22 Awesome Baseball Movies to Watch with your child

When it’s too hot or too cold to play baseball outside, binge watching some classic baseball movies with your child is a great way keep their interest in the sport!

After all, what kid would say no to watching TV with a bucket of popcorn and Twizzlers?

Baseball movies are a great way to bond with your child. Through the lens of baseball, children can learn life lessons such as teamwork and perseverance. Some of these benefits are:

• Witness characters overcoming obstacles and setbacks, instilling a sense of determination and the belief that children themselves can achieve their goals

• Discuss historical and cultural aspects of the sport. Parents can use these films as a springboard for conversations about the rich history of baseball, highlighting legendary players, and iconic moments.

• Opportunity for shared excitement and enthusiasm. The thrilling moments on screen, the suspense of close games, and the emotional victories can elicit a sense of joy and passion that can be shared between parent and child. It can create a bond and a shared language that extends beyond the movie-watching experience, as the love for the game becomes a cherished part of your relationship.

• Provide a break from daily routines and a chance for quality family time. It offers an escape into a world of imagination, laughter, and entertainment. Sharing these experiences with your child cultivates a sense of togetherness and creates lasting memories that they will carry into their own lives.

As a parent and coach, I firmly believe that watching baseball movies together with your children provide an avenue for teaching important life lessons, discussing history and culture, fostering shared enthusiasm, and strengthening the parent-child bond.

So scroll down and select a movie or two, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the magic of baseball on the screen bring you closer to your child while imparting valuable lessons and creating lifelong memories!

The original post contained 20 movies but since then, I added two more!

42

• Rated: PG-13 (age 11+)
• Release Year: 2013
• Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “42” is a 2013 biographical sports drama film that tells the inspiring story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier. The film focuses on Robinson’s rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, highlighting the racial discrimination and adversity he faced both on and off the field. It portrays the challenges Robinson encountered and the immense pressure he endured while maintaining his composure and making a lasting impact on the game of baseball. “42” explores themes of courage, determination, and the fight for equality, serving as a tribute to Robinson’s legacy and the transformative power of sports.

61*

• Rated: TVMA (age 14+)
• Release Year: 2001
• Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Reviews: 86% Tomatometer
• Summary: “61*” is a 2001 sports drama film directed by Billy Crystal. The film tells the story of the historic 1961 baseball season when New York Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle, played by Thomas Jane, and Roger Maris, played by Barry Pepper, were in a race to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60. The film highlights the pressures and challenges faced by both players as they deal with media scrutiny, fan expectations, and their own personal struggles. It explores themes of friendship, competition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of greatness. “61*” offers an intimate look at a pivotal moment in baseball history and the enduring legacy of Mantle and Maris.

Angels in the Outfield

• Rated: PG (Age 7+)
• Release Year: 1994
• Duration: 1 hours 43 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Angels in the Outfield” is a 1994 family sports comedy film. The story follows a young foster child named Roger, who is a fan of the struggling California Angels baseball team. Roger makes a wish for the Angels to start winning, and to his surprise, actual angels begin to assist the team on the field. With the help of these heavenly interventions and the guidance of a down-on-his-luck coach named George Knox, played by Danny Glover, the Angels start to turn their season around. The film explores themes of hope, belief, and the power of teamwork, delivering an uplifting and heartwarming story for audiences of all ages.

Babe, The

• Rated: PG (age 12+)
• Release Year: 1992
• Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: featuring John Goodman as the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. The film chronicles Ruth’s life from his impoverished childhood in Baltimore, through his meteoric rise in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox and later the New York Yankees, to the end of his career with the Boston Braves. The narrative highlights Ruth’s legendary prowess as a hitter, his larger-than-life personality, and his many personal struggles, offering a cinematic portrayal of one of baseball’s greatest icons.

Bad News Bears, The (original)

• Rated: PG (age 12+)
• Release Years: 1976
• Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “The Bad News Bears” is a 1976 sports comedy film directed by Michael Ritchie. The film follows Morris Buttermaker, played by Walter Matthau, a down-and-out ex-professional baseball player who is recruited to coach a team of misfit kids in a Little League baseball tournament. The team, known as the Bears, is made up of a group of socially awkward and underdog players. As Buttermaker tries to whip the team into shape, he learns important lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence. The film humorously highlights the trials and tribulations of the Bears as they face more talented opponents, providing a mix of comedy and heartwarming moments.

