(Photo by Sony Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection. GOAT)

59 Best Basketball Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer

The latest: The New York Knicks are NBA Champions after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1, ending a 53-year drought for the title.

Our starting lineup for the best basketball movies of all time includes inspiring documentaries (Hoop Dreams), legendary underdog tales (Hoosiers), 1990s streetball classics (He Got Game, White Men Can’t Jump), and behind-the-scenes stories (High-Flying Bird) that reveal the business beyond the ball. The top 10 basketball movies are all Certified Fresh, meaning they were all slam dunks with critics.

Hoop Dreams and The Heart of the Game are both documentaries, following high schoolers (the former set in Chicago, the latter featuring an all-girls team in Seattle) as they pursue their ambition on the court. Hustle and The Way Back are comeback stories both on and off screen: Adam Sandler and Ben Affleck get to show off their dramatic chops as coaches after releasing a string of movies not taken seriously by critics. Affleck has a particular affection for basketball, as he released the crowd-pleasing Air in 2023. Air is similar to High-Flying Bird in that they both delve into some of the most legendary business deals in professional basketball.

Love & Basketball, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, blends romance and sports together, tracking a young athlete’s growth across high school, college and beyond. From the same year as Love & Basketball, 2000’s Finding Forrester sees director Gus Van Sant working the same gameplan that made Good Will Hunting a success. And He Got Game and White Men Can’t Jump hook in that ’90s edge, with Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and Woody Harrelson all performing at the height of their powers.

Recent additions include Steph Curry-produced animated film GOAT, Netflix’s Native American story Rez Ball, the Ben Affleck-directed and starrer Air (we call this one a shoe-in), Disney family drama Chang Can Dunk, that White Men Can’t Jump remake, the anime The First Slam Dunk, and Apple documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated.

The First Slam Dunk (2022)

100%

93%

Critics Consensus: A heart-pumping, breathtaking, wonderfully crafted manga adaptation, The First Slam Dunk shoots and scores.

Starring: Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Shinichiro Kamio, Subaru Kimura

Directed By: Takehiko Inoue

Hoop Dreams (1994)

98%

92%

Critics Consensus: One of the most critically acclaimed documentaries of all time, Hoop Dreams is a rich, complex, heartbreaking, and ultimately deeply rewarding film that uses high school hoops as a jumping-off point to explore issues of race, class, and education in modern America.

Directed By: Steve James, Gordon Quinn, Catherine Allan

Chang Can Dunk (2023)

96%

71%

Starring: Bloom Li, Dexter Darden, Ben Wang, Zoe Renee

Directed By: Jingyi Shao, Pamela Thur

Hustle (2022)

94%

90%

Critics Consensus: Hustle doesn’t have any fancy moves, but it doesn’t need them — Adam Sandler’s everyman charm makes this easy layup fun to watch.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster

Directed By: Jeremiah Zagar, Will Fetters, Spencer Beighley, Barry Bernardi

Rez Ball (2024)

94%

79%

Critics Consensus: Putting an Indigenous spin on the classic sports movie formula, Rez Ball dominates the court with its authentic feel for culture and setting.

Starring: Jessica Matten, Amber Midthunder, Kauchani Bratt, Devin Sampson Craig

Directed By: Sydney Freeland, Jodi Archambau, Maverick Carter, Peter Chernin

Air (2023)

93%

Critics Consensus: A fact-based drama that no one will dunk on, Air aims to dramatize events that changed the sports world forever — and hits almost nothing but net.

Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis

Directed By: Ben Affleck, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Kevin Halloran

High Flying Bird (2019)

91%

50%

Critics Consensus: High Flying Bird takes a thoughtful and engrossing look at professional sports that sees Steven Soderbergh continuing to test the limits of new filmmaking technology.

Starring: André Holland, Zazie Beetz, Bill Duke, Sonja Sohn

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh, André Holland, Ken Meyer

Rise (2022)

91%

85%

Starring: Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Uche Agada, Manish Dayal

Directed By: Akin Omotoso, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Douglas S. Jones

Hoosiers (1986)

90%

88%

Critics Consensus: It may adhere to the sports underdog formula, but Hoosiers has been made with such loving craft, and features such excellent performances, that it’s hard to resist.

Starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley

Directed By: David Anspaugh, John Daly, Derek Gibson

#10

The Other Dream Team (2012)

88%

Directed By: Marius A. Markevicius

#11

The Heart of the Game (2005)

87%

84%

Critics Consensus: This group of high school girls and their eccentric basketball coach easily win your heart with their unusual humanity and dynamism.

Directed By: Ward Serrill, Larry Estes

#12

Love & Basketball (2000)

86%

95%

Critics Consensus: Confident directing and acting deliver an insightful look at young athletes.

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert

Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood, Andrew Z. Davis, Cynthia Guidry, Jay Stern

#13

Stephen Curry: Underrated (2023)

85%

87%

Critics Consensus: Shoots and scores, dunking us into the underdog life of Stephen Curry with a smooth swish.

Directed By: Peter Nicks, Tiffany Williams, Zinzi Coogler, Emily Osborne

#14

The Way Back (2020)

84%

80%

Critics Consensus: The Way Back‘s occasionally frustrating treatment of a formulaic story is often outweighed by Ben Affleck’s outstanding work in the central role.

Starring: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar, Jeremy Radin

Directed By: Gavin O'Connor, Robert J. Dohrmann, Brad Ingelsby, Kevin McCormick

#15

GOAT (2026)

83%

89%

Critics Consensus: Sporting a terrific voice cast, nifty animation, and a solid moral for youngsters, GOAT plays a familiar game with enough style and finesse to come close to the greats.

Starring: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Steph Curry, Aaron Pierre

Directed By: Tyree Dillihay, Rick Mischel, Fonda Snyder

#16

The Absent Minded Professor (1961)

83%

63%

Starring: Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk

Directed By: Robert Stevenson

#17

He Got Game (1998)

82%

83%

Critics Consensus: Though not without its flaws, He Got Game finds Spike Lee near the top of his game, combining trenchant commentary with his signature visuals and a strong performance from Denzel Washington.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich, Rosario Dawson

Directed By: Spike Lee

#18

Quantum Hoops (2007)

81%

90%

Critics Consensus: Dry and upbeat, this story of overachieving academics struggling as underdog athletes is a winner (even if their basketball team isn’t).

Directed By: Rick Greenwald

#19

White Men Can't Jump (1992)

75%

69%

Critics Consensus: White Men Can’t Jump provides a fresh take on the sports comedy genre, with a clever script and a charismatic trio of leads.

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell

Directed By: Ron Shelton, Michele Rappaport

#20

Finding Forrester (2000)

74%

79%

Critics Consensus: Despite the predictability of its plot and its similarity to Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester has an honest, solid feel to it and good rapport between Connery and Brown.

Starring: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin

Directed By: Gus Van Sant, Sean Connery, Rhonda Tollefson

#21

More Than a Game (2008)

70%

86%

Critics Consensus: Though the film may not delve as deep as some would prefer, More Than a Game is an inspiring documentary featuring likable youngsters, a positive message, and some exciting in-game footage.

Starring: LeBron James, Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton

Directed By: Maverick Carter, Jimmy Iovine, LeBron James

#22

The Year of the Yao (2004)

67%

70%

Critics Consensus: This sports bio documentary is given a few fresh angles, including culture clash issues, and the friendship that develops between Yao and his interpreter.

Directed By: Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern, Bill Duffy, Adam Silver

#23

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

64%

72%

Critics Consensus: It won’t win many converts, but High School Musical 3 is bright, energetic, and well-crafted.

Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel

Directed By: Kenny Ortega, Kenny Ortega

#24

O (2001)

64%

58%

Critics Consensus: Though well-intentioned and serious in its exploration of teen violence, O is an uneven experiment that doesn’t quite succeed.

Starring: Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, Julia Stiles, Andrew Keegan

Directed By: Tim Blake Nelson, Michael I. Levy, William Shively

#25

Linsanity (2013)

64%

78%

Critics Consensus: Linsanity offers a compelling enough look at its basketball star subject for fans and curious viewers, even if it never really delves below the surface.

Starring: Jeremy Lin, Ming Yao, Landry Fields, Pablo Torre

Directed By: Evan Jackson Leong, Sam Kwok, Patricia Sun, James D. Stern

#26

Coach Carter (2005)

63%

85%

Critics Consensus: Even though it’s based on a true story, Coach Carter is pretty formulaic stuff, but it’s effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L. Jackson.

