Name: Goat
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Family
Released: 2026-02-20
Rating: 7.3
Cast: Gabrielle Union, David Harbour, Caleb McLaughlin, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre

In an animal world, a small but determined goat dreams of making it big in a high-energy sport. With grit and teamwork, he sets out to prove that size is no barrier to greatness.

Goat

Times of India

India Today

Firstpost

Ever since Will and his mother (Jennifer Hudson) watch champion Jett in action, the young kid (literally, since he’s a goat) dreams of playing like his idol. But as a teenager, he is constantly ridiculed because “smalls can’t ball,” bullied by bigger animals every time he steps onto the court to practise.
Meanwhile, Jett’s team, The Thorns, keeps losing because she is a self-serving player who hogs the glory and never passes. The rest are either distracted or uninspired: Lenny Williamson (Stephen Curry), a giraffe more interested in rapping; Olivia (Nicola Coughlan), an ostrich obsessed with her phone and online chatter; Archie Everhard (David Harbour), a rhino dad more focused on protecting his twin daughters than the game; and the flamboyant Komodo dragon, Modo Olachenko (Nick Kroll).
Their proboscis monkey coach, Dennis Cooper (Patton Oswalt), hardly helps — his version of a pep talk is, “An opportunity like this comes once in a lifetime, but public humiliation is forever.” Team owner Florence Everson (Jenifer Lewis), a warthog, cares only about profit and publicity. When Will challenges the stallion Man Attraction (Aaron Pierre) to a match, he loses the bet but becomes a viral sensation. That turns out to be enough to earn him a sixth-player spot, giving the Thorns a fighting chance at the coveted Claws title.
Directed by Tyree Dillihay and written by Aaron Buchsbaum, Teddy Riley and Nicolas Curcio, the animated film is an underdog — or undergoat — tale that doesn’t break new ground but is lively and entertaining enough to hold attention. The narrative moves at a brisk pace with no real lull. While the CGI is spectacular, it’s the hyperkinetic animation and sharp character designs that make it a riveting watch. There’s undeniable fun in seeing muscular animals play with exaggerated, almost gravity-defying moves.
The story leans on familiar underdog tropes — the talented but dismissed athlete, unwavering self-belief, teammates eventually rallying behind him, and rousing speeches. Yet, it sprinkles in humour effectively. Cooper finally stepping up as a tough coach, even spraying the big cat Jett with water to discipline her, is hilariously staged. The mixed-gender team dynamic and Will aspiring to be like a female sportsperson feel organic rather than forced. The film also nods to the cruelty of spectators and the media. Will isn’t the only one boxed in by expectations: Jett grapples with ageism, while Olivia struggles with self-esteem under relentless trolling.
The voice acting is consistently strong. Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union stand out in every scene, whether goofy or emotional. Jenifer Lewis brings comically menacing flair to Florence Everson, while David Harbour, Aaron Pierre, Stephen Curry, and Nicola Coughlan deliver solid support.
GOAT may not be the G.O.A.T in terms of premise, but its spirited storytelling, vibrant animation, and performances make it a slam dunk.

In Gen Z vocabulary, 'GOAT' is the ultimate compliment -- the Greatest Of All Time. But in this delightful new animated film, GOAT is also, quite literally, a goat. Cleverly blending the swagger of the slang with the innocence of the animal, director Tyree Dillihay crafts a story that may not claim the title of the greatest film ever made, yet leaves you with a warm smile, a hopeful heart, and a gentle nudge to keep dreaming.
Set in the fictional world of Vineland, where a high-octane sport called Roar Ball rules the arena and the celebrated team Thorns commands fandom, the story begins with a young goat who dares to dream beyond his circumstances. Will Harris, voiced with earnest vulnerability by Caleb McLaughlin, idolises Jett, the star player in the game, and like every child who has ever stared at a poster, whispers that he wants to grow up to be just like her. His mother does what the best parents do: believes and encourages him to dream big.

A decade later, the dream hasn’t faded; it has only grown more real. Fate intervenes, offering Will not just a chance to play like his idol, but to play alongside her. But just when it seems the stars have aligned, a sharp twist arrives -- Jett (Gabrielle Union) doesn’t want him on the team. What unfolds next, and how Will and Jett eventually find rhythm, trust, and a friendship, is best discovered on screen.

The film stitches its fantasy world with threads of contemporary life. Social media virality, public perception, locker-room friendships, professional jealousy, and the pressures of leadership all slip in organically. There is grief, too - a child navigating life after losing his mother, held together by a community that proves the timeless truth that it takes a village to raise a child.

