The 1990s were the golden age of sports movies for kids, and some of the most recognizable titles came out of this defining decade. From highly regarded made-for-TV movies to celebrated cult classics, this genre boasts a wide range of stories about underprivileged athletes. This collection of films highlights how society uses sports as a narrative for positive upbringing. This comes with a number of common stereotypes in sports movies, as many of these films deal with single parents, moving to a new city, or being an outcast. Despite relying on a handful of tropes, each film still maintains its unique message and humor.
Sports movies for kids in the 90s are largely defined by the 1984 hit. The Karate KidThe martial arts film starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki “Pat” Morita helped create many of the clichés seen in later films, such as the single father cliché, the coming-of-age outcast cliché, and the sports hero’s journey narrative. Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi serves as the iconic guru sports coach, someone who can pass on the history, legacy, and training of a legend’s past. The Karate Kid As a measurable barometer, here are the best sports movies for kids from the 90s.
|
Movie |
RT – Tomatometer |
RT – Popcorn Measurer |
|---|---|---|
|
The Sandlot |
65% |
89% |
|
Johnny Tsunami |
N/A |
62% |
|
Heavyweights |
50% |
77% |
|
Little Giants |
46% |
63% |
|
Little Big League |
35% |
54% |
|
Rookie of the year |
41% |
52% |
|
The Mighty Ducks |
23% |
65% |
|
Angels in the outer field |
31% |
49% |
|
Air button |
48% |
38% |
|
The big green |
N/A |
46% |
10 The Big Green (1995)
The Big Green was another Patrick Renna sports movie
Although something similar to The Karate Kid1995s The big green shares more narrative similarities with Taika Waititi’s Next goal winswhere the main character uses football to cheer up a discouraged local community. The Sandlotby Patrick Renna, The big green is a direct result of the 90s sports movie boom for kids and repeats the same humor used in other films. And this relatively underrated film remains a cult favorite. As one of the many Walt Disney entries on this list, The big green It represents the media conglomerate’s bewildering control over the children’s sports movie genre.
9 Air Bud (1997)
The start of an animal-athlete franchise
As the only animal-athlete on this list, Air button It captures the element of fun that sports ultimately herald. This basketball-playing dog helps a struggling school basketball team, along with the guidance of a former professional basketball player as head coach. Although the sports action groans in comparison to the other films, Air button It maintains all the characteristics of sports films for children. The Karate KidPossibly the most famous title on the list, this cinematic canine has his own golden retriever franchise and cinematic universe.
8 angels in the field (1994)
The baseball team that receives help from beyond
Much like the phony Mr. Miayagi, George Knox (Danny Glover) is adamant when Roger Bomman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) steps onto the field. Gifted with the ability to see angels, Bomman helps restore the team’s faith in itself, especially when outside forces begin to shake the team’s foundation. Together, Knox and Bomman find family on the baseball field while reassuring them of their love for the game. Christopher Lloyd, Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey also take up the batting position.
7 The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Quack! Quack! Quack!
Near
Apart from The Karate KidQuote from 1992 The Mighty Ducks stands out as the defining entry in the popular film genre of this decade. Starring Emilio Estevez as a lawyer turned hockey coach, this film helped introduce Disney to the world of sports. Additionally, the owner of the Los Angeles Angels Angels in the outer fieldDisney founded the Anaheim Ducks a year after the release of this film starring Estevez. This film is both a reflection of the 80s sitcom and a foreshadowing of the popular children’s sports movie. As it is easily the film with the greatest cultural impact, this list would be nothing without The Mighty Ducks.
6 Rookie of the Year (1993)
The Rookie of the Year was packed with acting legends from the 90s
As Angels in the outer field1993 Rookie of the year intersperses an improbable fantasy about a boy’s entry into the world of baseball. Spiderman Mythology in which the young protagonist juggles his social life with his newfound fame and responsibilities. This film adheres to the principles established by The Karate Kidwith Rocket Steadman (Gary Busey) often literally standing in for Henry Rowengartner’s father figure. Highlighted by an uncredited appearance by John Candy and a performance by director Daniel Stern as pitching coach Brikma, Rookie of the year contains some of the best hidden gems in the kids sports movie genre.
