Release dates, the early IMAX trick, the story, the cast, the R rating and what critics are saying about the sequel to the Oscar-winning Godzilla Minus One.
The big monster is back, and he is bigger. "Godzilla Minus Zero," the sequel to 2023's Oscar-winning "Godzilla Minus One," opens across North America on Friday, November 6, 2026, from distributor GKIDS. Tickets are already on sale.
But you don't have to wait until Friday. Select IMAX theaters will show the film on Tuesday, November 3, which is "Godzilla Day," the birthday of the very first Godzilla movie from 1954. The film's stars and director Takashi Yamazaki also walked the red carpet at its Los Angeles premiere this week.
⚡ Godzilla Minus Zero in 30 seconds
- 📅 U.S. release: Friday, November 6, 2026.
- 🎟️ IMAX early access: Tuesday, November 3 (Godzilla Day).
- 🇯🇵 Japan release: November 3, 2026.
- 🎬 Director: Takashi Yamazaki (Godzilla Minus One).
- ⏱️ Length: about 135 minutes.
- 🔞 Rated R in the U.S., the first Godzilla film to get that rating.
Release dates around the world
| Where | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| World premiere | September 26, 2026 | New York Film Festival |
| UK premiere | October 14, 2026 | BFI London Film Festival |
| Tokyo Film Festival | November 1, 2026 | Centerpiece screening |
| Japan | November 3, 2026 | Godzilla Day |
| U.S. IMAX early access | November 3, 2026 | Select IMAX theaters only |
| U.S. and Canada (wide) | November 6, 2026 | Standard and premium screens |
Wikipedia also lists early IMAX shows in the UK and Mexico on November 3. For other countries, GKIDS says to check godzilla.com for local dates.
What is Godzilla Minus Zero about?
The story takes place in 1949, two years after the events of "Godzilla Minus One." Japan is still rebuilding after the war. The Shikishima family is trying to live a calm life again, until a new disaster breaks their fragile peace. The marketing calls it the final chapter, with a short, scary tagline: there is no third time, and everything ends here.
GKIDS says the movie has much more visual effects work than the first film, but keeps the story focused on people, just like "Minus One" did.
Who is in the cast?
- 🎖️ Ryunosuke Kamiki returns as Kōichi Shikishima, the former kamikaze pilot.
- 💛 Minami Hamabe returns as Noriko Shikishima, now his wife.
- 🔬 Min Tanaka plays Kanji Murakami, a biologist.
- 🧭 Hidetaka Yoshioka plays Kenji Noda, head of a disaster response bureau.
- 🚢 Yuki Yamada, Kuranosuke Sasaki and Sakura Ando also come back.
Is it good? What critics say
Early reviews are very strong. The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney said it is just as exciting as the first film. Most critics say it is bigger and more beautiful than "Minus One." Some say the human story is a little less tight, and a few found the ending weaker. The scores above come from Wikipedia's summary of reviews.
👍 Go see it if…
- You loved Godzilla Minus One.
- You want a true big-screen IMAX event.
- You like monster movies with real emotion.
👎 Think twice if…
- You want a light family movie (it is rated R).
- You don't like subtitles.
- You haven't seen Minus One yet (watch it first).
Why it matters
"Godzilla Minus One" was made for less than $15 million and still won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. It became one of the most successful Japanese films ever. Now Yamazaki is back with a bigger budget, IMAX cameras and a lot more pressure. Boxoffice Pro's tracking expects a U.S. and Canada opening of about $25 to $35 million.
🎬 Read also: Spider-Man: Brand New Day becomes the highest-grossing movie in US history →FAQ
When does Godzilla Minus Zero come out in the US?
It opens wide in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, November 6, 2026. Select IMAX theaters show it early on Tuesday, November 3.
Is Godzilla Minus Zero a sequel to Godzilla Minus One?
Yes. It is set in 1949, two years after Minus One, and brings back the Shikishima family.
Is Godzilla Minus Zero rated R?
Yes. It is the first Godzilla film rated R in the U.S., for some violent content and bloody images.
How long is Godzilla Minus Zero?
It runs about 135 minutes, or 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Is there a new monster in Godzilla Minus Zero? (spoiler)
Spoiler warning: according to Wikipedia's plot summary, a new monster attacks Japan and later turns into King Ghidorah, and Godzilla returns bigger than before.
