Wanting to see some beloved kaiju films on the big screen? You’re in luck, as the historic Barbican Centre is bringing back their All Kaiju Attack series of screenings for another round – and there’s some milestone presentations coming to the UK! This August through October, kaiju fans will have the opportunity to see Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (GMK), Godzilla 2000: Millennium, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Frankenstein vs. Baragon, and King Kong Escapes. Not only are these exciting opportunities to see your favorite monsters duke it out on the big screen, but it’s also a historic moment for the UK kaiju sphere, as these screenings will mark the UK Premiere of iconic Millennium Series flicks Godzilla 2000: Millennium and GMK, the latter of which will be presented in 35mm print format, which is a rare sight to see in official screenings. It’s also worth noting that King Kong vs. Godzilla and King Kong Escapes will be shown in a dub format, although it is unconfirmed as to which dub it will be at this time.
The Barbican’s listing for the screenings reflected on the chance to see these films in the wake of the upcoming Godzilla Minus Zero, stating “Godzilla Minus One was an unprecedented hit, enjoying international acclaim (including the franchise’s first Academy Award win) and worldwide box office success. As its sequel, Godzilla Minus Zero, stomps towards its release later this year, we are taking a look back at some of the greatest kaiju superstars to emerge from across the history of the genre.”
This new installment of All Kaiju Attack was curated by Steven Sloss and Alex Davidson. Sloss is a noted kaiju scholar in the UK and is currently working on a book about the original 1954 Godzilla film with BFI. He’s been a driving force behind many of these screenings and events in the UK, and this one will be no exception.
Check out the full listing of screenings below, and be sure to pick up your tickets, as they will go fast!
Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964)
Sun 23 Aug 2026 | 20:30 | Sculpture Court
One of the best Godzilla films brings back the dream team of director Ishirō Honda, special effects maestro Eiji Tsuburaya, composer Akira Ifukube and some of Toho’s most beloved monsters – Mothra (making her third movie appearance), Rodan (his second) and the greatest adversary Godzilla ever faced, King Ghidorah, making his debut. Will Godzilla, up until now a malevolent force, battle Ghidorah and help save the earth?
The blend of fantasy and sci-fi brings alien possession and threats of world destruction. The film has some of the strongest performances of the franchise, with Akiko Wakabayashi as a possessed princess and Takashi Shimura (the lead in Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru) as a psychiatrist. Best of all, of course, is the monster mayhem, a tremendous spectacle on our Outdoor Cinema screen.
Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)
Sat 29 Aug—Tue 1 Sep 2026 | Cinema 1
ollowing his acclaimed revitalisation of the Gamera franchise, Shusuke Kaneko took huge risks with his first (and, to date, last) Godzilla film. In this wildly inventive monster movie, Godzilla is possessed by the souls of WWII victims, going on a terrifying rampage that inspires other kaiju – Baragon, Mothra and King Ghidorah – to rally against this threat to humanity.
Often referred to as simply GMK, the film veers into dark territory, showing the grim results of Godzilla’s wrath. The score is one of the best of the franchise, the references to Japanese history add fascinating context and the monster battle sequences are, quite simply, amazing.
We are delighted that this screening is the UK Theatrical Premiere of this film, giving you a first-time chance to see this on the big screen.
Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)
Sun 30 Aug—Tue 22 Sep 2026 | Cinema 1
Following the negative reception of the Hollywood’s 1998 blockbuster take on Godzilla, the giant monster returned to Japan and appeared in the first of a series of kaiju movies referred to as the Millennium Era. With a new look, Godzilla roars back with a vengeance, facing one of his most intriguing foes – a UFO with the ability to absorb DNA and transform itself into another creature.
The new, intimidating design of Godzilla was hugely popular, and the monster battles are as strong as ever, with a jaw-dropping climax. An up-close encounter with Godzilla near the end is particularly chilling.
We are delighted that this screening is the UK Theatrical Premiere of this film, giving you a first-time chance to see this on the big screen.
King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)
Fri 4 Sep—Sat 17 Oct 2026 | Cinema 1
The third Godzilla film was the first instance of a spectacular kaiju crossover – in this case, with the most famous giant monster in cinema history, King Kong. It transformed the Godzilla franchise, which, from this point on, would see Godzilla battling other kaiju, with the fate of Japan at stake.
The Americanised version of the film features new scenes with US actors, with a greater focus on the monster battles. The final showdown, with a backdrop of Mount Fuji, is one of the most beloved of the franchise. The film’s playful tone would continue throughout the Godzilla films of the 1960s and 70s.
Frankenstein vs. Baragon (1965)
Thu 1 Oct 2026, 18:20 | Cinema 1
As with the best kaiju films, Frankenstein vs. Baragon boasts a wild, fantastic plot, involving Frankenstein’s heart being transported to Japan, resulting in the materialisation of a humanoid monster following the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. Meanwhile, a gigantic horned beast attacks rural villages and appears to be unstoppable in its rampage. Can Frankenstein end the destruction of this new menace?
The film marks the screen debut of Baragon, who would appear sporadically across the Godzilla franchise (including GMK), becoming a fan favourite. It remains one of the kaiju films which most explicitly draws links between kaiju mayhem and nuclear warfare, while the special effects, courtesy of legendary Eiji Tsuburaya, are a joy throughout.
King Kong Escapes (1967)
Sat 17 Oct 2026, 16:00 | Cinema 1
Following the runaway success of King Kong vs. Godzilla, Ishirō Honda took the reins once again on another Kong vehicle, one of the most colourful and delightful kaiju movies from the 1960s.
The wicked Dr. Who (no, not that one) creates a robot Mechani-Kong to do his bidding. He kidnaps the real King Kong, leading to a wild climax atop Tokyo Tower, as Kong battles Kong.
The film took inspiration from an American animated series rather than its own Toho predecessor, King Kong vs. Godzilla. It bursts with colour from its opening moments, and boasts a memorable villain, grand monster battles and a thrilling finale.
Which film are you most excited to see on the big screen? Let us know! Stay tuned for more updates on all giant monster screenings, events, and activities happening in the UK on Kaiju United.
