Little Giants (1994) is a family sports comedy film directed by Duwayne Dunham, featuring Rick Moranis and Ed O’Neill in the lead roles. The movie centers on sibling rivalry, underdog triumph, and the value of teamwork and heart over talent and size. With a blend of humor, heart, and sports action, Little Giants has become a beloved kids’ sports movie from the 1990s.
The story follows two brothers in the small town of Urbania, Ohio. Kevin O’Shea (played by Ed O’Neill) is a former high school football star and local hero, now coaching a peewee football team made up of the town’s most athletic boys. His younger brother Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis), a more mild-mannered and less athletically accomplished man, feels overshadowed by Kevin’s fame.
When Danny’s daughter Becky, nicknamed “Icebox,” is denied a spot on Kevin’s team despite her skill, Danny decides to form his own football team—the “Little Giants”—made up of kids who were rejected by Kevin. The ragtag group lacks experience and coordination but makes up for it with heart, determination, and creativity. Danny and his team face off against Kevin’s team in a climactic game that emphasizes sportsmanship and believing in oneself.
Little Giants is known for its fun mix of slapstick comedy, feel-good moments, and a strong message about inclusivity and perseverance. It playfully challenges traditional ideas of strength and competition, showing that anyone—regardless of size or gender—can be a winner with the right attitude. The film remains a nostalgic favorite, especially among those who grew up in the ’90s.
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Would you like a comparison between Little Giants and similar sports movies like The Mighty Ducks or The Sandlot?
