Godzilla Minus Zero Sets Foreign Language Opening Record

Audiences paid $63 million for tickets to Godzilla Minus Zero over the weekend, making it the highest-grossing film globally. The Japanese monster sequel also generated $31.6 million in North America, a figure that sets a new record for the opening of a live-action foreign-language film in the United States and Canada.

This performance eclipsed the previous benchmark of $17.8 million, which Zhang Yimou’s Hero recorded in 2002. The release, distributed by GKIDS, earned a 90% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore from viewers. Premium large-format theaters, including Dolby locations, captured 74% of the film’s domestic revenue. This share exceeds the 53% recorded for The Odyssey during its own launch.

Imax screens contributed $21.3 million to the global total, representing 34% of the film’s earnings. This marks the largest global Imax debut for a Japanese title. Within North America, Imax venues delivered $12.7 million across 429 locations. Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, identified the movie as Japan’s first Filmed For Imax release. In Japan, the film generated $4 million in Imax screenings, the largest opening for that format in the country.

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend ranked second worldwide with a studio-reported $55.7 million. The Indian epic, directed by Namit Malhotra and Nitesh Tiwari, sold more than 11 million tickets, making it the most-watched film of the period. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, the film achieved a Diwali opening record for an Indian production. It was distributed by Sony Pictures and Prime Focus Studios in association with Monster Mind Creations and DNEG.

The release reached more than 130 countries and 10,000 screens, with dialogue available in 17 dubbed languages. This represents the widest rollout attempted for an Indian film. India generated $32 million, while North America supplied $12.2 million. The North American figure ranks second among Indian film openings, trailing only the $14 million debut of Dhurandhar The Revenge in March. Imax screens added $6 million globally, setting a record for the format for an Indian film.

Further international releases are scheduled through the month. Indonesia opens on Nov. 11, while Hong Kong, Mexico, and Central Asia follow on Nov. 12. Brazil, Italy, Ukraine, and Hungary are set for Nov. 19. Poland opens on Nov. 20. Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Czechia, and Central America are scheduled for Nov. 26.

Warner Bros.’ animated The Cat in the Hat placed third with $30.5 million worldwide, including $20.5 million domestically. Trafalgar Releasing’s Stray Kids World Tour 'Run It' Live Viewing earned $13.9 million. Warner Bros.’ DC release Clayface completed the top five with $13.4 million.