5 Little Big Leagues (1994)
A kid ends up owning the Minnesota Twins
With a royal child as CEO, 1994 Little Big League Sometimes it seems like a parody of Money ballIronically, Billy Heywood, played by Luke Edwards, is the high school version of Billy Beane, a baseball genius who pursues the “fun” rather than heady sports analysis. As a result of a miraculous inheritance from his grandfather, Heywood leads the Minnesota Twins to the brink of the playoffs and, as Rookie of the yearHis childhood life often interferes with his professional responsibilities. This film also imitates The Karate Kid metaphorizing sport as a father figure.
4 Little Giants (1994)
Great performances by Ed O’Neill and Rick Moranis
Expanding The Karate KidThe 1994 Underdog Narrative Little Giants is the epitome of this sports movie story trope. In a classic battle of big brother versus little brother, Danny O’Shea (Ricky Moranis) hopes to defeat his Heisman-winning brother at a local kids’ football exhibition. Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, Little Giants It speaks to the heart of the sport. It repurposes NFL iconography to invite themes of community and acceptance, while featuring some of the League’s most recognizable names, including John Madden and Emmitt Smith.
3 Heavyweights (1995)
One of Ben Stiller’s funniest roles
Probably the most unknown on this list, the one from 1995. Heavyweights It aims to subvert the overweight best friend stereotype found in most coming-of-age movies. The Mighty Ducks‘Aaron Schwartz, this film introduces Camp Hope, the ultimate summer camp for overweight kids, which is unexpectedly taken over by a toxic fitness entrepreneur played by Ben Stiller.
Ben Stiller’s 10 Funniest Movie Characters
Ben Stiller’s quirky comedic personality has created many hilarious characters over the years, some of which have inspired entire franchises.
Starring Tom McGowan as Miyagi-esque camp counselor Pat, Gerry Garner (Schwartz) and the rest of Camp Hope team up in an Olympic-style competition with a rival camp. After developing a recent cult following, Heavyweights stands as one of the forgotten classics of the decade.
2 Johnny Tsunami (1999)
A classic 90s movie made for TV
As a made-for-TV movie, the 1999 one Johnny Tsunami is perhaps the best depiction of the underdog story. Yet another installment from the Disney supermachine, this film follows a former surfer, Johnny Kapahala, who moves from Hawaii to Vermont and is forced to learn how to snowboard. With surfing legend Johnny Tsunami as his Miyagi-esque grandfather and mentor, young Johnny must channel his snowboarding skills to help bridge a tense sibling rivalry. Despite not receiving a theatrical release, Johnny Tsunamiretains a loyal following as a strong example of surfer culture and Asian representation.
1 The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot is one of the best baseball movies ever made
Near
When it comes to kids’ sports movies from the 1990s, none define the genre more than 1993’s The Mandalorian. The Sandlot. Although the film does not immediately relate to The Karate KidAn in-depth analysis brings the two films together. Mr. Miyagi’s guidance is complemented by the spirit of legendary player Babe Ruth. The Sandlot boys position themselves as underdogs against a Little League team. And new kid Scotty Smalls is the baseball version of Daniel LaRusso, who struggles to make friends after moving to Los Angeles. More than 30 years later, The Sandlot It remains the best sports movie for kids in the genre.
The Sandlot 1
Your rating
5 stars4.5 stars4 stars3.5 stars3 stars2.5 stars2 stars1.5 stars1 star0.5 stars Rate Now Submit Rate Now Edit Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
PGSportFamilyComedyDrama Where to watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in the US.
The Sandlot is a beloved coming-of-age story based on the 1990s sports series that centers on a group of baseball-loving kids who befriend a new kid who moves to town. The Sandlot is set in the summer of 1962 and stars Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, and Art LaFleur as the legendary Babe Ruth.
Release date April 7, 1993 Cast Marty York , Tom Guiry , Chauncey Leopardi , Marley Shelton , Patrick Renna , James Earl Jones , Brandon Quintin Adams , Mike Vitar Director David Mickey Evans Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Screenwriters Robert Gunter , David Mickey Evans Running time 101 minutes Expand