Return of Godzilla Day in L.A.

Above: Godzilla returns in The Return of Godzilla (1984), screening at Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles.

It’s been a long time since we had a Godzilla Day in L.A. – over two decades, in fact, since the 2004 Godzilla Day in L.A. Back then, Godzilla received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his latest movie, Godzilla Final Wars,  had its world premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Godzilla Day 2025, in honor of November 3, 1954 release of the original Gojira (known as bin the U.S.) is somewhat less august, being mostly an attempt to capitalize on the anniversary in order to sell merchandise: the “How to Celebrate Godzilla” post at the Godzilla.com blog lists apparel, collectibles, posters, and plush toys for sale, but only a few actual events.

Fortunately, Los Angeles fans have a couple of options. Alamo Drafthouse Los Angles is screening The Return of Godzilla (1984) on November 3 and 4. This is the film that brought Godzilla back to life after the franchise had been in hibernation for a decade. Unfortunately, the movie was not only dubbed but re-edited and re-shot for U.S. release as Godzilla 1985 (1985), and even with the advent of home video, the original version has been hard to come by on these shores. In fact, this may be its first big screen presentation in Los Angeles, making it a must-see for fans. Alamo Drafthouse is located in The Block at 700 W 7th Street, Suit U240 in downtown Los Angeles, not far from 7th Street Metro Station.

Getting a jump on Godzilla Day 2025, the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and Anime Jungle (source for all things collectible from Japan) combined forces to launch a Godzilla popup store in Little Tokyo on Saturday, November. They also screened a double bill of Godzilla 2000 and Godzilla: Final Wars, featuring a talk with Godzilla suit designer Shinichi Wakasa. The popup, described as a “dedicated Godzilla-themed retail space featuring exclusive products,” remains open through November 23; hours are noon to 7pm (closed Tuesday). Anime Jungle is located at 319 E. 2nd Street, Unit 103 in Little Tokyo, less than a mile and a half from Alamo Drafthouse.

Have a happy Godzilla Day!