Mothra Sets Unprecedented Franchise Record That Outshines Godzilla’s Most Powerful Adversaries

Mothra may not be the first kaiju that comes to mind when discussing sheer power within the Godzilla universe, but she boasts an impressive legacy in her battles against various iconic monsters. Throughout her journey in the franchise, Mothra has stood toe-to-toe with formidable foes, including Godzilla, King Ghidorah, and Gigan, further underscored by her engagements in the Monsterverse against Rodan, a character who is often celebrated as Godzilla’s companion.

Given the caliber of opponents Mothra has faced, it is no surprise that she has met her demise on numerous occasions. Notably, her first death occurred in her debut film alongside Godzilla, titled Mothra vs. Godzilla, and she faced a similar fate in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. However, these defeats do not detract from her overall success; in fact, Mothra has achieved an extraordinary number of victories, whether acting as an ally to Godzilla or battling against him.

Mothra’s Nine Victories Against Kaiju in Godzilla’s Cinematic Universe

From 1962 to 2024, Mothra has amassed a notable victory tally against other kaiju. Her inaugural triumph can be traced back to the conclusion of Mothra vs. Godzilla, where although Godzilla emerged victorious in their clash, Mothra’s larvae ultimately subdued him using silk webbing. Following her transformation into a Godzilla ally, she played a pivotal role in his victories against King Ghidorah in films such as Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster and Destroy All Monsters. Additionally, Mothra successfully repelled Godzilla in Ebirah, Horror of the Deep.

In the realm of the Heisei series, Mothra experienced further success with two victories noted in her only film during that era, Godzilla vs. Mothra. In this installment, she triumphed over Battra in larval form and later partnered with her old rival against Godzilla. Despite Battra’s demise, Mothra emerged victorious as she left Godzilla sealed beneath the ocean.

The Millennium series continued to enhance her legacy. Much like her previous battles, Godzilla: Tokyo SOS featured Mothra’s elder self sacrificing her life, ultimately allowing her larvae to avenge her against Mechagodzilla, highlighting her contributions to their success. This theme persisted in Godzilla: Final Wars, where she faced off against the notorious Gigan, marking another significant victory in her storied history.

As part of the Monsterverse, Mothra also achieved a notable win. In the climactic moments of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, she engaged in a fierce battle against Rodan, ultimately delivering a decisive blow sealed by her newly designed stinger weapon, showcasing her adaptability and strength.

Mothra’s Additional Three Wins in Spinoff Films

Including a Major Win Against King Ghidorah

Mothra’s prowess is further evidenced by her performance in the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy, where she successfully fought against various adversaries. Her initial triumph occurred after defeating Desghidorah, a creature reminiscent of Godzilla’s arch-nemesis. The second film featured her facing the marine monster Daghora, demonstrating her resilience by requiring two transformations to achieve victory.

Notably, her third film pitted her against the authentic King Ghidorah. Initially overmatched, Mothra accessed her Armor Mothra form, enabling her to vanquish Ghidorah definitively—a feat that underscores her skill, especially given that Ghidorah often necessitates the assistance of Godzilla to be defeated.

One Monster May Surpass Mothra’s Winning Record

Kong Is Fast Approaching Mothra’s Record

While Mothra’s victories are commendable, they still pale in comparison to Godzilla, who boasts over 40 wins. Nevertheless, she holds an impressive second place in total kaiju victories with 12, far ahead of her nearest rival, Mechagodzilla, who has a mere six wins. Even King Ghidorah struggles to keep pace, securing only two wins despite numerous appearances in the franchise.

However, there is one contender with a possibility of surpassing Mothra’s record: Kong. Before the launch of the Monsterverse, Kong possessed just three notable victories. With the introduction of the Monsterverse, his tally has expanded with wins over formidable foes like Mechagodzilla and Skar King. Should future battles in the upcoming Godzilla x Kong sequels favor Kong, he could potentially ascend to claim the title of the kaiju with the second-highest victory count in the expansive Godzilla universe.

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