You are going to get to watch some of the best college basketball players, but that shouldn’t be the only month in which you enjoy basketball. College and professional basketball span from October through June every year, and that is going to give you a chance to watch basketball nearly 365 days a year.
If you can’t find basketball on television, then there is still a way to get your basketball fix by watching movies. There have been some great movies made about the sport of basketball, and others have just used basketball as the backdrop.
Here is a look at the 10 best basketball movies ever made, with a very short description of each film.
10. Glory Road
Glory Road is a movie based on a true story as it tells the tale of the first-ever all-black starting lineup in college basketball. What made this story even better was the fact that they were taking on the mighty Kentucky Wildcats in the title game.
There is very little change in the movie from the real story, and it gives viewers a chance to witness one of the most important games in college basketball history.
9. Semi-Pro
Semi-Pro is a comedy, and the basketball in this movie isn’t very realistic. This is still a terrific film that will have you laughing from the first line through the ending credits.
What this movie does provide is a semi-realistic look into how semi-professional basketball is, as there are some strange things that take place.
8. Love & Basketball
This list wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of romance, and that is where Love & Basketball comes into play. There is obviously a love story involved, and it takes place between two of the best high school basketball players in California.
This is not based on a true story, but it’s definitely a plot that takes place throughout the country.
7. White Men Can’t Jump
White Men Can’t Jump follows a pair of hustlers at the local playground that develop a hatred for one another. Soon enough, the two hustlers realize that they can make more money by teaming up, and they begin to take on the best duos on the playground.
This movie is one that has some of the best basketball scenes out of any movie on the list.
6. Pistol: Birth of a Legend
“Pistol” Pete Maravich was one of the most popular players in league history when he was in the NBA, but his story actually started at a much younger age. Maravich was training to be one of the best players in the world at a young age, and he hardly ever put a basketball down.
This movie is a true story that shows how Maravich was able to turn into one of the most exciting players that the game has ever seen.
5. Coach Carter
Coach Carter is based on a true story about a high school basketball coach that helps turn around the season and lives for a team in California. Coach Carter, played by Samuel L. Jackson, is very intense, and he turns a group of boys into young men by the end of the film.
4. He Got Game
He Got Game is a Spike Lee film that details the recruitment of one of the best high school basketball players in the country. Ray Allen plays as Jesus Shuttlesworth, and he wins a massive 1 on 1 game against his father, played by Denzel Washington.
3. Hoosiers
Hoosiers is the true underdog story, and it’s a movie that is based on an actual event that took place. Tiny Hickory High was able to pull off a stunning run to the Indiana state championship, upsetting huge schools along the way.
You are often going to hear Hoosiers being referenced when an underdog is trying to do the unthinkable.
2. Space Jam
Space Jam is an absolute classic that combines several NBA stars of the 1990s with the most famous characters from Looney Tunes. Michael Jordan is the star in this film, and he helps the Toon Squad beat the Monstars in a classic matchup.
This movie has stood the test of time, and it remains a great movie choice for the whole entire family.
1. Hoop Dreams
Hoop Dreams is one of the best documentaries ever made, and it’s pretty clearly the best basketball ever made. This film follows the life of two inner-city Chicago high school kids and their high school careers.
You are going to get a great inside look at the Chicago basketball scene in Hoop Dreams, but there is much more going on as well.