GOAT Movie Review: A Fun, Heartfelt Animated Underdog Story

GOAT is the latest animated feature from Sony Pictures Animation, and this time the studio trades multiverses for sports arenas. The story follows Will Harris, a small goat with oversized dreams of playing in the elite Roarball League — a competition dominated by the biggest, toughest animals around. In his world, goats simply aren’t built for that level of play.

But when Will finally gets a shot, he sets out to prove that heart, hustle, and determination can matter just as much as size. Don’t worry — this is a spoiler-free review — but there’s plenty to unpack here.

Sony Animation’s Ongoing Comeback

It’s honestly impressive how far Sony’s animation division has come. Not long ago we were in the era of The Emoji Movie, but since then the studio has been experimenting with bolder, more interesting projects.

Even releases that didn’t hit theaters first — like K-pop Demon Hunters — found success in different ways. And of course, Sony’s biggest animated win remains the Spider-Verse films, especially Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which reshaped expectations for animation style and storytelling.

So when GOAT arrived, it was hard not to notice those influences.

A Visually Energetic Style

The animation immediately stands out. Yes, you’ll notice the stylized frame-rate techniques reminiscent of Spider-Verse, but the film also experiments with watercolor-like backgrounds and sketchy, hand-drawn accents. At times it even echoes the rough, comic-book energy seen in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

The result is action that pops — especially during the Roarball matches. The arenas feel lively, the motion feels kinetic, and the film keeps your eyes engaged throughout.

More Than Just an Underdog Story

At first glance, you might think GOAT is simply about a small character proving he belongs. And yes, that message is there — it’s relatable, uplifting, and works well for younger viewers.

But the movie actually digs deeper than expected.

A Look Behind the Sports Machine

Once Will joins the team, the story expands beyond his personal journey. The film explores:

• Media pressure on athletes
• Team marketing and ticket sales
• How franchises build fan loyalty
• The politics of leadership and management

There’s even a compelling subplot involving an aging big-cat player wrestling with legacy and retirement — a surprisingly thoughtful angle for a family sports movie.

Sports as Community

One of the film’s strongest themes is how teams unite people. Even if you’re not a sports fanatic, it’s easy to recognize how certain franchises bring communities together — much like how the Dallas Cowboys rally fans year after year, win or lose.

GOAT taps into that same emotional connection, showing how a team can represent more than just wins and losses.

Humor, Heart, and Animal Worldbuilding

The movie also leans into its animal setting with plenty of species-based jokes and visual puns. If you enjoyed the playful worldbuilding of Zootopia, you’ll find similar humor here.

The supporting cast adds a lot of charm too — including a tough rhino teammate with an unexpectedly hilarious home life. The ensemble helps the story feel warm and lively rather than predictable.

The Nostalgia Factor: A New Generation’s Basketball Movie?

Watching GOAT brought back memories of classic sports-for-kids films like Space Jam, Air Bud, and Like Mike.

Every generation seems to get that one movie that makes kids want to grab a ball and head outside. GOAT feels like it could fill that role for today’s audience.

The Downsides

The film isn’t flawless.

• Some product placement feels awkwardly obvious
• The story juggles many themes, which slightly rushes the finale
• Will’s personal arc occasionally gets overshadowed by broader plot threads

None of these issues ruin the experience, but they do prevent the ending from hitting as hard as it could have.

Performances, Easter Eggs, and Sports Appeal

Sports fans may spot plenty of basketball references sprinkled throughout. NBA star Stephen Curry was heavily tied to the film’s promotion, and while the movie works fine without sports knowledge, enthusiasts will definitely notice extra nods.

Final Verdict

Overall, GOAT is a fun, heartfelt sports animation with more depth than expected. It balances humor, emotional storytelling, and stylish visuals in a way that works for both kids and adults.

Rating Breakdown

Action: ★★★½ – The Roarball sequences are dynamic and exciting

Comedy: ★★★ – Solid jokes with good balance

Drama: ★★★½ – More layered than anticipated

Suspense: ★★★ – Keeps you invested in the outcomes

Overall: A strong theatrical family watch