GOAT: A Vibrant, Sports-Driven Animated Film

Sony Animation's latest delivers a classic sports story with top-tier visuals and worldbuilding.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

GOAT, an animated film from Sony Pictures Animation, follows a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play "roarball", a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals. The film expertly hits familiar sports movie beats while adding interesting, well-crafted details to the worldbuilding and characters.

Why it matters

GOAT is the latest in a string of visually stunning animated films from Sony, building on the success of movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While the story follows a well-trodden sports movie formula, the execution and attention to detail elevate the film, making it an appealing watch for sports fans and animation enthusiasts alike.

The details

Directed by Tyree Dillihay and Adam Rosette, GOAT features vibrant animation and a cast of memorable animal characters. The film's worldbuilding, which introduces the sport of "roarball" instead of a traditional sport like basketball, keeps the story grounded and accessible. The script is filled with niche sports culture references and well-delivered performances, particularly from Nick Kroll as the character Modo.

  • GOAT was released in theaters in February 2026.

The players

Tyree Dillihay

Co-director of GOAT.

Adam Rosette

Co-director of GOAT.

Nick Kroll

Voiced the character Modo in GOAT.

Caleb McLaughlin

Voiced the character Will in GOAT.

Gabrielle Union

Voiced the character Jett in GOAT.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“GOAT looks damn good as it hits every trope in the book and sticks the landing with animal precision.”

— Kaitlyn Booth, Reviewer (bleedingcool.com)

What’s next

GOAT is expected to be a strong contender for several animation awards during the upcoming awards season.

The takeaway

GOAT delivers a classic sports movie story with top-tier animation and vibrant characters, making it a must-see for sports fans and animation enthusiasts alike. The film's attention to detail and worldbuilding elevate it beyond a standard sports movie formula.