Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006) movie backdrop
Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006) movie poster
200697 minDocumentary
Audience VerdictSUPER HIT
Box Office ClassStandard

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.1/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.113 votes
97Minutes
2006Release Year
Visual Story
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Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 2006, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. Under the direction of John Dower, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Franz Beckenbauer. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Fandango At Home roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one managed to break through to genuine mainstream popularity - the New York Cosmos. The brainchild of Steve Ross (Major executive at Warner Communications) and the Ertegun brothers (Founders of Atlantic Records), the Cosmos got off to a rocky start in 1971, but things changed in 1975 when the world's most celebrated soccer star, the Brazilian champion Pele, signed with the Cosmos for a five-million-dollar payday. With the arrival of Pele, the Cosmos became a hit and the players became the toast of the town, earning their own private table at Studio 54. A number of other international soccer stars were soon lured to the Cosmos, including Franz Beckenbauer, Rodney Marsh, and Carlos Alberto, but with the turn of the decade, the team began losing favor with fans and folded in 1985. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2006 cinema will find satisfying and robust.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006): with an audience rating of 7.1/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $1,000,000
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Budget

The estimated production budget for Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is $1,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

Where to Watch Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos movie hit or flop?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos worth watching?

Yes, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.

Where can I watch Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos online?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/once-in-a-lifetime-the-extraordinary-story-of-the-new-york-cosmos-39183" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos movie hit or flop?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos worth watching?

Yes, Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.

Where can I watch Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos online?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is a Documentary movie that follows: In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one managed to break through to g...

Is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos family friendly?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos available in?

Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one managed to break through to genuine mainstream popularity - the New York Cosmos. The brainchild of Steve Ross (Major executive at Warner Communications) and the Ertegun brothers (Founders of Atlantic Records), the Cosmos got off to a rocky start in 1971, but things changed in 1975 when the world's most celebrated soccer star, the Brazilian champion Pele, signed with the Cosmos for a five-million-dollar payday. With the arrival of Pele, the Cosmos became a hit and the players became the toast of the town, earning their own private table at Studio 54. A number of other international soccer stars were soon lured to the Cosmos, including Franz Beckenbauer, Rodney Marsh, and Carlos Alberto, but with the turn of the decade, the team began losing favor with fans and folded in 1985.

Critic Reviews

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