Nimrods ★★★★

Released: 11 August 2026

Director: Lee Kirk

Starring: Mason Thames, Mckenna Grace, Kylr Coffman, Ryan Foust, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tré Cool, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey

If, like me, your high school years were soundtracked by pop-rock anthems such as When I Come Around, American Idiot, Longview and Boulevard of Broken Dreams, well good news – this nostalgic rock comedy will definitely be for you. Inspired by the early road-tripping days of San Francisco’s mega pop-rock trio, Nimrods offers a hugely fun musical road-trip soundtracked to a whole slew of iconic tracks by Green Day (including newly recorded songs) with a new generation of plucky young rockers looking to make their big break The project marks the second collaboration between director Lee Kirk and lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, following the 2016 semi-autobiographical Ordinary World.

Nimrods centers on Kansas City punk-rock trio Analog Dogs, comprised of slacker best friends Tommy (Mason Thames), green-haired Fred (Kylr Coffman) and their endearing but straight-laced drummer Chad (Ryan Foust). After Tommy and Fred meet their idols Green Day at a local record event – giving the trio one of their band’s demos – they receive a call from drummer Tré Cool inviting them to open for the band at their upcoming New Year’s Eve show in Los Angeles. The trio instantly head off on a chaotic road trip West to try and make it in time for this life changing event that they’ve always dreamt of. However, what they don’t know is it’s all a big prank by Tommy’s older brother…

Following a recent onslaught of musical biopics, it’s thankfully so refreshing to see the 90s/00s band collaborate on a film which deviates from the usual fare, opting for a flick inspired by their scrappy early days touring, leading up to the release of their breakout 1994 album “Dookie.” This road trip coming-of-age tale is hugely likeable, thanks in part to the excellent young leads and their crazy hijinks and chaotic (sometimes mushroom-fuelled) encounters along their trip West. Along with stealing cars, they enter a battle of the band, drive around in an ice-cream truck (inspired by Green Day’s bookmobile), run into a potential murderous motel owner, get into a giant mud fight, and document their journey on a hand-held camcorder (those were the days!)

And while it often slips into absurd and predictable territory, it’s hard not to be charmed by the big hearted ode to friendship, punk-rock and the underdogs/outcasts. The only downsides are the slightly overly long runtime at 1 hour and 56 minutes, and the surprising lack of fleshing out the main trio, with the only brief backstory focusing on the loss of Tommy’s musical dad (inspired by Armstrong’s personal life) and the effect this has had on his fractured family.

The film primarily hinges on the main trio’s dynamic, and thankfully Thames, Coffman and Foust don’t disappoint, with an entertaining and anarchic energy throughout. Thames and Coffman in particular impress with a charming friendship full of plucky youthful optimism and big dreams, with Coffman perfectly channeling the sweet slacker vibes for Fred. However, it’s Ryan Foust’s unlikely drummer Chad who often steals the show. There’s also two lovely turns from The Office US stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, and some absolutely bonkers cameos from comedian Bobby Lee, Sean Gunn and, in particular, Fred Armisen as an unhinged motel owner.

As expected, the soundtrack is a brilliant mix of Green Day songs – both old and new – along with a selection of songs from Ultra Q, The Paradox, Mckenna Grace, and the film’s central band Analog Dogs. In fact, the four original Analog Dogs songs – which are all a blast – were written by Billie Joe Armstrong’s son, Jakob Armstrong. Is it totally predictable when bangers such as Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) and Wake Me Up When September Ends will play? 100%, however they’re still such excellently emotional anthems that it totally fits. Fans can also look forward to an incredibly catchy new Green Day song ‘I’m Never Gonna R.I.P.’ along with recorded tracks from a live performance at the Palladium in Los Angeles.

Despite retreading familiar road trip coming-of-age beats, Nimrods is an undeniably charming and scrappy outing packed full of excellent music and heart. The young cast are terrific, there’s plenty of entertaining shenanigans and the big musical performance proves a brilliant climax. Green Day fans – strap in for the time of your life!