King Kong is a fictional giant monster resembling a gorilla, who has appeared in various media since 1933. The character has since become an international pop culture icon, appearing in several movies and television series as well as repeatedly crossing over with the Godzilla franchise. King Kong has inspired a number of imitators, parodies, cartoons, books, comics, video games, theme park rides, and a stage play. He was conceived and created by Merian C. Cooper.