Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. With millions of fans and players, it’s no wonder that there are also countless movies about the game. If you enjoy watching basketball games, but don’t have time to waste on TV shows or movies these ten movies about basketball will fit nicely into your schedule.
Movies about Basketball
1. Hoosiers
This 1986 movie tells the story of a small Indiana town in which a championship high school basketball team brings hope back to its citizens and community. The film stars Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, Barbara Hershey and Dennis Haysbert as some of its key actors. All of the performances in this movie were absolutely fantastic, including a young, up and coming actor named David Anspaugh.
2. Blue Chips
This 1994 movie is about an up and coming college basketball coach who gets a job at an NCAA Division I school, despite his reputation for recruiting scandals. The film’s starring actors include Nick Nolte, Anfernee Hardaway, Shaquille O’neal and Lela Rochon. Blue Chips provides basketball fans with two fun-to-watch hours of action that has everyone cheering at the end.
3. Hoop Dreams
This 1994 documentary film chronicles the lives of two young student basketball players and their families as they deal with their hopes, dreams and struggles to play basketball in high school and college. If you’re interested in learning more about what goes on behind the scenes of a basketball game, then this film is a must see.
4. He Got Game
This 1998 movie tells the story of a retired professional basketball player who is forced to go back into action when his son’s future is put at risk. The movie stars Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Chris Bauer and Rosie Perez. It’s directed by Spike Lee who provided several great movies about basketball such as the classic Do the Right Thing from 1989.
5. Sunset Park
This 1996 basketball drama tells the story of three high school students who are forced to deal with the struggles of growing up in a tough neighborhood, as well as their personal lives. The film stars Tim Robbins, Richard Edson and Vin Diesel among others. Sunset Park was well received by critics and fans of basketball, alike.
6. White Man Can’t Jump
This 1992 comedy movie tells the story of a retired street ball legend who becomes mixed up with an NBA rookie who tries to learn how to play street ball from him. Starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, White Man Can’t Jump is definitely one of the most original movies about basketball that you’ll ever see. If you’re interested in culture and basketball, then this movie is for you.
7. Glory Road
This 2006 sports film tells the story of Texas Western’s 1966 championship season and how it changed college basketball. The film follows one of its leading characters, a player named Bobby Joe Hill, who was the first African American scholarship athlete to play for a white school in the NCAA. Glory Road earns its spot on this list because it is considered one of the greatest movies about basketball ever made. If you haven’t seen it yet, then definitely add it to your must-see list. It stars Josh Lucas, Jon Voight and Patrick Dempsey among others.
8. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
This 1979 sports comedy film tells the story of an unconventional coach who changes the lives of his players for the better on and off the basketball court. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh stars Julius Erving, Richard Pryor and Billie Dee Williams. It is a great movie for several reasons, including its humorous dialogue and some of the unique characters that you’ll come to know by the end of this film.
9. The Air Up There
This 1994 basketball comedy film tells the story of a retired professional basketball player who gets mixed up with an upcoming high school basketball star, as well as a rap mogul and his bodyguard on their way to a national high school tournament in New Orleans. The Air Up There stars Kevin Bacon, Phylicia Rashad, David Paymer and Ethan Suplee among others. The film is directed and co-produced by Kevin Hooks who also provided the community with such films as New Jack City and Boyz n the Hood.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or just a casual observer, these movies will delight, entertain, and educate you about basketball culture as well as cultivate your love for the sport.