what movies would you recommend to non godzilla fans

I would, probably reccomend either Godzilla (1954) or GMK, being those are my favorite movies.

I've generally had a lot of luck with GMK, the Kiryu movies and Godzilla vs. Biollante. But it really depends on the person. For example my girlfriend enjoys the earlier movies more. But she's a little more educated in film studies than the average joe and can typically see right through the flaws of the 90s-00s movies.

I know someone who usually mocks Godzilla/daikaiju movies, and I had him watch Tokyo SOS, and he actually liked it, so I guess SOS is a good one to show people who aren't too familiar with the genre. He thought it was awesome; it's not one of his favorite movies now or anything, but thinking it's "awesome" is a good start!

He did laugh at some parts of it, yeah, but still... the overall impression was good.

what about people who arn't into older movies, i showed 1 of my friends gojira, but they weren't interested because they are not into old black and white movies.

Then I'd largely stick to the Millennium series if that's the case. They're stand alone films and easily accessable to a larger audience. Unlike the Heisei series which is still fairly accessable, but sometimes with the baggage of being strictly connecting with prior films and some shoddy effects.

thanks gman and everyone else, also what about g 84/85

Godzilla's Revenge, with a healthy side-dose of Son of Godzilla.... However, on a more serious note, I've had success with Godzilla 2000.

For some odd reason, Godzilla 2000 is ALWAYS successful when I introduce someone to Godzilla. 

Interesting... the dubbing for Godzilla 2000 typically turns people off for me. They prefer watching it in the original language with subtitles and my Japanese copy of Godzilla 2000 is long gone...

i dislike the japanese version of 2000 due to the lack of sound effects, it just feels more rushed than the american version, and the dubbing isn't that bad for a godzilla movie, i guess it depends on the preference which is also lincked to the decade fans were born.

I actually like the American cut of Godzilla 2000 more myself as well. But I'll admit the dubbing isn't grade A, but it's tolerable. Still no one I introduce Godzilla to for the first time will watch it because, typically, anything dubbed is pretty hard to take seriously.

i guess thats your generation, because people in my generation (born in the 90's) don't want to watch a godzilla movie if it is in japanese.

Either Godzilla vs. The Thing or maybe GMK. :)

I don't think we're that far removed Godzillafan1995. It's simply just who you know. As you get older, people may have a greater appreciation for that kind of thing.

I have had a LOT of luck with Invasion of the Astro Monster, and a bit of luck with The Terror of MechaGodzilla.

Also, I just remembered that I introduced my friends to Godzilla by having them watch Godzilla vs. Mothra and they reacted quite well to it.

i have actually had luck every time with Gojira, ive also had luck with 1985, gmk, and g2000

I will show them 1954 Godzilla and if they are intrested, show them Godzilla 2000.

Gojira

Godzilla (1984)

Godzilla against MechaGodzilla

Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack

Godzilla vs. Mothra (60s one)

I tend to recommend the more serious ones, because the person I'm recommending Godzilla feel that Godzilla might be too campy for them. I've also told them that they may want to wait for Godzilla (2014) and then show them the trailers. They're usually like "Holy shit, that's awesome! We gotta go see that!"

None-- because they are Godzilla movies and if they aren't a godzilla fan already, they probably wont become one.

Its something you almost have to get into as a child-- as harsh as that sounds. I'm not saying its impossible, but yeah.

I'd say the best way to get a person into Tokusatsu would be avoid Godzilla movies all together and for god's sake, don't show them Godzilla vs The Thing (Easily the most overrated Godzilla film of all time).

Go straight for the Gamera trilogy, then slap them with some Garo, then ease them into Godzilla via final wars and GMK. I choose final wars not because its a good movie but because it is the most stylistic of Godzilla films and it would appeal to weaboos and otaku, if just for its rediculousness.

Finally, go into the entire situation with a "I don't give a shit" attitude. Don't go and over explain how Godzilla is a metaphor for nuclear holocaust or any justifications like that-- they aren't going to get it, Godzilla isn't a metaphor for anything, godzilla is a franchise. Be a man, admit you like dudes in rubber suits fighting and make no excuses for it, if the person is cool-- they'll understand what you mean and not give you shit for it.