*First published on FathersofMultiples
Hockey is a fun sport and the movies about hockey are just as fun. But, for a sport known for fighting, slashing, penalty boxes, and knocking other players' teeth out...well, you want to make sure you're watching family friendly hockey movies when hitting play with the kids in the room. This list will give you what you need, though a couple on the list embrace the violence and language hockey is known for...and so are rated R. The details per movie explain which ones are rated R and why.
The Mighty Ducks
After being charged with drunk driving, Emilio Estevez gets sentenced to community service by way of coaching a pee wee hockey team of misfits. Naturally, Emilio's character has a hockey past he'd not care to remember. He works through his issues as the misfits work through theirs, forming a team along the way. The feel good Disney movie spawned 2 sequels as well.
*All Ages
Miracle
Miracle tells the story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team that, against all odds, beat the previously invincible, juggernaut Russian team becoming known as the "Miracle" team. Kurt Russell, who by this point has to have been in more Disney movies than any other actor, plays the coach who has some very harsh tactics to get his team game ready.
*All Ages, but younger kids likely will get bored.
Slap Shot
The late, great Paul Newman plays a down-on-his-luck hockey coach whose days of also being a player are nearing their end in this R rated comedy. When he discovers his team is about to be sold, he employs some unorthodox "goon" methods to gain some notoriety in hopes of saving the team. Language gets this one the R rating, so take that into consideration. It only gets included here because it's one of the best known hockey movies ever and stars Paul Newman.
*Rated R, so teens.
Mystery Alaska
Aren't the best sports movies about Cinderella teams that seem like they have no chance of winning? Of course they are. And, Mystery Alaska is no different. A small Alaskan town becomes so known for its love of hockey, the town's team gets challenged to an exhibition match by the New York Rangers! This comedy about a small town with eccentric characters all pulling together to take on the big team is heart-warming...but rated R.
*Teens, based on sex jokes and language
Score: A Hockey Musical
Score is a goofy PG rated comedy/musical. Olivia Newton-John stars/sings as a mom of a young home-school kid that gets drafted onto a hockey team. As fame and young love hit, his life starts changing!
*Older kids
MVP: Most Valuable Primate
A chimp from a research lab that knows sign language lands with a family that has a son who plays hockey. Well, the chimp gets on the ice and shows the kid's team how hockey is done...and joins the team!
*All Ages.
Tooth Fairy
Dwayne Johnson stars as an overly cocky hockey player known for knocking other players' teeth out, gaining him the nickname "The Tooth Fairy". When he carelessly crushes a kid's belief in the tooth fairy, the real organization of tooth fairies sentence him into 1 week AS an actual tooth fairy. Bam, the Rock in a tutu. Hilarity ensues.
*All Ages
The Rocket
The Rocket tells the true story of Maurice Richard as he battled his way, in and out of the rink, to become the most famous hockey player in Quebec.
*Rate PG, but likely boring for younger kids.
So whether you're celebrating hockey season now, or any time of the year, score big with your family by sharing these hockey movies with them!
Looking for more great family movies? Check these out!