New reports confirm that the highly anticipated animated film GOAT, featuring stars from Stranger Things, has debuted with an impressive 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks a promising start for the movie directed by Tyree Dillihay, set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026.
The plot revolves around a small goat who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in the fierce sport of “roarball” against the world’s toughest animal athletes. With this critical acclaim, Sony Pictures Animation appears to have another success on its hands, following their recent hits like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Notably, Caleb McLaughlin and David Harbour from Stranger Things star in this film alongside fellow Netflix sensation Nicola Coughlan. Critics, including Gregory Nussen from ScreenRant, praise the film for its stunning animation and engaging story, stating, “A movie that has no shortage of pre-chewed cliches probably shouldn’t work, and yet, it resoundingly does.”
As excitement builds, GOAT is projected to earn around $30 million during its opening weekend, despite competition from established franchises. This could be a game-changer for Sony, particularly as family animated films have been known to gross over $1 billion since 2020, with titles like Zootopia 2 paving the way.
The stakes are high for GOAT as it navigates the challenges of being an original animated feature, especially in a landscape dominated by sequels. With major names like Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, and Stephen Curry also lending their voices, the film’s ensemble cast could be a significant draw at the box office.
As reviews continue to roll in, the film’s visual appeal and heartwarming narrative have sparked discussions among audiences, leaving many eager to see how it performs commercially. Will GOAT solidify Sony’s status as a powerhouse in animation? Only time will tell.
Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on this exciting new release as more details emerge. The countdown to February 13, 2026 has officially begun!
