaos, the only monster to make appearances across multiple films while also establishing that children would serve as the protagonists throughout the rest of the Showa era Gamera movies. However, the kid protagonist in this film is actually not annoying and there’s some great fights between Gamera and Gyaos. While the transition of Gamera from monster to ally isn’t smooth, Gamera vs. Gyaos is quite entertaining.
5. Gamera: Guardian of the Universe
The first film to be produced in the Heisei era was a reboot that ended up revitalising the dormant franchise by introducing a new backstory for Gamera, dramatically improved special effects, a cast of characters that are predominantly adults and a great sense of threat from the newly reinterpreted Gyaos. While I do wish that the film’s pacing was a slight more brisk and that the end of the film felt a little more wrapped up rather than having to wait for the sequel, Gamera: Guardian of the Universe is where this franchise ranking starts to turn from pretty good to great.
4. Gamera the Brave
Gamera the Brave is the most recent Gamera film as of this article and it turned out to be a surprisingly touching movie. Another reboot, it reintroduces child protagonists but I have to say that, of all of the Gamera films, the child cast here is easily the best in terms of acting, character development and interactions. The humour of the film also works really well and the special effects are great. Easily the weakest part of Gamera the Brave is the enemy kaiju Zedus who feels too generic and can only provide Gamera with, at best, a decent looking fight.
3. Gamera vs. Barugon
It may surprise you to see a Showa era Gamera film rank so high in this franchise ranking but I think that Gamera vs. Barugon is easily the best of all the Showa films and deserves to be acknowledged as being one of the best in the franchise. The pacing for the film is excellent with a great sense of adventure in the opening third of the film and sharp developments as the human protagonists, adults this time, must figure out a way to stop Barugon. I also love Barugon as a kaiju so I do think it’s a shame that the fights between him and Gamera end up being the weakest part of the movie. Nonetheless, Gamera vs. Barugon is a strong entry and is the must see film within the Showa era of the franchise.
2. Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris
The concluding chapter to the Gamera Heisei trilogy, there is a lot to love about this film. I’ve always had a soft spot for characters seeking vengeance and this results in the protagonist for this film being arguably the best in the franchise. The special effects, barring a few moments of obvious CGI, are superb and the fights between Gamera and Iris are invigorating. The only reason this film doesn’t top my ranking is because I was a bit disappointed at where the revenge storyline ultimately ended up but Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris deserves to be acknowledged as one of the best kaiju films ever made.
1. Gamera 2: Attack of Legion
Gamera 2: Attack of Legion is my favourite Gamera film. I love Legion as a kaiju whose appearance and moveset is incredibly unique and serves as an even greater threat to Gamera with the help of a swarm of human sized insectoid aliens. The mystery behind Legion is expertly crafted, tantalising the audience with little clues while waiting for the grand reveal and this is helped by a cast who perform exceptionally well throughout the movie.
I’m hoping that Gamera Rebirth turns out to be something great and that Gamera as a franchise can make a comeback alongside the new Godzilla film and help to reinvigorate the kaiju genre. Let me know your thoughts on my ranking of the Gamera franchise, which rankings you were surprised by, your own ranking of the Gamera franchise, thoughts on the newly announced Gamera Rebirth and any additional information you might have on the topic.
Hopefully you have found this article interesting and informative and, if you wish to seek any of the works I mentioned, don’t hesitate to use amazon.co.uk or amazon.com for all of your needs!