Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a popular theme in movies, with some of the best-known films including Glory Road, Space Jam, White Men Can't Jump, and He Got Game. The sport has inspired a variety of films, from documentaries like The Last Dance and Hoop Dreams to fictional dramas like Sunset Park and Coach Carter. Basketball movies often showcase the sport's historic significance, with some films set in the mid-1960s, highlighting the racial dynamics of the time. Others, like Hustle and Uncut Gems, delve into the world of basketball through the lens of gambling and the business beyond the game. With a range of styles and stories, basketball movies offer something for every film enthusiast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary, comedy, drama |
| Plot | Underdog stories, inspiring documentaries, behind-the-scenes stories, comeback stories, historical |
| Notable stars | Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, LeBron James, Denzel Washington, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Robert Duvall, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Bacon, Don Cheadle, Josh Lucas, Damon Wayans, Dan Aykroyd, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Gabe Kaplan, Matthew Perry, Daniel Stern, Dan Aykroyd, Vivica A. Fox, Ja Rule, Tim Meadows, Jenifer Lewis, Kevin Durant, Taylor Gray, Brandon T. Jackson, Larramie Doc Shaw, Sinqua Walls, Jack Harlow, Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Khris Davis, Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, Marlon Wayans, Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Duane Martin, Tupac Shakur, Leon, Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, J.T., Will Ferrell, André 3000, Dennis Farina, Charles Gitonga Maina, Yolanda Vazquez, Earl 'The Goat' Manigault, Rhea Perlman, Fredro Starr, Carol Kane, Juancho Hernangómez, Trae Young, Julius Erving, Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant |
| Directors | Jeremiah Zagar, Ron Shelton, Steve Gomer, Steve Rash, Paul Michael Glaser, Kent Alterman, James Gartner, Jeff Pollack, William Friedkin, Spike Lee, Tom DeCerchio, Steve Rash |
| Studios | Netflix, 20th Century Studios |
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What You'll Learn
Best basketball documentaries
There are a plethora of basketball documentaries that have been released over the years, with some of the most notable ones being:
Hoop Dreams
This documentary is considered by many to be one of the best basketball documentaries ever made. It follows the story of high schoolers in Chicago pursuing their ambitions on the court.
The Heart of the Game
This documentary is similar to "Hoop Dreams", but it focuses on an all-girls team in Seattle and their journey to pursue their dreams in basketball.
Kobe Doin' Work
This documentary follows Kobe Bryant during a game against the San Antonio Spurs and showcases his incredible work ethic and determination.
The Last Dance
This documentary follows the legendary Michael Jordan and his career, including his stint in baseball and his final championship season with the Chicago Bulls in 1998.
I Wanna Be Like Mike
This documentary explores the impact of the iconic marketing slogan "I Wanna Be Like Mike" and how it changed the way athletes were marketed, especially to teenagers.
The People You're Paying to Be in Shorts
A 2.5-hour-long documentary that takes a look at the Charlotte Bobcats' 2011-12 season and how Michael Jordan handled being the owner of the team.
Other notable basketball documentaries include "The Redeem Team", which features unforgettable moments between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, "Glory Road", which showcases the Texas Western University basketball team's journey in the mid-1960s, and documentaries on Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin, Len Bias, and Bob Hurley Sr., all of whom have inspiring or impactful stories within the world of basketball.
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Best basketball movies on Netflix
Basketball movies are a great way to experience the thrill of the sport from the comfort of your couch. Netflix has a good selection of basketball-themed movies, including documentaries and dramas. Here are some of the best basketball movies on Netflix:
The Redeem Team
The Redeem Team is a documentary that follows the story of the 2008 men's basketball team on their mission to find redemption at the Beijing Olympics. It features basketball legends like Dwyane Wade, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. This film is a must-watch for any basketball fan, as it showcases the determination and challenges faced by the team to reclaim the USA's dominance in the sport.
Hustle
Starring Adam Sandler, Hustle is a basketball drama about a veteran scout and an unknown but talented player. Sandler delivers one of his career-best performances as Stanley Sugarman, a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who discovers Bo Cruz, played by former NBA player Juancho Hernangómez. The film follows their journey as they face an uphill battle to get Bo drafted and earn Stanley the assistant coaching job he desires. With a star-studded cast and an inspiring narrative, Hustle tops the list of the best basketball movies on Netflix.
High Flying Bird
High Flying Bird is a unique take on the traditional sports drama, directed by Steven Soderbergh. Shot entirely on an iPhone 8, the film stars André Holland as an agent who attempts to use his rookie client to pressure the NBA's owners to end a lockout. Soderbergh focuses on the action off the court, in the boardrooms and offices, resulting in an engrossing and fast-paced watch.
Rez Ball
Rez Ball is a moving sports drama inspired by the nonfiction sports novel "Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation." The film follows a Navajo high school basketball team in Chuska, New Mexico, as they strive to keep their state championship dreams alive after losing their star player. Through their grief, the team embraces their cultural traditions and community to unite and persevere.
