Best Sports Movies For Kids And The Family
Sports movies have a special way of bringing families together, inspiring us with tales of underdogs, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether it's the thrill of the game or the heartwarming stories behind the athletes, these films are perfect for family movie nights. Here's a curated list of the best sports movies for kids and the family, complete with film details and personal insights to get you excited about each one.
Here's a quick look at what you'll find in our curated list of family-friendly sports movies:
Key Stats
- Total Movies: 38
- Most Common Rating: PG
- Most Featured Actor: Kurt Russell (3 movies)
- Most Common Sport: Baseball (8 movies)
Movies by Decade
- 1960s: 1 movie
- 1970s: 1 movie
- 1980s: 5 movies
- 1990s: 12 movies
- 2000s: 11 movies
- 2010s: 8 movies
Top 5 Sports Featured
- Baseball (8 movies)
- Football (6 movies)
- Basketball (4 movies)
- Hockey (2 movies)
- Running (2 movies)
Fun Facts
- The oldest movie on our list is from 1966 (The Endless Summer).
- The 1990s saw the highest number of family-friendly sports movies released.
- While baseball dominates, we have a diverse range, including less common sports like bobsledding and chess!
- 16 different sports are represented across all movies.
This list spans 50 years of sports cinema, offering something for every family member. Whether you're into classic underdog tales, true stories of triumph, or just good old family fun, you're sure to find a new favourite here!
HEAVEN CAN WAIT (1978)
Director: Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
Main Cast: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason
Age Rating: PG
This film tells the story of a football player who gets a second chance at life after a heavenly mix-up. I love how it blends fantasy and sports with humour and heart, making it a delightful watch for all ages.
CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981)
Director: Hugh Hudson
Main Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell
Age Rating: PG
Set during the 1924 Olympics, this movie follows two British runners with different motivations. Its inspirational theme and iconic score always give me chills and make me appreciate the athletes' dedication.
THE NATURAL (1984)
Director: Barry Levinson
Main Cast: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close
Age Rating: PG
A story of a talented baseball player whose career is sidetracked, but he makes a triumphant comeback. Robert Redford's portrayal is compelling and the film's mythic quality always resonates with me.
KARATE KID (1984)
Director: John G. Avildsen
Main Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Age Rating: PG
This classic tells the story of a teenager learning karate to defend himself. Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi is unforgettable, and the film's lessons about perseverance and respect are timeless.
HOOSIERS (1986)
Director: David Anspaugh
Main Cast: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper
Age Rating: PG
A heartwarming tale of a small-town high school basketball team that makes it to the state championship. Gene Hackman's performance as the coach is inspiring, and it's one of those movies that makes you root for the underdog.
FIELD OF DREAMS (1989)
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones
Age Rating: PG
When a farmer hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field, it leads to an extraordinary journey. The magical realism and the themes of redemption and belief are what make this film so special.
THE MIGHTY DUCKS (1992)
Director: Stephen Herek
Main Cast: Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith
Age Rating: PG
A self-centered lawyer is sentenced to community service coaching a ragtag youth hockey team. This movie is all about teamwork and overcoming obstacles, and it's just plain fun to watch.
THE SANDLOT (1993)
Director: David Mickey Evans
Main Cast: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna
Age Rating: PG
A nostalgic look at a group of kids who bond over baseball during one magical summer. It's a charming film that captures the essence of childhood and the love of the game.
SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER (1993)
Director: Steven Zaillian
Main Cast: Joe Mantegna, Ben Kingsley, Max Pomeranc
Age Rating: PG
This film follows a young chess prodigy and the challenges he faces. It's a thoughtful movie that explores the balance between ambition and childhood.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (1993)
Director: Daniel Stern
Main Cast: Thomas Ian Nicholas, Gary Busey, Albert Hall
Age Rating: PG
A boy discovers that his once broken arm has healed in a way that makes him a major league baseball pitcher. It's a fun, feel-good movie with plenty of laughs.
COOL RUNNINGS (1993)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Main Cast: John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug
Age Rating: PG
Based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team trying to make it to the Winter Olympics. The film's humor and heart make it a joy to watch, with an underdog story that's impossible not to love.
ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD (1994)
Director: William Dear
Main Cast: Danny Glover, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd
Age Rating: PG
A young boy prays for a struggling baseball team and angels are sent to help. This movie is whimsical and uplifting, perfect for younger audiences.
LITTLE GIANTS (1994)
Director: Duwayne Dunham
Main Cast: Rick Moranis, Ed O'Neill, Shawna Waldron
Age Rating: PG
A band of misfit kids form a football team to take on the town's elite squad. It's hilarious and heartwarming, celebrating the spirit of perseverance and teamwork.
