Godzilla is a fictional giant monster that first appeared in the 1954 Japanese film "Godzilla." It is often depicted as a prehistoric creature awakened or mutated by nuclear radiation, and it wreaks havoc on cities and battles other monsters. Godzilla has become an iconic figure in popular culture and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, comics, and video games. The character has been portrayed as both a destructive force and a protector of humanity, depending on the storyline.