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While some children enjoy watching cartoons and superhero movies, others are fans of sports movies. If your child likes the latter, we bring you a list of sports movies for kids that they can enjoy and learn valuable lessons such as determination, perseverance, and hardships. The real-life episodes of athletes could charge them to never give up on something they believe in. Also, these movies are so light-hearted and fun that even you would like to watch them with your little ones. Read on our list that includes Bugs Bunny’s games, biopics of famous athletes, and more.
37 Sports Movies For Kids
1. McFarland USA
Based on a true story, Disney film McFarland USA shows how determination and perseverance win above all. Jim White brings together a group of extraordinary runners that would become one of the best cross country runners, against all odds.
Available On: Amazon
2. The Sandlot
Considered by many as one of the best baseball movies for kids, The Sandlot shows the story of a young boy, Scott, in a new neighborhood. Scott joins the baseball team and embarks on a rollercoaster of adventures with his new friends.
Available on: Hotstar
Did you know?3. Hoosiers
Hoosiers, starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper, is a 1986 classic. A coach with a troubled past and an alcoholic trainer brings a basketball team to the Indiana State finals rising above expectations.
Available on: Amazon
4. The Goonies
The Goonies is an adventure film from 1985 that follows a group of young friends on a mission to locate a pirate’s coveted treasure to prevent their houses from being destroyed. Despite not being a conventional sports film, the children employ their athleticism and cooperation to triumph over difficulties and outwit the antagonists, rendering it thrilling and stimulating for youngsters who value sports and teamwork.
Available on: Amazon
5. The Natural
A nominee of four Academy Awards, The Natural is one of those films about success and failures. It is a mystery-fantasy drama about a man who suddenly appears with his lightning-struck bat to save a drowning team of baseball players.
Available on: Amazon
6. Rudy
Arguably one of the best sports biographical films, Rudy is a true story of the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger played by Sean Astin. Amidst people saying he is too small for football, Rudy dribbles his way to Notre Dame and makes his football dreams come true.
Available on: Amazon
7. Miracle
Based on the true story of Herb Brooks, Miracle is about the driving force behind the US ice hockey team’s victory over the Russian team. Watch this movie, starring Kurt Russell, to relive the moment when history was made.
Available on: Amazon
8. The Rookie
The Rookie is a Disney sports film based on the life of Jim Morris, starring Dennis Quaid and Rachel Griffiths. This movie is filled with thrilling and exciting moments, as we watch Jim with his high school baseball team, making their way to the major league.
Available on: Amazon
9. A League Of Their Own
This movie resonates girl power. Starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Madonna, a league of their own relays the real-life story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was founded during World War II.
Available on: Amazon
10. Air Bud
Air bud is an all-time favorite of most children and adults too. This movie shows the friendship between a boy and a stray dog who is surprisingly, gifted with amazing basketball skills.
Available on: Prime video
11. Karate Kid
Karate kid is one of those films that we cannot get enough of. An all-time favorite of both children and adults, this movie talks about a teenage boy who learns karate from martial arts master Mr. Miyagi to defend himself against bullies.
Available on: Netflix
C.J Cardiac Drop, a blogger and a film enthusiast, recounts his experience of watching Karate Kid with his mother and later with his daughter. He says, “I got a chance to take my daughter to the theater when The Karate Kid was celebrating its 35th Anniversary Limited Engagement in theaters back in 2019. I couldn’t wait to watch this in theaters again. I first saw this film with my mom back in 1984 when I was young in theaters and it forever changed me… So I eagerly jumped at the chance to share that same theater experience with my daughter when it came back on the silver screen (i)!”
12. Remember The Titans
This Disney classic breaks the racial barriers. Denzel Washington plays Herman Boone, an African American coach of the T. C. Williams High School’s first racially unified football team.
Available on: Hotstar
13. Back Of The Net
This 2019 sports movie follows the journey of an American teenager in her newly joined soccer academy on her way to the national tournament.
