LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japanese science-fiction film "Godzilla Minus Zero" opened at the top of the North American box office with an estimated 31.6 million U.S. dollars this weekend, according to data from measurement firm Rentrak on Sunday.
The new monster film, a direct sequel to the 2023 Oscar-winning "Godzilla Minus One" and the 39th installment in the Godzilla franchise, has reportedly set a record for the biggest opening ever for a live-action foreign-language film in North America, surpassing Zhang Yimou's "Hero," which earned 17.8 million dollars in 2004.
The film, distributed in North America by GKIDS, received largely positive reviews from both critics and audiences. It holds a 90 percent approval rating on the review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 170 reviews, and earned an "A" grade on CinemaScore's A+ to F scale, based on audience polling.
Another newcomer, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's fantasy film "The Cat in the Hat," based on the 1957 children's book of the same name, came in second, earning 20.5 million dollars.
Angel Studios' historical musical drama "Drummer Boy" took the No. 3 spot at the box office, bringing in 9.3 million dollars during its opening weekend.
