4 Inspiring Movies About Kids and Sports

When it comes to inspiring young sports fans, never discount the power of a good movie. Whether it’s a tearjerker or a flick about the underdogs becoming world champs, there’s a lot of power on the silver screen. That can lead to greater success off the court, diamond, gridiron, pitch, or what have you.

Here are four inspiring movies about kids and sports that the whole family can watch before the big game.

The Sandlot (1993)

The Sandlot is a classic film about baseball, good friends, and growing up and coming to terms with adulthood. After 30 years, The Sandlot retains its power to charm with high and low comedy, nostalgia, and plenty of good lessons about friendship, teamwork, and not making assumptions about others.

The Sandlot shows how some things, including baseball, are eternal and important. It’s a good movie to get them excited about playing with other kids and doing their best when they try out for the team.

Related: 6 Things You May Not Know About The Sandlot

The Karate Kid (1984)

If you have a martial artist in your family, movie night should include this ‘80s classic. Daniel LaRusso moves to California with his mother and has trouble fitting in, ending up in a rough rivalry with the Cobra Kais, a local teen karate dojo.

Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, the maintenance man at his apartment building who teaches him karate from a philosophical as well as a self-defense standpoint. The fights might get a little rough for some people, but ultimately, Mr. Miyagi’s lessons of respect and self-control are worth imparting to a new generation. 

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

For the little soccer (or, as they call it everywhere else in the world, football) fan in your life, introduce them to this film. Bend It Like Beckham is the story of Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra’s struggle to play the sport she loves despite her parents’ disapproval.

There are plenty of things to talk about in this film, including the theme of following your dreams, doing your best, friendship, and dealing with prejudices and assumptions. The soccer scenes may have your player ready to play right after the movie.

Kicking & Screaming (2005)

Here’s the last of our four inspiring movies about kids and sports. Sometimes, you just need to have a good laugh.

Will Ferrell shares his gift for wacky, off-kilter characters. In this case, he starts out as a calm and even-tempered fellow before becoming an over-the-top parody of every coach who tries a little too hard to win. This film offers lots of laughs and a good lesson that the biggest point of sports is to get out there, do your best, and have fun.

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