7 Most-Loved Basketball Movies

In anticipation of Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals, here are some of our all-time movie faves when it comes to basketball! Whether you’re rooting for the Warriors or hoping the Cavaliers can still rise from the ashes, we’ve got you covered.

Space Jam — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

Looney Tunes and the NBA were at peak popularity in the ‘90s, and all of that came together in Space Jam. It’s a cinematic experience in which Bugs Bunny and co. famously teamed up with Michael Jordan and a slew of other NBA greats. Can somebody say classic?

Hoosiers — Cinemax/HBO

This small-town sports drama is often cited as the greatest basketball movie of all time and one of Gene Hackman’s most memorable roles. Loosely based on Milan High School in Milan Indiana, the film follows the new coach (Hackman) as he tries to carry his team to the state championships despite his past issues. If you’ve ever watched Friday Night Lights, you’ll understand what it means when I say that Hoosiers is kind of like the FNL for basketball.,

Love & Basketball — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

All’s fair in love and basketball, am I right? Omar Epps and Sanaa Lane play well together in this intense love story that centers around two aspiring basketball stars who fall in love and have to deal with the fallout.

White Men Can’t Jump — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

This 1992 drama by director Ron Shelton was Woody Harrelson’s first notable departure from his role as Woody Boyd in the long-running sitcom Cheers, and it cemented his place in the cinematic landscape as one to watch.

Coach Carter — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

Set in 1999 and based on a true story, Coach Carter stars Samuel L. Jackson as the titular character of a head coach who struggles with his team. He imposes strict rules and regulations in an attempt to make sure the boys focus not only on improving their game but their studies and their lives as well.

He Got Game — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.

Directed by Spike Lee, this father-son drama stars Denzel Washington as a convict who is given one week to convince his resentful son, Jesus, to attend the fictional “Big State” college in order to earn himself a reduced prison sentence. He Got Game also stars Rosario Dawson in one of her earliest roles.

Glory Road — Cinemax/HBO

Based on the men’s 1966 NCAA championships, Glory Road stars Josh Lucas as the head coach of Texas Western College, Don Haskins. While facing discrimination and racism in the climate of 1966, Coach Haskins puts together a team that draws ire from the community they represent while fighting to bring home the glory.