You know those movies that just kind of sit in the back of your mind, even if they aren't some massive summer blockbuster? Raising the Bar movie is exactly that. It's a 2016 sports drama that honestly feels like a time capsule for anyone who grew up watching Disney XD or followed the gymnastics craze of the mid-2010s.
It stars Kelli Berglund. If you were a kid then, you definitely know her from Lab Rats. Here, she isn't a bionic human; she’s Kelly Johnson, a high-level American gymnast who basically hits a breaking point. After a disastrous fall at a major competition, she quits the sport entirely and moves to Australia with her mom.
What Really Happens in the Raising the Bar Movie?
The setup is pretty classic for a teen sports flick. Kelly is done. She's over the pressure, the mean girls, and the constant fear of failing. She wants to be a "normal" teenager in Australia. But, of course, the universe has other plans. She meets Nicola (played by Lili Karamalikis), who is struggling with her own gymnastics club.
The club is sort of a ragtag group. They aren't the elite, polished athletes Kelly is used to. They're just kids who love the sport but lack the technical edge to win. Kelly tries to stay away, but you can only outrun your talent for so long. She eventually steps in to coach and—eventually—compete.
The drama isn't just about the flips. It's about the "mean girl" rivalries that seem to follow gymnasts across oceans. In this case, it’s Ashley, played by Emily Morris. Ashley is that quintessential antagonist who thrives on making sure everyone knows she's the best.
Realism and the Gymnastics World
One thing the Raising the Bar movie got right was the atmosphere. It was filmed in Adelaide, Australia. They actually used local gymnasts as extras, which gives the background scenes a sense of authenticity you don't always get in Hollywood versions of the sport.
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Director Clay Glen clearly wanted it to feel grounded.
Interestingly, the movie features a cameo by Jordyn Wieber. Yeah, the Jordyn Wieber—Olympic gold medalist and part of the "Fierce Five." Having a real-life legend show up to judge a competition in the film adds a layer of "wait, I know her!" that gymnastics fans love.
Why People Still Search for This Movie
Honestly, it’s a comfort watch. It deals with things like:
- Cyberbullying: The movie touches on how quickly teammates can turn on you on social media after a mistake.
- Burnout: Kelly’s desire to quit is something many young athletes actually feel.
- Identity: Who are you when you aren't "the gymnast" anymore?
It’s not a "perfect" film. The 35% Tomatometer score on some sites tells you that critics weren't exactly blown away. But for the target audience—tweens and teens into sports—it hits the mark. It’s about 93 minutes of predictable but satisfying "underdog" storytelling.
How to Watch It Now
Finding where to stream older indie-ish movies can be a pain. As of early 2026, Raising the Bar movie is still floating around on a few platforms.
- Free with Ads: You can usually find it on Pluto TV or Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu).
- Streaming: It pops up on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla quite often.
- Digital Purchase: Google Play and Apple TV have it for rent or buy if you want the HD version.
Beyond the Gymnastics: The Other "Raising the Bar"
Don't get confused if you're searching. There's another film called Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story (2025) about a high jumper from the 1912 Olympics. And then there's the 2016 documentary of the same name about dancers with Down syndrome.
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If you're looking for Kelli Berglund doing backflips in Adelaide, make sure you're looking for the 2016 Clay Glen version.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you've just re-watched the movie or are planning to, here is how to get the most out of that "gymnastics movie" itch:
- Follow the Cast: Kelli Berglund has moved on to much grittier roles (check her out in Heels on Starz if you want to see her in a wrestling ring instead of a gym).
- Watch the Sequel: A lot of people don't realize there’s a sort-of follow-up called Going for Gold (2018), also directed by Clay Glen and featuring similar themes, though with a focus on cheerleading.
- Check Out the Real Locations: If you’re ever in South Australia, many of the gym scenes were filmed at local clubs that still operate today.
The Raising the Bar movie might not have won an Oscar, but it remains a staple for anyone who understands the pressure of the mat. It’s a simple story about getting back up after a fall, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to see.
To dive deeper into the world of sports cinema, look up the production history of MarVista Entertainment, the studio behind this and many other teen-centric dramas that defined the mid-2010s.