The Best and Worst Moments of Sports Movie Dads

For Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting some of the best—and worst—sports movie Dad moments. These films highlight the strengths and flaws that every Dad can relate to. From game day meltdowns to heartfelt redemptions, they capture the emotional rollercoaster of being a sports Dad.

Kicking and Screaming (2005)

Phil Weston is a family man who just wants to see his son, Sam, succeed. Phil’s father, Buck, coaches Sam’s little league soccer team. Buck, who used to bench and humiliate Phil as a child, has Sam traded to another team. Sam’s new team is winless and coachless, so Phil volunteers to coach the team. In a battle of father and son, Phil becomes the version of his Dad that he once resented – angry, manic and even benching his own son. His obsession peaks when he gives an unhinged pregame speech to the team.

By the end, Phil realizes he took it too far. Sam, who sat the bench all season, becomes a key player in their ultimate victory.

Phil apologizes to his Dad, an assistant coach, his son and the team. He serves as a reminder to stay true to yourself and focus on what matters in youth sports—and to lay off the caffeine.

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

Up next is Tom Baker (Steve Martin), who relocates his family of 14 to a new town for a new coaching job. His children resent him and tensions rise quickly at the new Baker household. Tom’s ambition causes friction, especially with his oldest son, Charlie, who calls him out for being selfish.

As time goes on, the chaos only continues. Tom eventually resigns from his coaching job to focus on his family.

Tom reminds us that being present is more important than any job title or trophy. Whether you have one kid or 12, showing up matters.

The Game Plan (2007)

Joe Kingman (Dwayne Johnson), a superstar quarterback, is thrown into fatherhood when 8-year-old Peyton shows up at his door. At first, he’s careless—leaving her behind at a nightclub—and struggles to reconcile his celebrity lifestyle with parenting.

But as their bond deepens, Joe begins to change, ultimately choosing fatherhood over fame. Their story is a reminder that it’s never too late to grow into the role of a good parent.

In an unexpected situation, Joe shows that even with struggles and setbacks you can be a good parent.

Hoosiers (1986)

Hoosiers follows an Indiana high school basketball team with new coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman). As the team struggles to win, one of the player’s fathers, Shooter (Dennis Hopper), continuously shows up drunk to games.

Norman strikes a deal with Shooter: he can join as assistant coach but only if he arrives sober. The season goes on and Norman intentionally gets thrown out of a game. At this point, the play calling falls to Shooter, who ultimately calls a game-winning play to lead Hickory to victory.

Shooter’s story is a powerful reminder that redemption is always possible—and that even flawed fathers can rise to the occasion.

Little Giants (1994)

The O’Shea brothers, Danny (Rick Moranis) and Kevin (Ed O’Neil), end up in a rivalry when coaching opposing pee-wee football teams. When Kevin cuts Becky, Danny’s daughter, from the team because she’s a girl, Danny forms a ragtag team of misfits—The Little Giants. As the rivalry intensifies, the teams face each other to determine who will be the sole town team. Kevin convinces Becky that her crush, a teammate of hers, would like her better if she was a cheerleader.

In the end, Becky returns to the football field and Kevin proudly acknowledges her skills.

Despite Danny’s winning team, the brothers both agree to merge their teams. It’s a heartwarming reminder that while competition can be fierce, family comes first.

Rudy (1993)

In Rudy, Rudy Ruettiger dreams of playing football for Notre Dame—but his biggest doubter is his own father, who tells him to give up and be realistic. Lacking support at home, Rudy finds an unexpected mentor in Fortune, the stadium groundskeeper, who gives him a place to stay and pushes him not to quit.

Fortune becomes the father figure Rudy needs, believing in him when no one else does. In the end, Rudy makes it onto the field—and his father, once doubtful, watches in awe from the stands.

Rudy reminds us that while some dads may fall short, father figures can show up in surprising ways when it matters most. 

Honorable Mention: Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

In Kung Fu Panda 3, Po (Jack Black), the Kung Fu Dragon Warrior, discovers that his biological father is still alive. In an emotional scene at Po’s adoptive goose father’s noodle shop, Li Shan, a panda arrives and proclaims he is looking for his son. Po and Li embrace when they realize they are father and son. Po then introduces his adoptive father, Mr. Ping, to Li. Mr. Ping struggles to grapple with the fact that Li is Po’s biological father.

In a touching scene, Li and Mr. Ping cross paths as they both set out to rescue Po. They share their worries and ultimately join forces to save him. Mr. Ping says “Let’s go find our son.”

Mr. Ping and Li remind us that it truly does take a village and that having more than one father figure can be a gift.

Whether they're fumbling through fatherhood or making game-winning plays off the field, these sports movie dads remind us that the real victories happen at home. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the people who show up as fathers—flaws, fumbles and all.