THE STORY – A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world.
THE CAST – Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Jennifer Hudson, Patton Oswalt, Eduardo Franco & Sherry Cola
THE TEAM – Tyree Dillihay (Director), Aaron Buchsbaum & Teddy Riley (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 100 Minutes
Is there any genre more familiar and beloved than the underdog sports movie? Audiences never seem to tire of watching the little guy defy the odds. It is even more satisfying when an unpolished, non-professional athlete is plucked from obscurity and thrust into the big leagues, proving they belong. Films like “The Rookie,” “Invincible,” and “Rookie of the Year” tap into that universal fantasy, encouraging us to believe that, with enough grit and luck, we might one day impress the right scout and see our dreams realized. These stories are comforting because they are so well-worn. We know the beats. We know the ending. And that familiarity is precisely why a movie like “Goat” works so well. Yes, Sony’s latest animated feature follows a familiar path, but it tells its story with such energy and imagination that it becomes a thoroughly satisfying ride.
“Goat” marks the feature directorial debut of Tyree Dillihay, following his Emmy-nominated work on “Bob’s Burgers,” from a script by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley. The film introduces Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin), a goat who dreams of playing professional Roarball, a basketball-inspired sport populated entirely by animals. Since childhood, Will has idolized Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union), one of the greatest players in the game’s history, and vowed to one day play alongside her. Reality, however, has not been so kind. A decade later, Will is broke, living in a cramped garage, and months behind on rent. He still trains obsessively, squeezing in practice whenever he can. When Mane (Aaron Pierre) shows up at his local court looking for easy competition, Will unexpectedly outplays him. A viral video follows, and suddenly, the owner of Jett’s team, the Thorns, sees an opportunity and brings Will aboard.
What immediately distinguishes “Goat” is the richly stylized world it inhabits. Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind “KPop Demon Hunters,” “Mitchells vs. The Machines,” and the “Spider-Verse” films, continues to prove itself as one of the most inventive animation houses of the past decade. Rather than chasing realism, the studio embraces an expressive, textured aesthetic that serves the story. Painted surfaces, messy backgrounds, and layered environments make the world feel vibrant and lived in. Every corner feels thoughtfully designed. The Roarball games, in particular, crackle with energy, stretching and warping players while packing each frame with movement and detail. Sometimes there is almost too much to take in, but that sensory overload is part of the fun. Combined with a killer soundtrack and a strong score by Kris Bowers, the film’s overall vibe is electric.
Once Will enters the professional ranks, he quickly learns that the league is far less welcoming than he imagined. “Smalls don’t ball,” he is told repeatedly. Surrounded by towering jaguars, rhinos, giraffes, and horses, a goat hardly seems built for stardom. Still, as Will insists, he is not small. He is a medium. The film’s world-building supports this idea with surprising care. Like “Zootopia 2,” “Goat” constructs a society in which vastly different animals coexist in logical, visually inventive ways. Each team’s home city reflects its environment, from Vineland’s blend of urban sprawl and creeping plant life to icy tundras and volcanic arenas. These shifting landscapes add visual variety and comedic potential, especially as wildly different species collide on the court.
None of this disguises the fact that the story unfolds exactly as expected. From the opening act, it is clear where things are headed. Will faces resistance, tensions arise within the team, and their championship hopes are threatened. The narrative rarely deviates from this familiar arc. Yet “Goat” remains engaging because of its sincerity. Its themes of teamwork, self-belief, and embracing one’s unique strengths are handled with genuine warmth. Will may be undersized compared to his teammates, but his long-range shooting and agility become invaluable. More importantly, he helps others confront their own insecurities, transforming the Thorns into a true collective. The emotional investment feels earned, even when the destination is obvious.
Produced by Steph Curry, who also voices Will’s teammate Lenny, “Goat” carries clear parallels to his own rise from underestimated prospect to global superstar. The film is packed with NBA references that basketball fans will appreciate, though no prior knowledge is required to enjoy the ride. Even without catching every nod, the film delivers enough grit, suspense, and buzzer-beating excitement to keep audiences cheering.
Ultimately, “Goat” understands exactly what it is and leans into it with confidence. It is a classic underdog story wrapped in bold animation, infectious energy, and real heart. Kids are likely to latch onto it the way previous generations embraced “Space Jam,” and it earns that devotion. Familiar as it may be, “Goat” proves that a well-told sports story, even one we have seen a hundred times before, can still feel fresh when it is powered by imagination and sincerity.
