Godzilla movies have always been fairly popular, but 2023’s Godzilla Minus One helped expand the franchise’s reach. Even before the re-releases and awards came into play, it seemed clear director/writer Takashi Yamazaki wanted to do more, which is coming in Godzilla Minus Zero.
Picking up two years after the last one, the sequel sees Godzilla resurface and a fully regrown body. Once again rampaging throughout Japan, the humans from the first film reunite to help the Japanese government figure out how to deal with Godzilla for good this time—assuming it’s the actual monster they should worry about.
Godzilla Minus Zero won’t be out for a little over a month, but critics and others got to share their thoughts after it screened at the New York Film Festival on Saturday morning. Social impressions aren’t reviews, but for those looking forward to the sequel, it sounds like it’ll give you everything you want and then some, as much of the buzz (as seen below) is pretty glowing.
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO takes some of the most bold swings I’ve seen a sequel take – and they all land incredibly well. Such a brilliant deep dive into the facets of trauma & never-ending cycles of war/hatred.
A phenomenal blockbuster with stunning spectacle & a lot to say. pic.twitter.com/P6EUJpMZzl
— Jacob (@JacobFisherDF) September 26, 2026
GODZILLA: MINUS ZERO reduced me to a sobbing mess. It is a glorious continuation of the first film, taking its themes & character arcs to new heights. The spectacle is somehow topped in sheer WTF value, but it’s the beauty of the central found family that truly stands out. pic.twitter.com/XzWH7A2Sr2
— Amy Kim (@AmyHayneKim) September 26, 2026
Godzilla Minus Zero is an overwhelming achievement of kaiju filmmaking. Aside from the jaw-dropping spectacle, Takashi Yamazaki packs in an emotional wallop, as the characters grapple with lingering trauma and their duties to the future. Never thought I’d cry to Godzilla. #NYFF64 pic.twitter.com/YCUnByPj0S
— Brandon Lewis @ NYFF (@blewis1103) September 26, 2026
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO is everything a blockbuster should be. Takashi Yamazaki delivers with a sweeping epic that masterfully blends a powerful emotional core with thrilling action and gargantuan spectacle. pic.twitter.com/hBQPtK2KAD
— Diego Andaluz (@thediegoandaluz) September 26, 2026
Very pleased to say Godzilla Minus Zero is breath-taking. Bigger and broader than Minus One, with spectacular action that puts the human toll at the forefront and a seriously affecting exploration of post-war trauma. This is one of my new favourites of the year. Review to come! pic.twitter.com/0rU9CJYLrg
— Molly Edwards (@mollycedwards7) September 26, 2026
GODZILLA MINUS ZERO: we’re so back!!!!!!!! I cried, I gasped, and when Godzilla’s main theme came on I clapped like a baby seal pic.twitter.com/BktFt3RKGd
— Hoai-Tran Bui (@htranbui) September 26, 2026
I'll get into the nitty gritty of GODZILLA MINUS ZERO in a review later but I think the most salient point I can make is that the kaiju action is FUCKING SIIIIICK DUDE #NYFF
— Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) September 26, 2026
For North Americans not at NYFF, there’s a chance to see Godzilla Minus Zero early. Japan gets the film on November 3, aka Godzilla Day, and select AMC Theaters are getting early access IMAX screenings on that day. At time of writing, specific locations and tickets aren’t available yet—and if you don’t live near one of the locations, the film comes out a few days later on November 6.
Want more io9 news? Check out the best movies and TV shows to stream this month and all the upcoming sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books that should be on your radar.
