The 10 Best Early ’90s Kids Sports Movies, Ranked

As someone who grew up in the ’90s, I can wholeheartedly say that “The Sandlot” takes the crown for the best kids’ sports movie from the early ’90s! Just like Ham would say, “You’re killing me, Smalls,” if you think otherwise.

To millennial film enthusiasts, nothing surpasses the irresistible allure of nostalgia. Rather than intricate plots or character growth, simply evoke emotions from our cherished childhoods and you’ll have us cheering for your movie with unwavering loyalty. Inject sports into the narrative, and you create a timeless cinematic experience that leaves an indelible mark on our hearts for years to come.

In truth, it’s no surprise that timeless sports films continue to captivate audiences: There’s something undeniably captivating about athletic contests, be it the sound of a baseball bat cracking, a football spiral, or a puck slap. These movies from the 90s often served as our gateway into two influential aspects of modern culture – sports and cinema.

Instead of that, let me rephrase it for a more natural and easy-to-understand style: Besides teaching us valuable lessons about teamwork, self-reliance, relationships, rule-following, individuality, childhood, and adulthood, the sports movies from our youth had a profound impact on us. It’s no surprise that we cherished them so dearly! However, while these films were an essential part of our shared childhood memories, not all of them truly excelled. Let’s determine which ones are worthy of being in the sports film hall of fame and which should be relegated to the bench. Here is a list of the top 10 kids’ sports movies from the early ’90s that you might find agreeable.

10. The Big Green

It’s likely that Disney thought they could recreate some of the charm from “The Sandlot” by featuring its main actor, Patrick Renna, on the poster for “The Big Green.” This suggests that the movie is quite similar to previous works and lacks originality. While Disney is known for creating inspiring films, this soccer-themed comedy didn’t seem worthy of being part of their collection.

It seems like the release year of “The Big Green” (1995) coincided with the mid-’90s, a time when its concept of “an ensemble of misfits competing in sports” was starting to feel stale. With no fresh ideas to bring to the table, the filmmakers opted for a different approach, filling the movie with numerous instances of physical humor involving unexpected groin hits.

“The Big Green” features Steve Guttenberg in the cast, hinting that it’s not quite like “Rocky” or “Bull Durham.” In this film, Guttenberg portrays a small-town Texas sheriff who decides to help coach a soccer team to win over the charming new teacher Miss Anna (Olivia d’Abo). Sounds familiar? Yes, the story follows a pattern: The kids are initially poor performers, leading to comical situations; they eventually improve and start winning games. However, even if you haven’t watched this movie specifically, you might recognize its plot from other films on the list. Despite the clichéd storyline, “The Big Green” distinguishes itself with well-developed characters. If you enjoy light-hearted, slapstick humor, this movie could be worth a watch, but it’s not likely to offer anything new or exceptional to the genre.

9. Ladybugs

Watching “Ladybugs” again takes you back to a time when the world had a unique flavor. The plot of this film, however subtly put, appears less relevant today — a fact that seems surprising given its release in 1992, but typical of the 90s, with their distinct cultural landscape.

In a different take: Rodney Dangerfield portrays Chester Lee, a cunning salesman yearning for a promotion, who deceives his superior about his past soccer abilities and accepts the task of coaching the corporation-backed girls’ soccer team, known as the Ladybugs. Lee assumes that another title with the powerful Ladybugs would be a walk in the park. However, upon learning that their fresh batch of players lack skill, he resorts to enlisting his fiancée’s gifted son (Jonathan Brandis) to disguise himself with a wig and participate on the team.

This movie, made in 1992, would likely struggle to be accepted nowadays due to its outdated premise. The coach character being ‘out of water,’ or unprepared for his role, was already overused even back then. However, the talented lead actor could potentially breathe new life into it. Rodney Dangerfield, a renowned comedian, might not have received much recognition, but he had an exceptional knack for making humor out of ordinary things like reading the phone book. Regrettably, even Dangerfield’s comedic genius couldn’t save “Ladybugs,” and some contemporary moviegoers might find it uncomfortable to watch, although there are still a few chuckles worth mentioning from the film’s star.

8. D2: The Mighty Ducks

It’s often observed that sequels rarely match the greatness of the original. However, there are some exceptional cases like “The Godfather Part II,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” and “The Dark Knight.” Unfortunately, “D2: The Mighty Ducks” falls into the category of sequels that aren’t as good. Yet, it holds a special place among the early ’90s children’s sports movies for its quality.

