Godzilla Minus One sets a new first-time world record due to its simultaneous success on VOD and streaming. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the new Godzilla movie was released in theaters in November, chronicling the rise and destructive path of the titular monster in post-war Japan. The Godzilla Minus One reviews were glowing from audiences and critics alike, and the film ended up becoming a surprise success at the box office.

According to a new report from IndieWire, Godzilla Minus One is now the first film in history to occupy the number one spot on both Netflix and iTunes simultaneously. The new record comes only days after the film had a surprise release on the streaming service, quickly shooting to the number one spot. Clearly, audiences are enjoying Yamazaki’s movie at home just as much as in theaters.

Godzilla Minus One’s Success Explained

Toho’s New Godzilla Movie Connected With Audiences

For many audiences, especially those in North America, Godzilla Minus One began life as a somewhat under-the-radar Toho project. Legendary’s Monsterverse movies, after all, are dominant in the monster movie space. The early reviews for Godzilla Minus One, however, teased that this movie was something different and something special, boasting incredible visual effects and a more evil and destructive version of the title monster than some may have been familiar with.

Godzilla Minus One wasn’t just a hit with critics, though, and audiences ended up turning up for the film in theaters. Godzilla Minus One‘s box office haul currently sits at $115.9 million worldwide. While this may pale in comparison to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire‘s $567.5 million, Yamazaki made his movie on a budget reported to be just under $15 million. For comparison, Godzilla x Kong‘s budget is estimated to be about $135 million, making it the least expensive Monsterverse movie so far.

The success of Yamazaki’s movie means there has already been talk of a Godzilla Minus One 2. If the box office and critical response to the film wasn’t enough of an indication, the new VOD and streaming record is further proof that there is demand to see alternative takes on the iconic monster. While it’s unclear what the timeline for a sequel will be, viewers are evidently now enjoying watching Godzilla Minus One from the comfort of their own homes.

Source: IndieWire