Top 5 Basketball Movies That Are Actually Interesting to Watch
These films offer more than just a sports story.
Sports movies are a very specific genre, which means they're not popular with everyone. But some sports movies are so good that a wide variety of audiences will enjoy them.
For example, these five basketball movies offer more than just a sports story to follow.
He Got Game (1998, 6.9 on IMDb)
The classic sports drama starring Ray Allen and Denzel Washington revolves around Jesus Shuttlesworth, a high school student and master basketball player whom many colleges dream of recruiting. Living under immense pressure, Jesus' life is made even more difficult when his father, Jake, is paroled from prison by the governor on the condition that he persuade his son to enroll at the governor's alma mater. In addition to basketball, He Got Game has plenty of sizzling family drama.
Available to stream on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Rise (2022, 7.0 on IMDb)
This Disney sports biopic tells the story of the Antetokounmpo brothers, Giannis and Thanasis of the Milwaukee Bucks, and their long journey from trying to fit in in Greece, where they were born to Nigerian parents, to building successful careers in the United States. Aside from exciting basketball games, the film is full of family drama as it tackles the issue of migration and discrimination against migrants.
Available to stream on Disney+.
Love & Basketball (2000, 7.2 on IMDb)
Gina Prince-Bythewood's iconic romantic sports drama centers on Monica Wright and Quincy McCall, Los Angeles neighbors who grew up playing basketball together and fell in love. But as they both pursue careers in the sport, they must part ways, only to accidentally reconnect many years later. The film is equal parts sports success story and romantic drama.
Available to stream on Paramount+ and Netflix.
Hustle (2022, 7.3 on IMDb)
Starring Adam Sandler, this sports drama centers on Stanley Sugerman, who has spent most of his life working as an NBA scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. The chaotic lifestyle has led to problems with his wife and daughter. And after a crisis at work, Stanley is sent on a new international talent hunt. In Spain, he meets Bo Cruz, whose talent amazes him, so Stanley goes to great lengths to bring Bo to the U.S. and sign him to the NBA. Basketball and personal drama – this movie has a lot to offer.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Hoosiers (1986, 7.4 on IMDb)
Another classic on the list, this sports drama revolves around a small-town Indiana high school basketball team and their new coach, Norman Dale, who sees potential in the boys and wants them to perform at their best in the upcoming state championship. However, Dale's unorthodox techniques don't sit well with the townspeople, and he faces a lot of resistance from them, and eventually has to prove that his approach is the right one.
Available to stream on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.