First Godzilla Minus Zero Reactions Surface Online — And They're Glowing
by Devin Meenan · /FilmAdd SlashFilm on Google:
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"Godzilla Minus Zero" is one of the most anticipated blockbusters of 2026. A direct sequel to the acclaimed 2023 film "Godzilla Minus One," the film features the return of director Takashi Yamazaki and the main human cast of "Minus One." That's exciting news because, unlike many other kaiju films, the human drama of "Godzilla Minus One" was part of its strength. Set in post World War II Japan, the main human lead of "Minus One" was Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a kamikaze pilot who shirked from his duty and must live with dishonor and survivor's guilt.
Godzilla was apparently vanquished at the end of "Godzilla Minus One," but a brief tag showed he was regenerating. That open door is now fulfilled by "Godzilla Minus Zero," which, following its September 26 premiere at the New York Film Festival, is garnering substantial acclaim. In his "Godzilla Minus Zero" review, /Film's Jeremy Mathai described the sequel as "a visual treat and technical wonder," but one that "falls slightly short of 'Minus One.'"
Inverse's (and /Film editor emeritus) Hoai-Tran Bui posted, "I cried, I gasped, and when Godzilla's main theme came on I clapped like a baby seal." Elsewhere, critic David Gonzalez wrote that "Minus Zero" is "A Kaiju-sized W of a sequel!" and that "'a Godzilla movie has never made me cry' can officially be crossed off my bingo card."
Brandon Lewis had an identical reaction, writing he "never thought I'd cry to Godzilla" as he referred to "Minus Zero" as "an overwhelming achievement of kaiju filmmaking," "an emotional wallop," and "jaw-dropping spectacle." Amy Kim also noted that "Godzilla Minus Zero" "reduced [her] to a sobbing mess," adding that, "It is a glorious continuation of the first film, taking its themes & character arcs to new heights."
Critics are calling Godzilla Minus Zero a triumphant sequel
"'Awe-inspiring' isn't just wonder but fearful respect. That is 'GODZILLA MINUS ZERO,'" to quote Eric Francisco, who called the movie "another masterpiece from Takashi Yamazaki." Similarly, Jacob Fisher of DiscussingFilm declared that "['Godzilla Minus Zero' is a] phenomenal blockbuster with stunning spectacle & a lot to say."
Echoing that, Joblo.com proclaimed that "Minus Zero" is the "BEST followup [Godzilla] Film to date: "This Kaiju experience needs to be seen in IMAX!" Edward Douglas added that "Critics say this a lot but ['Godzilla Minus Zero'] must be seen on the big screen... buy those imax tix early!" Elsewhere, Marissa Hill of Shade TV advised, "Strongly recommend watching ['Godzilla: Minus Zero'] in IMAX or Dolby: bring your earplugs, because the King of Monsters has never looked or sounded this grand."
As for IndieWire Chief Film Critic David Ehrlich, he called "Minus Zero" "better than 'Godzilla Minus One' in almost every way (especially re: thematic coherence & special fx)." Building on that, critic Dancin' Dan argued that the movie is "Just as elegantly filmed and emotional as 'Minus One,' with even more awe-inspiring action and sociopolitical relevance."
The spectrum of these early reactions suggest there might be a split on whether "Godzilla Minus Zero" equals, surpasses, or falls slightly short of "Godzilla Minus One," but no one seems to be calling it anything less than a triumph on its own terms.
"Godzilla Minus Zero" is set for theatrical release in Japan on November 3, 2026, to be followed by a U.S. release on November 6.