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Basketball Movies Worth Watching

MayMay's Basketball Movie Picks

There have been many basketball movies made over time, though many of them could be better used as a door stop or paper weight.

Something that you may not have known about me, is that I'm a huge Toronto Raptors basketball fan. I enjoy the sport, mind you, I could never play.

In my next life, I want to be tall and French.

Here's my collection of basketball films worth watching. You may not be a basketball fan, but these movies inspire, teach or bring about laughter. I hope you enjoy my picks




He Got Game
1998

Directed and written by Spike Lee, this film stars Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth and Ray Allen as Jesus Shuttlesworth.

The movie is about a basketball player's father, who must try to convince his son to go to a college so he can get a shorter sentence in prison.

Though not a comedy, watching Denzel Washington try to go one-on-one against NBA star Ray Allen is pretty funny and worth watching in itself. Otherwise, the movie is very entertaining and Ray Allen plays the part of Jesus Shuttlesworth very well.

Space Jam
1996

Directed by Joe Pytka, this movie stars Michael Jordan as himself and the Looney Toons cast.

Michael Jordan agrees to help the Looney Toons play a basketball game versus alien slavers to determine their freedom. NBA star appearances include, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Muggsy Bogues, Larry Johnson, and Shawn Bradley.

It's a cute and funny movie for the whole family. I must also include that the soundtrack to the movie is also a stellar collection of songs by artists such as, R. Kelly, Monica, LL Cool J, just to name a few.

Love and Basketball
2000

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this film stars Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan

In this romantic-drama story, two next-door neighbors in California who grew up loving basketball and, eventually, each other.

The movie has moments of tenderness and sophistication. However, one of the reasons why this is movie made my list is the display of a protagonist men's basketball player and protagonist female basketball player point of view. A well-made movie!

Coach Carter
2005

Directed by Thomas Carter, this film stars Samuel L. Jackson.

It is based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.

Critics gave Jackson considerable praise for what they believed to be his strongest performance. Then again, this is the guy starring in Snakes on a Plane and Deep Blue Sea. It's an inspirational movie, showcasing the importance of education - and that alone deserves recognition.

Above the Rim
1994

Directed by Jeff Pollack, this film stars Duane Martin, Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans and Christopher Andrews.

The film tells the story of a promising New York City high school basketball star and his relationships with two people; one a drug dealer and the other a basketball star now employed as a security guard at his former high school.

The movie revolves around Kyle Watson and his dream to play for Georgetown University. The concept has been done before, but this movie is put together very well and has exciting basketball scenes.

There you have it! Those are my basketball movie picks. You may disagree with my movie choices, but the storyline behind the films are thought-provoking. Let me know your thoughts if you ever get around to watching these or have watched them. As an aside, I'm always available for basketball talk!


Reference / Image Credits: All Posters, Gear Crave, Space-Jam, Masthead Gallery, IMP Awards, movie_poster


  1. lucyinthesky saidMon, 08 Dec 2008 23:36:24 -0000 ( Link )

    Coach Carter was a great movie. Thanks for this interesting lesson, May!

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  2. bjmolerio saidWed, 10 Dec 2008 21:58:58 -0000 ( Link )

    How could you leave out “White Men Can’t Jump”! That was the first Basketball movie I’ve seen. It was funny for sure. I don’t know how Woody could go from barely dunking to throwing it down two hand style to win the game in the end. He must have dropped a few pounds before the game. Plus he’s 5’10”, is he Spud Webb now! All in all, it’s my fav basketball movie. Other noteworthy basketball movies include “The Sixth Man” with Marlon Wayans and “Blue Chips” with the forever classic dynamic duo of Penny Hardaway and Shaq starring!

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  3. kevingraham1 saidThu, 05 Feb 2009 14:29:33 -0000 ( Link )

    ....I am sad to see that Basketball Diaries didn’t make the cut. Even more devastated that we missed Air Bud. Hahaha. This is a great list of worthy watches! Thank you.

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  4. Dayn1 saidSat, 04 Apr 2009 21:59:02 -0000 ( Link )

    How could you not put in the best basketball movie of all time. It actually is well acted and has class acters in it. The name of the movie is HOSIERS

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