Animated Film GOAT Review: Predictable Story, Great Animation for Kids and Adults

The animated movie GOAT has stunning visuals, but critics say the story is too familiar. It's a fun watch for kids and adults, but not the 'Greatest Of All Time'.
By Newsroom | Movies, Animation |

The animated sports film "GOAT" has generated varied reactions, with critics acknowledging its vibrant animation and engaging premise but questioning its originality and narrative depth. The movie centers on a young goat named Will Harris who dreams of becoming a professional athlete in the fictional sport of "Roarball," a fast-paced, chaotic game played by anthropomorphic animals. While some reviewers found the film to be a heartfelt and fun experience for both children and adults, others found it to be overly familiar and noisy, failing to live up to its potential as the "Greatest Of All Time."

Film Details and Key Players

"GOAT," distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, is directed by Tyree Dillahay and co-directed by Adam Rosette. The screenplay is credited to Aaron Buchsbaum and Terry Riley. The film features voice work from Caleb McLaughlin as the young protagonist Will Harris, Stephen Curry, who also serves as a producer, and Gabrielle Union. The production boasts impressive visual design, with specific praise for its detailed and imaginative worlds. The film is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

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GOAT film review: Have a ball with the A-team - 1

Narrative Threads and Character Arcs

The central narrative follows Will Harris, a small goat with aspirations to compete in Roarball, a sport dominated by larger, more imposing creatures. This underdog story echoes classic sports film formulas, a point noted by several critics. Will's journey involves facing skepticism due to his size and ambition. A secondary plotline involves Jett Fillmore (voiced by Gabrielle Union), a flamboyant panther star player who struggles with being a team player, highlighting themes of ego and collaboration. The film also touches upon Will's financial struggles, including losing money in a street game against a rival player, Mane Attraction.

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Roarball: The Fictional Sport

The sport of Roarball is described as a fast, loud, and chaotic game that forms the core spectacle of the film. It is depicted as a co-ed league for various animal species, utilizing their unique physical attributes—claws, tails, hooves, and even long tongues—in a vigorous contact sport. The playing fields are diverse, including natural elements like vines and ice sheets, adding to the visual dynamism. This imaginative sport has been a key element in drawing comparisons to other animated films featuring animal characters and sports.

GOAT film review: Have a ball with the A-team - 2

Critical Reception: Strengths and Weaknesses

Reviewers have consistently pointed to the film's lively and stunning animation as a significant strength. The character designs are noted as broadly drawn and emotionally expressive, with fluid and dynamic movement. The film's visual world-building, with its blend of urban architecture and encroaching nature, has also been lauded.

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However, the narrative has faced criticism for being predictable and cliché-ridden. Several reviewers have noted its adherence to familiar underdog sports movie tropes, leading to a sense of tediousness in parts. Some have described the film as "noisy" and "chaotic," with humor that can be lost amidst the action. The claim that the film is "very far from the greatest of all time" reflects this sentiment.

  • Visuals: Praised for being sumptuously animated, detailed, imaginative, and visually stimulating.

  • Narrative: Critiqued for being too familiar, cliché-ridden, and at times tedious, despite its energetic direction.

  • Themes: Explores underdog stories, ambition, teamwork, and inclusion, but these are sometimes overshadowed by formulaic storytelling.

  • Tone: Generally described as fun, heartfelt, and chaotic, aiming for broad appeal but sometimes feeling overstimulating.

Expert Insights and Producer Influence

The involvement of Stephen Curry, a renowned basketball player, as a producer is seen as a clear indicator of the film's basketball inspiration. Critics suggest that the film aims for sports spectacle first and message second, with a non-cynical approach. Dillahay's direction, making his feature debut after a career in television, is credited with keeping the work "amped up with energy via bold style." The film's visual execution is often linked to the success of other Sony Animation projects like "Spider-Verse" and "Zootopia."

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"If you love basketball, really love basketball, it’s hard not to have a good time. ‘GOAT’ aims for sports spectacle first, message second. And crucially, ‘GOAT’ never feels cynical." - Mashable

"GOAT review: This heartfelt animated sports drama works as much for kids as adults" - India Today

Conclusion: A Visually Engaging, Familiar Tale

"GOAT" presents a visually dynamic and energetic animated experience with a core message about overcoming odds. Its animation and imaginative world-building have garnered significant praise. However, the film's reliance on well-worn sports movie plots and its sometimes overwhelming pace have tempered some of the acclaim. While it may offer a comforting and enjoyable watch for fans of animated sports comedies and basketball enthusiasts, its narrative originality appears to be a point of contention. The film's success hinges on its ability to engage audiences through its vibrant presentation, even if the story itself treads familiar ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the animated movie GOAT about?
The movie GOAT is about a small goat named Will Harris who dreams of playing a sport called Roarball. It's an underdog story about him trying to become a pro athlete despite his size.
Q: What did critics like about the movie GOAT?
Critics loved the movie's animation, calling it lively, detailed, and imaginative. They also liked the characters and the made-up sport of Roarball.
Q: What did critics dislike about the movie GOAT?
Many critics found the story too predictable and similar to other sports movies they have seen before. Some also said the movie was too noisy and chaotic at times.
Q: Who is in the animated movie GOAT?
The movie features voice actors like Caleb McLaughlin as Will Harris, Stephen Curry, and Gabrielle Union. Stephen Curry also helped produce the film.
Q: Is the animated movie GOAT good for families?
Yes, many reviewers said the movie GOAT is a fun and heartfelt experience that both children and adults can enjoy, despite its familiar story.
Q: When was the animated movie GOAT released?
The animated movie GOAT was reviewed in February 2026, with some sources pointing to release dates around that time.