There are a number of great fictional series about basketball, including some top-notch basketball anime. However, this is far from the only type of great fictional work about the game of basketball. There are also excellent movies about basketball. Without further ado, here are the 10 best basketball movies of all time.

Best Basketball Movies: 10. Space Jam

This is one of the most well-known basketball films of all time. Space Jam features NBA superstar Michael Jordan working with the Looney Tunes to defeat the ‘MonStars’ who have stolen the basketball skills of Jordan’s fellow NBA stars. Also, this film combines animation and tradition filmmaking to create an iconic and beloved experience. Any fan of basketball should watch Space Jam at least once.

9. Finding Forrester

Finding Forrester is far less well-known than a classic like Space Jam, but it is great nonetheless. This film focuses on the relationship between a basketball phenom named Jamal and a famous Scottish novelist who has become a recluse. The two initially are unsure of one another, but their bond deepens as the movie progresses. Jamal is from the Bronx and seeks to make a name for himself in the game of basketball.

However, the film’s climax takes an unexpected turn. Anyone who loves basketball will enjoy watching Jamal’s journey throughout this film. It is well worth one’s time.

8. Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems is another top-tier basketball movie, made by the Safdie Brothers, two Knicks superfans. Adam Sandler is the film’s main star, playing a jeweler who is determined to bet an incredible amount of money on a Boston Celtics game. All sorts of chaotic events ensue, entertaining the audience. Celtics legend Kevin Garnett plays himself in this film, as well. This movie focuses on other things aside from basketball sometimes, but it is great fun to watch.

Best Basketball Movies: 7. Glory Road

Released in 2006, Glory Road follows the journey of Don Haskins, the new coach at Texas Western University in the mid-1960s. He doesn’t receive much recruiting support and instead fills out his team’s roster with seven Black players who would otherwise not have much chance of attending college. Naturally, given the time period, there is plenty of resistance to Haskins’ attempts to integrate Black players into the team.

Glory Road showcases the team’s triumphs and tribulations as they go through the college basketball season. Texas Western University’s team, the Miners, makes it all the way to the National Championship game. Additionally, Haskins starts five Black players in this game, making history. Viewers who want a well-made retrospective on an interesting era in basketball history will enjoy this film.

6. Hoosiers

Hoosiers is a great movie about basketball in the state of Indiana. Norman Dale becomes Hickory’s new basketball coach and instills the fundamentals of the game, to the displeasure of some of his players. The team’s star player, Jimmy Chitwood, initially refuses to play but rejoins the team on the condition Dale stays as coach. Together, the Hickory team strives to achieve its championship goals. Hoosiers provided the blueprint for the classic motivational speech that has become a staple in sports movies.

5. Hoop Dreams

Hoop Dreams is a film that was released in 1994 and this documentary focuses on two high school basketball prospects competing to reach the NBA. Naturally, this film includes plenty of exciting basketball action. However, it also covers many other aspects of the two players’ lives and demonstrates the struggles such prospects go through as they strive for greatness. Hoop Dreams is three hours long, but it will captive the viewer for its whole runtime.

Best Basketball Movies: 4. He Got Game

Released in 1998, only a few years after Hoop Dreams, He Got Game is a compelling basketball movie. Jesus Shuttlesworth, the number-one high school basketball prospect from Coney Island, is the main character of the film and the film concentrates on the final week of his decision about which college he will commit to. Also, NBA legend Ray Allen plays Shuttlesworth in the film.

Jake is Shuttlesworth’s domineering father, played by Denzel Washington. The film is a fascinating look into the reality of college basketball recruiting, including its corruption, intrigue, and back-room deals. He Got Game is an excellent movie all-round and remains relevant to this day.

3. Love and Basketball

There aren’t many basketball movies that include romance as a key element, but this is one of them. Love and Basketball is a 2000 film that concentrates on the relationship between its primary characters, Monica and Quincy. Basketball brings the two of them together, but the film is about far more than just their romantic relationship.

In addition to their relationship, the two of them seek to succeed individually in college and in the professional world. Love and Basketball follows the couple’s journey with care and respect. Viewers interested in watching a fascinating relationship unfold with basketball as a backdrop will like this film.

2. White Men Can’t Jump

White Men Can’t Jump is a classic basketball movie, focusing on two Venice Beach street basketball players who try to make money on the basketball court. Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes play the two main characters. The two of them start off as foes, but later form a friendship and work together to make money off their street ball schemes. Additionally, Rosie Perez plays Harrelson’s girlfriend and works well as the third wheel in this film. Any basketball fan is sure to love White Men Can’t Jump with its fun and exciting basketball, great characters, and entertaining comedy.

1. Coach Carter

Coach Carter is one of the most well-known basketball movies of all time and for good reason. It focuses on Ken Carter, who takes over as the new basketball coach at Richmond High School. Carter turns the team around with strict rules and unwavering confidence, transforming the team from an unmotivated, losing team to a hungry team of players who want to win. Also, Samuel L. Jackson plays Coach Carter in one of the best performances of his legendary career. Additionally, Coach Carter provides the viewer with life lessons, exceptional characters, thrilling basketball, and a grounded look into the reality of high school basketball.