Product Info

Studio

Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation

Director

Tyree Dillihay

Genre

Animation, Family, Sport

Rated

PG

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Feb 13, 2026

Film Length

1hr40min

Purchase From

GOAT is a sports-themed animated film from Sony Pictures that features a compelling underdog story, vibrant visuals, and a strong cast that many viewers will enjoy. However, its predictable plot and themes may not appeal to everyone.

Dreaming Big

© CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sony Pictures Animation

The animated film follows a young goat named Will Harris, voiced by Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things, The New Edition Story), whose dream is to play roarball after watching his favorite player, Jett Fillmore, a black panther voiced by Gabrielle Union (Bring It On, Bad Boys II). Roarball is a professional basketball-like team game that’s fast, energetic, and co-ed, played by larger scaled animals. Smaller sized animals such as goats are looked down upon by society when it comes to playing the sport. The concept plays off the word “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time) in sports, but with actual animals. While the film’s sports theme may initially turn people away, they should take a second look at this inspirational story. 

Jett, the star player of the Vineland Thorns, Will’s hometown, hasn’t won the “claw”, the sport’s championship trophy, since she played. Despite her impressive stats, another star athlete, a horse named Mane Attraction voiced by Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad, Brother), the lead player of Magma, has already won two championships and is aiming for a third. Jett requests the team’s owner, Florence Everson, voiced by Jenifer Lewis (The Princess and the Frog, Black-ish), to bring a sixth player to the team to help secure wins.

The film explores the society outside of roarball and visually depicts how modern things are with today’s technology, such as the internet, social media platforms, news broadcasting, and gaming devices. The movie mostly takes place in Vineland, a place filled with a greenery atmosphere reminiscent of Zootopia, but it goes further by showcasing more of today’s day-to-day society. For example, Will works as a delivery boy at a local diner to try and pay his late rent. This aspect of the film is a little surreal and highlights how challenging life can be when you are financially independent. Seeking to earn extra cash, Will challenges Mane Attraction at a local roarball court, betting that he can outpace Mane. While Will puts up a good fight against the pro athlete, he is ultimately outdone by Mane. However, Will’s impressive performance is captured on video and goes viral on the internet, catching the attention of the Thorns’ owner. Will is then signed up as the sixth member of the team, without anyone’s consent, becoming the first small animal athlete to play in roarball. Will becomes the talk of the sports world and the town, attracting more attention to the game.

Meet the Thorns

© CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sony Pictures Animation

Jett and the rest of the team are not convinced about their new player. As the story unfolds, the film showcases similarities to today’s sports world. For instance, Jett struggles to pass the ball to others and has a big ego that prevents her from sharing the spotlight. Other teammates, with a colorful cast, have their own issues contributing to the team’s disarray.

The team includes an ostrich player named Olivia Burke, voiced by Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls, Harlots), a komodo dragon named Modo Olachenko, voiced by (Sausage Party, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie), a giraffe named Lenny Williamson, voiced by Stephen Curry (NBA player, The Baddest Speechwriter of All), a rhinoceros named Archie Everhardt, voiced by David Harbour (Thunderbolts*, Hellbody 2019), and a proboscis monkey as Coach Dennis, voiced by Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). These characters play smaller roles compared to Will and Jett, but their interactions, dialogue, and shared spotlight flow well both on and off the court. Modo’s quirky behavior and creepy dialogues provide comedic moments, while Coach Dennis further lights up the film with his personality.

Gabrielle delivers an outstanding performance as Jett, effectively conveying emotion and tension. Caleb, as Will, is mostly good, but there are moments where he doesn’t shine as brightly as Jett. Perhaps it’s due to the dialogue given, but more could have been expected from the actor in this role. Jelly Roll has a small role on Magam’s team, with minimal dialogue, causing the audience to focus more on Will, Jett, and Mane. The mix of animal characters and their genders doesn’t feel out of place and actually works well in GOAT.

The film addresses contemporary sports issues such as team ownership changes, star players dominating the game, and societal class distinctions. These themes are presented in an animated film, providing a unique perspective not often seen in sports-themed movies. While the storyline may be predictable for adults, children will still enjoy the film and its underdog story.

The pacing of the story, sport explanations, and character development are well-balanced throughout most of the film. However, the final act feels rushed, as if it aimed to tie up loose ends within a two-hour timeframe. The ending could have been paced more smoothly, although it did resolve one loose end in a humorous manner.

In conclusion, GOAT is a heartwarming tale of an underdog athlete reshaping the sport and transforming a group of underperforming athletes into a cohesive team. It explores various aspects of the sporting world and its societal impact.

The World of Roarball

© CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sony Pictures Animation

GOAT is very colorful and features unique animations that people have seen in films like Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters, created by the same team behind GOAT. The reduced frame rate style used in the animation showcases the unique style that Sony Pictures Animation is known for. Some viewers may enjoy it, while others may not. In some scenes, such as when Will is walking outside the diner during a sunset moment with Jett, the animation feels smoother than the usual reduced frame rate style. However, some action shots could benefit from additional frames, and the crowd movement at the end of the film looks a bit clunky as they all move in the same way, which makes them look more robotic. Overall, the animation style complements this sports animated film well, and changing it to a completely different style wouldn’t have the same impact.

The arenas in the film are set in different climates with obstacles that can change within the court. For example, the ice on the arctic course breaks apart, changing the height of the court, and the volcanic arena features magma spewing through the bottom of the court and pillars that players must use to navigate the court and score. These elements add more excitement to the court than a typical sports arena. The action shots are creative, such as Lenny reaching the ball with his neck or wide-angle shots of Will showcasing his long-shot range. 

The humor and music in the film are aimed at today’s mainstream audience. Hip-hop tracks are used and performed by various animals, athletes who stream live, and social media is portrayed as a primary communication tool. While adults may not fully grasp these references, children are likely to understand and enjoy them. The film is primarily targeted towards children, but adults may find it amusing, especially if the last sports film they enjoyed was the 1996 Space Jam starring Michael Jordan.

The Final Shot

GOAT is a vibrant animated sports film about a small goat chasing big dreams in the fast-paced world of roarball. With stylish visuals, a likeable underdog story, and strong voice performances, it’s an energetic ride, even if the plot is predictable and the ending feels a bit rushed.

An early screening provided for the film. GOAT arrives in theaters on February 13, 2026.