Animated Sports Comedy 'GOAT' Fails to Break New Ground

Despite a unique premise, the film relies too heavily on familiar sports movie tropes.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The new animated film "GOAT" opens with a refreshing premise, depicting a world where animals compete in a sport called "roarball" that is essentially basketball played on wild terrains. However, the story quickly falls into a predictable underdog tale that hits all the classic sports movie beats without offering much new. While the animation is splashy and the humor and action satisfy, the film struggles to rise above its clichéd narrative.

Why it matters

"GOAT" represents a missed opportunity to truly subvert expectations in the sports comedy genre. By hewing too closely to familiar tropes, the film fails to capitalize on its unique animal-based world and the potential to explore more complex themes around society, identity, and pursuing one's passions.

The details

The film follows Will Harris, a young goat who dreams of playing professional roarball despite being dismissed because of his small stature. After a viral video of his skills gets the attention of a struggling team owner, Will is signed as a publicity stunt. As he tries to earn the respect of the league's superstar Jett Fillmore, the film hits all the expected beats of the underdog sports story. While the supporting characters offer some quirky personality traits, the movie ultimately does little to expand beyond these one-note archetypes.

  • The film was released on February 13, 2026.

The players

Tyree Dillihay

The director of "GOAT", making his feature film debut after a career in television.

Will Harris

The young goat protagonist who dreams of playing professional roarball.

Jett Fillmore

The female roarball superstar and league's best player.

Florence "Flo" Everson

The owner of the Vineland Thorns roarball team, looking to sell the franchise.

Steph Curry

An NBA star who is part of the voice cast and a producer on the film.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously younger audiences, a.k.a. the biggest targeted demographic with the movie, won't recognize all of the cinematic echoes that the film is harnessing for its story, but parents, guardians, and the plenty of adult fans of animation won't find much to latch on to or appreciate beyond aesthetics.”

— Eric Eisenberg, Film Critic (cinemablend.com)

The takeaway

"GOAT" represents a missed opportunity to truly innovate within the sports comedy genre. While the film's unique animal-based world and visual style offer some entertainment value, the reliance on well-worn tropes prevents it from rising above the level of a serviceable, if forgettable, family-friendly diversion.