I find it sad that some can’t understand why adults might like this film. For me it’s nostalgic. I remember watching the version released in theaters in the 70s in the US when I was a boy and much later with my sons on tv. Now my grandsons are following along. It was a great laugh when the two titans clashed. Kong grinding a tree into Godzilla’s mouth had me in stitches. I loved anything Kong.

Here’s the box office results for the original.

In Japan, this film has the highest box office attendance figures of all of the Godzilla films to date. It sold 11.2 million tickets during its initial theatrical run, accumulating ¥352 million in distribution rental earnings.[76][2] The film was the fourth highest-grossing film in Japan that year, behind The Great Wall (Shin no shikōtei), Sanjuro, and 47 Samurai and was Toho's second biggest moneymaker.[77] At an average 1962 Japanese ticket price, 11.2 million ticket sales were equivalent to estimated gross receipts of approximately ¥1.29 billion78.[3] Including re-releases, the film accumulated a lifetime figure of 12.6 million tickets sold in Japan,[79] with distribution rental earnings of ¥430 million.[80][81] The 1970 re-release sold 870,000 tickets,[58] equivalent to estimated gross receipts of approximately ¥280 million78.[3] The 1977 re-release sold 480,000 tickets,[58] equivalent to estimated gross receipts of approximately ¥440 million78.[3] This adds up to total estimated Japanese gross receipts of approximately ¥2 billion ($6 million). In the United States, the film grossed $2.7 million,[5] accumulating a profit (via rentals) of $1.25 million.[82] In France, where it released in 1976, the film sold 554,695 tickets,[68] equivalent to estimated gross receipts of approximately €1,497,68083.[84] This adds up to total estimated gross receipts of approximately $10,367,650 worldwide.

1962 King Kong vs. Godzilla