Top 5 Basketball Movies

Official Above the Rim Trailer

From Family Favorites to Drama-Classics

Since they were invented some 5,000 years ago, sports have been an integral part of human life and existence. The immense popularity has allowed people to understand themselves in the context of physical activity, competition, and adversity. As such, some of the greatest stories ever told have been based on sports — especially basketball. Although basketball is a team sport, aspects of the game allow and encourage highly skilled players to impact the game on an individual level. This dual nature adds to the game’s dynamic, both on and off the court.

Before getting to the list, it’s important to highlight movies that didn’t quite make the cut, yet still provide a lot to the genre. Such movies include Love & Basketball, The Basketball Diaries, Blue Chips, and He Got Game. On paper, He Got Game should’ve been able to accomplish more as a film project; however, Ray Allen is cast as the main protagonist and struggles to deliver a performance worthy of the story being told. Despite Allen being one of the greatest basketball players of all time, his talents fall short of acting and detract from the movie. Technically a documentary, Hoop Dreams is a compelling production that shows the heartwrenching (and often lofty) aspirations of inner-city children vying for an opportunity to play professional basketball.

5. Space Jam (1996)

With the amount of high-quality basketball flicks, any top five list would be highly contested and debatable. It’s easy to discuss the timeless classics but newer movies such as The Way Back (2020) and Hustle (2022) make any ranking of basketball movies rather difficult. Space Jam hit theaters during a simple time. The only things audiences needed were loveable characters and an easy plot to follow. As far as characters go, they perhaps don’t get any more favorable than the Looney Toons. With Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck teaming up with arguably the greatest basketball player to ever live, fans were certainly treated to an enjoyable experience. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) helped popularize live-action/animated movies, and Space Jam would run away with the style eight years later. With star power, a creative plot, timeless characters, and an amazing soundtrack, the film was destined to be an instant fan favorite.

As Michael Jordan tries to navigate life after retiring from basketball, he’s approached by the Looney Toons, who’ve found themselves in the crosshairs of a crooked intergalactic amusement park owner. The owner, Mr. Swackhammer (voiced by Danny DeVito), has forced the Looney Toons into a wager that would force them to be attractions at his park, should they lose. Despite his shock at learning the Looney Toons are real, Jordan finds himself sympathetic to their predicament and reluctantly offers to help. Although the film doesn’t rely heavily on them, the cameos of basketball stars and other noteworthy figures are a welcome addition to the production.

4. Hoosiers (1986)

Despite being the oldest title on the list, Hoosiers has distinguished itself not only as a prominent basketball movie but also as a timeless sports drama. In the modern era, audiences are largely worn out by “Cinderella” stories that feature heart-warming triumphs. Led by one of Gene Hackman’s (Unforgiven, The Royal Tenenbaums) most memorable performances, the film told one of the original underdog stories, using elements that would become Hollywood tropes. Hackman’s presence is bolstered by legendary actor, Dennis Hopper (Easy Rider, Waterworld), who plays the alcoholic father of one of the players on the team.

Set in the 1950s, head coach Norman Dale (Hackman) is hired by a small-town Indiana high school to lead the school’s historically substandard basketball team. Despite Dale’s knowledge and past success, he’s met with general distrust from the townspeople and the players due to his unconventional coaching methods and controversial reputation. Coach Dale must work exceptionally hard to earn the trust of star player, Jimmy Chitwood, who’s pledged to sit out the season in response to Dale’s recent appointment. The movie masterfully explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and redemption. Beyond basketball, the story also captures the profound relationship that small towns tend to have with sports, regardless of the level of play. Indiana, often referred to as “basketball country,” boasts a passion and culture that surround high school basketball and the annual tournament, Indiana High School Boys Basketball Tournament (IHSAA). The tournament began in 1911 and has produced classic games, as well as standout players who would go on to enjoy illustrious basketball careers.

