Atomic energy literally comes to life in the form of a giant, skyscraper-smashing, radiation-breathing, prehistoric lizard named Godzilla. The film that started a franchise that is still going strong today, though its evolution into camp and mediocrity often overshadow the original film’s patient pacing, striking pathos, and timely message about the consequences of war and the dangers of the nuclear age. This pivotal influence on the modern summer blockbuster is filled with chills, thrills, and practical effects that still charm decades later.