Incredible stories in cinema inspire us and often tackle important themes. Basketball movies are no exception. We’ve put together a list of seven basketball films that will captivate both sports fans and general audiences alike. Get ready to discover films that showcase the heart, passion, and drama of the game.
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Like Mike
IMDb: 5.4/10
2002, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
USA, PG
Director: John Schultz
Top cast: Shad Moss, Jonathan Lipnicki, Morris Chestnut
The film Like Mike tells the story of Calvin Cambridge, a 14-year-old boy from an orphanage with a passion for basketball. But his height prevents him from realising his potential on the basketball court. However, fate presents him with an amazing gift: the old trainers of the legendary Michael Jordan, endowed with magical powers. With each jump in these trainers Calvin gets closer to his cherished goal, overcoming all obstacles.
Coach Carter
IMDb: 7.3/10
2005, Biography, Drama, Sport
USA, PG-13
Director: Thomas Carter
Top cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri’chard
The Richmond High School basketball players do not really think of their future until the arrival of a former basketball player, Ken Carter, as their coach. He is pretty hard on them, but his discipline helps the team win one game after another. Then, surprisingly, Carter cancels practice and sends off his team to work on their grade in subjects that aren't gym. The decision drew applause and sharp criticism from parents of players and the school administration. Among the team members was Carter’s son, who later went on to attend a prestigious school. The film is based on a true story from 1999 in California. That's a serious problem in professional sports: when a high school player doesn't manage to get to a college team or make it into the NBA, usually he just has no future. American schools rarely focus on the long-term success of their students and give no conditions or reasons to the students to excel in their studies to attain a good education.
Glory Road
IMDb: 7.2/10
2006, Biography, Drama, Sport
USA, Germany, PG
Director: James Gartner
Top cast: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols
Glory Road tells the story of Don Haskins, the coach of a college basketball team in Texas. The team needed new players, but the university lacked the funds for recruitment. Haskins made an unconventional decision by inviting black players to join the team, which was considered radical in 1965. However, Don was not concerned about skin color; he valued talent and teamwork above all else. It’s hard to believe now, but just fifty years ago, it was widely believed that black players lacked the talent for basketball, as the game was considered to be created by and for white people. “Glory Road” is not just about sports; with its outstanding cinematography, it will appeal even to those who aren’t basketball fans.
Three seconds
IMDb: 6.7/10
2017, Drama, Sport
Russia, PG
Director: Anton Megerdichev
Top cast: Vladimir Mashkov, Andrey Smolyakov, Sergey Garmash
Three Seconds offers a dramatic interpretation of the events at the 1972 Munich Olympics, focusing on the intense rivalry between the USSR and USA basketball teams. The American team is considered unbeatable, but the Soviet coach firmly believes in his players. All the Soviet team needs is three seconds. While the film isn’t a historical documentary and contains several inaccuracies, it succeeds as a compelling sports drama. The engaging storyline and strong cinematography more than make up for the historical discrepancies.
Air Bud
IMDb: 5.5/10
1997, Comedy, Drama, Family, Sport
USA, PG
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Top cast: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena
Can a dog have exceptional basketball skills? “Air Bud” explores this delightful possibility. The story follows a golden retriever named Buddy, who is discovered by a young boy named Josh. Buddy soon reveals an incredible talent for playing basketball, making impressive shots and quickly becoming a star on the school team. Air Bud is a heartwarming family film that celebrates friendship, loyalty, and the discovery of unexpected talent.
Finding Forrester
IMDb: 5.5/10
2000, Drama, Sport
USA, R
Director: Gus Van Sant
Top cast: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham
How can a talented basketball player from the Bronx become the top writer at an elite private school in Manhattan? Gus Van Sant’s film can be seen as a spiritual successor to Good Will Hunting, as both movies challenge stereotypes and remind us not to judge books by their covers. Jamal forms an unlikely friendship with a reclusive, famous Scottish novelist, who becomes his mentor. The whole film seems to be about basketball, but the finale comes as a surprise, shifting the focus from the game to his literary work. In the climax, Jamal, who has been holding a basketball in his hands for the entire film, comes into the spotlight not as an athlete, but as a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer.
White Men Can’t Jump
IMDb: 6.8/10
1992, Comedy, Sport
USA, R
Director: Ron Shelton
Top cast: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
White Men Can’t Jump is a '90s cult classic that captured audiences with its sharp humor. The two main characters of the film are street basketball players: Billy Hoyle, who hustles by preying on stereotypes about him, and Sidney Deane, living on his game off the streets of LA. It builds up from a kind of rivalry to a very strong, deep friendship. This iconic film appeals to both sports fans and those unfamiliar with basketball.
