Where to start
King Kong
3 versions · originally a film, 1933
Themes: Man vs. Nature, Exploitation, The Other, Civilization vs. Wilderness, Beauty and the Beast.
The King Kong mythos centers on the primal, tragic collision between humanity’s reckless ambition and an untamable, ancient force of nature.
✦ Most fans start here
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
The original movie
King Kong
Merian C. Cooper · Film · 1933
King Kong (1933) establishes the foundational cinematic spectacle of the giant ape, offering a haunting, black-and-white adventure that defined creature features for generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
2017 film
Kong: Skull Island
Jordan Vogt-Roberts · Film · 2017
Kong: Skull Island (2017) shifts the focus toward atmospheric exploration, delivering a high-octane, visually vibrant descent into a primordial environment filled with dangerous, evolved predators and mysterious island secrets.
2021 film
✦ Start hereGodzilla vs. Kong
Adam Wingard · Film · 2021
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) leans entirely into the modern blockbuster spectacle, pitting the iconic ape against his greatest rival in a massive, high-stakes collision for ultimate planetary dominance.
Common questions
What order should I watch the King Kong movies in?
You can begin with the original King Kong released in 1933. While the films exist as separate interpretations, you can follow the modern MonsterVerse timeline by watching Kong: Skull Island first, followed by the 2021 crossover film Godzilla vs. Kong.
Is King Kong from 1933 related to the newer films?
The 1933 King Kong serves as the foundational source material for the character. While Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla vs. Kong feature the same iconic giant ape, they are modern reimaginings and do not share the same continuity as the original 1933 production.
Does Godzilla vs. Kong feature the same King Kong as the 1933 version?
Godzilla vs. Kong features a modern iteration of the character. Although the 1933 King Kong established the cinematic legacy of the ape, the version appearing in the 2021 film is a distinct interpretation developed for the modern MonsterVerse franchise.
Should I watch Kong: Skull Island before Godzilla vs. Kong?
Yes, it is recommended to watch Kong: Skull Island before viewing Godzilla vs. Kong. Both films take place within the same shared cinematic universe, and watching them in this sequence provides the necessary context for the character's development leading up to the 2021 crossover.