A League of Their Own

A League of Their Own

movie

PG, 1992, Comedy, Drama

WISE
76%

WISE Score

82

Avg. Tomatometer

Tom Hanks coaches an all-female baseball team during WWII in this crowd-pleaser that's equal parts sports triumph and sisterly rivalry.

IMDb7.4
RT Critics82%
MC69
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare sports movie that works as both entertainment and history lesson. The baseball is good, the sisterly tension is real, and the "there's no crying in baseball" scene has earned its place in pop culture for a reason.

That said, it's showing its age. The pacing feels leisurely compared to what kids expect now, and some of the humor (especially that bathroom scene) lands differently in 2025. Parents note more crude jokes than they remembered, though nothing truly inappropriate for tweens.

The real value is in what it teaches: women fought to play professional sports when society told them to stay home, and they were damn good at it. For sports-loving kids, especially girls, this is essential viewing. For everyone else, it's a solid family movie night pick with genuine heart and some laugh-out-loud moments—just maybe not the timeless masterpiece nostalgia suggests.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who can appreciate the historical setting and sports drama, though younger baseball fans might enjoy it with some fast-forwarding. Adults still watch this one—it's a genuine crowd-pleaser with staying power.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82

Strong female role models, themes of perseverance and sisterhood, emotionally healthy story about pursuing dreams against societal barriers. Some crude humor and sexual innuendo (noted by parents), plus the infamous long bathroom scene. Addresses sexism directly as a plot point. Tom Hanks' coach character is rough around the edges but shows growth.

Imaginative
68

Historical sports drama with solid storytelling but follows fairly conventional underdog-team narrative structure. The novelty is in the real-life premise of women's professional baseball during WWII, which was groundbreaking subject matter in 1992. Doesn't invite creative expression or exploration—it's a watch-and-absorb experience.

Safe
78

Rated PG with mild language, mild sexual innuendo, and one extended bathroom humor scene. No violence, gore, or truly shocking content. Common Sense Media rates it age 10+. Some parents note more crude speech than expected for PG. The content is predictable for the rating—no surprise traumatic moments.

Enriching
85

Teaches real WWII history through the lens of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Tackles gender discrimination, family dynamics, and finding your own identity separate from siblings. Shows women as athletes and professionals when society said they couldn't. Memorable performances and genuinely moving moments about sacrifice and ambition.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Real history brought to life—the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League actually existed and this introduces kids to a fascinating slice of WWII home-front culture
  • Strong female athletes front and center, playing hard, getting dirty, and refusing to be sidelined by 1940s gender expectations
  • Sibling rivalry between Dottie and Kit feels authentic and gives kids a framework for talking about competition within families
  • Tom Hanks is genuinely funny as the washed-up, grumpy coach who learns to respect the women's talent
  • That final game scene still delivers—even if you know it's coming, the emotional payoff lands
⚠

What to Watch For

  • More bathroom humor and sexual innuendo than you'd expect from PG—one extended peeing scene that parents either find hilarious or excessive
  • Some mild language and crude jokes scattered throughout (it's 1992 PG, not 2025 G)
  • The 128-minute runtime drags in spots for kids used to Marvel pacing—middle sections can feel slow
  • Sexist attitudes are depicted as part of the historical context, which is educational but requires framing for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think people didn't believe women could play professional sports back then? What changed?"
  • "Dottie and Kit are sisters but also competitors—have you ever felt like you were competing with a sibling or friend? How did you handle it?"
  • "The movie shows women having to prove themselves over and over. Can you think of times today when people still have to do that?"
  • "Would you have joined the league if you were around in the 1940s, even if people made fun of you for it?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about A League of Their Own? Put this WISE score on your site