Toho's new Godzilla film premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2026. Titled Godzilla Minus Zero and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the picture debuted with a 97% approval rating from critics on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It is one of the best results in the history of the monster series.
By the numbers, the film trails only two other entries in the franchise: Godzilla vs. Destoroyah from 1995, which scored a perfect 100%, and its predecessor Godzilla Minus One from 2023, which holds 99%. Following the warm reception, talk has turned to a possible Academy Award nomination, a rare prospect for films about giant monsters.
Critics point to the film's bleak tone, large-scale special effects and strong dramatic storyline. Boris Kit, critic for The Hollywood Reporter, called it the most epic film of the year.
The most epic film I have seen all year.
— Boris Kit
Other critics have also praised the film highly. Courtney Howard noted not only its spectacle but also a thoughtful human story with emotional depth. In Bill Bria's view, the filmmakers took the best elements of the previous installment and strengthened them, particularly in the action on screen and the acting.
Some reviewers point to a shift in tone. Hunter Golding observed that the new film devotes less time to melodrama and focuses more on destruction. Meanwhile, Peter Howell of the Toronto Star writes that themes of collective guilt, grief and revenge remain central. The film opens in theaters on November 3, 2026.
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