The Godzilla series is the longest-running movie franchise of all time, and has gone through so many revitalizations that it provides plenty of entry points for moviegoers who might be new to the franchise. Beginning with Godzilla in 1954, Toho has produced 34 different Godzilla movies, and had a hand in the distribution of five American-made movies as well. Godzilla began his movie career as a villain, acting as a violent metaphor for the horrors of nuclear destruction, and over time he has oscillated between being a destroyer and a protector of humanity.