What is it about sports movies that makes them so inspiring? Is it the tales of triumph and tribulation? Is it the underdog attaining glory on the sport’s field? Perhaps it is the idea that even when the odds are against us, we can still find a way to persevere. Whatever the reason, movies about sports have a unique way of capturing our hearts and our imaginations. This is often doubly-true for kids, who delight in the fictional elements of the story but feel grounded by the realistic ones.
In essence, sports movies offer up more than simple entertainment—they inspire, motivate, and teach children valuable life lessons. From classic favorites like “The Sandlot” and “Space Jam” to newer films that frame sports heroes in a whole new light, these kid-friendly sports movies celebrate the thrill of competition, the value of teamwork, and the importance of never giving up.
In this article, we will not only explore why sports movies inspire children to bigger and better things, we will also highlight some of the most beloved kid-friendly sports films, so that parents can find awesome options to show their kids. Finally, we will touch on each of the valuable lessons each of those films imparts.
Why Sports Movies Inspire Kids
By now, we know that sports movies are not just about awesome athletic feats; they’re about the undeterred human spirit. The themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery that many sports movies display are why they have such universal appeal. Below, we have put together a short list of why we believe these types of films are so impactful for kids:
Relatability: One of the main reasons films about sports resonate with children is their relatability. When kids see the characters on the big screen facing the same sorts of challenges that they themselves may have experienced in their own lives, they see something real; something with a touchstone within their own memories. Whether that event involves dealing with the pressure of a big game, overcoming a personal failure, or learning to work as part of a team, kids can see themselves as a mirror of the movie’s protagonists. Sports movies show that anyone, even kids just like themselves, can achieve greatness through determination and hard work. More importantly, they see that this can be achieved regardless of their background or level of skill.
Role Models: Kids are constantly looking up to professional athletes as their role models. This is only natural, as these types of individuals tend to be the absolute pinnacle of athleticism and skill for their particular sport. Many sports movies introduce kids to some of these world-famous players and even some fictional ones that still act as compelling role models. Characters like the underdog in “Rudy,” the scrappy baseball players in “The Sandlot,” or the determined Michael Jordan in “Space Jam” are all shining examples of these types of sports heroes. These are individuals who do everything they can to push past their own perceived limitations in order to overcome obstacles. In doing so, they inspire young viewers to do the same. At the same time, characters like these demonstrate to children the value of perseverance and the importance of sportsmanship. In so many movies, the key takeaway is that the main character, like the child watching, should ever giving up on their dreams, because anything is possible when you believe in yourself and work hard to achieve those dreams.
Life Lessons: Sports movies are packed with important life lessons that extend fart beyond the actual “Field of Dreams.” Kids learn about why teamwork, discipline, and resilience are all important to living their best life, but they also learn about the importance of having fun. We have gone on and on about why sports should be fun and we stick to our guns on this one. Playing a game, even when the stakes seem very high, should still be fun for children and adolescents. Frankly, some adults who play sports could benefit greatly from learning this, as well.
Take for instance, “The Mighty Ducks,” a story about an underdog hockey team that learns about the power of camaraderie and the joy of playing, not for supreme victory, but for the love of the game itself. Films like these reinforce the idea that winning isn’t everything and success isn’t necessarily the end-all, be-all either. Instead, they teach that what matters most is giving one’s best effort, learning from one’s mistakes, and supporting one’s teammates.
Emotional Connection: Hollywood knows what it’s doing when it comes to sports movies. These films are designed to make kids feel something. Whether that something is the highs of victory, the lows of defeat, or the difficult journey in between; all of these, some might say, “hackneyed” elements, are meant to tug at the heartstrings of adults and children alike. The interesting thing about these emotional moments is that they help kids process their own emotions. Kids can learn about empathy and discover a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a team. Whether it’s celebrating a game-winning goal or dealing with the loss of a teammate, sports movies help children navigate the emotional landscape of sports and life.
Inspiration Beyond the Screen: Even when the curtain closes and the credits roll, the impact of sports movies goes far beyond the theater or TV screen. Sports films inspire children in a myriad of ways. They might entice a child to try new sports, join a team they weren’t sure about, or pursue their own athletic dreams in one way or another. It makes sense, seeing characters overcome adversity can be a powerful motivator for young kids. Children will develop their own goals and ambitions, often after being inspired by the things they saw in these types of movies. Take for instance, films like “Bend It Like Beckham,” which inspire young athletes to pursue their passion for soccer. Meanwhile “Cool Runnings” or “Rookie of the Year” might encourage kids to follow their dreams regardless of what others may think…or to simply try out for the baseball team; you know, whatever works!
Classic Kid-Friendly Sports Movies
“The Sandlot” (1993):
- Plot: The reason we mention “The Sandlot” so fast is because it is such a nostalgic coming-of-age story, especially for Millennials like this writer, in particular. The story itself is simple enough, it’s about a group of kids who spend their summer playing baseball in a local sandlot. The film follows main protagonist Scottie Smalls, a new kid in town who learns to love the sport and make lasting friendships as he navigates his quirky new town.
