What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedShaolin Soccer
Stephen Chow · Film · 2001
If you loved Shaolin Soccer, start with Scissor Seven (Xiaofeng He, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Shaolin Soccer across media.
You loved the way Shaolin Soccer blends high-stakes athletic competition with absurd humor and the infectious spirit of an underdog team.
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
Much like the protagonist of Shaolin Soccer, this story follows an unlikely hero discovering hidden talents and finding a new family among his eccentric peers at school.
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
Steven Jay Schneider · Book · 2008
Explores: Film History, Classic Cinema, Cult Films.
If you enjoyed the unique cinematic energy of Shaolin Soccer, this guide provides the necessary context to explore more influential films that define the comedy and action genres.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Mark Twain · Book · 1994
Explores: Childhood Adventures, Mississippi River Life, Rebellion.
The rebellious spirit and playful sense of adventure found in this classic mirror the charismatic mischief that makes the characters of Shaolin Soccer so incredibly fun to watch.
The Fellowship of the Ring
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 2002
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Hero's Journey, Friendship.
The epic journey of a band of friends overcoming impossible odds to save their world echoes the triumphant and collaborative spirit at the heart of Shaolin Soccer.
Series on the same thread
Captain Tsubasa
Series · 1983
Shares a thread with Shaolin Soccer: Teamwork.
This series captures the pure joy of chasing dreams on the pitch, offering the same intense focus on teamwork and athletic passion seen in Shaolin Soccer.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis · Series · 2020
Shares 3 threads with Shaolin Soccer: Underdog Story, Redemption, Sports Comedy.
This show shares the heartwarming underdog premise of Shaolin Soccer, focusing on a coach who transforms a group of skeptical players through sheer optimism and unexpected team dynamics.
Inazuma Eleven
Series · 2008
Shares 2 threads with Shaolin Soccer: Teamwork, Underdog Story.
The high-energy soccer matches and the focus on a team fighting against disbandment resonate with the same competitive spirit and friendship that define Shaolin Soccer.
Scissor Seven
Xiaofeng He · Series · 2018
Shares 2 threads with Shaolin Soccer: Redemption, Underdog Story.
The blend of martial arts action and absurdist humor in this animation matches the wild, imaginative style that made Shaolin Soccer a standout experience for you.
Podcasts on the same thread
Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast
Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Shaolin Soccer: Sports Comedy.
This podcast explores the chaotic reality of managing a sports team, mirroring the humor and team-building struggles that you enjoyed watching in Shaolin Soccer.
Soccer A-Z
Podcast
Shares a thread with Shaolin Soccer: sports comedy.
The combination of football analysis and lighthearted comedy found here reflects the same entertaining tone that made Shaolin Soccer so memorable for its audience.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Shaolin Soccer about a professional sports team?
Shaolin Soccer follows a young Shaolin follower who reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team. They use their unique martial art skills to their advantage during the games rather than relying on traditional professional sports training methods.
What is the main premise of Shaolin Soccer?
The 2001 film Shaolin Soccer centers on a group of brothers who are former Shaolin followers. They decide to combine their traditional martial arts background with the sport of soccer to compete as a team.
Who directed the 2001 movie Shaolin Soccer?
Shaolin Soccer was directed by Stephen Chow. The film depicts the story of a young Shaolin follower who gathers his brothers to integrate their martial arts abilities into a soccer team.
Does Shaolin Soccer involve martial arts?
Yes, martial arts are central to Shaolin Soccer. The plot focuses on a young Shaolin follower and his brothers who use their specific martial art skills as a competitive advantage while playing on their soccer team.