31 Funny, Inspiring Sports Movies for Kids of All Ages (Just in Time for the Olympics!)

I grew up with three younger brothers in a household that was fully focused on sports. While I’ve never been the most athletically inclined, the experience did leave me with one thing: a deep appreciation for a good sports movie. I saw them all when I was growing up, from classic kids’ films like The Mighty Ducks to tearjerkers like Miracle. Something about an underdog story just gives me instant nostalgia from a childhood spent watching a movie about a football team for the umpteenth time.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics taking over TV screens in February, you might be inspired to find a sports movie to watch with the kids. Luckily, you have plenty of choices. If you want to be fully immersed in the cold-weather competition, you can turn on a winter-themed, action-packed film. And if you’re looking for even more examples of camaraderie and teamwork, you can expand your viewing pleasure to all types of sports movies.

Whether you’re hoping for a classic, an animated flick, or an uplifting tale, here are the best sports movies for kids to consider for your next movie night.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 39 minutes
• Rating: G

High-schooler Casey Carlyle discovers a love for figure skating through a physics experiment she conducts to impress a Harvard recruiter. Throughout the movie, she juggles wanting to pursue skating and keeping on the track to Harvard, which is her mom’s alma mater.  

• Where to watch: Disney+ 
• Runtime: 1 hour and 29 minutes 
• Rating: TV-G  

This Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) takes place on the ice. Teenager Katelin Kingsford pulls double-duty as a hockey player on the school’s girls team — which she needs to be on for her scholarship — and a figure skater as she tries to become a world-champion figure skater. 

• Where to watch: Disney+ 
• Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes 
• Rating: PG  

All three of my brothers were obsessed with Miracle, the retelling of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union. A look at teamwork and belief under pressure, the movie is ideal viewing during the Olympic season.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes  
• Rating: TV-G

Another DCOM makes the list, thanks to its setting in the mountains of Vermont and its message of perseverance. Thirteen-year-old Johnny Kapahala moves with his family to the East Coast from Hawaii, and he trades in his surfboard for a snowboard as he tries to adapt to the change with the help of his new friends.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes  
• Rating: PG

The second installment of The Mighty Ducks is widely considered a case where the sequel is as good as, or better than, the original (which is also on this list). In this film, the Ducks go to the Junior Goodwill Games in Los Angeles, and they have to learn how to work together again as a team.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 39 minutes  
• Rating: PG

The film follows Jamaica’s first Olympic bobsled team, in an inspirational (and hilarious) tale inspired by a true story. The movie strikes a balance between a comedy and a motivational film. You and your kids will probably recite the team’s signature chant for days after you watch.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes  
• Rating: G

One of my personal favorites when I was growing up, The Mighty Ducks still holds up. A reluctant former player coaches a pee-wee hockey team made up of beginners. Together they learn about the value of teamwork in this fun film that’s great for all ages.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 7 minutes
• Rating: TV-Y

Bluey’s friend Rusty shows off his cricket batting skills, hitting every ball bowled his way. He looks like he can’t be stopped, but a flashback reveals that Rusty knows the true meaning of cricket is being a good teammate, which you can see when he bowls an easy ball for his sister to hit.

• Where to watch: YouTube
• Runtime: 13 minutes
• Rating: TV-Y

Francine starts out this episode not being a very good sport when she doesn’t win the Athlete of the Year award. Cut to meeting Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan in a dream, and Francine wakes up and finally apologizes to Jenna, who did win the award. It’s a good reminder that winning isn’t everything.

• Where to watch: YouTube
• Runtime: 8 minutes
• Rating: TV-Y

Little Bear and his friends can’t agree on the rules for their baseball game, and they all get a little upset with each other. They quickly realize that they can’t play a game if they keep arguing, so they bring in a little of everyone’s rules and have fun together again.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes  
• Rating: PG

While technically a remake of a 1950s film, any ’90s kid would consider this one a classic. The film follows the struggling California Angels baseball team, who get some help when actual angels step in to guide them (although only a young foster child can actually see them). Blending heart and humor, it’s lighthearted enough for kids but emotional enough to land with parents too.

• Where to watch: Peacock
• Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes  
• Rating: PG

In Little Giants, a group of misfits form a football team to take on the town’s elite squad. It’s a nostalgic favorite for parents that still holds up decades later.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes  
• Rating: G

Preteen Henry is recruited to play for Major League Baseball after a freak accident gives him an impossibly strong pitching arm. The magical, fantastical element makes this feel quintessentially ’90s, with plenty of humor and heart.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 42 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Another coming-of-age classic, The Sandlot follows a group of young baseball players in the 1960s. While sports are a central theme, the real story is the friendship between the team of kids who play daily at the neighborhood sandlot.