- Why It Inspires: At it’s core, “The Sandlot” is a movie about summer, friendship, and the simple joys of playing sports. It captures the innocence of childhood, showing how just the shared love for the game can bring kids of all walks of life together. The film’s humor, heart, and relatable characters make it an enduring favorite for kids and adults alike.
- Lessons: By the time the credits roll, child viewers have learned the value of true friendship, the importance of fun over competition, and the joys of playing just for the love of the game. It shows young athletes, and all kids, really, that even if you don’t have the best skills, you can still be a part of a great team and contribute in your own way.
“Space Jam” (1996):
- Plot: In “Space Jam,” basketball legend Michael Jordan, yes, that Michael Jordan, teams up with Bugs Bunny, yes, that Bugs Bunny, and the Looney Tunes characters to defeat a group of alien bullies in a basketball game. It’s a wacky premise, but it most definitely works! The aliens challenge the so-called Tune Squad of classic cartoon characters to a basketball duel to win their freedom.
- Why It Inspires: This film is unique because, like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” before it, it combines the magic of animation with real-world sports. “Space Jam” teaches kids about believing in themselves, persevering even when the going gets tough, and working with others to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The colorful animation and zany characters keep kids entertained and Michael Jordan himself keeps the story…about as grounded as it could be. Meanwhile, the story’s message about self-belief resonates deeply.
- Lessons: “Space Jam” highlights the importance of confidence and never giving up, no matter how tough or alien the challenge might appear. It also demonstrates the power of teamwork, as Michael Jordan learns to trust his animated teammates and rely on their unique skills, rather than forcing them to be a certain kind of basketball player.
“The Mighty Ducks” (1992):
- Plot: “The Mighty Ducks” follows Gordon Bombay, a lawyer turned hockey coach who, when faced with the punishment of community service, is sentenced to coach a youth hockey team; it is not the greatest team he’s ever encountered, at least from the beginning. Yet, though the team starts as a group of misfit kids, it grows into a decently competitive squad.
- Why It Inspires: This movie teaches the power of transformation and redemption, not only on the part of the titular Ducks themselves, but for their coach as well. Gordon learns to see beyond his cynicism and appreciate the value of teamwork, while the kids learn the importance of discipline, perseverance, and experience the joy of working together towards a common goal.
- Lessons: Additionally, the film emphasizes the importance of second chances. It highlights the value of hard work, and illustrates how playing sports can shape a person’s character. In the end, it shows kids that it’s never too late to change, to grow, or to become a better person.
“Rudy” (1993):
- Plot: Based on a true story, “Rudy” is one of the most iconic sports movies out there. It follows the journey of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a small but determined young man with a dream to play college football for Notre Dame. Despite overwhelming odds, Rudy fights his way onto the team, demonstrating incredible perseverance and heart.
- Why It Inspires: “Rudy” is a powerful tale of dreams and determination. The main character’s relentless spirit inspires young athletes to keep pursuing their passions, no matter how impossible they may seem.
- Lessons: By the end, the film teaches the importance of resilience, the value of hard work, and the rewards of pursuing one’s dreams with unwavering, some might say bordering on foolish, determination.
“Cool Runnings” (1993):
- Plot: Inspired by a true story, “Cool Runnings” follows a group of Jamaican sprinters who decide to break from tradition to form a bobsled team for the Winter Olympics. Despite facing ridicule and skepticism, from just about every soul imaginable, they compete in the games with admirable heart and unwavering determination.
- Why It Inspires: This movie shows that greatness can come from the most unexpected places. It teaches children that it’s okay to be different, but more importantly, it proves that anyone can achieve greatness in the end, despite harsh judgements, or cultural and societal expectations.
- Lessons: Like so many movies on this list, “Cool Runnings” highlights the importance of following one’s dreams. It also highlights the incredible power of teamwork and the idea that it’s okay to be a bit of an underdog, or if the odds seem stacked against you.
Cultured Athlete Says…
As you can see, sports movies are a rich source of inspiration for children, especially for budding young athletes with dreams of glory. These movies offer children so much more than mere entertainment—they provide valuable life lessons, emotional insight, and powerful role models for kids to look up to. The best thing about films is their ability to showcase a variety of universal themes, such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief.
When the film is done and the lessons are learned, kids might gain the confidence to pursue their dreams, embrace their current and future challenges with grace, and grow in ways they never imagined; both on and off the playing field. Whether it’s through the camaraderie of the “The Sandlot,” the confidence boost of “Space Jam,” or the underdog story of “Cool Runnings,” sports movies have a unique ability to inspire and educate young audiences. In the end, sports movies, like all moving pictures, are gateways to understanding the joys and challenges of sports themselves, and for budding athletes, this means that they are almost a vital part of their growing-up experience.
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