Godzilla Minus Zero Sets New Box Office Record for Foreign Films
The Japanese sequel opened with $31.6 million domestically, surpassing previous records for non-English productions.
By Amit Chukwu ·
Godzilla Minus Zero earned an estimated $31.6 million at the North American box office over the weekend. This performance sets a new record for the biggest opening by a live-action foreign-language film in the region. The film takes the number one spot ahead of Warner Bros. animated release The Cat in the Hat.
The Japanese sequel was directed by Takashi Yamazaki and produced by Toho. It continues the story from the 2023 Oscar-winning film Godzilla Minus One. The new installment is set in post-World War II Japan, returning the franchise to its original setting. The production cost is reported to be less than $20 million.
Distribution in North America is handled by GKIDS. The film marks a major increase in opening numbers for the distributor. It surpasses the previous milestone set by Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron. The film also beats the record for a non-English live-action opening held by Zhang Yimou's Hero, which debuted with $17.8 million in 2004.
Theaters in North America generated $31.6 million for the weekend. Worldwide, the film collected approximately $63 million. Japan contributed an estimated $17 million to that total, with the film opening on November 3 to coincide with the franchise's 72nd anniversary. IMAX screenings alone accounted for about $12.7 million of the global revenue.
The predecessor film, Godzilla Minus One, launched with roughly $11.4 million in North America. It eventually collected $57.1 million in the region. The new sequel has received positive responses from critics and audiences. Premium format screenings and favorable reviews have driven strong ticket sales in the initial release window.
