Wildcats

Play trailer

Wildcats

R

1986

1h 47m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

30%

Tomatometer

20 Reviews

49%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Molly McGrath is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys' football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she's faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham, who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Variety Staff

Variety

Jul 22, 2008

When Goldie Hawn tangles with high school varsity coach Bruce McGill, anyone can foresee the final confrontation.

Go to Full Review

Time Out

Jan 26, 2006

Instead of 'believe in yourself', the message becomes simply 'make believe'.

Go to Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

May 20, 2003

2/5

All too predictably, Molly rises to this challenge.

Go to Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Feb 17, 2025

3/4

...familiar territory that is, for the most part, employed to compulsively watchable effect...

Go to Full Review

Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

May 29, 2021

B-

"Wildcats" doesn't reach its potential, but it's mild entertainment for those hunting for something that's easy on the senses.

Go to Full Review

Kathi Maio

Sojourner

Aug 22, 2019

[Swoozie] Kurtz manages an understated yet thoroughly engaging performance, one that makes you wish Hollywood would be smart enough to give this woman a lead role once in a while.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Mickey B

@Mickerdoo Sep 10, 2026

On paper it should be fun. But falls short with problematic sexism, an unoriginal story and surprisingly poor writing and direction.

See more

Jamil V

@Jamilvaz Aug 30, 2026

Classic 80s comedy with some heart. Always love a Chicago based movie

See more

Matt L

@Mattliptak Feb 9, 2026

Wildcats is a fun, underrated ’80s sports comedy with Goldie Hawn at her absolute best—funny, confident, and carrying the film with ease. The real bonus is the stacked early-career cast: a first-movie Woody Harrelson, a charismatic Wesley Snipes, a standout Mykelti Williamson, plus Robyn Lively and Swoosie Kurtz rounding things out. Dated in spots, sure, but full of heart and energy. A legit cult classic that still plays.

See more

Horror fan 4

@Horrorfan4life Sep 30, 2025

Sign me up for Goldie Hawn anytime anywhere!! Very funny movie with a terrific cast that includes Woody and Wesley in their first movie!!! Definitely a 1980's Classic. Tim Treakle

See more

Tony W

@RT61316145 Mar 24, 2024

Such a fun feel good comedy from the 80s.

See more

Steve D

@RT35616104 Aug 30, 2023

It is fine but you have seen it all before.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Michael Ritchie

Director

Goldie Hawn

Molly McGrath

Nipsey Russell

Ben Edwards

Swoosie Kurtz

Verna McGrath

Robyn Lively

Alice Needham

Brandy Gold

Marian Needham

Private Benjamin

84%

60%

Private Benjamin

Watchlist

Police Academy

58%

64%

Police Academy

Watchlist

Quick Change

84%

71%

Quick Change

Watchlist

Moving

33%

64%

Moving

Watchlist

Tin Cup

73%

65%

Tin Cup

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Molly McGrath is following her dreams when she quits her cushy girls track coaching position at Prescott High to become the boys' football coach at inner-city Central High. Even though she's faced with both racial and gender prejudices, she whips the team into shape, so they can compete against Prescott High in the final. All the while, Molly is also dealing with her ex-husband, Frank Needham, who is trying to get custody of their two young daughters.

Director: Michael Ritchie
Producer: Anthea Sylbert
Screenwriter: Ezra Sacks
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 14, 1986, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 10, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.6M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Surround

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings