It’s been quite a year for sports. Our editors tuned into the 2026 Winter Olympics. The New York Knicks won the NBA Finals. Soccer fans and non-soccer fans are celebrating the World Cup. I may not be too athletic myself, but I can’t help but feel excited and inspired. There’s always a new match or game to watch, and even when there isn’t, there’s an endless list of sports movies to fill the void—feel-good films with underdog storylines, inspiring characters, and sweet reminders that we are always capable of more than we think. Sports movies are great to watch with your kids and are excellent discussion starters for families with little ones.
If you’re in search of some new material for family movie night, we’ve rounded up the best sports movies for kids. I’m breaking down the best movies by sport and sharing what ages the films are suited for, too. From Space Jam to The Sandlot, these family-friendly movies cater to kids of all ages and teach valuable lessons about the power of hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself. Keep reading for more sports movie inspiration!
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Best Soccer Movies for Kids
Anyone else totally obsessed with The World Cup? These soccer movies are perfect for kids and families and tackle important topics like collaborating with others and believing in yourself.
Air Bud World Pup (2000)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 22m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 5-10
If you grew up watching the OG Air Bud, you’ll be happy to know that the beloved pup has sequels for almost every sport. For soccer fans, watch Air Bud’s World Pup to get hyped up for your next soccer game or the World Cup itself. Buddy has a family of his own, and he’s leading his soccer team of adorable pups to the state championship.
The Big Green (1995)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 40m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 4-7
For kiddos who love The Sandlot, add The Big Green to the queue. In this comedic ‘90s classic, a group of kids from small-town Texas form a soccer team. Can the kids defy the odds and win the state championship?
Switching Goals (2002)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 25m | Where to Stream: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
Best for: Ages 8-12
Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are switching places in Switching Goals. Emma isn’t the best at soccer, and Sam is a family prodigy. The two form a plan to switch soccer teams and learn important life lessons along the way.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 52m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 12+
London teen Jesminder “Jess” is determined to become a soccer star—against her family’s wishes. Find out if she follows the path to study law or if she goes against the grain to follow her true passion. You’ll love rooting for Jess in this soccer classic.
More Soccer Movies for Kids
- Curious George: George Makes a Stand (S1, E17) — TV-Y
- Blue’s Clues: Soccer Practice (S6, E8) — TV-Y
- Air Bud World Pup — G (2000)
- Just for Kicks — PG (2003)
- The Kicks — TV-G (2015)
- Early Man – PG (2018)
- Back of Net — G (2019)
- Strike — PG (2019)
- Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend — TV-PG (2024)
- She’s The Man — PG-13 (2006)
- Gracie — PG-13 (2007)
Best Basketball Movies for Kids
I may not be from New York, but I was certainly tuned into the New York Knicks’ historic win this year. If you’re still riding the high of the NBA Finals, try out these kid-friendly basketball movies for family movie night.
High School Musical (2006)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 1h 40m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 8+
It’s time to ‘get your head in the game!’ Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) is a star player on the East High basketball team, but everything changes for him when he sings karaoke with Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) at a New Year’s Eve party. When they return to campus, the two decide to audition for the spring musical. Today, the High School Musical’s lessons about following your dreams, no matter what external expectations may be weighing on you, still resonate with kids and adults.
Blippi: Play Basketball With a Pro
Rating: NR | Run Time: 23m | Where to Stream: YouTube
Best for: Ages 2-4
Join Blippi as he ventures off to meet WNBA pro Tamika Catchings. Catchings teaches Blippi some basketball skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and more.
GOAT (2026)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 40m | Where to Stream: Netflix
Best for: Ages 4-7
A fun twist for kids who love sports movies but want something animated and spunky! The film focuses on a young goat as he chases his dream of playing professional roarball, proving that his small body packs a lot of power.
Chang Can Dunk (2023)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 49m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 10+
If you want an underdog story, watch Chang Can Dunk with your kiddos. High school student Chang isn’t the most popular kid, but he makes a bet against the star basketball player that his 5-foot-8-inch frame can dunk a basketball by homecoming.
More Basketball Movies for Kids
- Clifford the Big Red Dog: Basketball Stories (S2, E9) — TV-Y
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel Plays Ball (S1, E18) — TV-Y
- The Luck of the Irish — PG (2001)
- Like Mike — PG (2002)
- Space Jam — PG (1996)
- Space Jam: A New Legacy — PG (2021)
- Air Bud — PG (1997)
- 17 Again — PG (2009)
- Sneaks — PG (2025)
Best Football Movies for Kids
Whether it’s football season or not, there’s never a bad time to watch a football movie. Iconic films like Rudy and Remember the Titans are included in this list!
