Kids can be picky in some aspects, whether about food choices or entertainment such as movies. Sports is such a thing that excites and thrills people from all age groups, and kids could be no exception in that. Sports movies, in my opinion, are a must-watch for kids.
This fascinating source of entertainment is a well-talked genre in movies, which is entertaining and full of energetic vibes. Not only that, but sports movies are also a great source of motivation and learning life lessons for brain development and emerging sportsman spirit in one’s mind. But the best sports films for kids are also difficult to find. Sports films, in my opinion, are a must-watch for kids.
Apart from being just engaging and ecstatic, sports movies also influence the young minds of children to focus and aim for something big in life. Sports movies are bliss, indeed! A good sports film could be hard to find with different aspects apart from mere entertainment for kids.
So here are 20 of the Best Sports Movies for Kids that they can Enjoy to the Fullest Without Being Bored for a Family Movie Night
20 Best Sports Movies for Kids:
20. The Karate Kid (2010)
- Directed by: Harald Zwart
- Written by: Christopher Murphey
- Star Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson
- Genre: Action, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Who said a martial arts film doesn’t count as a sports movie?
The Karate Kid Plot:
It shows as much enthusiasm and liveliness as any other sports film could offer. The karate kid is a great movie about a 12-year-old boy who rises as a brilliant kung fu champ with the help of his master, Mr. Han. His struggle and hard work have to come to a reason when he has to compete against his bully, Cheng.
It is a fun movie to watch for the whole family; you cannot get enough of The Karate Kid’s captivating storyline and intense action sequences.
38 years ago today, a deal was made that would alter the course of the Valley for generations. #CobraKai #CobraKaiSeason5 #KarateKid pic.twitter.com/uYJlFwp6ah
— Mike P. (@CobraKaiWisdom) November 1, 2022
19. The Sandlot (1993)
- Directed by: David Mickey Evans
- Written by: David Mickey Evans
- Star Cast: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Brandon Adams
- Genre: Sports, Family
The Sandlot Plot:
The Sandlot is a classic and one of the best sports movies. It is lively and enigmatic, with many good laughs and life lessons embedded in its powerful storyline. The movie features a young boy named Scottie Smalls moving into a new neighborhood where he befriends a local baseball team group with his coach’s help.
This group of friends indulges in a never-ending adventure of sleepovers, tree climbing, and whatnot until they encounter a guard dog who lives over the fence.
18. Cool Runnings (1993)
- Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
- Written by: Lynn Siefert
- Star Cast: John Candy, Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba
- Genre: 7/10
- IMDb rating: 7/10
Cool Runnings Plot:
Based on a true story of the debut of the first Jamaica national bobsleigh team, Cool Runnings is a remarkable story of determination and hardships, which always pays off in the end. Being a source of inspiration for all of us, this sports movie loosely depicts the real-life story of Jamaican Sprinters struggling their way through to ace the Winter Olympics.
The tale unfurls itself as the Jamaican athletics showcases a never-ending will to fight, only to emerge as a glorious team at the Winter Olympics with the help of their coach.
17. Coach Carter (2005)
- Directed by: Thomas Carter
- Written by: Mark Schwahn
- Star Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Robert Ri’chard, Rick Gonzalez, Channing Tatum
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
The basketball coach played by Samuel L. Jackson is the central character upon which this movie is based.
Coach Carter Plot:
Coach carter is a true story of a sober high school basketball coach Kevin Carter. It teaches valuable lessons to its viewers, it talks about how a person should set boundaries, and if your priorities seem to be deteriorating, it could have consequences.
Academics and Sports are equally significant. If one comes in jeopardy, the other cannot cherish, and Kevin carter belongs to precisely the same school of thought. When the intelligent students on the school’s basketball team lose their focus, they are suspended.
16. Invincible (2006)
- Directed by: Ericson Core
- Written by: Brad Gann
- Star Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rispoli
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
Invincible Plot:
Bartender and substitute teacher Vince Papale has many struggles in his life; he is on the verge of divorce and barely manages to meet his ends. All his efforts are to be ended as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Having never played football, he miraculously emerges as the strongest and invincible player to exist at his age.
