Making a selection of the best basketball movies to watch is not that difficult. Because, taking away the many documentaries and films that are too childish or overly far-fetched, the essential titles for those who love the sport boil down to the basketball movies that have combined and used the beauty of the sport, with great acting, storylines, productions, and that have stood the test of time.
Thus, to have a fairly complete culture of what basketball represents, in the United States but also in general, viewing the films I propose here is absolutely a must for a true fan. The relationship between cinema and basketball is in any case very intense, as well as marked by productions that have contributed to the construction of the global basketball imaginary.
There are films in which very important names in basketball history alongside Hollywood stars. Others, tell fictional but truthful facts and bring to light stories, perhaps little known and worthy of attention. They range from the glittering lights of the NBA to the asphalt of playgrounds, through the atmosphere of school gyms and the college world, trespassing into pure fantasy.
Here then are my picks when it comes to basketball movies to watch, calibrated both by my personal tastes and by the importance of such films to sports filmmaking and basketball. This is not a ranking, although I admit that He Got Game and Rebound will always have a special place in my heart.
Scroll down to discover the 14 best basketball movies to inspire your next hoop session
'GLORY ROAD'
Glory Road not only thrills as one of the best basketball movies ever but also profoundly engages with the civil rights issues of the 1960s, making it one of the best sports films in general.
It tells the inspiring true story of the Texas Western Miners, the first NCAA team to start an all-African-American lineup. The film beautifully interweaves the challenges and triumphs faced by these players as they confront deep-rooted racism and eventually triumph on the national stage.
Its portrayal of courage, unity, and change captures a pivotal moment in sports and American history, resonating deeply with audiences and serving as a powerful reminder of basketball's impact beyond the court.
'SLAM DUNK'
Slam Dunk takes cinematic basketball drama heights higher than Chris Paul to DeAndre Jordan lob in 2015, with its innovative blend of traditional animation and CGI, crafted by the skilled hands of Takehiko Inoue and Yasuyuki Ebara.
The film leverages a mature narrative approach by focusing on Ryota Miyagi, providing a fresh perspective within the sports genre. The sound design also deserves special mention, masterfully enhancing the immersive experience of the basketball games and adding depth to quieter moments off the court. Not an easy task.
This film distinguishes itself in the realm of Japanese animation by successfully integrating different styles to create characters that are both dynamic and emotive, which stand out even in the competitive landscape of animated films. This achievement not only appeals to anime and sports enthusiasts but also sets a high standard for narrative and technical innovation in sports dramas.
'HUSTLE'
One of the best basketball movies to come out in recent times, Hustle is a heartening sports drama that features Adam Sandler in a surprisingly earnest role as a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who discovers a once-in-a-lifetime player in Spain (played by an ex NBA player in Huancho Hernangomez).
The film brilliantly combines elements of grit, perseverance, and the love of basketball, showcasing Sandler's character's journey to prove that both he and his discovery deserve a shot in the NBA. With strong performances and a genuine depiction of the sport's highs and lows, and starring actual players, GMs, scouts, and agents, Hustle delivers both as an inspiring underdog story and a nuanced character study.
'HOOP DREAMS'
A very very good 1994 basketball docu-film, that over the years has grown to become something of a cult-like status.
In 2015, it was ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone's list of the best sports films ever. Hoop Dreams deals in an exemplary manner with racial, social and economic problems in the 1990s United States through the story of two African-American boys and using the medium of basketball as their passion, commitment and 'way out'.
'WINNING TIME'
Ok, this is not strictly a basketball movie but since it is one of the first of its kind, and there are not many basketball TV shows, this entry just has to be here. Winning Time has to be on this list also because it is a cinematic gem curated to the smallest detail, a social cross-section of 1970s and 1980s America in the service of the evolution of what in the decades that followed became the world's most famous sports league, OUR league, the NBA with all its past flaws and contradictions.
More than the costume designs, the settings, and the fidelity of the actorly and contextual portrayals, what is most striking is the storytelling of the series, which underscores the genius of a few visionaries (Jerry Buss primarily, but also Red Auerbach and David Stern themselves), and players like Magic Johnson, who fought against hypothetical windmills, and through their perseverance, made the NBA what it is today.
Considering the plethora of low-budget with super predictable storylines the most famous streaming platforms are flooding us with, Winning Time feels like it's one of the last big and brave productions dealing with a storyline that doesn't necessarily fall within the most mainstream canons. A must-watch!
'COACH CARTER'
Finally, a movie in which Samuel Lee Jackson does not have to shout "fuck" or "motherfucker" all the time.
