When Kaiju fans are still feverish with the latest trailer of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, there is still one more Godzilla who’s terrorizing the US box office, leaving traces of its rampage everywhere. Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One is the latest kaiju movie about the iconic radioactive giant, and it is hailed as one of the best in history as well.
Ever since its theatrical release, Godzilla Minus One has always had a place in the top five of the domestic box office. The movie quickly gained favorable reviews from both fans and critics for its simple yet rich storyline, and brilliant actors performances. It recently passed yet another milestone in the US box office, making it one of the most successful live-action foreign films in history.
#1. Godzilla Minus One Reaches Yet Another Milestone
Source: Toho Studios
Godzilla Minus One immediately made some big strides right from the start, earning $ 11,4 million in the first three days at the US box office, passing even the animated sensation Demon Slayer: Infinity Train Arc in 2020. The kaiju movie has now grossed over $40 million domestically and $74 million worldwide, thus becoming the sixth highest-grossing live-action foreign language movie in North America.
Since then, the movie continues to gross $2.7 million in its fourth weekend, and the numbers are expected to rise even more after the extended Christmas holiday weekend. For a movie with a budget of only $15 million, which is less than a 10th of Legendary’s latest blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla Minus One is having an incredibly successful run worldwide and exceeding all expectations.
#2. The Reviews For Godzilla Minus One Is Also Incredibly Positive
Source: Toho Studios
For a film with such a humble budget, Godzilla Minus One does unexpectedly well in delivering the spectacular destruction sequences, the exploding effects, and of course, Godzilla’s design. The movie’s plot is also widely praised for its focus on the post-war malaise and Japan’s recovery after the war, moving forward to face the threats in the form of a gigantic radioactive monster.
Godzilla Minus One scores an astonishing 98% on both Tomatometer and Audience Score, making it the highest-scoring kaiju movie ever on the acclaimed website. It also strikes an A CinemaScore from opening day audiences, with many believing it’s “one of the best Godzilla films ever made”, and it will hoard a bunch of awards in the upcoming Academy Award ceremony.
#3. Godzilla Minus One’s Summary
Source: Toho Studios
Godzilla Minus One tells the story of the ex-kamikaze pilot Shikishima, who fled from the army to return to Tokyo, only to find his parents dead due to the bombing. He then worked as a minesweeper and began supporting Noriko, a woman who also lost her parents during the bombing, and an orphaned baby named Akiko.
Meanwhile, Godzilla was mutated by the US nuclear tests, and is heading to Japan. Shikishima and the rest of the minesweeper squad must find a way to stop the kaiju from wreaking any more havoc. The film focuses a lot of Shikishima’s character development, and how he overcomes his survivor’s guilt during the fight with Godzilla.
#4. Godzilla Successfully Elevates The Recent Kaiju Trend In Hollywood
Source: Toho Studios
Ever since the first Godzilla movie in 1954, Godzilla Minus One is the 37th movie about the iconic monster. The movie successfully rides the current wave of kaiju sensation, with Legendary’s MonsterVerse being the prime example. A new ambitious kaiju movie, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, is set to release in 2024.
Do you think Godzilla Minus One is the best kaiju movie of all time? Share your thoughts in the comment section.