The Game Plan (2007)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 55m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 6+
When bachelor pro athlete Joe Kingman (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) learns he has a young daughter, his world is turned upside down. The movie follows Joe as he bonds with his child and learns that family is more important than anything.
The Longshots (2008)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 34m | Where to Stream: Apple TV
Best for: Ages 8+
In this sports-comedy film, former football star Curtis Plummer agrees to coach his 11-year-old niece, who wants to become the first ever female quarterback. Despite being humorous, the movie teaches lots of important lessons about believing in yourself and overcoming obstacles based on gender.
Little Giants (1999)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 46m | Where to Stream: Apple TV or Prime Video
Best for: Ages 8+
In this ‘90s classic, rivalry takes center stage as Danny forms his own youth football league to battle against his brother Kevin’s team. As his group of ragtag kids are forced to learn to cooperate, Danny will (hopefully) make peace with his brother.
More Football Movies for Kids
- Safety — PG (2020)
- Gus — PG (1976)
- Rudy — PG (1993)
- Remember the Titans — PG (2000)
- Invincible — PG (2005)
- American Underdog — PG (2021)
- Home Team — PG (2022)
- Friday Night Lights — PG-13 (2004)
- The Blind Side — PG-13 (2009)
- 23 Blast — PG-13 (2014)
Best Baseball Movies for Kids
There’s something about going to a baseball game, eating a hot dog, and cheering on your favorite team. Get inspired by any of these kid-friendly baseball movies that are both entertaining and inspiring. They’re also perfect family movies to watch on Fourth of July weekend and throughout the summertime!
Rookie of the Year (1993)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 43m | Where to Stream: Netflix or Disney+
Best for: Ages 8+
An iconic movie the whole family will love! Rookie of the Year picks up as 12-year-old Henry breaks his arm throwing a fastball. When he gets his cast off, he discovers that the injury has granted him a new gift: the ability to throw a 100-mph fastball. Soon, he’s recruited to the pros and whisked away on an adventure beyond his wildest dreams.
The Sandlot (1993)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Stream: Hulu or Disney+
Best for: Ages 8+
Is there any better summertime nostalgia movie on this list? The Sandlot follows fifth-grader Scotty Smalls as he is taken under the wing of baseball prodigy Benny Rodriguez. Soon, he bonds with a group of local kids over their daily games, but trouble chases him when Smalls’ stepdad’s prized Babe Ruth-signed baseball gets lost over a fence.
Charlie Brown’s All Stars! (1966)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 25m | Where to Stream: Apple TV
Best for: Ages 2-4
Perfect for toddlers just starting to show an interest in sports, this Charlie Brown episode follows our pivotal main character as his losing baseball team walks out on him after their 999th defeat. A local sponsor brings them back to the table, but when Charlie is told girls aren’t allowed to play, he knows he has to find a way to get all of his teammates together on the field.
More Baseball Movies for Kids
- The Jackie Robinson Story — NR (1950)
- A League of Their Own — PG (1992)
- Angels in the Outfield — PG (1994)
- Little Big League — PG (1994)
- The Rookie — PG (2002)
- Baseball and the Ballerina — PG (2002)
- Everyone’s Hero — G (2005)
- The Perfect Game — PG (2010)
- A Mile in His Shoes — PG (2011)
- Twelve — NR (2019)
Best Hockey Movies for Kids
If your kids were tuned into the U.S.’s historic win at the Winter Olympics this year, a kid-friendly hockey movie may be their next obsession. Make sure to save these titles for later.
Miracle (2004)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 10m | Where to Stream: Disney+ and Netflix
Best for: Ages 8+
If you know your Olympics trivia, you’ll recognize the storyline in this movie, based on the 1980 Men’s Hockey Team’s historic win! Coach Herb Brooks must unite a scrappy roster of college players to win a difficult match against the Russian team.
Tooth Fairy (2010)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 41m | Where to Stream: Apple TV or Prime Video
Best for: Ages 6+
Something about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson starring in a sports movie will always have me tuning in. This time around, “The Rock” plays a hockey player who’s notorious for being a terror on the ice, constantly knocking out other players’ teeth. Now, he’s sentenced to serve a sentence as the real-life Tooth Fairy. But as he sports his wings and magic wand, he begins to rediscover the magic of childhood dreams he’d lost so long ago.