Available on: Netflix
14. Space Jam
Although straight out of a child’s imagination, Space Jam managed to be one of the most famous animated sports movies. If your child enjoys basketball and cartoons, this movie is a whole package starring Michael Jordan as himself- the legendary basketball player, Bill Murray and the looney tunes.Get ready for loads of action and laughter!
Available on: Amazon
15. The Blind Side
The Blind Side is a movie of compassion and love starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron and Lily Collins. It takes us through the life of a homeless African American boy accepted into a Caucasian family who nurtures him to excel in his football career.
Available on: Prime video
Point to consider16. Cars
A Disney classic and an all-time favorite for most race enthusiasts, cars is a movie about a race car, Lightning McQueen, who learns the different aspects of friendship and family on his way to the Piston Cup Championship. Characters are played by Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Paul Newman, and Bonnie Hunt.
Available on: Hotstar
17. Cloud 9
A Disney-Pixar classic and an all-time favorite for most race enthusiasts, Cars is a movie about a race car, Lightning McQueen, who learns the different aspects of friendship and family on his way to the Piston Cup Championship. The animation movie is top-tier and the characters are played by Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Paul Newman, and Bonnie Hunt.
Available on: Amazon
18. Double Teamed
This is based on the real-life story of twins Heidi and Heather Burge and how they become world-renowned basketball players after transferring to a new high school.
Available on: Amazon
19. Ice Princess
Torn between her mother’s academic expectations and her passion for ice skating, Casey, with the help of her coach, takes secret lessons to conquer the figure skating championship.
Available on: Hotstar
20. The Game Plan
The “Rock”, Dwayne Johnson plays a self-absorbent soccer player whose world is turned upside down by the sudden appearance of his eight-year-old daughter, played by Madison Pettis. This family comedy movie might have you giggling at times and reaching for the tissues at others.
Available on: Hotstar
21. Like Mike
It is a fantasy movie about a young boy, Calvin, who dreams of becoming an NBA basketball team player. After gaining mysterious basketball skills with a pair of M.J. engraved magical shoes, he is all set to become an NBA star.
Available on: Amazon
22. Most Valuable Primate (MVP)
An ice hockey prodigy, Jack the chimpanzee, has won the hearts of many with his extraordinary skills in the hockey team. But the labs want him all to themselves. What happens next, find out!
Available on: Prime video
23. Rookie Of The Year
To a 12-year-old Henry, his tragic accident came as a blessing in disguise as he magically gains super pitching powers leading him to play among the pro players of the Chicago cubs. This sports sci-fi combo will blow your child’s mind.
Available on: Hotstar
24. Space Jam: A new legacy
The tables have turned in this one, as, the looney tunes help the basketball legend LeBron James with a basketball match to find his son. Starring in this movie are LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Zendaya.
Available on: YouTube
25. Searching for Bobby Fischer
Oscar-winner movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer, is about a boy named Josh with extraordinary chess skills, who steps into a chess competition with the help of his not-average coach.
Available on: Amazon
26. The Mighty Ducks
The Mighty Ducks is a movie about an attorney assigned a case way out of his comfort zone coaching a team of child hockey players.
Available: Hotstar
27. Little Giants
With no experience in football, Dany O’Shea and his daughter form a team of football players and compete against the team of his brother Kevin, A football star.
Available on: Amazon
28. Angels In The Outfield
Roger is a foster kid, who gets the chance to have a family when his favorite losing baseball team begins to rise beyond expectations with the help of his secret angels.
Available on: YouTube
29. Million Dollar Arm
To save his career and his new found company, sports agent J.B. Bernstein, brings players from India to play in a major baseball league. Now there is just one problem- they are cricket players.
Available: Hotstar
30. Cool Runnings
Inspired by a true story, Cool Runnings teaches us important life lessons through the story of a Jamaican sprinter who coaches a team of four Jamaican bobsledders to become the first Jamaican bobsleigh team of the Winter Olympics 1988.
