Godzilla, is it Horror?

Godzilla (1954) is a classic movie that has become a cultural icon in Japan and around the world. It is a story of a giant monster that rises from the ocean and wreaks havoc on Tokyo. The movie has been categorised as a science fiction film, a monster movie, and a disaster movie. However, some people argue that Godzilla should be classified as a horror movie. In this article, we will explore whether Godzilla should be considered a horror movie or not.

Firstly, it is important to define what a horror movie is. A horror movie is a film that aims to elicit fear, terror, or disgust in the audience. It often features supernatural or paranormal elements and is known for its explicit violence and gore. While Godzilla is undoubtedly a violent movie, it is not necessarily gory. The violence in Godzilla is mostly implied, and the focus is more on the suspense and tension than the bloodshed.

Godzilla does have some horror elements, though. The movie features a giant monster that can be a frightening creature to some people. The scenes where Godzilla is attacking Tokyo or battling the military can be intense and scary. The atmosphere of the movie is also dark and ominous, with an eerie soundtrack that adds to the tension.

Furthermore, the movie can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of nuclear weapons and their impact on nature. The devastation caused by Godzilla's attacks is reminiscent of the destruction caused by the atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan during World War II. The scenes of destruction and chaos can be seen as horror tropes, such as a monster attacking a city.

However, despite these horror elements, Godzilla is ultimately a science fiction film. The focus of the movie is on the science and technology used to confront the monster, rather than the horror of the monster itself. The movie has a sense of wonder and excitement that is more in line with science fiction films than horror movies.

In conclusion, while Godzilla has some horror elements, it is ultimately a science fiction film. The violence in the movie is not particularly gory, and the focus is on suspense and tension rather than explicit violence. The movie's themes of nuclear weapons and their impact on nature can be interpreted as horror tropes, but they are not enough to classify the movie as a horror movie. Therefore, Godzilla should not be considered a horror movie, but rather a science fiction film with some horror elements.