15. The Natural (1984)
- Directed by: Barry Levinson
- Written by: Roger Towne
- Star Cast: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Robert Prosky
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
The Natural Review:
Facing hard times and failures is a part of success, and the generation of our times needs to know about that. Watching a classic baseball movie like The Natural would be the perfect excuse to teach them about this valuable lesson, telling you all that you must endure to become a legend in the game of baseball.
A Beautifully shot movie with a well-written script, this sports movie is a nominee for four academy awards. It perfectly visualizes the saying, “hard work always pays off.”
14. Field of Dreams (1989)
- Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
- Written by: Phil Alden Robinson
- Star Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster
- Genre: Sports Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Field of Dreams Review:
An excellent baseball movie teaches the best baseball history, all that Field of Dreams has within itself. Undoubtedly one of the best baseball movies out there, it has sects of mysterious and thrilling elements which keep us hooked till the end. Instructed by a mysterious voice from his field, a farmer builds a mighty baseball field where the great baseball players emerge to play baseball. But it seems like this farmer has much more to witness in this “field of dreams.”
13. We Are Marshall (2006)
- Directed by: McG
- Written by: Jamie Linden
- Star Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Ian McShane, Anthony Mackie, Kate Mara, January Jones, Brian Geraghty, David Strathairn
- Genre: Sports Drama
- IMDb rating: 7/10
We Are Marshall Plot:
Depicting the life story of a surviving football team after a tragic accident that took the loving football team of Marshall University falls into death, this sports movie features a football coach tasked to bind the remaining football team together, healing them in the process.
We Are Marshall Review:
A heartwarming and inspirational story in which life lessons unfold with the depictions of overcoming grief and loss, We Are Marshall is a fantastic story showcasing never ending spirit to play football, no matter what happens.
12. 42 (2013)
- Directed by: Brian Helgeland
- Written by: Brian Helgeland
- Star Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, André Holland
- Genre: Sports
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
42 Plot:
This movie depicts the real-life story of Jackie, who rose over the social evils of racism and became the almighty player who broke baseball’s color barriers.
42 Review:
This sports movie is about the true story of the legendary sports icon Jackie Robinson which sets an example of how barriers like racism can never be a hurdle in the way of talent. Although the film may have some derogatory words for an accurate portrayal of the treatment Robinson may have faced, it is still an excellent movie that people of all ages should cherish.
11. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
- Directed by: Stephen Herek
- Written by: Steven Brill
- Star Cast: Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith
- Genre: Sports, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
The Mighty Ducks Plot:
An impetuous young Gordon has to form a hockey team after a drunk driving fiasco as a means of community service. Still, he isn’t keen on doing so because of his past unpleasant memories of dealing with the sport. Reluctantly, Gordon coaches the local District 5 and grows fond of it, bonding with a young boy Charlie Conway, turning his ragtag youth hockey team into the one and only, The Mighty Ducks.
10. Space Jam (1996)
- Directed by: Joe Pytka
- Written by: Leo Benvenuti
- Star Cast: Michael Jordan, Billy West, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito
- Genre: Sports Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Space Jam Review:
Space Jam is a funny movie, perfect for kids to watch for a light-hearted dose of comedy followed by enthusiasm for sports. Now we all have looney tunes as a childhood favorite, which reminds us of those carefree times; the loony tunes made it big this time when Michael Jordan played basketball with all these loving snoozy characters that won our minds.
Amusing and entertaining, it is one of the best sports movies for children, which can uplift your mood within a minute of its screenplay.
9. Soul Surfer (2011)
- Directed by: Sean McNamara
- Written by: Sean McNamara
- Star Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood, Kevin Sorbo
- Genre: Sports
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
Soul Surfer Plot:
A true story of the true spirit of sportsmanship, Soul Surfer, is a legendary surf film about the amazing real-life story of Bethany Hamilton. Her talent is far beyond any physical disabilities. When emerging as a teen surfing star, Bethany suffers a tragic incident that made her lose an arm to a shark, but that could not stop her from doing what she loves.
With her determination and optimistic attitude, she gives a strong message to our youth to embrace whatever comes to them and grow with it. Surfing is in her soul, and this sports movie accurately depicts that.