Available on: Hotstar
31. The Express
The inspiring true story follows Ernie Davis’ journey, from the college football ground to becoming the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Available on: YouTube
32. Soul Surfer
The true story of perseverance and determination, Soul Surfer is about Bethany Hamilton played by AnnaSophia Robb. Losing an arm to a shark attack didn’t stop Bethany from surfing her away to becoming a surf champion.
Available on: Amazon
33. Chariots of Fire
Academy award winner, Chariots of fire, is the story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. One running to glorify God and another to challenge class discrimination, take part in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Available on: Amazon
34. Underdogs
This animated movie is about a shy foosball player, Jake sets out to save his town from the renowned soccer player named Ace, with the help of his foosball table figures who magically come to life.
Available on: Netflix
35. Surf’s up
This Oscar nominee animated film is about a penguin who participates in the World Surfing Championship and gives us a peek at what goes on behind the scenes. Famous characters are played by Jon Heder, Shia LaBeouf, and Diedrich Bader.
Available on: Amazon
36. Nacho Libre
This movie is about a Catholic friar and cook who secretly enjoys lucha libre wrestling. He moonlights as a luchador to financially support the orphanage where he works. The story is partially adapted from a real-life Mexican Catholic priest who had a career as a masked luchador spanning over two decades to earn money for an orphanage he directed.
Available on: Amazon
37. Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore wanted to become a hockey player when he discovered his talent for golf. He has powerful driving skills and a foul-mouthed attitude, which is undesirable for a golf hero. This movie will keep your children glued to the screens. The performance of Adam Sandler makes it a delightful watch.
Available on: Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes sports movies for children a great form of entertainment?
Most children love sports, and watching a movie based on their favorite sport will make them happy. Such movies have exciting scenes, gaming rules, and victories, providing a full entertainment package. Also, these movies have encouraging and motivational stories that can positively impact children.
2. How do sports movies for children help to promote teamwork and sportsmanship?
One of the important aspects that are shown in sports movies is teamwork- how the team was gathered and the challenges they overcame to become stronger. Moreover, these movies convey a message of fair play and good sportsmanship, which can encourage children and help them learn essential life skills.
3. Why should parents encourage their children to watch sports movies?
As a parent, you should encourage watching age-appropriate sports movies with your children because they are motivational and a great way to introduce new sports to children. Also, these movies are an entertaining way to teach children good values in life, such as determination, perseverance, and teamwork. Also, if your child is interested in a specific sport, movies can help them learn more about the history, rules and regulations, and some prominent figures associated with the sport.
4. What age range should children watch sports movies?
While there is no age range to introduce sports movies for children, you should ensure that the movies you choose are suitable for them and do not contain violence or obscene scenes.
If your child is a sports enthusiast, these entertaining sports movies for kids can be a treasure trove for them. These fun and inspiring movies will introduce your child to sportsmanship and its core values like team spirit, hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Besides, they will teach your child about different sports and their basics. Above all, these movies will inspire your child to work hard towards their goal with passion and commitment. So fix a movie date with your child and include these movies in your family movie night ideas.
Infographic: Sports Movies For Children
Engaging in physical activities such as sports helps one to stay healthy and fit. But sometimes, children may not feel motivated enough to take part in sports and games. So, we suggest you introduce them to the list of movies in the following infographic to help them choose and get involved in their favorite sport. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Is your child a sports enthusiast? Have a look at these top 10 sports movies on Disney+. From underdog triumphs to inspiring tales of teamwork, these movies can help boost your child’s interest in sports and storytelling.
Key Pointers
- McFarland USA highlights the importance of perseverance and determination through a group of runners who fight all odds to become the best cross country athletes.
- Sandlot is the story of a young boy Scott who joins the baseball team and sets on an adventurous ride with his new friends.
- Hoosiers, The Natural, Rudy, Miracle, and many other thrilling sports movies are listed here.
Illustration: Good Sports Movies For Children To Watch
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. No Mercy….;https://medium.com/@cjbaker1340/no-mercy-92ec180d247f
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