1994 sequel has Coach Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) gathering The Mighty Ducks again to participate in an international tournament for junior league hockey teams representing Team U.S.A. However, their path to victory is obstructed by a dishonest and money-hungry event organizer, and their age-old rivals, Team Iceland. Essentially, it’s just the usual challenges faced by a group of kids.

The reviewers were quite severe towards this hockey movie, and though it raked in $45 million at the box office, it fell slightly short of its 1992 original’s $50 million earnings. However, does it warrant a figurative slap shot to the face? Not entirely. While “The Mighty Ducks” revitalized an ordinary plot with emotional depth, this sequel seems more like a follow-up film. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad; any ’90s kid would jump at the chance to skate alongside Charlie Conway, Fulton Reed, Greg Goldberg, and Coach Bombay once more. Moreover, there’s something enchanting about revisiting “The Mighty Ducks” series and discovering details you overlooked as a child.

7. Little Giants

1994’s film “Little Giants” holds its own among the early ’90s children’s sports movies, boasting performances that truly stand out. For instance, Rick Moranis delivers an endearing portrayal of a loving and supportive (though somewhat geeky) father, the kind any unconventional child would dream to have. It’s unfortunate he left Hollywood, but his decision to quit acting is understandable. On the other hand, Ed O’Neill shines as a boisterous bully, a role that makes Al Bundy from “Married With Children” seem like Dr. Niles Crane in comparison. The fact that Moranis and O’Neill are depicted as brothers might seem implausible, but it’s a kids’ movie, so we can overlook that aspect.

In a different setting, O’Neill portrays Kevin, once a renowned college footballer transitioning into a youth coach. He denies his niece, the offspring of Moranis’ character Danny, a spot on his team due to her gender. In no time, quicker than one can utter “Early ’90s Feminism,” Moranis assembles an underdog team, with his daughter serving as the standout player, aiming to challenge O’Neill in the playoffs.

The tale may seem familiar, perhaps due to our generation’s exposure and subsequent desensitization. However, for someone born in the ’90s encountering “Little Giants” for the first time, the resemblance to “Bad News Bears” will undoubtedly provide amusement and possibly spark motivation, particularly with Moranis and O’Neill adding depth to the narrative.

6. Rookie of the Year

Instead of waiting until they grow up to play professional sports, every child fantasizes about this scenario. In the 1993 movie “Rookie of the Year,” this idea is depicted with a twist: a 12-year-old Little Leaguer named Henry Rowengartner (played by Thomas Ian Nicholas) experiences an unusual accident that grants him extraordinary pitching abilities, though not in the traditional sense of superpowers. In reality, his pitching skills become so remarkable that he significantly improves the Chicago Cubs’ performance, which was quite a challenge in the early 1990s.

This film may have an absurd plotline and implausible scenarios, but it offers a delightful escapist fantasy for anyone who once aspired to play professional baseball. Moreover, it is unique in that it stars Gary Busey, portraying his signature character type as a veteran pitcher named Chet Steadman who mentors the young protagonist, Henry. And let’s not forget that such a pedigree deserves recognition.

5. Little Big League

In contrast to the typical sports movies of any decade that feature young athletes playing their respective sports, “Little Big League” is unique because the protagonist isn’t a player; instead, he owns the team. The story revolves around 12-year-old baseball enthusiast Billy Heywood (Luke Edwards), who inherits the Minnesota Twins after his wealthy grandfather’s demise. The ball club was on a losing streak and teeming with cranky players who yearned to win but were reluctant to work under a middle schooler. This film, I suspect, might strike a chord with anyone working for a Gen-Z boss!

It might seem like a silly concept, but then again, is it really that much different than the beloved Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso?” What makes movies like this work is whether the moviegoer is willing to buy into its premise. On that front, “Little Big League” hits a home run because, as the late Roger Ebert put in his three-and-a-half-star review, “It’s one of those rare baseball movies that has a real feel for the game, instead of using it as a backdrop for bizarre characters.”

Isn’t it great that we have a baseball film which not only comprehends but also deeply appreciates the sport it portrays? This is what sets “Little Big League” apart and makes it one of the top movies of its kind from the early 1990s.

