For fans of gigantic monster brawls, Max just quietly added what may be the most underrated sci-fi monster movie of the year, ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.’

A Surprise Hit in a Celebrated Franchise

The MonsterVerse has had its ups and downs since it kicked off with 2014’s Godzilla. Directed by Gareth Edwards, that film was followed by Kong: Skull Island (2017), directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) under the direction of Adam Wingard.

The latest installment, ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,’ helmed once again by Wingard, continues the legacy. As audiences drop their hard-earned cash on this movie, it’s clear that if you liked what the MonsterVerse has been serving, chances are you’ll love this one too.

An Evolutionary Tale with Visual Splendor

This latest team-up between the two giant monsters brings in elements that feel both ridiculous and thrilling. The franchise has evolved significantly from the grim tones established earlier on, moving towards a more entertaining approach. Pitting Godzilla and Kong not only against each other but also against an even greater threat adds fresh excitement to the series.

A major selling point is undoubtedly its visuals, which have only improved since previous films. From Kong crossing paths with visually spectacular enemies in Skull Island to this new film’s epic scenes like Godzilla smashing Kong into the Pyramids of Giza, the spectacle remains at an all-time high.

Understanding Its Place in Pop Culture

The MonsterVerse’s impact stretches beyond cinema. With adaptations starting as early as 1963’s King Kong vs. Godzilla where Ishirō Honda heroized Big G, audiences have experienced various permutations leading to different social media reactions over a 70-year span. These reinterpretations keep fans invested and curious about each new iteration.

A Fun and Engaging Ride for Fans Old and New

If you’re keen to jump into ‘The New Empire,’ it’s good to know beforehand that having watched previous films enriches the experience. You get rewarded with nuanced references and buildups that culminate in this installment. As one quote goes, Hollywood movies used to be fun. Now they’re like final exams that you cram for before the test.

Your best path to enjoyment might involve revisiting older titles in the MonsterVerse franchise first.

A Box Office Monster

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ hasn’t just gathered acclaim but also proven an absolute box office hit. With current earnings of $559 million on a $150 million budget, it stands as one of the biggest successes so far within the MonsterVerse framework.

It’s now streaming on Max—so whether or not you caught it in theaters, it’s an exciting time for rewatching or diving into this monstrous spectacle for the first time.