# Critics hail Godzilla Minus Zero as an emotional, visually spectacular sequel

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/godzilla-minus-zero-first-reactions-go-crazy-for-epic-and-jaw-dropping-sequel-should-be-nominated-for-best-picture/
- Published: 2026-09-27T06:32:28+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-27T12:54:00+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/godzilla-minus-zero-first-reactions-1236875514/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Film, World

## Key points

- Critics call it an epic, emotional sequel.
- Godzilla returns with larger-scale action and battles.
- The film opens in Japan on 3 November and the US on 6 November.

## Summary

First reactions to Takashi Yamazaki’s “Godzilla Minus Zero” have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic following its New York Film Festival press screening. Critics praised the sequel’s epic scale, striking visual effects, intense monster battles and emotional focus on trauma, family and the consequences of war, with some suggesting it deserves major awards recognition, including Best Picture.

The 38th film in the franchise is set in 1949, two years after “Godzilla Minus One”, and follows the Shikishima family as they face a new catastrophe. Kamiki Ryunosuke and Hamabe Minami return, while the film is the first Japanese feature shot for IMAX; it opens in Japan on 3 November and in US cinemas on 6 November.

## Coverage

- [Variety: Critics hail Godzilla Minus Zero as an emotional, visually spectacular sequel](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/godzilla-minus-zero-first-reactions-1236875514/)
- [GamesRadar+: Godzilla Minus Zero review: "Easily one of the best films of the year"](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-movies/godzilla-minus-zero-review/)
- [Polygon: 'Godzilla Minus Zero' Review: The Best Godzilla Movie of All Time — Until Takashi Yamazaki's Next Sequel](https://www.polygon.com/godzilla-minus-zero-review/)
- [Variety: ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Director Champions Franchise’s First R Rating as Sequel Rocks NYFF at World Premiere: ‘Censoring’ the Action ‘Was Not an Option’](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/godzilla-minus-zero-r-rated-takashi-yamazaki-nyff-1236876643/)
- [Variety: ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Review: Godzilla and King Ghidorah Battle to the Death in the Even Grander Follow-Up to ‘Godzilla Minus One’](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/godzilla-minus-zero-review-takashi-yamazaki-nyff-1236876075/)
- [The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Review: Monster Movie Genius Takashi Yamazaki Returns With a Crackling Kaiju Epic Every Bit as Exciting as Its Predecessor](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/godzilla-minus-zero-review-takashi-yamazaki-1236712678/)
- [IGN: Godzilla Minus Zero Review](https://www.ign.com/articles/godzilla-minus-zero-review)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.