And now the first reactions are already in, and they have turned out to be remarkably positive.
After press screenings and the world premiere at the New York Film Festival, critics began talking about the jaw-dropping spectacle and emotional power of the picture.
The film became the first Japanese movie shot specifically for IMAX screens, and the first "Godzilla" with an R rating in 70 years.
The action unfolds two years after the events of the original, in 1949: Japan is trying to recover from war and monsters, but Godzilla returns — larger, fiercer, and fully regenerated.
Reviewers praise not only the large-scale destruction and battles, but also the way the film preserves its human center — the themes of trauma, hatred, and hope for the future.
"Godzilla Minus Zero is king! One of the greatest sequels of all time," wrote Anthony Orlando of Digital Trends.
Brendon Lewis of Fandom Wire noted: "Never thought I'd cry over Godzilla."
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds 92 % from critics and 96 % from audiences, and on Metacritic — 78 points.
Audiences call the picture a worthy continuation that amplifies the spectacle without losing empathy for ordinary people confronting the forces of nature.
Many recommend seeing it specifically in IMAX: the sound and scale are especially impressive there.
Can a kaiju film simultaneously astonish and move you to tears — that is no longer a question.
