Common Sense Media Review
Wholesome, endearing dog movie will delight grade schoolers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Air Bud: World Pup
What's the Story?
In AIR BUD: WORLD PUP, Buddy and his owner, Josh (Kevin Zegers), join the school soccer team, which includes a new student from England named Emma (Brittany Paige Bouck). While Kevin falls for Emma and Buddy finds love with Emma's dog, Molly, the soccer team gradually continues to improve, despite an opposing coach's attempt to get Buddy banned from the league. After Molly has a litter of puppies, a pair of nefarious dog-nappers steal the pups on the day of the championship soccer game.
Is It Any Good?
This film has a big heart and positive values involving sharing, cooperation, and friendship, but it never gets preachy or sappy. Air Bud: World Pup also features lots of adorable dogs, the soccer scenes are well-filmed and seem realistic despite the canine player, and young children will marvel at Buddy's athletic prowess.
For older kids, the movie touches on issues like first love and dealing with a parent's remarriage. For its era, the movie also refreshingly pays tribute to women athletes, as shown by Emma's superior soccer skills and an epilogue with appearances by U.S. women's soccer team notables Brandi Chastain, Brianna Scurry, and Trisha Venturini.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Josh deals with his first crush in Air Bud: World Pup. What would you do in his situation?
If you've seen other Air Bud movies, how is this one similar to and different from the ones you've seen?
How is the issue of a new stepfather in the family addressed? What does the stepfather do to get closer to Josh?
How do the characters in Air Bud: World Pup use teamwork to achieve their goals? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 5, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2000
- Cast : Caitlin Wachs , Dale Midkiff , Kevin Zegers
- Director : Bill Bannerman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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