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As a sport, basketball is huge. The NBA is watched around the world, there are leading podcasts dedicated to it, and it’s a sport that is played on almost every corner of the globe. Given its evident appeal, we’ve therefore witnessed a number of iconic basketball movies come to the fore over the years.
Apart from some undoubted duds, these movies immediately appeal to fans of this beloved pastime. When they aren’t watching the biggest NBA games on the calendar and mulling over which bets to place after looking at the latest DraftKings NBA odds, watching a basketball-themed movie is an enticing option. Even today, there have been releases like Taken at a Basketball Game, plus fascinating docuseries productions like Court of Gold.
However, we’re focusing on some of the most iconic releases from this somewhat niche movie category, many of which will never be forgotten by the NBA community. So, with that in mind, below we briefly highlight some classic basketball movies you might even recall yourself.
Coach Carter (2005)
A powerful story in more ways than one, we simply had to start with Coach Carter here. This 2005 production is based on a true story, making it an even more engaging watch. There are a number of other highlights we could mention here, although Samuel L. Jackson’s exceptional performance is probably the best of them. The legendary actor clearly relished the role, especially given the messages around education, dedication, and accountability. A hard-hitting biographical sports drama that is still referenced today, Coach Carter is a fantastic movie.
White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
As far as memorable basketball-themed movies from the 1990s go, White Men Can’t Jump is hard to beat. Released in cinemas in 1992, the on-screen connection between Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes was clear, as both actors clearly enjoyed their respective roles. A movie with a beautiful blend of comical value and hustle culture, alongside a range of other notable themes, White Men Can’t Jump is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.
Hoosiers (1986)
Containing a classic underdog story of an unlikely winner, Hoosiers is a movie many senior basketball fans will never forget. With a state championship up for grabs, this small-town Indiana high school triumphing against the odds mirrors some of the biggest shocks we’ve seen in the sport in the real world. A lesson in never giving up no matter what the challenge is, Hoosiers was an impactful production, especially when factoring in the exceptional performances from the likes of Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper.
Space Jam (1996)
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While the aforementioned White Men Can’t Jump is a film many basketball fans associate with the 90s, Space Jam is probably the most iconic release ever. In fact, not only did it feature the sport’s biggest icon in Michael Jordan, but the combination of the Bulls and Lakers hero with some classic animated legends made for a highly pleasurable watch. With Jordon at the peak of his powers, Space Jam’s appeal was global anyway. However, throw in the movie’s imaginative aspect and the various funny moments throughout, and it really is a masterpiece.
Blue Chips (1994)
Many basketball fans aren’t aware of the issues that have surrounded the college basketball category in the past. Blue Chips was therefore a real eye-opener, especially as it featured household names like Shaquille O’Neal. Released in 1994, it contains everything, from NCAA scandals to the way in which money got in the way. A basketball movie worth watching, many NBA fans and college basketball fanatics alike argue that Blue Chips still remains relevant in the modern environment.
