Basketball has long been a source of inspiration in cinema, with numerous films capturing the excitement, drama and emotions of the sport. From underdogs to love stories, basketball movies go beyond the game and warm the hearts of viewers.
Whether the movies are inspired by true stories or fictional journeys, each one highlights the deep connection between the game of basketball and the human spirit, making these movies unforgettable for both sports fans and movie lovers.
Here is a list of iconic basketball movies.
“Air Bud”
The 1997 film “Air Bud’ made the golden retriever Buddy a basketball icon by showing him as a talented player who could do everything a basketball player could. From steals and assists to making baskets, there is no explanation why this is considered an iconic basketball film.
The film is about high schooler Josh (Kevin Zegers) who struggles to adapt to his new home in Washington state and his father's death. He decides to sign up for the basketball team one day, and he discovers that his pet dog Bud can play the sport very well.
Bud joining the team helps brighten Josh’s life all over again. It is a heartwarming film about a boy and his dog, making this one of the best basketball films to add to your watchlist.
“Space Jam”
There’s no question as to why “Space Jam” is on the list of iconic basketball media. It is a comedic film including many major stars and the Looney Tunes, revolving around their attempt at freedom with a basketball match.
The film is about an evil alien theme park owner (Danny DeVito) who needs a new attraction at Moron Mountain. When his gang, the Nerdlucks, head to Earth to kidnap the Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny challenges them to play basketball to help determine their fate. The aliens steal the powers of NBA players, including Larry Bird and Charles Barkley. Bugs gets help from superstar Michael Jordan, and in the end, wins the game to keep their freedom.
“Space Jam” is an iconic basketball film because it is a family-friendly movie that combines Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes characters in a fun, nostalgic mash-up.
“Semi-Pro”
Another comedic basketball film is “Semi-Pro,” which stars Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson. In 1976, singer Jackie Moon (Ferrell) used the profits from his one hit single to fulfill a longtime dream of owning a basketball team. His team is called the Flint Michigan Tropics and is the worst team in the league. The franchise is about to fold when the ABA and NBA announce plans to merge, so it is up to Jackie and the Tropics to be the underdogs for their chances of survival.
Although they don’t get accepted into the NBA, the ending is bittersweet and makes for a heartwarming film with lots of laughs. “Semi-Pro” is an iconic movie because it tells the story of a basketball team's journey to achieve its dreams.
“Thunderstruck”
The 2012 film “Thunderstruck” includes basketball star Kevin Durant and is another comedy to add to your watch list.
The movie is about a teenager named Brian (Taylor Gray) who is very uncoordinated and bad at playing basketball. All of that changes when he magically switches his talent with his hero, Durant, and he quickly becomes the star of his high school basketball team. The switch leaves Durant with Brian’s abilities, making him unable to sink a shot.
The film ends with both parties gaining their rightful abilities back, just in time for the Thunder to qualify for the playoffs. The message of this movie is that humility is better than pride, making it a funny basketball movie while also leaving a message for its viewers.
“Love & Basketball”
“Love & Basketball” is a well-received movie exploring the lives of two young basketball players, Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), and their relationship. The story is divided into four quarters, each one representing a different period of their lives.
It begins with the two as children, meeting when they are 11 years old as talented players on the court. As time progresses with them in high school, they both are talented players and end up getting together and going to the same college. In the third quarter while at college, struggles arise between them and they break up.
The fourth quarter was in 1993, a few years before the establishment of the Women's National Basketball Association. The two eventually get together and Monica plays in the WNBA, with a happy ending in the post-credits of Quincy and their daughter waving at Monica playing in the WNBA.
The movie is a coming-of-age story while also highlighting the importance of women in sports, making this timely with the recent explosion of growth of the WNBA.