Bad News Bears (remake)

• Rated: PG-13 (age 14+)
• Release Year: 2005
• Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
• Reviews: 2/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: The remake of “Bad News Bears” is a 2005 sports comedy film. The story centers around a down-and-out ex-professional baseball player named Morris Buttermaker, played by Billy Bob Thornton, who is recruited to coach a team of misfit kids in a Little League baseball tournament. The team, known as the Bears, is made up of a diverse group of youngsters with little experience or skill in the game. As Buttermaker tries to whip the team into shape, he learns important lessons about sportsmanship, self-confidence, and the value of friendship. The film combines humor, underdog spirit, and heartwarming moments in its portrayal of a team’s journey from underdogs to unlikely contenders.

Battered Bastards of Baseball

• Rated: NR (age 14+)
• Release Year: 2014
• Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes
• Reviews: 100% Tomatometer
• Summary: “Battered Bastards of Baseball” is a 2014 documentary film that chronicles the story of the Portland Mavericks, an independent minor league baseball team founded by actor Bing Russell in the 1970s. The film highlights the Mavericks’ remarkable journey as a team that embraced counterculture ideals and challenged the traditional baseball establishment. It explores the Mavericks’ underdog spirit, their impact on the community of Portland, and their legacy as a symbol of independent and unconventional baseball. The documentary captures the passion, resilience, and enduring legacy of the Battered Bastards of Baseball.

Benchwarmers, The

• Rated: PG-13
• Release Year: 2006
• Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Reviews: 1/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: A 2016 sports-comedy film that tells the story of three adult friends, played by Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder. After being lifelong benchwarmers, they form a three-man baseball team to compete against youth baseball teams as a way to stand up against bullies. The film highlights their comedic mishaps and struggles as they take on top-tier youth teams, with the ultimate goal of winning a tournament to earn a brand-new baseball stadium. Despite their lack of skills and experience, they inspire hope and courage among other less athletic kids.

Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings

• Rated: PG
• Release Year: 1976
• Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Reviews: 8/10 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings” is a heartwarming and dynamic exploration of the Negro Leagues’ charm, camaraderie, and struggle. This 1976 classic is skillfully infused with comedic beats, creating a delightful balance with the more significant socio-political sentiment, and a newfound appreciation for these unsung heroes of baseball.

Bull Durham

• Rated: R (age 17+)
• Release Year: 1988
• Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Bull Durham” is a 1988 American romantic sports comedy film set in the world of minor league baseball. The story revolves around the Durham Bulls, a fictional baseball team, and the dynamic between three central characters: Crash Davis, played by Kevin Costner, a seasoned veteran catcher; “Nuke” LaLoosh, played by Tim Robbins, a talented but erratic young pitcher; and Annie Savoy, played by Susan Sarandon, a passionate fan who becomes involved with both players. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of personal and professional success, while providing a humorous and insightful look into the world of baseball.

Charlie Brown’s All Stars

• Rated: G (everyone)
• Release Year: 1966
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: Charlie Brown is struggling to managing his underperforming baseball team. After their initial disbandment due to constant losses, a hardware store’s sponsorship offer gives him hope to reunite them. Charlie Brown’s efforts to revive the team are met with various challenges, but he remains persistent.

Cobb

• Rated: R (age 14+)
• Release Year: 1994
• Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Reviews: 65% Tomatometer
• Summary: “Cobb” is a 1994 biographical drama film featuring Tommy Lee Jones as the infamous baseball player Ty Cobb. The film portrays Cobb’s life and career, delving into his volatile personality, his achievements as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and his tumultuous relationships with teammates, fans, and family members. The movie explores Cobb’s complex and controversial character, shedding light on his successes on the field and the personal demons he grappled with off the field. It offers a nuanced depiction of one of baseball’s most polarizing and enigmatic figures.

Eight Men Out

• Rated: PG (age 11+)
• Release Year: 1988
• Duration: 1 hours 59 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Eight Men Out” is a 1988 American sports drama film based on the true story of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, known as the Black Sox scandal. The film portrays the events surrounding the conspiracy where eight players from the White Sox team agree to intentionally lose the World Series in exchange for financial gain. It explores the motivations, pressures, and moral dilemmas faced by the players involved. The film delves into the fallout of the scandal, the subsequent trial, and the impact it had on the game of baseball, shedding light on themes of integrity, corruption, and the darker side of sports.

Everybody Wants Some

• Rated: R (age 17+)
• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 1 hours 56 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Everybody Wants Some!!” is a 2016 comedy film directed by Richard Linklater. Set in the 1980s, the film follows a group of college baseball players as they navigate their way through the last weekend before the start of classes. The story captures the camaraderie, competitive spirit, and youthful exuberance of the characters as they engage in various misadventures, parties, and interactions with the opposite sex. “Everybody Wants Some!!” explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the exhilaration of youth, offering a nostalgic and comedic glimpse into the lives of these college athletes during a transformative time in their lives.