Jett’s own journey adds another emotional layer. She is a star confronting the quiet terror of fading relevance, clinging to fame, and making choices that may not always be noble but are painfully human. It’s a conflict many at the top -- in sport, cinema, or even corporate corridors -- will recognise. Parallelly, Will’s dream is never portrayed as wishful thinking alone; it is built on effort, failure, persistence, and sweat.
Then comes the sheer joy of other teammates: There's a lofty giraffe who raps, a rhino who is caught between parenting and sports, an ostrich who surprises with a timely flight, and a fire-breathing Komodo dragon named Modo, who gets to have the last laugh. The coach, a proboscis monkey, arrives with warmth, humour, and a rousing pep talk near the finale that is guaranteed to leave audiences grinning a little wider than expected. The antagonist, an eccentric, scene-stealing horse, brings flair, drama, and some of the film’s most entertaining lines. Every animal in this bustling universe is etched with personality, turning the ensemble into a lively, memorable crowd rather than mere background decoration.

What makes this especially effective is how differently the film lands across age groups. Adults may find themselves relating more than anticipated. Beneath the colour, comedy, and chaos lie familiar mistakes, quiet ambitions, insecurities about relevance, and the fragile hope of second chances. For children, meanwhile, the magic is immediate and uncomplicated: beloved animals living vivid, emotional, adventurous lives. They are playful, funny, heartfelt, and incredibly easy to love.

And when the story finally builds to its big game, the climax delivers exactly what a sports finale promises: tension, spectacle, drama, and emotions. You may sense where it’s headed, yet you still root, cheer, and hold your breath. Choosing a basketball-inspired game like Roar Ball proves a clever narrative move, allowing gravity-defying leaps, tough wins, and the faint echo of that universally 'don't want to pass the ball' hitch between players, familiar to sports fans across cultures.

Visually vibrant and emotionally sincere, GOAT may not redefine animation, but it charms, comforts, and inspires in equal measure. And sometimes, that’s more than enough from a film.

In a world of big shots, where being huge is seen as an advantage, can a “medium” really cut through? Can someone dream big enough to make it all fall into place despite the world loudly believing otherwise? Can just one person’s trust in your dreams really propel you to the heights of greatness?
I am fairly certain that most of us have had these thoughts at some point, sitting alone in quiet introspection. And that is probably why GOAT, the latest animated film from Sony Pictures, is not just fun for the kids around you, but also an engaging watch for adults.


Set in the fantasy land of Vineland, where the biggest sport is Roarball, a fast-paced game reminiscent of basketball, the film introduces Will Harris, a small goat voiced by Caleb McLaughlin. In a sport ruled by size and strength, Will harbours a not-so-secret dream of making it to the big leagues. He does not just wish for it. He works tirelessly, training alone to stand shoulder to shoulder with players who believe he is wasting his time.
Opportunity eventually knocks when Will gets the chance to join his dream team, the Thorns, and play alongside his idol, Jett Fillmore, voiced by Gabrielle Union. For Will, this is the moment he has been waiting for. But can he step up when it matters, earn his place on the court and, more importantly, make Jett believe in him?
One of the most refreshing and surprising elements of GOAT is its flawed female hero. I realised how deeply patriarchy runs within me when I automatically assumed Jett was a male character. The pleasant shock of discovering she is a woman, and that a young male goat looks up to her as his role model, adds emotional depth to the story. Jett is fierce, ambitious and driven, a one-woman army in a team sport. She is a GOAT who struggles to trust others, choosing instead to carry everything on her own shoulders. But Roarball, much like life, is ultimately about teamwork, and learning to rely on others becomes part of her journey.

The pacing remains consistently sharp, never allowing the story to lose momentum. For children, this will be a visually vibrant, fast-paced ride filled with excitement and humour. For adults, especially those who walk in unsuspecting like me, the film proves to be far more relatable than anticipated. Beneath the colourful surface, GOAT touches upon ambition, self-doubt, the pressure of staying relevant, the importance of trust, and knowing when to pause.

Work hard and dream big may be familiar messages, but the film’s focus on togetherness, emotional vulnerability and personal limits adds welcome layers. Go in with kids, friends, or even alone, because GOAT delivers a genuinely satisfying dose of heartfelt entertainment.


GOAT - New Trailer | Exclusively In Cinemas 13 February 2026, in English and Hindi

GOAT - New Trailer (Hindi) | Exclusively In Cinemas 13 February 2026

Gabrielle Union

Well known for his role as Jim Hopper in Sacred Games, David Harbour marked him as an excellent actor. Done his debut in the year 1999 David Harbour worked in many movies which include Hell Boy(2019), Suicide Squad(2016), The Equalizer(2014), Sleepless(2017), War of the Worlds(2005) and many more. 

David Harbour

Caleb McLaughlin

Jenifer Lewis

Aaron Pierre

Patton Oswalt

Jennifer Kate Hudson, also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, and philanthropist. Throughout her music and acting careers, Hudson has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including; an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Grammy Awards.

Jennifer Hudson

Sherry Cola is an American comedian and actress. She played Alice Kwan in Freeform's Good Trouble.

Goat(2026)