(1984)—released in the U.S. as Godzilla 1985 —is widely regarded as a successful "back-to-basics" reboot that restored the franchise's serious, dark tone after years of campy, kid-friendly entries. It serves as a direct sequel to the 1954 original, ignoring all other previous sequels to re-establish Godzilla as a terrifying, animalistic antagonist. Critical & Audience Consensus Review of The Return of Godzilla (AKA Godzilla 1985)