By far one of my favorite basketball films on this list, Coach Carter is all about fun, excitement, adrenaline, and emotion. Again, this is a true story, that of the Richmond Oilers coached by Ken Carter, who will face a host of undisciplined athletes with difficult lives behind them and an uncertain future ahead. Indeed, the coach wants from his players the utmost commitment both in the studio and on the parquet, even if it means excluding them from the team.
A movie typical of the American dream, you-can-do-it, motivational drama, the quality of the actors, storyline, and production are truly exemplary and make Coach Carter a must-watch movie in any basketball movie list.
'SPACE JAM'
This entry is really just a reminder to watch one of the best and most watched and most recognizable basketball movies of all time. The iconic Space Jam captivates both young and old as it launches Michael Jordan, who had temporarily retired from basketball, into the whimsical world of the Looney Tunes. In this animated adventure, Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and friends to battle a group of galactic monsters. The stakes are high as their freedom depends on winning a high-stakes basketball game.
Again, this one just simply has to be a movie, let alone a basketball movie, that you have to have watched at least once in your lifetime.
'HE GOT GAME'
“A Spike Lee Joint,” words that are a guarantee of absolute quality.
He Got Game is the story of the relationship between father and son, whose only point of contact is basketball. Jack Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington) in prison for murder, in order to get a lighter sentence he will have to convince his son Jesus, played by the one and only Ray Allen, to sign up for a prestigious university.
He Got Game is, and forever will be, in the minds, hearts and movie references of all hoopers worldwide.
'IVERSON'
Does “We're talking about practice, not a game” sound familiar?
In these 90 minutes, you will find the whole essence of Allen Iverson, the cross and delight of the NBA, icon despite himself in positive and negative.
Iverson is a glimpse into the life of one of the most controversial, and undoubtedly one of the best, players ever, who not only brought the AND1 street play style into the league and forever changed the fashion scene of the NBA now shown with the tunnel fits, but also helped shape a new narrative toward modern athletes.
'WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP'
White Men Can't Jump is a comedy film that revolves around the street basketball scene of Los Angeles. The movie pairs Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes as two basketball hustlers who despite their mutual distrust, team up to make money playing in streetball games.
The film explores themes of friendship, racial stereotypes, and the struggles of making a living from street basketball, all wrapped in sharp dialogue and vibrant urban settings. Besides giving us some of the most iconic sneaker moments in movies, White Men Can't Jump is also a mix of humor, sports action, and social commentary has made it a memorable film in the basketball movie genre.
'UNCLE DREW'
Born from one of the best Nike basketball ads ever, Uncle Drew is a great basketball movie, without all the drama of some of the previous entries in this list.
Uncle Drew is a comedy that weaves laughter and basketball together through the character Dax, an unlucky salesman who stakes everything on a Rucker Park tournament team. After his star player leaves, Dax attempts to recruit the legendary Uncle Drew and his elderly crew.
Featuring an ensemble of NBA luminaries like Kyrie Irving, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, Shaq, Nate Robinson, and Lisa Leslie, the film celebrates basketball culture with a humorous twist, bringing both on-court action and laughs.
'REBOUND: THE STORY OF EARL "THE GOAT" MANIGAULT'
The story of Earl “The Goat” Manigault, New York playground legend and considered by Kareem Abudl-Jabbar (and not only him) to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Only 6'3” tall, he practiced in Harlem playgrounds with ankle weights in order to jump more: legends say he sat on the iron and managed a 720-degree dunk as well.
Rebound may not be one of the most well-known basketball movies, but one that certainly needs to be on your list as it doesn't happen very often that legends of the past who did not make it into the NBA, but shaped the game we love, get the flowers they deserve.
'AIR'
This entry is for all the basketball and sneakerheads out there. Air elevates the true story of a landmark moment in sports history to new heights.
Directed by the acclaimed Ben Affleck, the film captures the extraordinary beginning of what would become a revolutionary partnership between the young basketball phenom Michael Jordan and a struggling Nike basketball division. This basketball drama takes us behind the scenes of this daring venture that would forever transform the landscape of sports endorsements and athletic footwear forever.
With its near-flawless execution, Air scores big, offering both an inspiring story of ambition and the intricate business maneuvers that sparked a global phenomenon.
'BLUE CHIPS'
Blue Chips stars Nick Nolte, Shaquille O'Neal, and Penny Hardaway in a compelling drama about a college basketball coach navigating the challenging NCAA recruitment rules to build a championship-winning team.
The film weaves together a narrative filled with moral dilemmas and the gritty realities behind college sports, offering a fictional yet insightful look into the pressures and ethical compromises that often accompany collegiate basketball. This iconic basketball movie blends the allure of basketball with the hard decisions that define a coach's career and legacy.
Are you a big cinephile? Check out Highsnobiety’s Guide to Cinema, where we have selections of our favorite films and all other related articles! Still want to read more? Download the Highsnobiety app to keep up with all the latest news!
