After months of uncertainty, fans of Godzilla can now watch the film “Godzilla Minus One” on streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV, and Google Play. The movie, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, was released in theaters on December 1, 2023, and grossed $112 million worldwide. It went on to win the 2024 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, making it the first Godzilla film to be nominated for an Oscar in its seven-decade history.
In his acceptance speech at the Oscars, Yamazaki mentioned being inspired by Hollywood films like Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He expressed gratitude for the recognition received for “Godzilla Minus One”, a feat that seemed out of reach to him growing up in Japan. The movie’s success has been a milestone for the franchise and a testament to Yamazaki’s talent as a filmmaker.
“Godzilla Minus One” is currently available for streaming on Netflix worldwide, with the exception of Japan and France. The film can be enjoyed with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages in North America. Additionally, viewers can purchase or rent the film on digital VOD platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Google Play for a fee. The release of the film on streaming services comes after much anticipation and speculation among fans.
The delay in the streaming release was due in part to a contractual agreement between Toho, the Japanese studio behind Godzilla, and Legendary Entertainment, the studio that licensed the character. Under the agreement, Toho cannot release their Godzilla films in the same year as a Legendary production, such as the 2024 film “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”. Despite these challenges, “Godzilla Minus One” has managed to capture the attention of audiences globally.
While the film premiered in Japan in November 2023 and briefly ran in U.S. theaters, it was removed from cinemas in February 2024 to avoid overlap with “Godzilla x Kong” release. Toho’s decision to prioritize the success of both films is understandable given the popularity of both franchises. “Godzilla Minus One” has also had a previous home video release in Japan, further expanding its reach to audiences worldwide.
Fans of Godzilla can now enjoy “Godzilla Minus One” from the comfort of their homes, thanks to its availability on streaming platforms and VOD services. With its stunning visual effects and captivating storyline, the film has cemented itself as a standout entry in the Godzilla franchise. Yamazaki’s vision and dedication to the project have paid off, leading to critical acclaim and a strong following among fans of the King of Monsters.
