There's something captivating and endearing about a good sports film. The nature of the competition and the underdog stories that make up many of these films can provide a gripping, inspirational watch.
Basketball-themed films can be a particularly entertaining subset of this, with the thrilling fast-paced nature of the game that allows for climactic bouts and ample drama. It's tough not to find oneself on the edge of their seat when watching the protagonist sink a last-second buzzer-beater.
Over the decades, there's been no shortage of great dramas, comedies, and biographies that run with a basketball premise.
So let's strap on our Nikes and hit the ground running as we cover the 10 best basketball films, according to the ratings of IMDb. Whether it's the result of a great inspirational tale, solid acting, or exciting basketball moments, these are a slam dunk.
Love & Basketball (7.2)
2000's Love & Basketball, which balances basketball themes with romance, proves to be a stylish and heartfelt drama as a whole.
The movie follows our leads, Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), as they develop a close relationship largely through basketball. At the same time, it chronicles their trials and tribulations as they try to maintain this relationship amidst life challenges and separate career paths. You've got some endearing and emotional moments throughout, making for a great basketball-tinged romance for teens and young adults.
Glory Road (7.2)
True stories can often make for some of the most compelling, inspirational narratives, and 2006's Glory Road is yet another reminder. This sports drama, directed by James Gartner, follows Texas Western coach Don Haskins, as he leads the first all-black starting line-up to eventually win an NCAA national championship. The film's garnered mixed reception among critics, a few of whom point to its rather conventional "underdog" premise and cliches.
Still, Glory Road has been regarded highly by fans overall for its heartwarming story, likable cast, and historical significance.
Finding Forrester (7.3)
The original James Bond himself takes on the role as the title character, novelist William Forrester, whose acting talents are showcased yet again here.
As the seasoned author grows isolated and reclusive, his ion for writing is reignited after crossing paths with a young basketball prodigy, Jamal (Rob Brown). They develop a friendship as they discover they share a love and skillset in the art of writing, after Forrester comes upon Jamal's written work.
This film is as much about mentorship, comradery, and writing as it is about basketball. Yet its plot - which has been compared to Good Will Hunting - makes for a dynamic drama that's worth a watch for fans of the sport.
The Basketball Diaries (7.3)
While the sport of basketball has produced many success stories and triumphs, it's also held some more tragic tales. This is often linked to the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other excesses that could tempt a young athlete.
The film loosely follows a memoir of the same name, as it covers the troubled life of young artist Jim Carroll (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his struggle with heroin abuse. Though he and his Catholic school buddies comprise a New York basketball team rife with potential, Jim's self-destructive lifestyle threatens to ruin it.
Thanks to a convincing performance by DiCaprio and great writing, The Basketball Diaries leaves an impression with its emotional bouts and authenticity. This is even capped off by a cameo appearance by the real Carroll, who takes on the role of an addict.
Coach Carter (7.3)
Like our previous entry, Coach Carter, which stars Samuel L. Jackson as the coach himself, draws from a true story for its gripping narrative, while taking a few creative liberties.
After achieving success in publishing and marketing, former star player Carter comes full-circle to coach a team of young students from his former high school. Jackson gives a powerful performance as the coach, who takes this band of students under his wing to teach them the ways of becoming personally successful and as a team. This film proves entertaining for many, while also conveying a sound message of striving for greatness; not just in sports, but also in life.
Hoosiers (7.5)
Dating back to 1986, this sports drama stills shines as one of the most compelling basketball films ever. This is largely thanks to the dynamic performance by Gene Hackman as Coach Dale, and the inspirational plot, which is, once again, based on a true story.
Hoosiers resonates with many for its classic "rags to riches" narrative and its cast of likable characters. It follows the improbable rise of a small-town high school team as they look to obtain glory as state champs. It's the ultimate underdog story - as even the coach himself comes with humble origins and a shady past. The film is chock-full of character drama, basketball thrills, and other memorable moments.
Despite its runtime of nearly 2 hours, it manages to speed by, much like the players on the court.
Rebound: The Legend of Earl “The Goat” Manigault (7.7)
This film, not unlike The Basketball Diaries, chronicles the real events of the turbulent life of a young basketball player. This time it's Earl Manigault, a reformed junkie who looks to clean up his act and reach out to the young kids of Harlem. He largely achieves this using the comradery and appeal of basketball. It's a heartwarming tale of redemption and mentorship, and one that's worth a watch for both fans and non-fans of the sport.
Despite this HBO film of '96 somewhat falling under the radar, it features an enthralling plot and standout performances by James Earl Jones, Forest Whitaker, and Don Cheadle as Earl.
Maurie (7.9)
Another lesser-known, but nonetheless appealing, basketball film is 1973's Maurie. It's a biographical movie that covers the relationship between NBA hall-of-famers Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes.
This film, also known as Big Mo, authentically chronicles the events and close bond of these Rochester Royals teammates. It ventures into emotional territory when Stokes' life-threatening head injury has Twyman looking to rehabilitate his friend physically and emotionally. Bernie Casey and Bo Swenson, as Maurice and Jack, respectively, bring this film to life with convincing, heartfelt performances.
Dream Team 1935 (7.9)
We're going across the pond for this one - specifically to Latvia of northeastern Europe. Not unlike a European version of Hoosiers, Dream Team 1935 tells of the Latvian basketball squad's unlikely rise to glory. Helmed by the driven head coach Valdemars Baumanis, the film follows the hard-fought ride to their first-ever European Championship in '35.
This period piece offers a unique take on an underdog sports film with its distinct, gritty setting of post-WWI Latvia.
Hoop Dreams (8.3)
While there have been many basketball documentaries over the years, few have stood out like this film, which is just as much a gripping real-life drama as it is a biography. In true rags-to-riches fashion, 1994's Hoop Dreams follows the downtrodden lives of two inner-city Chicago boys. The film excellently documents their roller coaster ride in striving for college stardom, leading to their ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.
This nearly 3-hour odyssey is full of interesting testimony, emotional bouts, and exhilarating basketball moments. It's a rich narrative and a truly inspirational story, whether you're a basketball fan or not.