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3. White Men Can’t Jump (1992)

White Men Can’t Jump, starring Wesley Snipes (Blade, New Jack City) and Woody Harrelson (True Detective, Natural Born Killers), features a versatility that lends itself to being more than just a basketball movie. With its memorable dialogue, character development, and layered themes, the film also stands as an achievement in comedy, drama, and romance. Using her budding and undeniable talent, Rosie Perez (Fearless [1993], Do the Right Thing) helped strengthen the romantic elements in the story, providing an authentic feel to her role. The performance even earned Perez two nominations at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Actress. Of course, this is no easy feat, as she had to share the screen with two of the most iconic names and faces within Hollywood. Harrelson and Snipes were also nominated at the MTV Movie & TV Awards for Best On-Screen Duo, only losing to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover for their appearances in Lethal Weapon 3.

When Men Can’t Jump features two street basketball hustlers, Sidney Deane (Snipes) and Billy Hoyle (Harrelson), who team up to maximize their earnings by preying on unsuspecting gamblers at pick-up basketball courts. Sidney and Billy must both manage their respective home lives, as their endeavors have led them to enter a highly competitive basketball tournament that would deliver a large payday to the first-place contestants. Billy, however, seems to have a particularly difficult time setting his priorities, as his girlfriend (Perez) grows increasingly tired of his gambling habit, which undermines their future plans. The movie is entertaining and a must-watch.

2. Coach Carter (2005)

Coach Carter tells a dramatized version of the true story surrounding Ken Carter. In 1999, Carter famously benched his entire undefeated high school basketball team until they were able to meet the academic standards of which they were falling behind. Carter understood that sports often serve as a gateway to the rest of one’s personal life. Those who are able to achieve discipline on the court, on the field, or in any domain of their chosen competition are able to apply the concept to all other endeavors. In sensing the distinct lack of discipline and accountability within his team, Carter had each of his student-athletes sign a contract that required them to maintain a 2.3 GPA while being a member of the basketball program. Carter’s efforts were met with resistance from the school’s administration, as well as players and parents. Ken Carter sought to ensure that the young would lead responsible and fulfilling lives after the inevitable end of their basketball careers.

Ken Carter is played by legendary and beloved actor, Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, The Avengers). Jackson brings his trademark style to the role, providing a presence that seamlessly changes between intense and endearing. His performance as Ken Carter earned him numerous award nominations, including Best Actor at the BET Awards. Director Thomas Carter (Save the Last Dance, When the Game Stands Tall) also enjoyed recognition as he won Outstanding Achievement in Directing at the Black Movie Awards and Best Director at the Black Reel Awards.

1. Above the Rim (1994)

Much like the other movies on this list, Above the Rim goes well beyond basketball to tell its story. The film shows the profound impact that sports can have on people’s lives and provides rich social commentary that helps demonstrate the issues associated with inner-city living. The production featured a talented cast that surprised audiences with powerful scenes and memorable performances. Duane Martin (Scream 2, Woo) took on the lead role in a cast that also included Leon (Cool Runnings, Little Richard), Bernie Mac, Marlon Wayans (White Chicks, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood), and highly-celebrated hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur. As he was signed to the New York Knicks in 1989, Martin utilized his personal experiences in basketball to bring legitimacy to his portrayal. Shakur’s death is undoubtedly a tragedy but his absence is felt even more, considering how promising his career was at the time of his death. Shakur stole the show in Above the Rim and commanded the screen with each of his appearances. Although the entire cast puts their best foot forward, Shakur shines through and gives the story an extra layer of depth it would otherwise lack. “You may not like the man that I’ve become but I’m still a man.”

The movie follows Kyle Watson (Martin), an excellent high school basketball player in his senior year who’s beginning to attract scholarship offers from universities around the country. Watson discovers the challenges of avoiding street life as he’s tempted by Birdie (Shakur), a prominent drug dealer who seeks to tempt Kyle with a luxurious lifestyle. Birdie’s brother, Shep (Leon), once a high school basketball star himself, looks to ensure that Kyle doesn’t sabotage his own future. “You don’t owe me nothin. You owe yourself and ones who cared to get you here. Believe me. I know.”

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