Haruo Nakajima
ActingAbout Haruo Nakajima
Haruo Nakajima (Japanese: 中島 春雄, Hepburn: Nakajima Haruo; January 1, 1929 – August 7, 2017) was a Japanese actor and stuntman. A pioneer of suit acting, he is best known for playing Godzilla in 12 consecutive films, starting from the original Godzilla until Godzilla vs. Gigan. Nakajima also played various other kaiju in Toho's tokusatsu films, including Rodan, Mothra and The War of the Gargantuas and also appeared in minor roles in Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and Stray Dog.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Haruo Nakajima reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Sci-Fi
The majority of Haruo Nakajima's filmography leans towards the Sci-Fi genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 82% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Haruo Nakajima remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Faces of Horror, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Haruo Nakajima Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Haruo Nakajima's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Haruo Nakajima.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga | Self - Suit Actor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Mifune: The Last Samurai | Self - Actor | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Men in Suits | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Bringing Godzilla Down to Size: The Art of Japanese Special Effects | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | スピリット オブ ゴジラ ～怪獣を演じた男たちの軌跡～ | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Godzilla, King of the Monsters | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Faces of Horror | Gezora - Kameba (archive) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Godzilla 1985 | Original Godzilla (archive footage) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Godzilla | Godzilla (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Submersion of Japan | Prime Minister's Chauffeur | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Godzilla vs. Gigan | Godzilla / JSDF Officer / Background Comic Editor | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Godzilla vs. Hedorah | Godzilla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Space Amoeba | Gezora / Ganimes | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Black Comedy - Ah, Fool | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Admiral Yamamoto | Staff of Flying Dragon / Staff of Rabaul | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Destroy All Monsters | Godzilla / Military Advisor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Son of Godzilla | Godzilla (water scenes) | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Ebirah, Horror of the Deep | Godzilla / Infant Islander | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The War of the Gargantuas | Gaira | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Invasion of Astro-Monster | Godzilla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Frankenstein Conquers the World | Baragon / JSDF Soldier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Retreat from Kiska | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster | Godzilla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Dogora | Coal plant witness | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Mothra vs. Godzilla | Godzilla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Yearning | Shopkeeper | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Atragon | Mu Empire man / Self Defense Forces exec | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Matango | Matango | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | King Kong vs. Godzilla | Godzilla (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | King Kong vs. Godzilla | Godzilla | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Gorath | Maguma | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Mothra | Mothra | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Daredevil in the Castle | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Human Vapor | Transitional Vapor Man (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Gigantis, the Fire Monster | Gigantis (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Hidden Fortress | Soldier (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Mysterians | Giant Robot | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean | Godzilla (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Rodan | Rodan / Meganulon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Godzilla, King of the Monsters! | Godzilla (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island | (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | I Live in Fear | Foundry employee (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Invisible Man | Haruo Akita / Invisible Man Akita | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Godzilla | Godzilla | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Seven Samurai | Bandit | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Farewell Rabaul | Soldier (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Eagle of the Pacific | Zero Fighter in Flames (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Mr. Pu | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Sword for Hire | - | Hit | Similar → |
Haruo Nakajima - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Haruo Nakajima?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Haruo Nakajima is "Faces of Horror" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Haruo Nakajima acted in?
Haruo Nakajima has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Haruo Nakajima?
Other notable films include "Godzilla, King of the Monsters", "The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga", and "Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean".