• EarlyGame PLUS top logo
  • Join to get exclusive perks & news!
English
    • News
    • Guides
    • Gaming
      • Fortnite
      • League of Legends
      • EA FC
      • Call of Duty
      • Reviews
    • TV & Movies
    • Codes
      • Mobile Games
      • Roblox Games
      • PC & Console Games
    • Videos
    • Forum
    • Careers
    • EarlyGame+
  • Login
  • Homepage My List Settings Sign out
  • News
  • Guides
  • Gaming
    • All Gaming
    • Fortnite
    • League of Legends
    • EA FC
    • Call of Duty
    • Reviews
  • TV & Movies
  • Codes
    • All Codes
    • Mobile Games
    • Roblox Games
    • PC & Console Games
  • Videos
  • Forum
  • Careers
  • EarlyGame+
Game selection
Kena
Gaming new
Enterianment CB
ENT new
TV Shows Movies Image
TV shows Movies logo 2
Fifa stadium
Fc24
Fortnite Llama WP
Fortnite Early Game
LOL 320
Lo L Logo
Codes bg image
Codes logo
Smartphonemobile
Mobile Logo
Videos WP
Untitled 1
Cod 320
Co D logo
Rocket League
Rocket League Text
Apex 320
AP Ex Legends Logo
DALL E 2024 09 17 17 03 06 A vibrant collage image that showcases various art styles from different video games all colliding together in a dynamic composition Include element
Logo
Logo copy
GALLERIES 17 09 2024
News 320 jinx
News logo
More EarlyGame
Esports arena

Polls

Razer blackhsark v2 review im test

Giveaways

Rocket league videos

Videos

Valorant Tournament

Events

  • Copyright 2025 © eSports Media GmbH®
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
 Logo
English
  • English
  • German
  • Spanish
  • EarlyGame india
  • Homepage
  • TV Shows & Movies

15 Best Basketball Movies and Shows To Watch During NBA Season

1-15

The soul of basketball.

Nazarii Verbitskiy Nazarii Verbitskiy
TV Shows & Movies - October 21st 2025, 23:55 GMT+2
Hoop Dreams

15. Hoop Dreams (1994)

This three-hour documentary flies by thanks to how deeply it pulls you in. It follows two Chicago teens chasing basketball stardom while facing real-life challenges like racism, poverty, and pressure from every side. Raw, emotional, and unforgettable, Hoop Dreams isn’t just about sports, it’s about growing up, surviving, and fighting for a chance to make your dream real. | © Fine Line Features

Glory Road

14. Glory Road (2006)

Based on a true story, this film follows coach Don Haskins, who builds a groundbreaking team at Texas Western by recruiting Black players despite fierce resistance. In 1966, his underdog squad shocked the nation by winning the NCAA championship against Kentucky. It’s a powerful story about courage, unity, and standing up to prejudice through the love of the game. | © Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

High Flying Bird

13. High Flying Bird (2019)

There’s almost no basketball here – and that’s the point. Set during an NBA lockout, High Flying Bird follows a sports agent navigating the power struggle between players and owners while raising questions about money, race, and control. Smart, fast-talking, and socially charged, it’s a different kind of sports movie, one that plays off the court but still hits hard. | © Netflix

Hustle

12. Hustle (2022)

Adam Sandler proves he’s got serious dramatic chops in this heartfelt basketball story produced with LeBron James. He plays a scout who discovers a gifted player overseas and risks everything to help him make it to the NBA. Hustle mixes basketball, hard work, and heart in a way that keeps you watching all the way through. | © Netflix

Hoops

11. Hoops (2020)

Hoops is not for everyone, but fans of South Park–style humor might get a kick out of it. The show leans hard into crude jokes and nonstop swearing, but underneath that chaos is a surprisingly original story about a foul-mouthed coach trying to turn his losing team around. It’s loud, messy, and somehow refreshing in how it sticks to one wild theme all the way through. | © Netflix

Cropped White Men Cant Jump 1992

10. White Men Can't Jump (1992)

Set on the sunbaked courts of Los Angeles, this street-smart comedy follows two basketball hustlers, Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, who start conning each other before teaming up for bigger games. The mix of fast talk, ego, and raw talent makes every match a show. With its gritty settings and sharp writing, it nails the look and feel of early ’90s streetball better than almost anything since. | © 20th Century Studios

Cropped rez ball 2024

9. Rez Ball (2024)

Rez Ball deserves way more love than its rating suggests. It’s a heartfelt basketball story that balances big emotions, humor, and representation, especially with its Indigenous and LGBTQ themes. Thanks to creators Lily Gladstone and Erica Tremblay, this movie feels fresh, grounded, and perfect for a cozy family night or a solo popcorn session. | © Netflix

Shaq

8. Shaq (2022)

This documentary follows Shaquille O’Neal’s rise from a determined kid on military bases to one of the best centers in NBA history. It highlights not just his championships and charisma, but his generosity and the huge heart behind the larger-than-life persona. Funny, humble, and deeply human, Shaq shows why he’s someone who makes the world around him better. | © HBO

The Last Dance

7. The Last Dance (2020)

The Last Dance dives deep into Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls as they chase their sixth championship. Packed with unseen footage and honest interviews, it shows the pressure, drive, and ego behind one of sports’ greatest dynasties. You don’t need to be a basketball fan to get hooked. It’s that compelling. | © Netflix

Space Jam

6. Space Jam (1996)

Space Jam is a cult classic that hit at just the right time. Basketball legend Michael Jordan is pulled into the Looney Tunes world to help Bugs Bunny and friends win their freedom in a game against the Monstars, who’ve stolen NBA stars’ talent. It’s only 87 minutes, never takes itself too seriously, and stays fun thanks to Jordan’s charm, Bill Murray’s comedy, and one unforgettable soundtrack. | © Warner  Bros. Pictures

Cropped above the rim 1994

5. Above the Rim (1994)

A true hood classic, Above the Rim captures East Coast basketball culture with raw energy and heart. Tupac Shakur steals the show in a gritty story about choices, loyalty, and life beyond the court. With its unforgettable Death Row soundtrack and authentic vibe, it remains one of the defining basketball films of the ’90s. | © New Line Cinema

Swagger

4. Swagger (2021-2023)

Loosely inspired by Kevin Durant’s youth basketball experience, Swagger digs into the real world of AAU hoops. The acting may not grab awards, but the stories feel authentic, right down to the parents chasing clout and coaches forgetting these are still kids. It’s a grounded look at ambition and identity in a system that treats teenage players like pros before they’ve even grown up. | © Apple TV+

Cropped Running Point

3. Running Point (2025-)

This new basketball comedy wins points for heart as much as humor. Running Point centers on a genuinely good coach, flawed, funny, and human, surrounded by a team that feels real instead of caricatured. Even if you don’t care about sports, the warmth and Ted Lasso-style optimism make it a quick, feel-good watch that’s easy to stick with. | © Netflix

Cropped he got game 1998

2. He Got Game (1998)

Denzel Washington delivers one of his most powerful performances as Jake Shuttlesworth, a father trying to earn redemption after years in prison. His son Jesus, played by NBA star Ray Allen, is now the top high school recruit in the country, and Jake’s freedom depends on convincing him to play for a specific college. Spike Lee turns this story into more than basketball, exploring ambition, guilt, and the price of chasing greatness in a world driven by money and control. | © Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Coach Carter

1. Coach Carter (2005)

Based on the true story of Coach Ken Carter, Coach Carter shows what happens when discipline meets talent. Carter, played by Samuel L. Jackson, demands that his players keep their grades up and respect the game, even if it means locking the gym when they don’t. It’s an inspiring mix of basketball and life lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and doing the right thing no matter the pressure. | © Paramount Pictures

1-15

Whether you live for buzzer-beaters or just love a good story, basketball movies hit a special nerve – teamwork, ambition, and the drive to prove yourself. This list pulls together 15 of the best films and shows that capture the game’s emotion both on and off the court. Some will fire you up, others might break your heart, but every one of them deserves a spot in your watchlist.

  • Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

Whether you live for buzzer-beaters or just love a good story, basketball movies hit a special nerve – teamwork, ambition, and the drive to prove yourself. This list pulls together 15 of the best films and shows that capture the game’s emotion both on and off the court. Some will fire you up, others might break your heart, but every one of them deserves a spot in your watchlist.

Related News

More
Warframe
Gaming
Best Halloween 2025 In-Game Events for Gamers
Persona 5
Gaming
Top 10 Game Franchises With No Bad Games
V Wars
TV Shows & Movies
The Best Halloween Films and Shows on Netflix in 2025
Call of Duty Modern Warfare II
Gaming
Top 10 PlayStation Games That Sold the Most Units
Cropped Guitar Hero III Legends of Rock
Gaming
Top 10 PlayStation Games That Made the Most Money
Neglected Side Characters Fan Games Thumbnail
Gaming
10 Fangames Where Neglected Side Characters Became Main Protagonists
Salem
TV Shows & Movies
15 Binge-Worthy Horror Shows to Watch This Halloween
Kpop Demon Hunters Sing Along Halloween Kinos For The Faaans
Entertainment
Seal The Honmoon On Halloween: KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Returns To Theaters
Phasmophobia
Gaming
15 Spooky Video Games We Love for Halloween
Inception ending
Entertainment
The Most Iconic Movie Endings of All Time
Cropped imagen 2025 10 16 202914495
Entertainment
Top 15 Actresses of All Time
Cropped Jennifer Lawrence Red Sparrow 2018
Entertainment
Jennifer Lawrence's Top 15 Movie Roles Ranked
  • All TV & Movies
  • Home

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up for selected EarlyGame highlights, opinions and much more

About Us

Discover the world of esports and video games. Stay up to date with news, opinion, tips, tricks and reviews.
More insights about us? Click here!

Links

  • Affiliate Links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Advertising Policy
  • Our Editorial Policy
  • About Us
  • Authors
  • Ownership

Partners

  • Kicker Logo
  • Efg esl logo
  • Euronics logo
  • Porsche logo
  • Razer logo

Charity Partner

  • Laureus sport for good horizontal logo

Games

  • Gaming
  • Entertainment
  • TV Shows & Movies
  • EA FC
  • Fortnite
  • League of Legends
  • Codes
  • Mobile Gaming
  • Videos
  • Call of Duty
  • Rocket League
  • APEX
  • Reviews
  • Galleries
  • News
  • Your Future

Links

  • Affiliate Links
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Advertising Policy
  • Our Editorial Policy
  • About Us
  • Authors
  • Ownership
  • Copyright 2025 © eSports Media GmbH®
  • Privacy Policy
  • Impressum and Disclaimer
  • Update Privacy Settings
English
English
  • English
  • German
  • Spanish
  • EarlyGame india