Gamera, the Giant Monster

Daiei's cut-price answer to Godzilla, a giant fire-breathing turtle that flies by tucking in its legs and spinning. It is cheaper and cruder than Toho's films, but it started a franchise beloved by a generation of children, largely because Gamera was positioned early as a friend to kids.

The original is a straight Godzilla riff, black and white and destructive, before the series leaned fully into its child-friendly absurdity. There is real charm in the sheer commitment to a flying turtle.

Historically the start of Godzilla's most enduring rival, and endearing in its cheapness.