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.
35 Sports Movies For Kids
1. Kicking and Screaming
Will Ferrell brings a classic comedy in this 2005 family hit. Phil decides to turn a coach for his son’s soccer team but old nightmares evoke as he needs to compete against his invariably competitive father’s team.
2. 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.
3. The Sandlot
Considered by many as one of the best films 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
4. 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.
5. The Natural
Nominee of four Academy Awards, The Natural is one of those films about success and failures. It is a story of a man who mysteriously appears with his lightning struck bat to save a drowning team of baseball players.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
16. 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 original film starring Dove Cameron as Kayla Morgan and Luke Benward as Will Cloud, who work on their differences with each other towards a common goal, snowboarding.
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.
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. Available on: Hotstar
21. Like Mike
It is a story 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.
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. 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.
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.
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 Aollar 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.
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 discrimintion, take part in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
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.
