GOAT
February 9th, 2026
MOVIE: GOAT
Starring: CALEB MCLAUGHLIN, GABRIELLE UNION, NICK KROLL, DAVID HARBOUR, PATTON OSWALT, JENNIFER LEWIS
DIRECTED BY: TYREE DILLIHAY, ADAM ROSETTE
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 100 MINUTES
When I was a kid, there weren’t many sports movies made specifically for younger audiences- and especially not animated ones. Films like Little Giants, The Sandlot, and The Mighty Ducks were live-action stories that felt like junior versions of Bull Durham or Slap Shot. That’s what makes GOAT feel so refreshing. While its plot follows a familiar underdog formula, the film’s vibrant animation and high-energy presentation make it a standout sports movie for kids and families alike. GOAT may stand for “Greatest of All Time,” and while that title might be ambitious, it certainly earns its place as a crowd-pleaser.
The story follows Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin), a young goat living in the world of Vineland. By day, he works as a delivery driver, but his real dream is to play his favorite sport: Roarball- essentially basketball in a fully animal world. Ever since his mother took him to his first live Thorns game, Will has idolized the legendary Jett Fillmore (voiced by Gabrielle Union). Now, with his mother gone and the Thorns struggling as a franchise, Will’s dream feels both distant and deeply personal. When the team desperately needs a spark, that spark may come from an unlikely source- a small goat with a devastating crossover.
As expected, the Thorns’ owner, the fiery warthog Flo Everson (voiced by Jennifer Lewis), makes a bold move to shake things up. After a video of Will schooling a brown bear in a street court game goes viral, he’s suddenly thrust into the spotlight and recruited to join the team. But talent alone won’t be enough. Jett and the rest of the Thorns must learn to trust and work together if they hope to win the coveted Championship Claw. Standing in their way is the ultra-competitive Mane Attraction (voiced by Aaron Pierre), a dominant horse determined to keep the Thorns from rising.
Written by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, GOAT doesn’t try to reinvent the sports movie formula. Instead, it succeeds through execution. The animation is electric, filled with bold colors and imaginative world-building. Each arena reflects a different habitat- from snowy mountains to rumbling volcanoes to lush jungle landscapes- giving every game a fresh visual identity. The creative energy continues a winning streak for the teams behind Into the Spider-Verse and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, as they blend stylized motion with kinetic sports action. The result is a fast-paced, visually dynamic experience that rarely slows down.
Yes, the story hits familiar beats, and adults will likely predict many of its turns. But here’s the thing- my son was cheering until the very end. That reaction says more than any critique of predictability. GOAT carries strong, positive themes about teamwork, perseverance, belief in yourself, and the power of giving someone a chance. It’s more than just bright colors and flashy animation; it gives kids something to root for.
In the end, GOAT may not redefine the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: heart, humor, and high-flying sports action. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
Let’s just say…GOAT is pretty great.
3 STARS
GOAT IS PLAYING IN THEATERS THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2026.
Written by: Leo Brady