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown, Ashanti

Directed By: Thomas Carter, Thomas Carter

#27

Uncle Drew (2018)

62%

48%

Critics Consensus: Kyrie Irving’s crossover to comedy is amiable enough to score with basketball fans, but Uncle Drew is held back by formulaic plotting and too much product placement.

Starring: Kyrie Irving, Lil Rel Howery, Nick Kroll, Shaquille O'Neal

Directed By: Charles Stone III, Louis Arbetter, Aziel Rivers, Marc Gilbar

#28

Amateur (2018)

– –

68%

Starring: Michael Rainey Jr., Josh Charles, Brian White, Sharon Leal

Directed By: Ryan Koo, Caroline Connor, Ian Bricke, Ryan Ahrens

#29

Champions (2023)

59%

87%

Critics Consensus: Although its apparent attempts to be uplifting can often come across as patronizing, Champions is an amiable enough comedy with some seriously talented stars.

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, Cheech Marin

Directed By: Robert Farrelly, Brad Kessell, Woody Harrelson, Alexander Jooss

#30

17 Again (2009)

57%

67%

Critics Consensus: Though it uses a well-worn formula, 17 Again has just enough Zac Efron charm to result in a harmless, pleasurable teen comedy.

Starring: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Matthew Perry

Directed By: Burr Steers, Toby Emmerich, Mark Kaufman, Keith Goldberg

#31

Like Mike (2002)

57%

52%

Critics Consensus: A pleasant and innocuous diversion for kids, but adults may have trouble sitting through the movie’s predictable plotlines and schmaltz.

Starring: Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki, Robert Forster

Directed By: John Schultz, Adam Silver, Gregg Winik

#32

Glory Road (2006)

55%

81%

Critics Consensus: As formulaic as sports movies get, this underdog story still triumphs on the strength of its inspiring story.

Starring: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols, Jon Voight

Directed By: James Gartner, Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Andy Given

#33

Shooting Stars (2023)

54%

69%

Critics Consensus: Although Shooting Stars isn’t without its engaging moments, this dramatized look back at LeBron James’ early years is less entertaining than simply watching him play.

Starring: Wood Harris, Marquis Mookie Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalie Paul

Directed By: Chris Robinson, Gretel Twombly

#34

The Winning Season (2009)

52%

54%

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Emma Roberts, Rob Corddry, Shareeka Epps

Directed By: James C. Strouse, Pamela Hirsch, Sam Rockwell, Joseph C. Grano

#35

Air Bud (1997)

50%

38%

Critics Consensus: Air Bud‘s wacky concept isn’t entirely enough to fill a feature-length film, but this rather silly family-friendly outing is partly redeemed by its extremely charming title character.

Starring: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Bill Cobbs

Directed By: Charles Martin Smith, Michael Strange, Anne Vince, Bob Weinstein

#36

Above the Rim (1994)

50%

82%

Starring: Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur, David Bailey

Directed By: Jeff Pollack, James D. Brubaker

#37

Just Wright (2010)

47%

61%

Critics Consensus: Well-intentioned but formulaic, Just Wright has winning leads but can’t overcome its preponderance of cliches.

Starring: Queen Latifah, Common, Paula Patton, James Pickens Jr.

Directed By: Sanaa Hamri

#38

Space Jam (1996)

46%

63%

Critics Consensus: While it’s no slam dunk, Space Jam‘s silly, Looney Toons-laden slapstick and vivid animation will leave younger viewers satisfied — though accompanying adults may be more annoyed than entertained.

Starring: Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito, Billy West

Directed By: Joe Pytka, David Falk, Ken Ross

#39

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

46%

76%

Critics Consensus: In spite of its young leading man’s heroic efforts to hold it all together, a muddled message prevents The Basketball Diaries from compelling as a cautionary tale.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruno Kirby, Lorraine Bracco, Ernie Hudson

Directed By: Scott Kalvert, Chris Blackwell, Dan Genetti

#40

Teen Wolf (1985)

46%

52%

Critics Consensus: Though Michael J. Fox is as charismatic as ever, Teen Wolf‘s coming-of-age themes can’t help but feel a little stale and formulaic.

