Godzilla Minus Zero Leads North American Box Office

Godzilla Minus Zero took the top spot in North American theaters on Friday, earning $14.5 million from 3,254 locations. The sequel is projected to reach about $32 million for the weekend, ahead of distributor expectations in the mid-$20 millions. Its opening is being described as the strongest for a live-action foreign-language film since Hero debuted in 2004, with that film opening to $17.8 million. Godzilla Minus Zero also received an A CinemaScore from audiences.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the movie follows postwar Japan as it faces attacks by the three-headed Ghidorah and the possibility that Godzilla will return. The sequel follows Godzilla Minus One, which opened domestically to $11.4 million in 2023 and ultimately earned $57.1 million in North America.

The Cat in the Hat placed second, collecting $6 million from 4,003 theaters Friday, including previews. Its weekend estimate is around $18 million, below the studio’s initial $20 million target. The animated film, directed by Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, stars Bill Hader as the cat and received an A CinemaScore. Reviewers have been less enthusiastic, giving it a 45 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

Drummer Boy ranked third with $3.39 million Friday and is projected to reach $7.9 million for the weekend. You Can See Everything took fourth with $2.55 million, while Wild Horse Nine followed with $2.47 million. Ramayana: Rise of a Legend earned $2.4 million Friday and is expected to finish the weekend at $7.3 million.