Common Sense Media Review
Tale of sportsmanship dented by racist rewrite of history.
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Hoosiers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the movie presents a blend of inspirational themes and sports action, but opinions vary significantly; while some find it uplifting and filled with positive messages about teamwork and redemption, others think it’s predictable and somewhat boring. The film is noted for its decent acting and strong emotional components, though the adult themes might not be suitable for younger viewers.
- inspirational themes
- positive messages
- predictable plot
- adult themes
- varying opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOOSIERS, a small-town high school basketball team hires a new coach, Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), who's searching for personal redemption in his quest to lead the underdogs of Hickory High School to victory at the Indiana state championships. Right off the bat, Dale gets a lecture from a group of locals on how things are done in Hickory: You need to be a God-fearing man, you must always set a fine example for the boys, and, more importantly, you mustn't mess with the traditional zone defense. With help from assistant coach Shooter (Dennis Hopper), who struggles with alcohol addiction, Dale and his team surprise everyone in Indiana by making it all the way to the state finals.
Is It Any Good?
There's much to enjoy about this entertaining sports flick. Hoosiers' slice of Americana conforms to the rules of the genre, but it's fleshed out by an electric Hackman. Compulsory practice scenes are played with fervor, making them more compelling than the average training montage. But this nostalgia comes at a cost.
Marketed as being "inspired by a true story," Hoosiers distorts history by framing an all-White team's victory over fictional Black opponents as a symbol of triumph. It ignores segregation and the racist environment of the 1950s and erases the achievements of all-Black teams like Indiana state champions the Crispus Attucks Tigers. Ultimately, the film sells a myth that assumes the worst of its viewers: that people can't handle the real history of Black teens winning on the court over White teens. Hoosiers might be successful at face value, but the true story would've been even more interesting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hoosiers' message. The town initially wants to fire the new coach because he does things differently. Why do so many people fear change? How do you remain open to new possibilities?
This film is a classic underdog tale. Why are such stories so popular? Can you think of any other underdog movies?
How does the team manage to beat such seemingly insurmountable odds? Which qualities do the teammates share?
What's appealing about sports movies? Do you ever doubt the outcome? What kinds of feelings do they stir up? How does this one compare to other sports films you've seen?
How do the characters in Hoosiers demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 14, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : May 1, 2002
- Cast : Barbara Hershey , Dennis Hopper , Gene Hackman
- Director : David Anspaugh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School ) , Sports ( Basketball )
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity
- Last updated : November 26, 2025
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