The Sandlot
PG, 1993 1 of 22
This infinitely quotable flick features the story of Scotty Smalls, a new kid in town who finds friendship among a group of oddball youngsters who play baseball in a dirt field. Add in an urban legend about a man-eating dog and a heart-pounding chase sequence, and this movie is destined to become a family favorite.
Kicking & Screaming
PG, 2005 2 of 22
Maybe your kids are already Will Ferrell fans–he is, after all, Buddy the Elf–or maybe they've yet to be introduced to his comic greatness. Either way, this hilarious soccer underdog story should score a screening. And football fans, take note: Legend Mike Ditka also makes a priceless cameo appearance as himself.
Space Jam
PG, 1996 3 of 22
How can you go wrong with a film that features one of the greatest athletes of all time and a famous animated bunny? This '90s classic follows the Looney Tunes gang as they enlist the help of Michael Jordan to defeat intergalactic kidnappers in an epic basketball game. The talents of Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing also join in on the fun for an awesome finale.
Bend It Like Beckham
PG-13, 2002 4 of 22
Starring a young Keira Knightly and Parminder Nagra, this flick serves up a double-dose of girl power in the form of two best friends with their sights set on careers in pro soccer. Mixing in plenty of comedy along the way, the pair tackles obstacles head-on while pursuing their goals.
The Karate Kid
PG, 1984 5 of 22
Soon after its smash debut, this film skyrocketed to the status of timeless classic while simultaneously kicking off a nationwide Karate boom. As it nears its 35th anniversary, "The Karate Kid" still resonates today. In fact, we're willing to bet that once you introduce the kids to Daniel LaRusso's tale of triumph over the bullies of the Cobra Kai Dojo, they'll want to watch it over and over and over again.
The Big Green
PG, 1995 6 of 22
How do you get an inattentive class to stand up and take action? Challenge them to a game of soccer! That's what Texas teacher Miss Ana has in mind when she puts a ragtag soccer team together in an effort to boost her students' spirits. As this underdog story unfolds, the characters are sure to keep everyone smiling.
Air Bud
PG, 1997 7 of 22
This movie follows Josh, who recently lost his father, as he moves into a new town and meets a homeless dog named Buddy. The unexpectedly talented golden retriever helps Josh gain the confidence he needs to try out for his middle school basketball team--and did we mention the pup plays b-ball, too?
Full Out
NR, 2015 8 of 22
Based on the real-life story of former UCLA gymnast Ariana Berlin, this is a story of heartbreak and perseverance. Berlin, who is on track to Olympic fame, suffers a debilitating car accident that puts her on a long road to recovery. Great for kids involved in any sport, this film is a lesson in hard work, tenacity and doing whatever it takes to make your dreams come true. While not officially rated, we would classify "Full Out" as similar to other films with PG ratings.
Angels in the Outfield
PG, 1994 9 of 22
In this heartfelt film, foster kid Roger loves the Anaheim Angels–the worst baseball team in the league. When he calls on an actual angel to help his hometown team win the pennant, a sweet and funny adventure unfolds.
Angels in the Outfield
PG, 1994 10 of 22
In this heartfelt film, foster kid Roger loves the Anaheim Angels--the worst baseball team in the league. When he calls on an actual angel to help his hometown team win the pennant, a sweet and funny adventure unfolds.
McFarland, USA
PG, 2015 11 of 22
Kevin Costner is McFarland High School's struggling cross country coach who takes a group of Latino youth, stuck in a devastating cycle of poverty, to the finish line...literally. Kids will learn that perseverance, hard work and looking out for one another makes us all winners.
The Mighty Ducks
PG, 1992 12 of 22
When arrogant lawyer Gordon Bombay–a.k.a. '80s star Emilio Estevez–is ordered to coach a kids' hockey team as community service, he gets the cold shoulder. The players don't want to play, and Bombay doesn't particularly want to coach them, either. What follows is a cheer-along tale filled with plenty of jokes for the kids and some great hockey action, too.
Little Giants
PG, 1994 13 of 22
This flick's a tribute to kids who might not be athletically gifted but always give it their all. Starring Rick Moranis and Ed O'Neil as rival brothers and football coaches, the whole family will love cheering on the ragtag Little Giants as they face off against the domineering Cowboys.
Cool Runnings
PG, 1993 14 of 22
This wild saga tells the story of a disgraced Team USA Olympic gold medalist. Through some bewildering turns, he decides to gather a group of talented Jamaican athletes to represent their tropical country in the winter Olympics. The sport? Bobsledding, of course! Starring the inimitable John Candy, "Cool Runnings" will have your child racing down the nearest hill on a sled while singing a certain famous bobsled chant.
Rookie of the Year
PG, 1993 15 of 22
After healing from a broken arm, kid ball player Henry discovers that he's able to pitch with amazing strength. How amazing? Well, it earns him a spot as a major league pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Not too shabby!
A League of Their Own
PG, 1992 16 of 22
This award-winning favorite tells the tale of the first female professional baseball league, complete with an unforgettable cast of characters. Against the backdrop of the U.S. home front during World War II, small town gal Dottie Hinson enters a whole new world when she signs up to pitch for the Rockford Peaches. From Tom Hanks' bumbling coach to Madonna's cool cameo to historic cars, uniforms and hairstyles, "A League of Their Own" has something for everyone.
The Blind Side
PG-13, 2009 17 of 22
Based on the true story of homeless teen-turned-first round NFL draft pick Michael Oher and take-charge mom Leigh Ann Tuohy, this Oscar-winner tackles themes including poverty and drug abuse. Culminating in an inspiring and emotional ending, parents and older kids should watch this drama together.
Seabiscuit
PG-13, 2003 18 of 22
Set in the Great Depression, this Oscar-nominated film starring Tobey Maguire of "Spider-Man" fame follows the story of a race horse, his trainer and jockey who join forces with the decks stacked against them. Through talent, hard work and perseverance, they inspire the nation. Best for teens-and-up, "Seabiscuit" addresses several mature themes.
Miracle
PG, 2004 19 of 22
It's one of the most remarkable victories in the history of sports, and 1980's famous Miracle on Ice comes to life in this inspiring film. Grown-ups and kids alike will cheer right along as the underdog U.S. Olympic Hockey team defeats the Soviet Union in what Sports Illustrated proclaimed to be the No. 1 sports moment of the 20th century.
Ice Princess
G, 2005 20 of 22
Many girls will relate to Casey, an academic-minded high schooler with a secret love for figure skating. With the help of her mother, her coach and the coach's daughter, "Ice Princess" follows Casey as she sets out to have the best of both worlds–including a scholarship to Harvard.
We Are Marshall
PG, 2006 21 of 22
Matthew McConaughey leads a stellar cast in this true story of the Marshall University football team's 1971 triumph over tragedy. Dramatic and inspiring, this film is best-suited to mature tweens and teens.
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