THE BIG GREEN (1995)
Director: Holly Goldberg Sloan
Main Cast: Steve Guttenberg, Olivia d'Abo, Jay O. Sanders
Age Rating: PG
A group of underachieving kids are turned into a winning soccer team by a new coach. This is another underdog story that's filled with humor and a lot of heart.
SPACE JAM (1996)
Director: Joe Pytka
Main Cast: Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle
Age Rating: PG
Basketball superstar Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters to win a high-stakes basketball game. It's a fun blend of live action and animation that kids love.
AIR BUD (1997)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Main Cast: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena
Age Rating: PG
A young boy and his dog discover the dog's uncanny ability to play basketball. This film is pure fun and showcases the bond between a boy and his pet.
REMEMBER THE TITANS (2000)
Director: Boaz Yakin
Main Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Age Rating: PG
Based on the true story of a high school football team's first season as a racially integrated unit. Denzel Washington's performance is powerful, and the film's messages about unity and overcoming prejudice are timeless.
THE ROOKIE (2002)
Director: John Lee Hancock
Main Cast: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez
Age Rating: G
A high school coach makes it to the major leagues after agreeing to try out if his team makes the playoffs. It's an inspiring story about second chances and following your dreams.
Recommended Reads...
MIRACLE (2004)
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Main Cast: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
Age Rating: PG
The story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet team. Kurt Russell's portrayal of coach Herb Brooks is riveting, and the film captures the intensity of this historic moment.
DREAMER (2005)
Director: John Gatins
Main Cast: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson
Age Rating: PG
Inspired by a true story, this film follows a racehorse with a broken leg who makes an incredible comeback. It's heartwarming and shows the power of hope and determination.
KICKING & SCREAMING (2005)
Director: Jesse Dylan
Main Cast: Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Josh Hutcherson
Age Rating: PG
A dad becomes the coach of his son's soccer team, leading to hilarity and a few life lessons along the way. Will Ferrell's comedic timing makes this a laugh-out-loud movie for the whole family.
INVINCIBLE (2006)
Director: Ericson Core
Main Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks
Age Rating: PG
The inspiring true story of Vince Papale, a bartender who became an NFL player. Mark Wahlberg brings grit and determination to the role, making this an uplifting watch.
THE EXPRESS (2008)
Director: Gary Fleder
Main Cast: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Darrin Dewitt Henson
Age Rating: PG
Based on the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. It's a powerful story of perseverance and breaking barriers.
SECRETARIAT (2010)
Director: Randall Wallace
Main Cast: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale
Age Rating: PG
The story of the legendary racehorse Secretariat and his owner's journey to victory against all odds. This film is both inspiring and exhilarating, showing the incredible bond between owner and horse.
SOUL SURFER (2011)
Director: Sean McNamara
Main Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid
Age Rating: PG
The true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who returns to the waves after losing an arm in a shark attack. It's an uplifting tale of courage and resilience that will inspire the whole family.
MCFARLAND USA (2015)
Director: Niki Caro
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor
Age Rating: PG
A cross-country coach transforms a team of underprivileged high school boys into championship contenders. This film beautifully captures the spirit of determination and the impact of mentorship.
MILLION DOLLAR ARM (2014)
Director: Craig Gillespie
Main Cast: Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Alan Arkin
Age Rating: PG
A sports agent scouts cricket players in India to pitch in Major League Baseball. This heartwarming story combines sports with a cultural journey, showing the power of believing in one's dreams.
PELE (2016)
Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Main Cast: Kevin de Paula, Leonardo Lima Carvalho, Seu Jorge
Age Rating: PG
The biographical film of soccer legend Pelé's rise from the slums of Brazil to world fame. It's an inspiring story of talent, passion, and hard work that highlights Pelé's incredible journey.
For Families with Older Kids
THE ENDLESS SUMMER (1966)
Director: Bruce Brown
Main Cast: Robert August, Michael Hynson, Lord 'Tally Ho' Blears
Age Rating: PG
A classic documentary following two surfers as they chase summer around the globe. It's an adventurous and visually stunning film that captures the essence of surfing culture.
HOOP DREAMS (1984)
Director: Steve James
Main Cast: William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates
Age Rating: PG-13
This documentary chronicles the lives of two Chicago high school students aspiring to become professional basketball players. It's a deep and powerful look into ambition, family, and the socio-economic challenges faced by the youth.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2004)
Director: Peter Berg
Main Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund
Age Rating: PG-13
The story of a high school football team in Texas and their quest for the state championship. This film captures the intense pressure and community spirit surrounding high school sports in America.
Comments ()