The Mighty Ducks (1994)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 44m | Where to Stream: Disney+
Best for: Ages 10+
Gordon Bombay is a hotshot attorney who—after a sudden arrest—finds himself coaching a local hockey league for community service. He’s initially reluctant, but as he bonds with the team, he begins to wonder if he could make a difference in these kids’ lives.
More Hockey Movies for Kids
- In the Crease — TV-G (2006)
- Slap Shot 3: The Junior League — PG (2008)
- Pond Hockey — TV-G (2008)
- Breakaway — PG (2011)
- Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story — PG (2013)
- Score: A Hockey Musical — PG-13 (2013)
- Paw Patrol: Pups Save Great Uncle Smiley’s Cup (S10 E14) — TV-Y
- Curious George: Hockey Monkey (S14 E8) — TV-Y
- Indian Horse — NR (2017) best for tweens and teens
- Hockeyland — NR (2022) best for tweens and teens
Unique Sports Movies for Kids
It goes without saying that there are plenty more sports in the world than just football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. These films tackle some of those more unique sports, like karate, gymnastics, horse racing, and more. They are equally inspiring and uplifting for your little ones.
Johnny Tsunami (1999)
Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 32m | Where to watch: Disney+
Best for: Ages 6+
Kapahala is a teen surfing sensation whose world is turned upside down when he’s forced to move from Hawaii to a tiny ski resort in Vermont. Suddenly, he’s caught in a long-standing battle between the public school snowboarders and prep school skiers. Luckily, his grandfather is there to help him become the best athlete on the mountain.
Ice Princess (2005)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 39m | Where to watch: Disney+
Best for: Ages 8+
Casey Carlyle is a high school outcast who doesn’t know a thing about sports. But when a school project forces her to consider the mechanics of figure skating, she discovers a hidden talent she never saw coming. Now, she must learn to balance this new part of herself while not letting go of her other goals.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 6m | Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Ages 10+
Whether it’s the 1984 original or the 2010 remake (also available to stream!), you have to watch The Karate Kid with your kids. The film follows teen Daniel LaRusso as he’s taken under the wing of a local martial arts master and learns to fight back against his bullies. Can’t get enough of this duo? Watch The Karate Kid Part II, The Karate Kid Part III, and The Next Karate Kid. And we can’t forget the newest film, Karate Kid: Legends (2025)!
More Unique Sports Movies for Kids
- You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown — TV-G (1975)
- Cool Runnings — PG (1993)
- Gotta Kick It Up! — TV-G (2002)
- Go Figure — TV-G (2005)
- Jump In! — TV-G (2007)
- Real Steel — PG-13 (2011)
- Turbo — PG (2013)
- Full Out — PG (2015)
- Secretariat — PG (2010)
- Soul Surfer — PG (2011)
- The Greatest Game Ever Played — PG (2005)
- Stick It — PG-13 (2006)
- The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar — TV-PG (2018)
- Arthur the King — PG-13 (2024)
- King Richard — PG-13 (2021)
- Karate Kid: Legends — PG-13 (2025)
FAQs
What are the best sports movies for toddlers and preschoolers?
The best sports movies for toddlers and preschoolers are typically sports-themed episodes of their favorite shows! These include You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown (S1 E16), Paw Patrol: Pups Save Great Uncle Smiley’s Cup (S10 E14), Curious George: George Makes a Stand, and other episodes made for TV that have short runtimes and toddler-friendly plot lines.
What are the best sports movies for kids?
For little kids (ages 4-7), I’d recommend sports movies like The Big Green, GOAT, and The Game Plan. For big kids (ages 8-10), I’d recommend High School Musical, Little Giants, and Miracle. Tweens and teens (ages 11+) can typically handle heavier, more intense plot lines. For them, I’d recommend Bend It Like Beckham, Friday Night Lights, and The Karate Kid.
What are the best inspiring sports movies for kids?
Some of the most inspiring sports movies for kids include Cool Runnings and The Mighty Ducks, both of which focus on underdog teams rising to the top and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, movies like A League of Their Own tackle obstacles faced by athletes surrounding race and gender.
Do sports movies contain violence or bad language?
Yes, some sports movies contain violence and bad language. Usually, parents can defer to the movie’s rating for some guidance in this area. Titles that are rated PG-13—Arthur the King, Score: A Hockey Musical, The Blind Side, and others—will typically include heavier themes, profanity, and some adult humor. Make sure to prescreen content before watching it with your little ones.
What sports movies are based on true stories?
There are tons of sports movies for kids that are based on true stories. Some of my favorites include The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar, a biographical film following the iconic Olympic gymnast, and Miracle, based on the true story of the United States Men’s Hockey Team.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
