Next Goal Wins

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Next Goal Wins

PG-13

Released Nov 17, 2023

1h 44m

Comedy

Sports

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Popcornmeter

46%

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169 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world's worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

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Critics Consensus

Next Goal Wins finds director/co-writer Taika Waititi with his heart in the right place, even if his crowd-pleasing aim has noticeably strayed from its target.

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Audience Says

Next Goal Wins is a funny, feel-good film that doesn't do anything new with the standard inspirational sports movie formula, but it'll move you with its heartwarming message anyway.

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Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

Waititi’s willed clunkiness grows ever harder to distinguish from a genuine lack of craft. The ad hoc compositions couldn’t be further from the precision of Wes Anderson, who he’s mimicked in the past.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 29, 2023

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Jonathan Romney

Financial Times

Next Goal Wins presents ineptitude almost as an exalted state, but its own mediocrity remains decidedly earthbound. This is comedy played on a very soggy pitch.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 24, 2023

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

It is impossible not to think of high Paddywhackery such as Wild Mountain Thyme. And it took four years to get this thing into cinemas? Faith and begorrah (or the Southern Pacific equivalent)!

Rated: 2/5

Dec 23, 2023

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Karl Puschmann

New Zealand Herald

While the film may stick rigidly to the genre playbook, that doesn’t mean Waititi isn’t having some fun with it. He’s playing by the rules, but has still found room to be creative.

Feb 12, 2025

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Ganesh Aaglave

Firstpost

…The show stealer is Oscar Kightley aka Tavita, who lits up the screens with his wit and bang-on comic timing along with some emotional scenes. The rest of the cast perfectly fits the bill.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 23, 2024

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Francesca Steele

iNews.co.uk

Completely fails to charm.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 11, 2024

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Malaki

Enjoyable, but felt like every underdog story with a leading actor to star in.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/22/23

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Patrick

Really funny, sweet and touching movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/06/23

Full Review

Joshua

Wasn't half bad. Very paint by numbers but situated in an interesting location.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/05/23

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Emanuel

it was funny underdog sports movie, surprised to learn it was based off a true true story

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/04/23

Full Review

Bella

Rotten tomatoes got this wrong (again). This movie was fantastic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/23

Full Review

Chelsea

Heartwarming tell! Loved it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/02/23

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Taika Waititi

Director

Michael Fassbender

Thomas Rongen

Oscar Kightley

Tavita

Kaimana

Jaiyah

David Fane

Ace

Rachel House

Ruth

Next Goal Wins: Extended Preview

9:11

Next Goal Wins: Exclusive Movie Clip - Haka War Dance

1:12

Next Goal Wins: Movie Clip - It's Torture Coaching This Team

1:09

Next Goal Wins: Movie Clip - Just One Goal

1:03

Next Goal Wins: Movie Clip - A Warm American Samoan Welcome

1:30

Next Goal Wins: Movie Clip - Trust Is Broken

0:59

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Next Goal Wins: Trailer 2

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Next Goal Wins: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world's worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

Director: Taika Waititi
Producer: Jonathan Cavendish, Garrett Basch, Taika Waititi, Mike Brett, Steve Jamison
Screenwriter: Taika Waititi, Iain Morris
Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Production Co: Archer's Mark, Imaginarium Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Crude Material)
Genre: Comedy, Sports
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2023, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 16, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.7M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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