• Where to watch: Paramount+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 56 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Another inspirational movie based on a true story, Rudy follows Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who overcomes all the odds to play football at the University of Notre Dame. When you think of a family sports movie, this is probably one of the first that comes to mind — and for good reason.

• Where to watch: Prime Video
• Runtime: 1 hour and 35 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Rumble takes place in a world where monsters and humans coexist. A young woman trains an underdog monster to be a professional wrestler, taking his shot at a championship. With engaging animation, it’s a lighthearted underdog story that may appeal to younger kids who would rather watch an animated movie.

• Where to watch: Netflix
• Runtime: 1 hour and 36 minutes  
• Rating: PG

In Turbo, a snail dreams of racing in the Indianapolis 500 after a freak accident gives him supercharged abilities. The movie is colorful and fast-paced, making it a great pick for younger kids who love high-energy animation.

• Where to watch: Prime Video
• Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Presented as a mockumentary, Surf’s Up follows a young penguin chasing his dream of being a surfer. There aren’t a lot of surfing movies on this list, so if you’ve got a kid who loves the laid-back tone and animation style, this is a different taste of sports movies available.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes  
• Rating: G

A personal favorite in our house, Cars tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a rookie racer who gets stranded in the forgotten town of Radiator Springs. The characters and story are (in typical Pixar fashion) incredibly endearing, making this a fast favorite for younger viewers like my toddler.

• Where to watch: Apple TV
• Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes  
• Rating: G

An animated sports movie you might not have seen is Everyone’s Hero. The movie follows a young ballplayer as he journeys across the country to help Babe Ruth and the Bronx Bombers win the World Series.

• Where to watch: Apple TV
• Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Part animation, part live-action, Space Jam is going to be top of mind when any ’90s kid thinks of a sports movie. Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes are challenged to a basketball game to win their freedom from the evil Swackhammer. So what do they do? Get some help from Michael Jordan, of course. Whacky and wonderful, it’s a must-see kids’ sports movie.

• Where to watch: Disney+ 
• Runtime: 2 hours and 6 minutes 
• Rating: PG

Based on a true story, Queen of Katwe follows a young Ugandan girl who discovers a talent for chess. The story highlights resilience and family support, and makes for an incredibly moving tale that’s great for slightly older kids.

• Where to watch: Disney+ 
• Runtime: 2 hours and 11 minutes 
• Rating: PG

Another true story brought to life, this one follows a 1987 cross-country team from a mainly Latino high school in McFarland, California. The sports drama focuses on a lesser-known (but no less inspirational) story that’s well worth seeing for yourself.

• Where to watch: Disney+ 
• Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes 
• Rating: PG  

Mark Wahlberg plays a bartender with no professional football experience who, against all odds, earns a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles. While a bit intense for younger viewers, older kids will love this grounded tale of perseverance.

• Where to watch: Disney+
• Runtime: 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Rating: PG

When I think of Remember the Titans, the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” immediately pops into my head. Set during school desegregation in Virginia, this football drama focuses on unity and leadership both on and off the field. The sports action is compelling, but the social lessons are the heart of the film. It’s probably best for older kids ready for deeper themes.

• Where to watch: Netflix
• Runtime: 2 hours and 7 minutes
• Rating: PG  

The story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II, with a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hanks and Madonna. A beautiful tale that celebrates women in sports with heart and humor, this is one I have earmarked for when my daughter is a bit older.

• Where to watch: Prime Video  
• Runtime: 2 hours and 1 minute 
• Rating: PG

A bullied teen learns karate from an unconventional mentor, discovering discipline and self-respect along the way. While not a traditional team sports movie, it’s one of the most iconic sports-inspired films ever. A must-watch.

• Where to watch: Tubi
• Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Based on a true story, this film follows a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico, who make history in the Little League World Series. And you can watch it for free on Tubi!

• Where to watch: Pluto TV
• Runtime: 1 hour and 32 minutes  
• Rating: PG

While not explicitly a “sports movie,” this comedy follows a monastery cook who secretly becomes a luchador to help orphans in his care. Starring Jack Black, the movie is absurd and silly, leaning more toward a comedy than a traditional sports film. But it’s a great option for kids who enjoy slapstick humor!

• Where to watch: YouTube
• Runtime: 1 hour and 39 minutes  
• Rating: PG

Air Bud follows a golden retriever with an unexpected talent for basketball. He joins a youth team in a story that is pure ’90s fun. It’s a great comfort watch, and ideal for younger kids who might not be up for the more complex stories of some sports films.

• Where to watch: Tubi
• Runtime: 2 hours
• Rating: PG

In Little Big League, a young boy inherits ownership of the Minnesota Twins and becomes their manager. The movie blends fantasy with real baseball strategy in a surprisingly smart way that school-aged kids will enjoy.