Field of Dreams

• Rated: PG (age 12+)
• Release Year: 1989
• Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Field of Dreams” is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film. It tells the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, who hears a mysterious voice telling him, “If you build it, he will come.” Inspired by this message, Kinsella plows over his cornfield to build a baseball diamond. To his surprise, the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and other deceased baseball players emerge from the crops to play ball. The film blends the love of baseball with themes of redemption and faith.

For Love of the Game

• Rated: PG-13 (age 11+)
• Release Year: 2003
• Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “For Love of the Game” is a 1999 American sports drama film based on Michael Shaara’s novel of the same name. It stars Kevin Costner as Billy Chapel, a veteran baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. Throughout the film, Chapel reflects on his career and his relationship with Jane Aubrey, played by Kelly Preston, while he’s pitching a perfect game against the New York Yankees. The narrative oscillates between the unfolding game and flashbacks of his life, offering a poignant exploration of love, aging, and the personal sacrifices made for professional success.

Hardball

• Rated: PG-13 (age 14+)
• Release Year: 2001
• Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes
• Summary: “Hardball” is a 2001 American sports comedy-drama film starring Keanu Reeves. Reeves plays Conor O’Neill, a gambler who is in debt and agrees to coach a Little League team from the Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago to pay it off. Despite his initial lack of enthusiasm, O’Neill forms a bond with the kids and learns valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of community. The film showcases the transformative power of sports, serving as a backdrop for themes of redemption, personal growth, and the impact of mentorship.

Hardball: The Girls of Summer

• Rated: NR (age 12+)
• Release Year: 2019
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Reviews: 7/10 IMDb
• Summary: “Hardball: The Girls of Summer” is a 2018 documentary film that follows the journey of the Rockford Peaches, a women’s baseball team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The film showcases the struggles and triumphs of the team, capturing their impact on the history of women in sports and the enduring legacy of the AAGPBL. Through interviews with former players and rare archival footage, the documentary highlights the challenges faced by women in pursuing their passion for baseball during a time of social change and the lasting impact of their accomplishments.

Henry & Me

• Rated: PG (age 10+)
• Release Year: 2014
• Duration: 1 hours 8 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Henry & Me” is a 2014 animated family film. The story follows a young boy named Jack who is battling cancer and embarks on a magical journey with a friendly baseball-themed guardian angel named Henry. Throughout their adventure, Jack encounters famous New York Yankees players from the past, who teach him important life lessons about courage, resilience, and the power of hope. The film combines elements of fantasy, baseball history, and heartfelt storytelling to inspire and uplift audiences, particularly young fans of the sport.

Home Run

• Rated: PG-13 (age 13+)
• Release Year: 2013
• Duration: 1 hour 53minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Home Run” is a 2013 American Christian sports drama film. It centers on Cory Brand, a professional baseball player with a substance abuse problem. After a DUI incident, Brand is forced to return to his hometown in Oklahoma (although the movie seems to be associated with West Texas) to coach the local youth baseball team and enter a recovery program. Throughout his journey, he confronts his troubled past, seeks forgiveness, and finds redemption, both in his personal life and his relationship with the game of baseball.

Koshien – Japan’s Field of Dreams

• Rated: NR (age 8+)
• Release Year: 2019
• Duration: 1 hours 34 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: The documentary film provides a look into Japan’s highly competitive high school baseball championship, Koshien, and follows the journey of two schools’ teams aiming to compete in this prestigious event. It delves into the intensity and commitment of the players and coaches, all of whom are driven by a mix of personal ambition, traditional Japanese honor, and a passion for baseball. The documentary offers a unique glimpse into the cultural significance of baseball in Japan.

League of Their Own, A

• Rated: PG (age 10+)
• Release Year: 1992
• Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “A League of Their Own” is a 1992 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall. Set during World War II, the film tells the fictionalized story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). It follows the formation of the league and focuses on the Rockford Peaches, one of the teams in the league. The film explores the lives of the women who played professional baseball, highlighting their challenges, camaraderie, and triumphs on and off the field. It delves into themes of feminism, perseverance, and the power of women in sports. With a star-studded cast including Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, and Madonna, “A League of Their Own” has become a beloved classic, showcasing the important role of women in sports history.

Little Big League

• Rated: PG (age 11+)
• Release Year: 1994
• Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Little Big League” is a 1994 family sports comedy film. The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Billy Heywood, who inherits ownership of the Minnesota Twins baseball team after his grandfather’s passing. As the youngest owner in MLB history, Billy decides to manage the team himself, leading to a series of amusing and challenging situations. The film explores themes of youth, friendship, and the love of the game as Billy navigates the complexities of being a manager and strives to bring success to his team.

