10 Great Monster Movies You've Never Seen

Why Gamera has yet to receive as much acclaim as its kaiju counterparts Godzilla and King Kong is a question for the ages.

In the third film in Gamera's Heisei period, Revenge of Iris, an orphaned girl with a psychic connection to a giant monster seeks revenge against the one that destroyed all she held dear.

For those unaware of the wonder that is Gamera, they are a giant, tusked turtle monster that can shoot fireballs and propel itself within its shell via rocket propulsion. The history of the character dates all the way back to the 1960s, but it wasn't until the late-'90s where it really came into its own. While it is the final film in the Heisei trilogy, Revenge of Iris stands well enough on its own, not requiring an familiarity with the movies that came before.

The film itself manages to be violent as all get out, with moments of monster violence that feel like they were ripped right out of Mortal Kombat, and yet, at the same time, emotionally resonate in its exploration of trauma. Many kaiju, such as Mothra, are defenders of their respected regions, but what this movie does that none really had before is show the extreme amounts of collateral damage that would come with having a giant monster as your savior.

Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris is essential for any self-respecting kaiju fan.