[UPDATE]
Despite some initial uncertainty, Godzilla: Minus One is indeed available for Netflix's U.S. subscribers to stream.
The acclaimed 2023 film from Toho was available for the service's U.S. subscribers on June 1, though no advance notice was given by the studio or Netflix in its monthly content update preview. The only notification from Netflix came on Saturday, when the service took to social media to notify U.S. subscribers that Godzilla: Minus One was indeed available to watch immediately.
Additionally, Netflix announced the black and white version of the film, Godzilla: Minus One/Minus Color, will be available on the platform later in the summer.
The belief among some insiders is the deal between Netflix and Toho came together in short order due to the lack of promotion. However, this remains speculation as it is also possible both sides simply wanted to keep the deal quiet to surprise subscribers.
[Original]
While Legendary's MonsterVerse dominates at the box office, but it was Toho's Godzilla Minus One that was all the talk of award season as the longtime Godzilla studio got back to the monster's roots in post-World War 2 Japan. The film is now set to make its debut on streaming after months of waiting, but one major market won't be getting it once available on Netflix.
Godzilla Minus One became available to stream on Netflix internationally to kick off June, with several major markets such as Germany and Australia according to Forbes. However, the film will not be joining Netflix's slate of U.S. offerings as part of its monthly content update and still has no set date for when and what service it will be available to stream on in the U.S.
The film is still available digitally for anyone in the U.S. trying to watch the acclaimed Godzilla film, though it will have to rent or purchase on various storefronts including the Google Play store and Apple TV.
While some fans will likely be disappointed Toho's latest Godzilla film still isn't available on any streaming platforms, it is at least the first time in nearly six months the film will be available to watch outside of theaters in Western markets.
Godzilla Minus One first released in Japan in November 2023 to rave reviews from audiences and critics, alike, who all praised what was effectively a reboot of the original 1954 film. The reception was similar from Western audiences and critics when it released in the U.S. in December 2023.
A New Reign of Terror
The film takes place in post-World War 2 Japan and follows former kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima as he adjusts to life in a war-torn Japan and struggles with PTSD due to his experiences. Specifically, he is haunted by his failures as a pilot and an encounter with a strange monster that destroyed a Japan outpost he landed at under the guise of “mechanical failures” in his plane.
Shikishima is joined by his makeshift family including his girlfriend Noriko Oishi and their adopted daughter Akiko as they try to build a life for themselves in the wake of the war. However, Japan is soon set upon by the monster Shikishima encountered on that island during the war that has since grown to massive size due to nuclear testing in the Pacific and leaves destruction in its wake. The monster's attack prompts Shikishima, along with several of his friends and veterans of the war, to work together in the hopes of finding a way of stopping this monster's path of destruction.
Godzilla Minus One was hailed as one of the best films of 2023 especially for what Toho accomplished on a $10 to $12 million budget, which was considered small for this scale of film. It would be nominated and win various awards following its release between Japan and the U.S., including the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards.
Godzilla Minus One is available to rent or purchase digitally.
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