Best Baseball Movies for Kids and Teens
In the realm of sports cinema, few genres capture the dramatic underdog stories, the camaraderie, and the spirit of triumph quite like baseball movies do. For kids—especially those who are just starting to swing a bat or dream of making a home run—these films are more than just entertainment; they’re a gateway to the timeless appeal of America’s favorite pastime.
Here are, in my opinion, are the Best Baseball movies for kids and teens. Watch these movies on Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, or Netflix! Links are provided when possible.
Best Baseball Movies for All Ages
Twelve
A young boy, with help from his family, doesn’t let anything get in the way of him and his dream to play in the 12 Year Old Little League World Series.
Best for: All Ages
Angels in the Outfield
What if you didn’t need a star pitcher to win? What if you had angels on your side? “Angels in the Outfield” tells the tale of a young fan whose prayers are answered when celestial intervention leads his favorite team to the pennant.
Best for: All Ages.
Watch it on: Disney Plus.
The Sandlot
There’s a reason why “The Sandlot” isn’t just a classic, it’s a rite of passage for young baseball fans. This coming-of-age story finds Scotty Smalls navigating the trials of friendship and baseball in the summer of 1962. The local sandlot becomes the backdrop for fabled adventures and one ill-fated encounter with the “Beast.”
Best for: Older kids (12+) and Teens.
Watch it on: Disney Plus or Amazon Prime
Rookie of the Year
Young Henry’s dreams of becoming a baseball star come true in the most extraordinary, and hilarious, of ways: an unlikely injury leads him to the pros. But Henry’s swift ascension to the majors isn’t all smooth sailing, as he learns that fame and fortune come with their own set of challenges.
Best for: All Ages
The Rookie
A high school baseball coach, injured before making it to the big leagues, gets a second chance at a professional pitching career when he agrees to try out for the majors, but only if his perpetually losing team wins the district championship.
Best for: All Ages
Best Baseball Movies for Older Kids and Teens
A League of Their Own
Pioneer Women’s Baseball is brought to life in this heartwarming tale set during World War II. Sister rivalry, inner strength, and the push for female empowerment against all odds become the backdrop for the Rockford Peaches’ journey to the World Series.
Tip: If your family is planning to travel to Cooperstown at any point, watch this for a glance of Doubleday Stadium at the end!
Best for: Teens (13+)
The Bad News Bears
For those who prefer their movies with a little edge, “The Bad News Bears” is a hard-hitting comedy-drama that follows a team of misfits and their reluctant coach as they defy the odds and learn to love the game. This is not your saccharine-coated kids’ movie; it’s a raw look at youth, competition, and the harsh realities of life.
Best for: Older Kids and Teens
42
The true story of Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.
Best for: Teens (13+)
Facing Nolan
This documentary about Nolan Ryan is perfect for a teen pitcher. It shows dramatic moments like Ryan pitching with a bloody jersey, his seven no-hitters, his record for most strikeouts, and even the famous fight with Robin Ventura. It’s a great reminder that Ryan’s career wasn’t all perfect; he also holds records for the most walks and wild pitches. An inspiring and entertaining documentary that parents and teens can watch together.
Best for: Teens (13+)
Conclusion
Baseball movies for kids are so much more than just drama or laughs; they’re an inherent part of growing up. By watching these timeless films with your children, you’re not only sharing the joy of the game but also, the many life lessons they offer—lessons of teamwork, determination, and the unyielding optimism that a big win is just a bat’s swing away. It’s time to grab the popcorn, huddle up with the kids, and experience the magic of baseball through the lens of some of the most best baseball movies for kids and teens.
