How to Watch The Mosquito Bowl in Theaters and on Netflix
The Mosquito Bowl opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday, October 30, 2026, and starts streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. Peter Berg's World War II drama follows four college football stars who enlist in the Marines after Pearl Harbor. It's rated R and runs 2 hours 7 minutes.
The Mosquito Bowl at a glance
| In theaters | Friday, October 30, 2026 (select theaters) |
|---|---|
| On Netflix | Wednesday, November 25, 2026 |
| Rating | R |
| Runtime | 2 hours 7 minutes |
| Director | Peter Berg |
| Writers | Peter Berg and Mark L. Smith |
| Producers | Peter Berg, Brian Grazer, Alexander H. Gayner |
| Based on | The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II by Buzz Bissinger |
What The Mosquito Bowl is about
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, four of the country's best college football players put their careers aside to join the Marines. As they get ready for the invasion of Okinawa, they play in a legendary game featuring some of the best players of the era, and for many of them it's the last game they ever play. Netflix says the film looks at the true cost of war and the bonds of brotherhood.
It's adapted from Pulitzer Prize winner Buzz Bissinger's nonfiction book. Berg and Bissinger worked together before on Friday Night Lights, the 2004 film based on Bissinger's book about high school football in Texas.
The Mosquito Bowl cast
- Nicholas Galitzine as John McLaughry, a Brown University quarterback coached by his father
- Bill Skarsgård as Bob Bauman, a University of Wisconsin player
- Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich, a record-setting Purdue star
- Tom Francis as David Schreiner, Bauman's Wisconsin teammate
- Peter Berg as Gen. Buckner
- Pat McAfee as a drill instructor
The supporting cast includes Brent Comer, Dominic Bogart, Jack Ingram, Ella Newton, Lola Bond, Stacy Clausen and Billy Smith. The USO scenes feature Blake Erickson as Bob Hope, Claudia Ware as Frances Langford and Steven Sammut as Jerry Colonna.
How to watch with DIRECTV
Netflix isn't a DIRECTV channel, but the DIRECTV Gemini device runs Google TV, so you can open the Netflix app on November 25 and switch back to live football with the same remote. Our guide on how to get Netflix with DIRECTV explains your options, our Netflix plans review compares tiers, and our DIRECTV Gemini guide covers setup. For this season's games, see our NFL on DIRECTV guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does The Mosquito Bowl come out?
It opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday, October 30, 2026, and starts streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
Is The Mosquito Bowl on Netflix?
Yes, it's a Netflix film. It plays in theaters first and arrives on Netflix on November 25, 2026.
Is The Mosquito Bowl a true story?
Yes. It's based on Buzz Bissinger's nonfiction book about college football stars who enlisted in the Marines during World War II.
Who is in The Mosquito Bowl cast?
Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson and Tom Francis lead the cast, with Peter Berg as Gen. Buckner and Pat McAfee as a drill instructor.
What is The Mosquito Bowl rated?
It's rated R and runs 2 hours 7 minutes.
Want Netflix and live TV in one place? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 22, 2026. Release dates are set by Netflix and theaters and may change. Streaming prices, plans and availability vary and are subject to change. The Mosquito Bowl, Netflix, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.