The Queue
These soccer films are the best medicine for anyone with World Cup fever.
If you can’t tell from reading our website over the past couple of weeks, we’ve got World Cup fever here at Boston.com. I’ve had the extreme privilege of attending all five games at Gillette Stadium “Boston Stadium” alongside Assistant Sports Editor Hayden Bird, and I’ve loved every minute.
A few weeks ago, Hayden made a guest appearance in The Queue to share some of his favorite soccer movies to get readers in the World Cup spirit. Now that the Scottish fans have further whipped Boston into a footballing frenzy, I invited Hayden back to discuss a few more soccer movies – this time focusing on the silly, the strange, and the sublime. (Be sure to subscribe to his World Cup newsletter as well!)
4 of the weirdest, most absurd soccer movies streaming now
“Shaolin Soccer” (2001): If you were ever curious what it would look like if someone combined soccer with Shaolin kung fu, this movie will have everything you’ll ever want. Released in 2001 in Hong Kong, it was already a cult classic overseas before reaching U.S. theaters in 2004. Officially labeled a “sports comedy,” it doesn’t take itself too seriously. (Paramount+, Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel)
“Diamantino” (2018): One of the more creative soccer-related films made in the last decade, “Diamantino” is a political satire centering around a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque Portuguese superstar whose whimsy and morality grounds the story (and distinguishes him from his real-life counterpart). The film touches on subjects that ring ominously familiar for present-day audiences, but remains comedically approachable. (Kanopy, Hoopla)
“Mike Bassett: England Manager” (2001): Since we recommended “An Impossible Job” in our previous list, we had to add “Mike Bassett,” a satirical homage to “Impossible Job,” this time around. Cameos from Pele and Ronaldo Nazario and an origin story rooted in Norwich City (my favorite English club) make this one especially endearing to me. (The Roku Channel)
“United Passions” (2014): Do I have reservations about actually “recommending” this utter garbage? Sure. But readers, stay with me on this one. It’s a historically bad film that’s appointment viewing for exactly that reason. With a budget of more than $30 million and a recognizable cast (Tim Roth, Sam Neill, and Gérard Depardieu), it grossed a laughable $918 in its opening weekend. (Tubi, The Roku Channel, Plex, The CW)
Play or Skip
Have a show you can’t stop watching? Email me about it at [email protected], and your recommendation may appear in a future edition of The Queue.
Press play on these new movies and shows:
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” (2025): It’s the weakest of the Avatar series yet, but there’s no one doing it like James Cameron. Special mention to Oona Chaplin (granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin!) for playing Varang, the unhinged leader of the fire tribe. (Disney+)
“Superman” (2025): I unfortunately cannot recommend you go see the new DC movie “Supergirl” (read my full review here), but if you’re jonesing for some Clark Kent in your life, I really enjoyed James Gunn’s reboot last year. (HBO Max)
“The Bear” Season 5: After a decline in quality over the past two seasons, “The Bear” is back with renewed focus for its finale. The brisk eight-episode season gets back to the high-stakes, humorous feel of its early episodes, as Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) steps back from the restaurant he took to new heights. (Hulu)
But go ahead and skip this one:
“Little Brother” (2026): Despite a game cast of comedians and a willing straight man performance from John Cena, this buddy comedy is short on laughs. (Netflix)
End Credits
That’s a wrap on this edition of The Queue. If you’re a fan, please consider recommending this newsletter to your friends.
Until next time, good stream hunting, everyone!
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