The French nuclear scientists hold a series of tests in the Pacific Ocean long ago. But now, a Japanese fishing ship was attacked by an unseen monster, from which only one survived. When he is later questioned in the hospital by a mysterious Frenchman, he repeatedly says only one word "Gojira".

NRC scientist Niko "Nick" Tatopolous is called in to investigate the matter, and he quickly arrives at the conclusion that a giant-irradiated lizard known as Godzilla has been created by the nuclear explosions. Then Godzilla makes its way north, landing at Manhattan to begin wreaking havoc in the big city! Even with the combined forces of the US military are going to destroy Godzilla at all costs, but will it ever be enough to save the people of New York?