Year: 1994
Runtime: 107 mins
Language: English
Director: Duwayne Dunham
When Danny O’Shea’s daughter is cut from the pee‑wee football team because she’s a girl, he gathers other kids who were also rejected and forms his own squad. As they train, they aim to surprise the elite team coached by Danny’s brother, a former professional player, proving that determination can level the playing field.
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In the town of Urbania, Ohio, Kevin O’Shea is a Heisman Trophy winner and local sports hero who coaches the Pee-Wee Cowboys. He enjoys the spotlight but faces a setback when his niece Becky ‘Icebox’ O’Shea is cut from the team simply for being a girl. Her friends Rashid Hanon, Tad Simpson, and Rudy Zolteck are also cut. Becky convinces her dad Danny O’Shea, Kevin’s younger brother, to coach a rival pee-wee squad in a bid to show Urbania that another O’Shea can win.
Danny accepts to prove it, and with local support the brothers stage a playoff to decide which team will represent Urbania. Becky and other overlooked kids form the Little Giants. Junior Floyd is one of their standout players, the son of Patty Floyd.
Two old-timers, Orville and Wilbur, stir the rivalry by telling tales of the town’s past and fueling the competition. Danny recruits Spike Hammersmith by posing as the famous “Coach O’Shea,” but Spike refuses to play on a team with a girl. The deception is revealed, and he switches to Kevin’s side. Kevin also encourages his daughter Debbie to become a cheerleader, suggesting a quarterback dating the cheerleaders may be more appealing, prompting Becky to consider cheerleading over playing, and she briefly quits.
A bus arrives with NFL stars who visit the kids, offering guidance and hope, rejuvenating their belief in themselves.
On game day, a playful bet is laid out: if Danny wins, he gets Kevin’s Chevrolet dealership; if Kevin wins, he gets Danny’s gas station. With a 21-point deficit at halftime, Danny’s motivational speech helps the Giants remember past milestones and their ability to beat the Cowboys at least once.
During the game, Mike Hammersmith orders Spike to target Junior after the whistle, injuring him. Kevin confronts the actions, warning Spike that such behavior won’t be tolerated. Becky, furious, drops her pompoms and suits up, making an immediate impact by forcing a fumble on Spike. In the final seconds, with the score tied 21-21, Becky helps the Giants withstand a late drive at the goal line. The offense then runs a daring play, conceived by Nubie, the Little Giants’ assistant coach, called The Annexation of Puerto Rico, featuring a series of handoffs that ends with Jake Berman scoring a 99-yard game-winning touchdown after passes from Junior.
After the win, Danny proposes a merger of the two town teams so Urbania can benefit from both coaches, and Patty Floyd’s relationship with Danny rekindles. The town changes the water tower inscription from “Home of Kevin O’Shea” to “Home of The O’Shea Brothers,” honoring an old promise from their childhood.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:34
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Teams of misfits prove their worth against all odds in uplifting sports dramas.If you enjoyed the triumphant spirit of Little Giants, you’ll love these movies. This list features feel-good sports comedies and dramas about unlikely teams overcoming obstacles, perfect for fans of uplifting underdog stories with a happy ending.
The narrative follows a clear underdog arc: a group of rejects or outcasts bands together, undergoes a transformative training period (often featuring a montage), and faces a climactic challenge against a superior opponent. The journey emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and ultimately, a validating victory.
Movies in this thread share a hopeful tone, a steady pace driven by training and rivalry, and a light emotional weight. They are united by the core theme of proving one's value against adversity, creating a consistently uplifting and energetic viewing experience.
A group of lovable outsiders comes together to form an unlikely but supportive family.For viewers who liked the group dynamic in Little Giants, this collection highlights comedies about misfit teams becoming a found family. Discover similar movies with lighthearted humor, themes of belonging, and a nostalgic, heartwarming vibe.
The plot revolves around assembling a team of social outcasts or overlooked individuals who lack a sense of belonging. Under the guidance of a relatable leader, they forge bonds through shared challenges and humorous misadventures. The central conflict often involves proving their worth to a dismissive outside world, solidifying their internal family ties.
This thread groups movies based on their lighthearted tone, focus on communal bonding, and themes of self-belief through friendship. They share a steady, character-driven pace and a consistently hopeful mood, making them perfect for a comforting and uplifting watch.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Little Giants in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Little Giants is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Little Giants with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Little Giants. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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