Major League

• Rated: R (age 15+)
• Release Year: 1989
• Duration: 1 hours 47 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: Charlie Sheen stars as Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, one of the ragtag group of players assembled by the new owner of the Cleveland Indians, who hopes for a losing season so she can move the team. However, the motley crew of misfits comes together to defy the odds, showing surprising skill and team spirit. The film combines comedic moments with a heartfelt underdog story, all set against the backdrop of professional baseball.

Major League II

• Rated: PG (age 12+)
• Release Year: 1994
• Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
• Reviews: 5% Tomatometer
• Summary: “Major League II” is a 1994 sequel to the sports comedy film “Major League”. Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Corbin Bernsen reprise their roles as members of the Cleveland Indians baseball team. After overcoming their underdog status in the first film, the team struggles with their newfound fame and success, leading to a slump at the start of the new season. The film follows their comedic endeavors as they rediscover their passion for the game and attempt to repeat their success from the previous season.

Million Dollar Arm

• Rated: PG (age 10+)
• Release Year: 2014
• Duration: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Million Dollar Arm” is a 2014 biographical sports drama film based on a true story. The film follows struggling sports agent JB Bernstein, played by Jon Hamm, who devises an unconventional recruitment strategy in an effort to save his career. He organizes a reality sports show in India to find cricket players who can be trained to become professional baseball pitchers in the U.S. The film explores cultural differences, the commercialization of sports, and the human element that underlies professional athletics.

Moneyball

• Rated: PG-13 (age 12+)
• Release Year: 2011
• Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: Based on based on Michael Lewis’s 2003 nonfiction book of the same name, Moneyball follows Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, as he attempts to assemble a competitive baseball team on a tight budget. Using a sophisticated statistical analysis system known as sabermetrics, Beane and his assistant Peter Brand, played by Jonah Hill, challenge traditional methods of player evaluations. The film explores the tension between old-school scouting and data-driven analysis, underlining how innovative strategies can revolutionize the game of baseball.

Mr. 3000

• Rated: PG-13 (age 14+)
• Release Year: 2004
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Reviews: 2004 American sports comedy film starring Bernie Mac as Stan Ross, a retired Milwaukee Brewers baseball player who quit the game immediately after recording his 3,000th hit, believing it to be enough for his entrance into the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, nine years later, it’s discovered that three of his hits were incorrectly recorded, leaving him three short of the coveted 3,000. Ross returns to the game at the age of 47 to get his 3,000th hit legitimately, learning lessons about teamwork, humility, and second chances along the way.

Mr. Baseball

• Rated: PG-13 (age 13+)
• Release Year: 1992
• Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
• Reviews: 2/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: A sports comedy film starring Tom Selleck as a washed-up New York Yankees baseball player named Jack Elliot. When he’s traded to the Nagoya Chunichi Dragons in Japan after a slump in his career, Elliot faces cultural clashes and struggles to adapt to the Japanese style of baseball and respect their customs. Throughout the film, Elliot learns valuable lessons about teamwork, humility, and a different appreciation for the game, ultimately regaining his passion for baseball and learning to respect his new team and culture.

Natural, The

• Rated: PG (age 11+)
• Release Year: 1984
• Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: 1984 sports film based on Bernard Malamud’s 1952 novel of the same name. The film stars Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs, an individual with great “natural” baseball talent, who has his career sidetracked after a mysterious woman shoots him. Many years later, Hobbs returns to baseball as a member of the New York Knights and gets one last chance to prove his worth. The film combines the mythic and the realistic as it addresses themes of redemption and the fulfillment of one’s inherent potential.

Perfect Game, The

• Rated: PG (age 8+)
• Release Year: 2010
• Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “The Perfect Game” is a 2009 American drama film based on a true story about the 1957 Little League World Series. The film follows a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Despite their lack of resources and personal struggles, they’re led to victory by their coach Cesar, a former janitor for St. Louis Cardinals. Their journey showcases their determination, teamwork, and an ultimate triumph against all odds.

Phenom, The

• Rated: NR (age 15+)
• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
• Reviews: 2/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: The movie tells the story of a talented young pitcher, Hopper Gibson, who gets to play in the major leagues earlier than expected. However, his promising career is threatened by his struggles with the pressures of the game, his abusive father, and his own self-doubt. With the help of an unconventional sports psychologist, played by Paul Giamatti, he attempts to overcome his demons and reconnect with his love of the sport. The film explores themes of talent, pressure, and the psychological aspect of sports performance.

