来自美国《世界新闻》报社的记者斯蒂芬·马丁（雷蒙德·波尔 Raymond Burr 饰）乘飞机前往开罗，在东京转机期间却遭遇令他永生难忘的事情。日本方面一艘打捞船突然与陆地失去联系，前往救援的船只也不幸遇难。从幸存者的口中世人得知，这些遇难船遭到了恐怖的怪物哥斯拉的袭击。著名古生物学家山根京平博士对遭遇袭击的大户岛进行勘查，证实哥斯拉实为两百万年前侏罗纪时代存活下来的恐龙，由于受到原子弹的辐射和氢弹试验的影响而发生突变，并重现人间。人类面临空前的灾难，斯蒂芬成为了这场灾难的见证者…… 　　本片根据香山滋的科幻小说改编，该版本为美国重新剪辑并在国内公映的版本。When American reporter Steve Martin investigates a series of mysterious disasters off the coast of Japan, he comes face to face with an ancient creature so powerful and so terrifying, it can reduce Tokyo to a smoldering graveyard. Nuclear weapon testing resurrected this relic from the Jurassic age, and now it's rampaging across Japan. At night, Godzilla wades through Tokyo leaving death and destruction in his wake, disappearing into Tokyo Bay when his rage subsides. Coventional weapons are useless against him; but renowned scientist Dr. Serizawa has discovered a weapon that could destroy all life in the bay -- including Godzilla. But which disaster is worse, Godzilla's fury, or the death of Tokyo Bay?