Stephen Chow made a successful return to the sports genre, with his latest film grossing more than $200 million worldwide. The actor-director announced his comeback to the genre with a new movie, following the massive success of Shaolin Soccer, which was released in 2001. Shaolin Soccer earned $42.8 million at the global box office and went on to become a cult classic, thanks to its brilliant blend of comedy, martial arts, and sports.

Now, Chow’s spin-off film for Shaolin Soccer has achieved new success on box office. 

Stephen Chow to set new record with Kung Fu Soccer

The Shaolin Soccer spinoff Kung Fu Soccer earned $73.7 million during the July 17–19 weekend, taking its worldwide total to $214.3 million in just nine days, as per the data from Artisan Gateway. The film had already enjoyed a blockbuster opening week, grossing $147 million (RMB 1 billion). And it is set to achieve more after arriving right in the midst of the 2026 FIFA World Cup fever.

The film has continued its strong run in its second weekend and is now inching closer to Stephen Chow’s personal box office record of RMB 3.39 billion, set by the fantasy comedy The Mermaid in 2016. Kung Fu Soccer is also Chow’s first directorial feature since The New King of Comedy, which came out in 2019 and also celebrates the 25th anniversary of Shaolin Soccer.

For those who are not aware, the movie follows an all-female soccer team that turns to incorporating martial arts into their game as they compete to win the prestigious Supreme Invincible Cup tournament. Zhang Xiaofei stars as the team’s captain, while Dilraba Dilmurat plays its star striker. Lay Zhang portrays the team’s kung fu coach. Some of the notable guest appearances include Japanese star Takeru Satoh, Hong Kong screen icon Carina Lau, and American comedian Jimmy O. Yang.

With more audiences flocking to theaters to watch Kung Fu Soccer, many fans are also curious about where they can stream or watch the original 2001 movie, Shaolin Soccer.

How to watch Shaolin Soccer

Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer is available to watch on Paramount with a subscription. A struggling former Shaolin monk reunites his fellow disciples to form an unconventional soccer team, using their extraordinary kung fu skills to dominate the sport. Together, they battle ruthless opponents while chasing glory and showing that martial arts have a place beyond the monastery.

Their journey ends in an intense championship that tests their teamwork and courage. Stephen Chow also stars in the film. The rest of the cast includes Zhao Wei, Ng Man-tat, Patrick Tse, Wong Yat-fei, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan, and Tin Kai-man. Shaolin Soccer is a wildly entertaining blend of sports, martial arts, comedy, and much more. There is little wonder why it is one of Stephen Chow’s most iconic and rewatchable films. 

Have you watched Shaolin Soccer and what do you think about Kung Fu Soccer? Let us know in the comments.