The last decade has been very good toGodzillafans. The famous Japanese kaiju has roared back to life in Legendary’s Hollywood MonsterVerse, but every so often, Japan delivers its own vision of the iconic Titan — and one of those, 2016’sShin Godzilla(Godzilla: Resurgence), is widely considered one of the best Godzilla filmsever made. Now, U.S. audiences are about to experience it in the highest quality possible, thanks to a newly announced streaming deal and a theatrical return.
GKIDS has acquired North American distribution rights and will release a never-before-seen4K remaster ofShin Godzillain theaters today, giving fans a chance to see its city-levelling destruction on the big screen before it stomps onto HBO Max in 4K. The streaming arrival is part of GKIDS’ expanded partnership with HBO Max, which also includes 20 additional live-action and animated titles. The first wave of content hits the platform July 13, 2025, withShin Godzillaset to follow sometime in late 2025 or 2026.
Directed byHideaki Anno(Neon Genesis Evangelion) andShinji Higuchi(Bullet Train Explosion),Shin Godzillareimagines the legendary monster’s origins with a story that plays likean alien invasion thriller. Japanese authorities scramble to respond when a massive, ever-evolving creature surfaces in Tokyo, leaving destruction in its wake. The film is part of a “Shin” trilogy that also includesShin Ultraman(co-directed byHiguchi) andShin Kamen Rider( directed byAnno), reinterpreting iconic Japanese heroes for modern audiences.
How Good Is ‘Shin Godzilla’?
GKIDS presidentDavid Jesteadtcalled the movie “a modern masterpiece,” adding:
“With an incredibly timely story of people struggling to work together to stop imminent destruction, backed by some of the most explosive action scenes the franchise has ever seen,Shin Godzillais a modern masterpiece. We are honored to play a part in bringing the film back for American fans, better than ever.”
Upon release,Shin Godzillagrossed $79 million worldwide and held the crown as the highest-grossing entry in the franchise until it was overtaken byGodzilla Minus Onelast year. The film’s 86% critics score and 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes speak to its enduring appeal, with many praising its blend of striking visual effects, politically charged satire, and genre-redefining monster action.
Godzilla’s big-screen future is far from over. The MonsterVerse will continue in 2027 withGodzilla x Kong: Supernova, directed byGrant Sputore(I Am Mother) and featuringKaitlyn Dever(The Last of Us),Dan Stevens(Downton Abbey),Jack O’Connell(28 Years Later),Delroy Lindo(Sinners), andSam Neill(Jurassic World Dominion). Meanwhile,a follow-up toGodzilla Minus Oneis in early development, with directorTakashi Yamazakiteasing that its story may take place in real time relative to the first film’s events.
Shin Godzillais in theaters now and will hit HBO Max in 2025 or 2026.
Shin Godzilla
Japan is plunged into chaos upon the appearance of a giant monster.
