Best Sports Movies for Kids

Shila:  This is a coming-of-age story where a group of boys play pick-up baseball in a neighborhood "sandlot" and find themselves in a variety of wholesome adventures. This was a very popular family movie in the 90's - the nostalgia will certainly bring parents a smile, too.

Dawn Denning:  A team of Looney Tunes enlist the aid of Michael Jordan to play the ultimate game of basketball. Your kids will laugh and learn a lesson in hard work during this fun family movie.

Shila:  Rudy Ruettiger fights his way onto the Notre Dame college football team in Rudy. This motivational story shows audiences of all ages that hard work, preparation, and determination can help to overcome any personal challenge that comes your way.

Shila:  Disney's Cool Runnings is a sports comedy that stars four Jamaicans who all passionately dream of competing in bobsled at the Winter Olympics. What's funny is that these men have never seen the snow - nor have they actually been in a bobsled. Nevertheless, they still go for glory!

Shila:  Disney's The Mighty Ducks is a sports comedy about a young hockey team coached by an unlikely reckless and aggressive character named Gordon Bombay. Hockey fan or not, audiences can enjoy the simple story behind hard work, teamwork and competition.

Shila:  Rookie Of The Year is a sports comedy starring Henry, a 12-year-old little league pitcher who suffered a disappointing accident that left his arm in a cast. Low and behold, his arm healed stronger than ever before - 100 mph fastball strong! This junior high student then gets signed to the Chicago Cubs.

Shila:  "If you build it, they will come," is the popular phrase out of this 1989 family film. An Iowa farmer named Ray builds a baseball diamond on his remote property and witnesses the field truly "come alive."

Kelly R.:  An inspiring true story about a ragtag US hockey team facing the unstoppable Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics with the whole world watching. You don't have to love hockey to get swept up in the suspense and excitement of this amazing underdog story.

Shila:  Bethany Hamilton lost an arm to a shark attack at age 13, nevertheless, continues to surf competitively and help the world in other ways. Soul Surfer is based on this inspiring true story that reminds us all to seek greater perspective in life.

Kelly R.:  An important diverse family movie based on the true story of a newly-integrated high school football team in 1971 Virginia. The kids must learn to overcome their differences and play as a team despite being surrounded by racial tension. In addition to wonderful lessons about the power of teamwork and perseverance, the eye-opening portrayal of race relations at the time will inspire some important conversations with your kids.

Shila:  Disney's The Rookie stars Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris, an ex-minor league baseball player who ended his aspiring pitching career due to a shoulder injury. Twelve years later, working as a high school teacher and local coach of the Big Lake Owls, an inspirational deal is made that changes his pursuits.

Shila:  Set in the 1880's, this 3D computer-animated movie showcases how perseverance, practice, and passion are far more valuable than talent alone. Orphaned and carefree, the two main child characters - one an aspiring ballerina, the other an inventor - are challenged with a variety of adventures along the way to achieve their lifelong goals.

Shila:  Air Bud is a family movie about a runaway Golden Retriever named Buddy who brings companionship to a 12-year boy struggling with the loss of a parent and navigating middle school. Surprisingly enough, Buddy also happens to be a talented sports player!

Shila:  This Disney comedy invites audiences to laugh a bit at the oddities that come from an English teacher seeking out the opportunity to coach a group of rookie non-athletic kids how to play soccer. Set in a quiet town in the middle of Texas, she'll have to whip the kids' fitness into shape and teach them to confidently play the game.

Shila:  Disney's Angels In The Outfield is about a young boy named Roger who absolutely loves the Anaheim Angels - unfortunately, they happens to be the worst team in the MLB. In response to Roger's prayers, a "real" angel from above arrives to help score some runs.