Top 10 Best Basketball Movies
#10: “The Basketball Diaries” (1995)
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Leonardo DiCaprio stars as writer Jim Carroll in this adaptation of his autobiography. It is the tragic story of Carroll’s youth, as he and his friends struggle with substance abuse. The only solace they find is in basketball, but Carroll continues to spiral out of control. Fresh off his breakout role in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” DiCaprio’s performance is the core of the film. Carroll is unapologetic in his descriptions of abuse, addiction, and the struggle of getting clean. His story shows how a simple passtime like basketball can bring happiness during hard times. And while Carroll does lose this outlet, he eventually finds another in writing.
#9: “Glory Road” (2006)
This sports drama tells the story of the 1966 NCAA University Division Basketball Championship. Josh Lucas plays Texas Western Miners coach Don Hoskins, who initiated the first ever all-black starting lineup. Despite the obstacles they face, the Miners go nearly undefeated the entire season. As much a period piece as a sports drama, “Glory Road” depicts the racial prejudice and changing times of the 1960s. The basketball scenes show detailed methods and techniques that the Miners used to win the championship. The movie does include some controversial departures from history, such as the attribution of certain racist remarks and attitudes. But overall, “Glory Road” is an inspirational story, and the Miners will have you cheering like you're at the game, watching history unfold.
#8: “Air Bud” (1997)
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Not only does he fetch, but he passes it back and can shoot three-pointers. “Air Bud” is about a middle school basketball team and their most valuable player: a Golden Retriever. Definitely a movie best suited for children and dog lovers, “Air Bud” might be simple and, to be honest, a bit ridiculous, but there’s a heartwarming charm to it, and it doesn’t try to be anything else. The movie is at its strongest when focusing on the relationship between Josh and Buddy, both at home and in the gym. Plus, who doesn’t love playing ball with their dog? Despite the flimsy premise, Disney turned “Air Bud” into a franchise of direct-to-video releases and spinoffs that ran for over a decade. But the original “Air Bud” shows who the Most Valuable Pet is.
#7: “Coach Carter” (2005)
This biopic stars Samuel L. Jackson as coach of the undefeated Richmond High School basketball team. While Carter’s team has great skill and talent, he cracks down on their behavior inside and outside the gym, enforcing strict rules about class attendance and good grades. When all else fails, Carter suspends the team, putting him at odds with the school board. The movie is based on the real story of Ken Carter’s fight for his team’s education. Despite initial resistance, the players eventually meet Carter’s expectations. Before this, their victories on the court almost feel hollow. But once they start putting the effort into bettering their lives, even losing a game feels like a victory.
#6: “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992)
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Bringing the game to the streets, this comedy stars Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson as streetballers who make a living hustling other players in Los Angeles. While trying to save up for their respective dreams, their friendship and rivalry complicates their romantic relationships. Snipes and Harrelson make for a hilarious pair of hustlers, as they start out as business partners, but eventually become more and more a part of each other’s lives. The movie was praised for its witty comedic writing and for Rosie Perez’s performance as Harrelson’s girlfriend. Far from a screwball comedy, the film has some realistic weight to it that makes the humor all the more genuine.
#5: “Love and Basketball” (2000)
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Now this one is a real heart-stealer. “Love and Basketball” focuses on two childhood friends, Quincy and Monica, who both dream of becoming professional players. Over time, they grow to be more than friends, but eventually, their relationship, families, and career choices clash. Monica in particular faces pressure to let go of her passion. Actors Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps give amazing performances as complex characters faced with hard decisions about their futures. A unique take on both the romance and sports genre, “Love and Basketball” is now regarded as a cult classic.
#4: “Finding Forrester” (2000)
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Jamal is attending a high end private school in Manhattan. A talented basketball player, he actually wants to pursue a career in creative writing. Outside of his unsupportive school, Jamal finds a mentor in William Forrester, played by the one and only Sean Connery. Forrester was a prolific writer himself, but is now a reclusive shut-in. After the generational clash you’d expect, the two slowly become close friends through their passion for writing. While more adjacent to the main themes, basketball is still key to the plot, as Jamal has to choose between the sport and his passion. A less orthodox basketball story, “Finding Forrester” is still a heartwarming drama with great performances from Rob Brown, Connery, and F. Murray Abraham.
#3: “Hoosiers” (1986)
Inspired by the ‘Milan Miracle’ of the early 1950s, “Hoosiers” is the quintessential underdog story. Coach Norman Dale, played by Gene Hackman, is the newest coach for Hickory High School. Doing his best to turn a small town team into champions, he must also deal with high school politics. The film depicts the phenomena of ‘Hoosier Hysteria’, Indiana’s obsession with basketball. The basketball scenes aren’t flashy or bombastic, but they look and feel real without being overdramatic. Critics also praised the attention to detail in recreating 1950s Indiana. The small town of Hickory is just as important of a character as the coach and players. All this comes together to create iconic iconic sports drama.
#2: “He Got Game” (1998)
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With Spike Lee writing and directing, and Denzel Washington in the lead role, this movie was a surefire win. “He Got Game” is about a convicted felon trying to convince his son to go all the way with his basketball career. The film earned critical acclaim for its directing, soundtrack, and the well written son-father relationship. Spike Lee brings his signature style to the film, and Washington gives an unmatched performance as a father trying to make amends. Ray Allen’s performance as the son is also noteworthy, since he was a pro basketball player rather than an actor. Considered an underrated classic, “He Got Game” is a sports drama that stands out from the crowd.
#1: “Space Jam” (1996)
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Showing Michael Jordan can act just as well as he plays baseball, “Space Jam” is … No, no. We’re just kidding.
#1: “Hoop Dreams” (1994)
This documentary follows inner-city Chicago kids William Gates and Arthur Agee. Both are scouted for the basketball team of a mostly white high school. But when Agee can’t attend anymore, their paths diverge into two different stories. The documentary sheds light on the cultural importance basketball holds in African-American communities, and conflicts of race and class in the education system. Despite these, Gates and Agee work to overcome obstacles through their devotion and passion for the game. An instance of reality being better than fiction, “Hoop Dreams” is best summed up by Roger Ebert as “one of the best films about American life”.
