See the 1954 original (not the US version with the ridiculous Raymon Burr edits); it's not at all silly, but a serious film with Godzilla being the dangers of the atomic age.
Then follow up with the completely silly King King vs. Godzilla (1962). Be prepared, because it is the ultimate in cheese. (Love me some cheese!)
Take in a few of the classic "fight" movies— Mothra, Mechagodzilla, Gamera— which pretty much exist as an excuse to have guys in big rubber monster suits stomp around a miniaturized Japan, kicking everything apart until one "wins" and they both leave. (Godzilla as professional wrestler.) The poll is about these. (You will note that in many of these, Godzilla is the hero, a protective force defending Japan— quite a switch from his origins!)
Then put your serious hat on and see the recent Godzilla Minus One, and prepare for a story which will kick you in the gut, but restore your sense of hope at the end. It is supremely well acted, and is about the aftermath of war and learning to find community, friendship, and love, even in the midst of great hardship. And yes, Godzilla thoroughly belongs in the film. It's the best movie I've seen in years. Should have won the Oscar for best picture, hands down. They gave it a tech Oscar for special effects— which it earned. But it should have been nominated for more. In Japanese with English subtitles— no bad dubbing. (There is also a black-and-white version for a throwback feel, but the original release is in color, and what I saw.)
