Netflix has long dominated the streaming landscape, but in 2026, the platform is setting its sights on the ultimate prestige: an Academy Award. To qualify for Oscar consideration, Netflix has been rolling out select films in theaters before they hit the service. One of those titles, the World War II drama The Mosquito Bowl, is now facing an uphill battle—not just with critics, but with theater owners.
Directed by Peter Berg, The Mosquito Bowl is based on Buzz Bissinger's acclaimed nonfiction book about a legendary football game played by U.S. Marines during WWII. The film opened in 349 theaters on October 30, grossing $455,000 in its debut. By its second weekend, it added just $105,000, bringing its total to $756,400. But the bigger story is that 40 theaters dropped the film in week two, a clear sign of waning interest.
The movie follows four college football stars who enlist in the Marines after Pearl Harbor. As they prepare for the brutal invasion of Okinawa, they play a game that becomes a symbol of camaraderie and sacrifice—a game that, for many, would be their last. It's a powerful premise, but critics have been less than kind.
On Rotten Tomatoes, The Mosquito Bowl currently sits at a 45% critic score, a slight recovery from an early 33% low. Collider's Maggie Lovitt called it "an exceedingly by-the-books film that adds very little new to the canon of war epics." Audience scores are better, but the critical reception is a far cry from the Oscar buzz Netflix had hoped for.
Netflix is also pushing La Bola Negra, a Spanish epic with much stronger reviews (86% critics, 96% audience), for Best Picture and other major categories. But The Mosquito Bowl was expected to be a contender too, especially in categories like Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Song. The theater pullback suggests that campaign is losing steam.
Berg co-wrote the script with Mark L. Smith, and the cast includes Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson, and Tom Francis. The film will hit Netflix on November 25, 2026, where it may find a second life with streaming audiences. For now, though, its theatrical run is shrinking.
If you're looking for other Netflix war dramas or true-story thrillers like Richard Jewell, there's plenty to stream. And for a deep dive into mind-bending Netflix originals, check out our picks.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on The Mosquito Bowl and Netflix's awards season strategy.
