Godzilla Minus Zero to Open With $30 Million
The Japanese animated sequel is projected to lead its opening weekend in 3,254 North American theaters, ahead of The Cat in the Hat.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Animation
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Godzilla Minus Zero is on track to earn $30 million from 3,254 North American theaters in its opening weekend, which falls on November 8. The Cat in the Hat is aiming for $20 million to $25 million from 4,000 domestic venues in the same frame.
Why it matters
The projections set up a close contest for the top spot at the U.S. box office, with the anime sequel expected to overindex on premium large formats. For the animated market, the weekend tests whether a Japanese production can compete directly with major family releases.
Godzilla Minus One earned $11.4 million in its domestic opening and $57 million domestically and $113 million globally overall, and the Cat in the Hat carries a $92 million production budget. Final opening figures for the new releases have not yet been reported.
The players
Toho
Toho is a major Japanese film studio and the production company behind the Godzilla franchise.
GKids
GKids is an independent distributor specializing in animated films, handling the U.S. release of Godzilla Minus Zero.
Takashi Yamazaki
Takashi Yamazaki is a Japanese filmmaker who directed the Godzilla Minus One and Minus Zero films.
The details
Godzilla Minus Zero, produced by Japan's Toho and distributed in the U.S. by GKids, is directed by Takashi Yamazaki and takes place two years after the prior installment. Wild Horse Nine opens in roughly 1,000 screens with projected receipts of $5 million to $7 million.
Timeline
November 4: Godzilla Minus Zero and The Cat in the Hat are four days from their November 8 opening.
November 8: Godzilla Minus Zero and The Cat in the Hat open in North American theaters.
November 25: Disney's Hexed launches as the first direct competition for The Cat in the Hat.
Industry Dynamics
Godzilla Minus One earned $11.4 million in its domestic opening and went on to win a visual effects Oscar, establishing a Japanese animated and live-action title as a viable domestic draw. Minus Zero's opening weekend tests whether that performance can be sustained for a sequel.
Godzilla Minus Zero's premium large-format showings will be available in 3,254 North American theaters for audiences choosing that viewing option. The Cat in the Hat opens in 4,000 domestic venues, widening family access to the title on the same weekend.
The takeaway
Opening-weekend projections are forecasts, so readers should watch for actual receipts after November 8 to see whether Godzilla Minus Zero and The Cat in the Hat meet their targets.
What happens next
Opening-weekend box office results for Godzilla Minus Zero and The Cat in the Hat are expected to be reported after the November 8 opening.
Further reading
Explore more animation coverage to see how Godzilla Minus Zero compares with other animated releases.
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