My kids love family movie nights! It is such a great way to unwind after a long and busy week. With the 2024 Summer Olympics around the corner, we have been binge watching family sports movies for the last few months.
Many of these movies are based on true events are/or people. They have taught my kids more about the value of grit, determination and perseverance. Any most of these have some very funny quotable lines!
Looking for more movie suggestions? Check out this blog post on Non Animated Family Movies and this one for the Best Movies for Tween Girls.
Before I jump into our recommendations for family sports movies, a note:
Before watching a new movie with your kids, I always recommend checking out movie reviews on Common Sense Media. I use my best judgement before sitting down to watch a movie with my own kids, as I hate to be surprised by content that is not age appropriate for them.
The Mighty Ducks
Sports lover or not, this 1990's classic movie still rings true today. Gordon Bombay, a hotshot lawyer is forced to coach a struggling youth hockey team as part of his community service sentence. Initially reluctant, Bombay finds redemption and purpose as he transforms the misfit team of young players, known as the Ducks, into a formidable force on the ice. Quack, Quack (1992: PG)
Miracle
Relive the inspiring sports drama of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's unlikely victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet Union team. Led by coach Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, the team of young underdogs unites with determination, hard work, and unbreakable spirit. This was a surprise hit with my kids! (2004: PG)
The Blind Side
Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who finds a new lease on life when he's taken in by the Tuohy family. Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock in an Oscar-winning role, helps Michael overcome his challenging past, excelling in both school and football. The film beautifully showcases the transformative power of love, kindness, and family support, making it a touching and motivational watch for all ages. (2009: PG-13)
Cool Runnings
My kids absolutely love this classic sports comedy! The inspiring and hilarious true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team, who defy all odds to compete in the Winter Olympics. With memorable characters, heartwarming moments, and lots of witty lines, this film is perfect for the whole family. (1993: PG)
Rookie of the Year
I asked this community what your boys favorite movie was, Rookie of the Year came up over and over and my girls agree that this is fantastic! 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner, who unexpectedly becomes a major league baseball pitcher after a freak accident gives him an incredibly powerful throwing arm. (1993: PG)
The Big Green
"The Big Green" follows a group of misfit kids in a small Texas town who transform into a competitive soccer team under the guidance of their new British teacher. Through ups and downs, laughter and lessons learned, this movie reminds us that with determination and a sense of camaraderie, anything is possible. (1995: PG)
Bend It Like Beckham
Jess Bhamra, a young British-Indian girl who dreams of playing soccer like her idol, David Beckham, despite her parents' traditional expectations. She joins a local women's team and, with the help of her new friend Jules, defies cultural norms and pursues her passion for the sport. Girl Power! (2003: PG-13)
Little Giants
When Danny O'Shea forms a ragtag youth football team to challenge his overly competitive brother's elite squad, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. Packed with laughs, lessons on perseverance, and the spirit of true sportsmanship, this movie is a must-watch for families. (1994: PG)
The Sandlot
Set in the summer of 1962, the film follows a group of young boys who bond over their shared love of baseball and their adventures at the local sandlot. Led by Scotty Smalls, the new kid in town, the boys form a tight-knit team and embark on a series of misadventures, including facing off against the feared neighborhood dog, "The Beast." (1993: PG)
Secretariat
My kids love all things horse related, and Secretariat is no exception. Based on the remarkable true story of Penny Chenery, as she defies the odds and challenges the male-dominated world of horse racing. Against all odds, Penny takes over her ailing father's thoroughbred racing stable and leads the legendary racehorse Secretariat to the Triple Crown victory in 1973, becoming the first horse in 25 years to achieve such a feat. (2010: PG)
Kicking & Screaming
When mild-mannered Phil Weston, played by Will Ferrell, takes on coaching his son's underdog soccer team, he faces off against his ultra-competitive father and his elite squad. Will Ferrell is a comedic genius. (2005: PG:13)
Angels in the Outfield
A young foster boy named Roger who prays for the hapless California Angels baseball team to win the pennant. Miraculously, real angels come to the team's aid, and with their help, the Angels start winning games, inspiring hope and unity among the players and fans. (1994: PG)
Space Jam
This 90's classic teams up Michael Jordan up with the beloved Looney Tunes characters to save them from becoming enslaved by evil aliens. The Tune Squad, led by Bugs Bunny, faces off against the Monstars in an epic basketball game that blends live-action with animation. (PG: 1994)
We Are Marshall
Following the devastating loss of 75 players, coaches, and supporters in a plane crash, the new coach, Jack Lengyel, and the surviving team members try to revive the football program and bring hope back to the grieving town. This is a story of riumph over tragedy and is better suited for older kids (tweens & teens. (2006: PG)
The Miracle Season
The inspiring true story about a high school volleyball team overcoming tragedy. After the sudden death of their star player, Caroline "Line" Found, the West High School team, led by their determined coach, rallies together to honor her memory and strive for the state championship. Get your tissues ready, while absolutely heartbreaking, this movie teaches kids about moving forward in the face of tragedy and loss. (2018: PG)
The Karate Kid
40 years later, the timeless tale of perseverance and friendship as teenager Daniel LaRusso learns martial arts from the wise and patient Mr. Miyagi to defend himself against bullies still resonates today. The film follows Daniel's journey from an insecure newcomer to a confident competitor in a high-stakes karate tournament. (1984: PG)
Air Bud
Air Bud follows Josh Fram, a young boy struggling with the recent loss of his father, and Buddy, a golden retriever with an extraordinary talent for basketball. As Josh and Buddy's bond strengthens, they discover that Buddy's remarkable skills on the court could be the key to saving Josh's school basketball team. (1997: PG)
Little Big League
A young boy named Billy inherits the Minnesota Twins baseball team from his grandfather and decides to manage the team himself. Despite his age and lack of experience, Billy's passion and knowledge of the game inject new life into the struggling team. (1994: PG)
Brink!
Andy "Brink" Brinker is a passionate inline skater who must choose between skating for fun with his friends or joining a sponsored team to help his family financially. Your kids will love this classic Disney Channel Original Movie. (1998: G)
Johnny Tsunami
Another Disney Channel classic movie. Teenage surfer, Johnny Kapahala, who must adapt to a new life when his family moves from Hawaii to snowy Vermont. Struggling to fit in at a prep school, Johnny finds himself torn between two rival groups: the skiers and the snowboarders. (1999: G)