8. Million Dollar Arm (2014)
- Directed by: Craig Gillespie
- Written by: Tom McCarthy
- Star Cast: Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Bill Paxton, Suraj Sharma, Lake Bell, Alan Arkin
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
Indians are not only bookworm nerds but also exceptional players. The craze over cricket is a norm in India, and this sports movie does not disappoint in its portrayal.
Million Dollar Arm Plot:
The journey of a self-absorbed sports agent tasked to transform Indian cricket players into major-league baseball pitchers is an effort-oriented task. On the journey, he makes unforgettable memories as he finds some teens and heads them to play professional baseball.
Giving insights about India and its culture, it surely deserves mention in our list of best sports movies due to its superb direction and intense plot.
7. The Rookie (2002)
- Directed by: John Lee Hancock
- Written by: Mike Rich
- Star Cast: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
An inspirational film packed with elements of baseball; The Rookie is a big-budget Disney movie based on the true story of Jim Morris.
The Rookie Plot:
Morris becomes a baseball coach for his school’s baseball team. Having never made it into the major league of baseball before an injury, he looks forward to introducing his students to the world of professional baseball.
A beautiful movie with a strong message, The Rookie, is the greatest kids’ movie ever.
6. Chariots of Fire (1981)
- Directed by: Hugh Hudson
- Written by: Colin Welland
- Star Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Lindsay Anderson
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Chariots of Fire Review:
A true story wonderfully cast as a beautiful and patriotic film. This movie is about two British track stars’ journeys to emerge as the winners of the 1924 Paris Olympics, followed by religious backgrounds. It is an old-school movie with great lessons for all the kids and is a must-watch.
5. Hoop Dreams (1994)
- Directed by: Steve James
- Written by: Frederick Marx
- Star Cast: William Gates, Arthur Agee
- Genre: Sports Documentary
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
This basketball documentary depicts the true story of two young basketball players, and it was shot over the course of five years.
Hoop Dreams Plot:
Depicting the life challenges and hardships of two school-going African American teens and how their efforts to learn basketball amidst societal and parental features they had to endure, this movie is a wonderful documentary that is informative and entertaining.
4. McFarland, USA (2015)
- Directed by: Niki Caro
- Written by: Christopher Cleveland
- Star Cast: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor
- Genre: Sports Drama
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
McFarland, USA Plot:
Jim white is a down-on-his-luck coach played by Kevin Costner in this Big budget Disney film whose true story is fascinating and intriguing. The film focuses on his journey as he molds his students’ talent after observing their potential and turns them into one of the best cross-country teams to ever exist.
McFarland, USA, is one of the best sports movies highlighting the power of union leadership that touches viewers’ hearts.
3. A League of Their Own (1992)
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
- Written by: Lowell Ganz
- Star Cast: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz
- Genre: Sports Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
A League of Their Own Plot:
When the males were out there fighting the war, women filled their left-out seats of occupation and explored their passion. League of their own is a story revolving around the all-female baseball league founded during World War II, featuring a group of women rising to fame as baseball players with the help of their rusty, alcoholic manager.
2. Rudy (1993)
- Directed by: David Anspaugh
- Written by: Angelo Pizzo
- Star Cast: Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Lili Taylor, Robert Prosky
- Genre: Sports
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Rudy Plot:
A dyslexic but passionate Rudy wants to be the greatest football player at the University of Notre Dame, but money is coming in the way of fulfilling the young boy’s dream. Apart from his high school football team, Notre Dame is his ultimate goal in life.
Watch how Rudy makes his way to his dream university in this sports movie full of passion. This is one of the best sports movies to watch on your family night with kids.
1. Kicking & Screaming (2005)
- Directed by: Jesse Dylan
- Written by: Leo Benvenuti
- Star Cast: Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Kate Walsh, Mike Ditka
- Genre: Sports
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10
Kicking & Screaming Review:
This is one the greatest movies of all time to watch for rolling on the floor laughing with its witty humor and awesome storyline, which features how a former bear’s coach named Mike Ditka helps a non-athletic Phil to +coach his son’s ragtag soccer team against his overly competent father. A fun movie with many astounding scenes fueled by great comedy, Kicking, and screaming is a classic worth a watch.