The Last Dance
This Emmy-winning documentary miniseries provides insight into the career of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' winning 1997-1998 season. It's a must-watch for any basketball enthusiast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest players and teams in NBA history.
In addition to these featured films, Netflix also offers other basketball-themed movies, including the animated film "NBA Jam Session," and documentaries like Untold, which chronicles wild stories from the world of sports.
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Best basketball movies starring NBA players
Basketball is a sport that has been celebrated in film for decades, with some of the game's biggest stars making the transition to the big screen. Here are some of the best basketball movies starring NBA players:
Space Jam (1996)
Starring Michael Jordan, this classic movie mixes animation with live-action, pitting Jordan and the Looney Tunes against supercharged aliens who have taken the skills of his NBA peers hostage. The film is not only entertaining but also enhances Jordan's mythos as one of the greatest players of all time.
Shooting Stars (2022)
This dramatized film looks back at the early years of LeBron James, played by Marquis "Mookie" Cook. It's set in the 1990s and follows LeBron and his three best friends. While it has its engaging moments, some critics suggest that simply watching LeBron James play basketball is more entertaining.
Uncut Gems (2019)
While not a traditional basketball movie, "Uncut Gems" stars NBA legend Kevin Garnett as a fictionalized version of himself. The film follows a jeweller (Adam Sandler) who gambles heavily on a Celtics game, leading to a chaotic series of events. Garnett's performance was praised as Oscar-worthy, despite limited screen time.
White Men Can't Jump (1992)
The original "White Men Can't Jump" is a beloved basketball classic starring NBA stars like Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow. The 2024 remake, however, received mixed reviews, with critics feeling it struggled to find its purpose.
Hoosiers (1986)
"Hoosiers" is a beloved underdog story set in the world of basketball, starring NBA players like Brian Scalabrine. It's a finely crafted film with excellent performances that has achieved a strong following among basketball fans.
These movies showcase the diverse range of stories and styles within the basketball film genre, with NBA players contributing their talents to bring these stories to life.
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Best basketball movies based on true stories
Basketball movies are a great way to showcase the sport's history and culture. Some of the best basketball movies are based on true stories, shedding light on the lives and journeys of real-life players and teams. Here are some of the best basketball movies based on true stories:
Coach Carter
"Coach Carter" is a movie based on the true story of Ken Carter, who returned to his old high school in Richmond, California, in 1999 to coach the basketball team. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson in the titular role and received praise for its energetic and effective portrayal, despite following a familiar sports movie formula.
Glory Road
"Glory Road" is a movie set in the mid-1960s at Texas Western University. It tells the story of Don Haskins, who takes over the basketball program and recruits seven Black players who had little chance of attending college to join his squad. The film highlights the issue of overcoming racism in sports and is considered a period piece.
The Last Dance
"The Last Dance" is a documentary that follows the legendary Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant as part of the 2004 Men's Olympic Basketball Team. It provides an inside look at some unforgettable moments and interactions between these basketball icons.
Hoop Dreams
"Hoop Dreams" is a documentary that follows the journeys of high school students in Chicago as they pursue their ambitions on the basketball court. It offers a raw and authentic perspective on the lives of young basketball players striving to make their mark in the sport.
The Heart of the Game
Similar to "Hoop Dreams," "The Heart of the Game" is a documentary that focuses on an all-girls basketball team in Seattle and their journey in the sport. It showcases the passion and determination of female athletes and their pursuit of basketball excellence.
These movies not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the world of basketball, the challenges faced by players and coaches, and the impact the sport has on their lives and those around them.
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Best basketball movies for kids
There are several basketball movies that kids can enjoy. Here are some of the best ones:
Space Jam is a classic that combines animation with live-action, starring Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes squad. The movie is about a basketball game against supercharged aliens that have taken the skills of Jordan's NBA peers hostage. It's a fun and entertaining watch for kids, with plenty of humour and exciting basketball action.
Hoop Dreams is a highly acclaimed documentary that follows the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys with dreams of becoming professional basketball players. It's an inspiring and emotional film that showcases the thin line between success and failure in the face of adversity. The documentary is a great choice for older kids who can appreciate the deeper themes and the power of following your dreams.
He Got Game is another excellent choice for a family movie night. It's a story about basketball that's suitable for all ages and has no sex scenes. The film follows a talented basketball player and his complex relationship with his father, who is also his coach. It's a great blend of sports action and family drama, offering a well-rounded viewing experience.
Glory Road is a period piece that deals with overcoming racism in sports. It's inspired by real-life events and centres around the Texas Western basketball team in the mid-1960s. The movie showcases the impact of a college basketball coach who forms the first all-black starting lineup, leading them to the NCAA national championship. It's a powerful story about breaking barriers and the importance of equality in sports.
Finding Forester is another great basketball film that kids can enjoy. It's a story about a New York basketball enthusiast who gets the opportunity to coach. The movie explores themes of mentorship and the power of following your dreams. It's a heartwarming tale that showcases the impact basketball can have on people's lives.
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