4. Angels in the Outfield

For mature movie critics, “Angels In The Outfield” might not hold much appeal; however, for kids under 10 or those who maintain their youthful spirit, there aren’t many better baseball movies than “Angels In The Outfield.” This film features a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Roger, a boy in the foster care system with an absent father who promises to reconnect the family if the Anaheim Angels win the World Series – an achievement that seems almost as unlikely as angels playing baseball on the field.

It turns out that both events occurred due to Roger’s prayer. An angel named Al (played by Christopher Lloyd) and his companions appeared to assist Coach Knox, who was portrayed by Danny Glover. Together, they helped the seemingly directionless Angels, including Tony Danza, Matthew McConaughey, and Adrien Brody as team members, embark on an unexpected winning streak.

Is this movie overly emotional, sweet to the point of being cloying, and full of big words that cranky adults use when they’re stuck watching such films? Yes, indeed. However, is it also a film that sensitively addresses complex themes like death, divorce, and family fallouts, making it suitable even for the youngest viewers? Without a doubt. As for whether or not angels can mend families by means of baseball, we can’t confirm that. But what we can affirm with absolute certainty is that “Angels In The Outfield” is an inspiring family fantasy flick from the early ’90s, deserving a spot on any list of the best children’s sports movies.

3. Cool Runnings

Contrary to what one might think, ‘Cool Runnings’ actually features adult characters, not youth athletes. However, this 1993 film is still worth mentioning for its family-friendly appeal, as it was a popular choice at your local Blockbuster video store back then. Although critics may not have fully recognized its charm at the time, the story of four Jamaican beach dwellers transitioning from sand to snow and becoming Olympic-level bobsledders is undeniably captivating. What makes it even more fascinating is that it’s based on a true story about the Jamaican bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Sure thing!

Growing up in the early ’90s, we didn’t need to witness kids competing to empathize with the characters or appreciate the film. Regardless of whether you understand what it means to be an underdog, you could identify with the team and cheer them on as they chanted: “Feel the rhythm. Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time! Cool runnings!

2. The Mighty Ducks

Every aspiring athlete dreams of having a coach like Gordon Bombay, portrayed by Emilio Estevez in “The Mighty Ducks.” At first, Coach Bombay was a self-absorbed, irresponsible lawyer with a penchant for drunk driving, leading him to return to ice hockey for court-ordered community service. However, he is also someone who wholeheartedly supports his players and understands how to inspire them to trust their own abilities. Isn’t that the kind of support every young person requires?

The core of the hockey movie lies in the understanding that effective coaching doesn’t just impact the lives of young people, but also transforms the coach themselves. On the rink or on the field, these young individuals absorb lessons about maturity from their mentor, while the coach, in turn, learns valuable lessons about personal growth and development as well.

Despite being somewhat sugary and formulaic, films like “The Mighty Ducks” are produced because they consistently motivate viewers of all ages. This is why, more than 30 years after its 1992 debut, “The Mighty Ducks” can still get even grown adults, who aren’t hockey enthusiasts, to shout, “quack, quack, quack!

1. The Sandlot

In a tight race, it came down to the last moment who would claim first place, but ultimately, there could be just one champion for the top kids’ sports movie from the early ’90s – “The Sandlot”. Was there any doubt in your mind we’d pick another film? To echo Ham, “You’re really testing my patience, Smalls.

One of the most striking moments in the movie is undoubtedly its memorable line, but it’s not the only reason “The Sandlot” stands out as an extraordinary piece of ’90s nostalgia. Each character on the sandlot baseball team seems like a friend from our childhood, making their adventures seem both outrageous and oddly familiar to anyone who has ever been a child. This could be why “The Sandlot” remains such a beloved film for kids (or adults) – it beautifully encapsulates the essence of childhood, regardless of when or where that was experienced.

1993 saw the release of the movie, “The Sandlot”, but its narrative takes place during the summer of 1962. Time-wise, it’s been just as long since the film hit screens and now, as between its ’60s setting and the ’90s when it was released. The actors from “The Sandlot” have significantly changed since 1993, and so have we; however, the movie remains just as beloved today as it was over three decades ago. It’s widely agreed that “The Sandlot”, a tale about America’s cherished pastime, will endure the test of time.

2024-10-28 23:30