Godzilla (1998) Film Locations

The GINO movie. (For you non-kaiju fans, GINO = Godzilla in name only.)

I know some fans dislike the 1998 Godzilla movie. I understand their concerns and comments, but I like the film. Maybe it’s the quirky casting: Matthew Broderick, Hank Azaria, Jean Reno. Maybe it’s the inside jokes at Siskel and Ebert. Maybe it’s that the movie takes place in Manhattan, but Godzilla’s primary rampage is through downtown Los Angeles. Whatever the reason, this movie is one of my guilty pleasures.

For those not familiar with Godzilla movies, the basis premise is a giant monster who rampages through a metropolitan city.
After several viewings, a sign for Clifton‘s Cafeteria caught my attention. My father grew up going to Clifton’s with his grandparents. He has fond memories of the place. I took my father and younger brother a couple years back right before it was closed. [Update: The restaurant has re-opened.]

On more viewings, I noticed more downtown Los Angels buildings and street signs.

One day I drove to downtown to wander around and take comparison shots.

So, the next time you are celebrating a kaiju or Godzilla event, and you have already stopped by the Godzilla Plaque, head to downtown Los Angeles to relive some of your favorite moments.

Film Location Comparison Shots:

A lot of the action takes places at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Street in downtown Los Angeles.

In this shot, Godzilla is rampaging west on 7th towards Broadway. The I.N. Van Nuys Building at 210 West 7th Street and the large parking structure on the southeast corner of 7th and Broadway are visible.

At the same intersection, Godzilla is now rampaging north on Broadway towards 7th. The marquee of the historic Loew’s State Theater at 703 South Broadway is visible.

At the same intersection, Godzilla is rampaging east on 7th.

Godzilla has now moved to the corner of 8th and Broadway. Godzilla is looking east on 8th street. The distinct facade of the historic Tower Theater is visible. The Tower Theater is at 802 South Broadway. Also, this area was a location in both the Constantine and Blade movies.

Godzilla is now back at the 7th and Broadway intersection. Godzilla is now rampaging north on Broadway. The distinct Clifton’s Cafeteria sign is visible. Clifton’s is at 648 South Broadway.