Young DiCaprio, Michael Jordan, and Tupac. 7 must-see basketball movies

The fact that all world sports are on pause right now doesn’t stop us from watching brilliant movies about them. There are always a lot of showbiz stars in and around basketball, so it’s no wonder there are so many great movies about this sport in Hollywood and beyond. Dramas, thrillers, comedies, cartoons – fans of different genres will definitely find something to their liking.

Some movies are based on real events. Among them there is even a Russian one, which will definitely not get lost among Hollywood masterpieces. There is only one drawback – after watching these movies there will be a strong desire to go outside and chase the orange ball on the basketball court. But you’ll have to wait a little longer.

In our selection of 7 movies about basketball that fans of this sport should watch.

“Basketball Diary”

Country: USA
Year: 1995
Genre: drama/crime

A very young Leonardo DiCaprio and an almost equally young Mark Wahlberg starred in a gorgeous crime drama. The movie is based on a true story and Jim Carroll’s memoirs.

DiCaprio’s character is a well-mannered kid from a bad neighborhood. He plays basketball at school and keeps a diary of everything that surrounds his life. He tries illegal substances, gets hooked and gradually sinks to the bottom. It’s almost impossible to get back to normal.

“Coach Carter”

Country: USA
Year: 2005
Genre: drama

Again a story based on real events. In a small American town there is a talented basketball team. But to go to college and start a professional career is an impossible dream for young guys. The only thing left to think about is not basketball, but how to find themselves on the street.

Everything changes when Coach Carter, played by Samuel L. Jackson, comes to the school. Under him, the team goes undefeated and has every chance to win the championship. However, the players are doing very poorly in basic academics. The coach forbids them from practicing and closes the gym until they pull up their grades.

“Space Jam”

Country: USA
Year: 1996
Genre: comedy

Everyone whose childhood was in the 90s or early 2000s should know this movie. NBA star Michael Jordan, who is at the peak of his sports career, delighted the audience with his starring role in “Space Jam”. Aliens from another planet want to take over the planet where the heroes of this movie live. Among them is the rabbit Bugs Bunny, who turns to the only person who can save the planet – Michael Jordan himself.

“Daddy’s 17 again”

Country: USA
Year: 2009
Genre: comedy

Another cool comedy from Hollywood with the star of the series “Friends” Matthew Perry and talented Zac Efron. The 39-year-old hero Matthew Perry is not too happy with the way his life has turned out. Not what he dreamed of in high school, where he was the best basketball player and was supposed to become an NBA star.

He chose family over basketball then, but now fate is giving him an incredible new chance. He’s 17 again! What path will he choose now?

“His Game”

Country: USA
Year: 1998
Genre: Drama

The main character sits in prison, accused of killing his own wife. Everything is very bad and hopeless, but one day he is offered a deal. Freedom in exchange for the fact that he will persuade his talented son to play for the right college.

Starring sports and Hollywood stars Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Rosario Dawson and future NBA champion Ray Allen. Are you still in doubt?

“Over the Rim.”

Country: USA
Year: 1994
Genre: Drama

A movie with legendary rapper Tupac Shakur in one of the main roles. Filmed two years before the musician’s murder. Basketball and crime are traditional attributes of the American ghetto of those times. What will win – sports or crime? Tupac’s participation made this movie a cult among Americans. But even without him there is something to see here.

“Upward Movement”

Country: Russia
Year: 2017
Genre: drama

It’s surprising to see a Russian picture in the list of the best movies about basketball, but “Movement Up” fully deserves to be in this rating. The creators tried to maximally recreate the events of the unique victory of the USSR national team over the invincible US team in the final of the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972.

Some critics found historical inconsistencies in the picture, but if you get rid of snobbery and do not pick on the little things, you will get a cool movie and a lot of emotions from watching.