Overview
A struggling coach discovers hidden talent in a small town, inspiring a team to greatness.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- inspirational
- warm
- heartwarming
- family movie night
- inspirational viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film formulaic but effective, praising its sensitive direction, likable performances, and earned emotional warmth.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jim White gradually turns overlooked high school boys into championship runners.
The coach and his family become connected to the students and families of McFarland's predominantly Mexican American community.
The running team's success brings the boys closer together and gives the wider community a shared source of pride.
Jim White arrives in McFarland after being fired repeatedly and discovers a new purpose through coaching.
Films like McFarland, USA, and why
Remember the Titans
shared true-story sports drama structure, underdog team, mentorship, and uplifting perseverance
Coach Carter
shared family-friendly coaching narrative, marginalized young athletes, and community transformation
The Rookie
shared inspirational sports formula, working-class setting, and determined mentor guiding young competitors
Movie Details
- Director
- Niki Caro
- Release Date
- 2015-02-20
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 7.5 / 10 (975)
Cast
- Kevin Costner
- Maria Bello
- Elsie Fisher
- Morgan Saylor
- Martha Higareda
- Vincent Martella
- Daniel Moncada
- Johnny Ortiz
- Diana Maria Riva
- Omar Leyva
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is McFarland, USA about?
- A displaced coach finds purpose and community by guiding overlooked California teenagers toward championship success.
- What is McFarland, USA like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of McFarland, USA as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is McFarland, USA violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in McFarland, USA.
- What did critics think of McFarland, USA?
- Critics broadly found the film formulaic but effective, praising its sensitive direction, likable performances, and earned emotional warmth.
- Which films are like McFarland, USA?
- Films with a similar feel include Remember the Titans, Coach Carter, and The Rookie.
- How long is McFarland, USA?
- McFarland, USA runs 128 minutes.
- Where can I watch McFarland, USA?
- In United States, McFarland, USA streams on Disney Plus.
