Japanese science‑fiction film Godzilla Minus Zero opened at the top of the North American box office with an estimated US$31.6 million in its first weekend, according to data from measurement firm Rentrak, as reported by Xinhua on Monday, November 9. The new monster film, a direct sequel to the 2023 Oscar‑winning “Godzilla Minus One” and the 39th installment in the Godzilla franchise, has reportedly set a record for the biggest opening ever for a live‑action foreign‑language film in North America, surpassing Zhang Yimou’s “Hero,” which earned US$17.8 million in 2004.
GKIDS distributed the film in North America and says it has received largely positive responses from both critics and audiences. It holds a 90 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 170 reviews, and earned an “A” grade on CinemaScore’s A+ to F scale, as reported by Xinhua.
Record‑Setting Release
The record‑breaking opening was tracked by Rentrak, a leading box‑office measurement firm, which reported that Godzilla Minus Zero earned an estimated US$31.6 million during its first weekend. The figure eclipses the previous record for a foreign‑language live‑action film in North America, held by Zhang Yimou’s “Hero,” which opened with US$17.8 million in 2004.
“Godzilla Minus Zero” extends the Godzilla legacy—its predecessor, the 2023 film “Godzilla Minus One,” earned a significant amount and received an Academy Award for Best Picture. The sequel’s success suggests sustained domestic interest in the franchise, even as it operates in a foreign‑language format.
Distribution and Reception
GKIDS, a distributor known for bringing Japanese anime to Western audiences, handled the film’s distribution in North America. Reviews for the film have been predominantly favorable. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 90‑percent approval rating, and CinemaScore indicates an “A” grade based on audience polling. The film’s reception appears to have mirrored the success of its predecessor, which also enjoyed strong reviews.
In addition to the box‑office dominance of Godzilla Minus Zero, two other releases led the chart that week. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s fantasy film, The Cat in the Hat, which is based on the 1957 children’s book of the same name, came in second, earning an estimated US$20.5 million. Angel Studios’ historical musical drama, Drummer Boy, took the No. 3 spot with an opening‑week total of US$9.3 million.
Open Questions and Future Outlook
While the opening‑week figures for Godzilla Minus Zero are confirmed, there remains no official word on its projected total gross, how it will fare in subsequent weeks, or how it will impact the broader live‑action foreign‑language market. Analysts are watching to see whether the film can sustain its opening momentum, with Xinhua noting that the high initial earnings are only the first indicator. The success of the film could open doors for further Japanese live‑action imports, though no concrete development plans have been announced.
It is also unclear whether the strong performance of the franchise’s predecessor, which received an Academy Award, will influence the marketing strategies for future projects. GKIDS’ approach to distribution—focusing heavily on niche audiences—might be reassessed if the film’s longevity proves more successful than anticipated.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Angel Studios continue to promote their own releases, and it remains to be seen if further sales gains will reinforce or reshape the competitive landscape for foreign‑language films in the North American market.