Pride of the Yankees, The

• Rated: NR (age 8+)
• Release Year: 1942
• Duration: 2 hours 1 minutes
• Reviews: 5/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “The Pride of the Yankees” is a 1942 American film about the life of famed baseball player Lou Gehrig, played by Gary Cooper. The film chronicles Gehrig’s life from his childhood in New York, through his storied career with the New York Yankees, and ultimately his struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that ended his career and led to his early death. The film is remembered not just as a sports movie but as a heartfelt tribute to Gehrig, encapsulating his humility, perseverance, and resilience. Its most iconic scene is Gehrig’s famous “luckiest man” farewell speech.

Rookie, The

• Rated: G (age 7+)
• Release Year: 2002
• Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: Based on the true story of Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and baseball coach in Texas. Morris, played by Dennis Quaid, makes a deal with his high school team that if they win the district championship, he will try out for a Major League Baseball team. The team wins, and Morris, despite his age and past shoulder injuries, earns a spot on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, realizing his long-delayed dream of playing in the major leagues. The film is an inspiring story about second chances, perseverance, and the power of dreams.

Rookie of the Year

• Rated: PG (age 8+)
• Release Year: 1993
• Duration: 1 hour 43 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: The story follows 12-year-old Henry Rowengartner, who, after an accident, unexpectedly gains an incredibly powerful pitching arm. His unusual ability leads him to a position as a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Throughout the film, Henry experiences the pressures of fame, the challenges of professional sports, and the importance of staying true to oneself, while providing comedic and family-friendly entertainment.

Running the Bases

• Rated: PG (age 8+)
• Release Year: 2023
• Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “Running the Bases” is a charming, intricate dance between sports and life’s harder lessons. The movie aptly captures the underlying essence of baseball, skillfully utilizing it as a metaphor for the unexpected curveballs of life. This is a movie that is far more than a sports drama, “Running the Bases” is a journey into the heart of resilience and hope. Worth a watch for its emotional depth and inspiring narrative.

Sandlot 2, The

• Rated: PG (age 9+)
• Release Year: 2005
• Duration: 1 hour 43 minutes
• Reviews: 2/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: “The Sandlot 2” is a direct-to-video sequel to the 1993 film “The Sandlot”. The story, set in 1972, features a new group of kids who take over the sandlot where the original characters used to play baseball. This time around, the group comprises both boys and girls, introducing a new dynamic. The plot involves a lost space model, belonging to one of the kids’ father who works at NASA, which they have to retrieve from the feared and legendary dog, ‘The Beast’, reviving the adventures from the original film.

Sandlot, The

• Rated: PG
• Release Year: 1993
• Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes
• Reviews: 4/5 Common Sense Media
• Set in the summer of 1962, the story follows Scotty Smalls, a young boy who moves to a new neighborhood and befriends a group of kids who play baseball at a local sandlot. The plot thickens when Smalls borrows his stepfather’s prized baseball signed by Babe Ruth and hits it into the yard of their reclusive and terrifying neighbor, where it’s guarded by a monstrous dog known as “The Beast”. The rest of the film involves the boys’ comedic and adventurous attempts to retrieve the lost ball.

Trouble with the Curve

• Rated: PG-13 (age 13+)
• Release Year: 2012
• Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: A sports-drama film featuring Clint Eastwood as an aging Atlanta Braves baseball scout named Gus. His vision is failing and the team is considering letting him go. To help, Gus’s estranged daughter, Mickey, played by Amy Adams, puts her own career as a lawyer on hold to assist him on a scouting trip. The film navigates their complex relationship while they scout a promising young player, exploring themes of aging, ambition, and familial bonds.

Twelve

• Rated: NR (age 8+)
• Release Year: 2019
• Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Reviews: 3/5 Common Sense Media
• Summary: Based on a true (and inspiring) story, a West Texas baseball high school coach bets with his poorly performing kids that he would tryout for a professional baseball team (to go after HIS unrealized potential and dream) if his high school team works their butts off and wins district (to go after THEIR unrealized potential and dream).

Up for Grabs

• Rated: NR (age 12+)
• Release Year: 2004
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Reviews: 92% Tomatometer
• Summary: Documentary about revolves around the legal dispute over the ownership of the baseball Barry Bonds hit for his record-setting 73rd home run in 2001. Two fans, Alex Popov and Patrick Hayashi, both claimed to have caught the ball, resulting in a court battle. The documentary explores the intersection of fandom, property rights, and the American fascination with winning.

So what do you think of my list? Did I forget any? If you have a child-friendly movie that is not on this list, we would love to hear from you so please leave a comment below!

Check out baseball-vault.com if you want to remember some notable movie quotes!