Prime Video has a new comedy champion, and it's causing the kind of international chaos its title promises. Balls Up, starring Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser, has booted its way to the number one spot on Prime Video's global movie chart, according to FlixPatrol. Think Ted Lasso meets The Hangover, but with more bad decisions, more running, and far fewer heartfelt chats over biscuits.
The film follows two American marketing executives who get fired after botching a client sponsorship deal. Instead of sulking, they decide to use their free tickets to a major soccer match—a choice that's about as sensible as wearing cleats on ice. Their drunken antics spiral into a nationwide manhunt, turning what was supposed to be a work trip into a full-blown disaster. The cast includes Molly Shannon, Eva De Dominici, Benjamin Bratt, Daniela Melchior, Eric André, and Chelsey Crisp.
Is 'Balls Up' Worth Watching?
Critics and audiences haven't exactly cheered for this one. On Rotten Tomatoes, it's scored a measly 30% from critics and 27% from audiences. Empire's John Nugent called it a disaster, while Patrick McDonald noted that the greenlight meeting would've been more interesting than the actual movie. Ouch.
But here's the twist: given the PR nightmare surrounding the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Balls Up might just be the perfect cinematic time capsule. The film's synopsis reads: 'In this raunchy, over-the-top comedy, marketing executives Brad (Wahlberg) and Elijah (Hauser) go balls out and pitch a bold full-coverage condom sponsorship with the World Cup. After their drunken celebration in Brazil sparks a global scandal, they must outrun furious fans, criminals, and power-hungry officials to salvage their careers and make it home alive.'
If you're in the mood for a laugh that's more cringe than clever, Balls Up is streaming now on Prime Video. For a more polished comedy experience, check out our list of the 2020s' five comedy masterpieces that redefined laughter. And if you're craving more Prime Video action, Den of Thieves 2: Gerard Butler's Epic Crime Thriller Hits Prime Video in May 2026 might be more your speed.
Meanwhile, Prime Video is also gearing up for 'Bishop,' a gritty crime thriller starring Banshee and Succession alums. But for now, all eyes are on Wahlberg and Hauser's chaotic soccer misadventure.
