Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightful underdog story of Jamaican Olympic bobsledders.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cool Runnings
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Based on 35 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a hilarious and inspiring tale about the first Jamaican bobsled team competing in the Olympics, emphasizing positive themes like friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Although some viewers noted mild swearing and brief comedic violence, they generally agree that it is suitable for family viewing and offers valuable life lessons.
- funny
- positive messages
- mild swearing
- family-friendly
- inspiring story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
COOL RUNNINGS is loosely based on the real-life 1988 Jamaican bobsled team. When an accident prevents Derice Bannock (Leon) from making Jamaica's Olympic track team, he searches for another way to compete in Calgary. Derice convinces Irv Blitzer (John Candy), a former gold medalist, to coach him and his teammates Junior (Rawle D. Lewis), Sanka (Doug E. Doug), and Yul (Malik Yoba). Together, they work hard to make it to the Olympic Games—and once they're there, even more challenges await.
Is It Any Good?
You've seen this feel-good sports material done before, from the sublime (Rocky) to the embarrassingly clichéd (virtually any Rocky sequel). Cool Runnings taps both qualities. At one end, you've got the Jamaican team, a colorful, if contrived, bunch of squabblers who predictably learn to pull together and defy their detractors (mainly a rival team of racist, stereotypical Germans). But then comes the real-world finale, when (spoiler alert) the heroes lose the race but achieve a much greater goal, symbolizing what the Olympics truly mean to athletes around the globe. Seldom in sports movies has defeat looked so noble.
Younger viewers may want to learn more about Olympic bobsledding, or Jamaica, if only to sort out the facts from the fiction. The real-life novice 1988 Jamaican bobsledders were actually conceived by a businessman and an ex-diplomat, and they did wipe out in the midst of a spectacular performance. "Irv," however, and the other characters, are screenwriter inventions, and they seem like it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Cool Runnings relies on a fictionalized story, rather than sticking with true events. Why do you think so? Does that improve this movie or lessen its impact? How could you find out more about what really happened?
Did you know much about bobsledding before this film? Does watching it make you want to learn more?
What is the movie saying about being a good sport and the spirit of the Olympic Games?
How do characters demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 10, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : July 20, 1999
- Cast : Doug E. Doug , John Candy , Malik Yoba
- Director : Jon Turteltaub
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Sports ( Olympics )
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief language
- Last updated : February 19, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate