Sony's 'GOAT' Fails to Score Big with Critics

The latest animated film from Sony Pictures Animation struggles to find its emotional core, despite its visual flair.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Sony Pictures Animation's new film 'GOAT' is an underdog tale about a scrappy young goat named Will who dreams of making it big in the world of roarball, a basketball-like sport played by animals. While the movie boasts impressive visuals and a likable lead character, critics say it ultimately falls short, with a plot that feels too busy and unfocused to fully connect on an emotional level.

Why it matters

Sony Pictures Animation has found recent success with acclaimed films like the 'Spider-Verse' movies and 'KPop Demon Hunters', raising expectations for 'GOAT'. However, this new animated feature struggles to capture the same magic, highlighting the challenge of delivering a compelling sports-themed story that can resonate with audiences.

The details

In 'GOAT', we meet Will, a young goat who dreams of making it big in the world of roarball, a fictional sport that combines elements of basketball with dangerous playing surfaces. Despite facing skepticism from the league's star player Jett, Will is signed to the Vineland Thorns team, setting up a potential mentorship storyline that the film only briefly explores. Instead, the narrative bounces around wildly, failing to fully develop its characters or find the emotional core of the underdog tale.

  • Will is taken to his first roarball game as a child by his loving mother.
  • A decade later, Will is working as a diner delivery man while still pursuing his roarball dreams.
  • Jett Filmore, the Thorns' star player, is under pressure to finally win the league championship.

The players

Will Harris

A scrappy young goat with a big heart and a dream of making it in the world of roarball.

Jett Filmore

The superstar black leopard player for the Vineland Thorns, who is under pressure to finally win the league championship.

Flo Everson

The publicity-hungry warthog owner of the Vineland Thorns, who signs Will to the team.

Mane Attraction

The reigning roarball league MVP, a cocky horse who challenges Will at the 'cage' court.

Stephen Curry

The NBA superstar who voices the giraffe player Lenny Williamson, who also aspires to be a rapper.

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What they’re saying

“While we won't go so far as to call it 'baaaaaad' — sorry, last goat joke, we promise — it's not in the class of the other movies.”

— Mark Meszoros, Critic (news-herald.com)

“It's promising early on, with its expectedly great looks obvious from the start and an effective-enough introduction to its likeable lead character, Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin).”

— Mark Meszoros, Critic (news-herald.com)

“Director Tyree Dillihay oversees an affair that is energetic and likely to appeal to plenty of young viewers but decidedly lacking in strong storytelling.”

— Mark Meszoros, Critic (news-herald.com)

What’s next

The film's box office performance and audience reception will determine whether Sony Pictures Animation decides to develop a sequel or additional installments in the 'GOAT' franchise.

The takeaway

While 'GOAT' showcases Sony Pictures Animation's technical prowess, the film struggles to find the emotional resonance and compelling storytelling that has made the studio's recent hits like 'Spider-Verse' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' so successful. The movie serves as a reminder that even visually stunning animated features need a strong narrative foundation to truly connect with viewers.