Starring: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Scott Paulin, Susan Ursitti

Directed By: Rod Daniel, Thomas Coleman, Michael Rosenblatt

#41

The Mighty Macs (2009)

44%

64%

Critics Consensus: Its heart is obviously in the right place, but The Mighty Macs is too blandly formulaic to transcend the genre’s many clichés.

Starring: Carla Gugino, Ellen Burstyn, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz

Directed By: Tim Chambers, Vince Curran, John Chambers, Thomas Karl

#42

Boogie (2021)

41%

56%

Critics Consensus: Boogie misses its shot with a contrived plot and uneven tone.

Starring: Taylor Takahashi, Taylour Paige, Pamelyn Chee, Mike Moh

Directed By: Eddie Huang, Rafael Martinez

#43

Blue Chips (1994)

41%

51%

Critics Consensus: Director William Friedkin is working with a strong cast, but an excess of sentimentality renders this basketball drama more than a little flat.

Starring: Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, Shaquille O'Neal, J.T. Walsh

Directed By: William Friedkin, Ron Shelton, Wolfgang Glattes

#44

The Hot Flashes (2013)

39%

34%

Starring: Brooke Shields, Daryl Hannah, Virginia Madsen, Camryn Manheim

Directed By: Susan Seidelman, Jenny Johnson, Laurie Lacob

#45

Wolves (2016)

36%

47%

Starring: Michael Shannon, Carla Gugino, Taylor John Smith, Chris Bauer

Directed By: Bart Freundlich, Erika Pearsall, Bill Koenigsberg

#46

Thunderstruck (2012)

27%

69%

Starring: Taylor Gray, Brandon T. Jackson, Larramie Doc Shaw, Jim Belushi

Directed By: John Whitesell, Eric Goodwin, Josie Rosen, Bill Johnson

#47

White Men Can't Jump (2023)

26%

59%

Critics Consensus: Never mind being able to get air — the White Men Can’t Jump remake struggles to come up with reasons for its own existence.

Starring: Sinqua Walls, Jack Harlow, Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier

Directed By: Calmatic, Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, Noah Weinstein

#48

Sweetwater (2023)

26%

84%

Starring: Everett Osborne, Kevin Pollak, Jeremy Piven, Cary Elwes

Directed By: Martin Guigui, Scott Pomeroy, Craig Cheek, Tom Ortenberg

#49

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

25%

44%

Critics Consensus: Despite LeBron James’ best efforts to make a winning team out of the Tune Squad, Space Jam: A New Legacy trades the zany, meta humor of its predecessor for a shameless, tired exercise in IP-driven branding.

Starring: Don Cheadle, Cedric Joe, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee, Terence Nance, Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler

#50

Semi-Pro (2008)

23%

39%

Critics Consensus: Semi-Pro is an intermittently funny, half-hearted attempt at sports satire, and one of Will Ferrell’s weaker cinematic efforts.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Maura Tierney

Directed By: Kent Alterman, David B. Householter, Kent Alterman, Lauren Shuler Donner

#51

My Giant (1998)

22%

25%

Starring: Billy Crystal, Kathleen Quinlan, Gheorghe Muresan, Joanna Pacula

Directed By: Michael Lehmann, Peter Schindler

#52

The Air Up There (1994)

22%

35%

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Charles Gitonga Maina, Yolanda Vazquez, Winston Ntshona

Directed By: Paul Michael Glaser

#53

Eddie (1996)

17%

36%

Critics Consensus: Whoopi Goldberg may demonstrate that she can coach a basketball team with the best of them, but not even she can whip this dreary script into shape.

Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Langella, Dennis Farina, Richard Jenkins

Directed By: Steve Rash, Ronald M. Bozman, Jeff Buhai, Steve Zacharias

#54

The 6th Man (1997)

17%

58%

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Kadeem Hardison, David Paymer, Michael Michele

Directed By: Randall Miller, Jody Savin

#55

Rebound (2005)

15%

38%

Critics Consensus: Rebound ought to entertain its target audience, but there’s nothing here for those who’ve seen The Bad News Bears or its countless derivatives.

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Breckin Meyer, Horatio Sanz

Directed By: Steve Carr, Martin Lawrence, Tracey Trench, Heidi Santelli

#56