If there are two things I’ve learned from my son’s recent wisdom tooth removal, it’s this:
First — and this is important — if he ever has to get a medical procedure, no matter how seemingly minor, it will be complicated by a factor no one has ever heard of.
In this case? Of course one of his wisdom teeth showed up on the X-rays floating dangerously close to his eye. I wish I were joking. His dental surgeon was far too excited about this discovery, gleefully explaining that he’d only ever seen it happen “once” in 20 years. So yeah — instead of a quick procedure in a dental office and a few funny pics of him waking up from mild sedation, we were looking at additional CT scans, full sedation, and a trip to Sick Kids. Bless this kid and his medical marvel-ness.
And second — and this one really hit home during what was a longer than usual recovery — um, daytime television does not inspire healing folks. Or joy. Or like… anything, really. Even my would-be chef son was ready to abandon all hope by the third rerun of his favourite cooking show. And he just did not get the point of Judge Judy. That’s when I knew things were dire.
Now, I did briefly consider catching him up on The Young and the Restless — shoutout to my namesake, Nikki Newman. (Yes, really. My sister got to name me and chose the glamorous soap opera icon she watched religiously after school. So, yes, I’m named after a one-time stripper turned socialite. Naturally.)
But anyways.
The Power of Streaming During Recovery Cannot be Understated.
I realized we needed better entertainment. Fast. Something fun, something uplifting, and, since my kid would love nothing more than to indulge in a few hoops once he can eat solids again — possibly something basketball-related.
Ugh.
Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of sports movies or sports actually at all — but he was more in need than me at that point.
I figured I would just be able to ignore the movies as I sat beside him swapping out ice packs, monitoring swelling, and praying the soup stayed down… But like, one film in and I had to admit they were pretty good! I was fascinated by the fascination with basketball — and genuinely impressed by the storytelling depth in some of these films. And that’s when I discovered something: there are actually some wildly entertaining basketball movies available for the streaming. Thankfully – things have changed since the days of Air Bud.
So, I thought I’d pay it forward. If you should find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day, nursing a kid hopped up on post-op meds, or even if for some reason you just love the game — here’s your list of the best basketball movies streaming right now.
From animated chaos to true stories, from Black players turned legends to college basketball coaches on the edge. Get ready for buzzer beaters, bonus videos, and the occasional motivational speech that might make you cry a little.
Buzzer Beaters & Bonus Scenes: 10 of the Best Basketball Movies to Stream and Watch Today
1. Coach Carter
Let’s start with the GOAT of motivational basketball movies. Samuel L. Jackson plays real-life coach Ken Carter in this true story about discipline, accountability, and the power of putting education first.
Set in Richmond, California, the team goes from chaos to chasing a state championship — with Carter literally locking the gym until his players’ grades improve. A great film for parents, teachers, basketball fans, and anyone who’s ever yelled, “Run it again!”
2. Space Jam
Let’s not pretend we didn’t love Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan teaming up to save the world.
Whether you’re team MJ or LeBron James, there’s room in our hearts for both Looney Tunes mash-ups. The animated chaos, the soundtrack, the miraculous story of the once-retired player coming back to save the day and ball with cartoon animals — I mean, who can resist?
It’s as nostalgic as it is ridiculous, but just the right balance to help your patient forget the pain meds are wearing off.
3. High Flying Bird
This one’s for the thinkers. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring André Holland, High Flying Bird is a dialogue-heavy look at power dynamics in amateur sports, with a sharp eye on race, media, and the economics of the game.
Cameos by real NBA players and shot entirely on an iPhone? Check. Add in exclusive-feeling footage and commentary, and you’ve got one of those great basketball movies that makes you feel smarter after watching it.
Watch it, feel cultured, then explain it to someone else to impress them.
4. He Got Game
This Spike Lee Joint features Denzel Washington as a father trying to reconnect with his star player son (played by real-life NBA legend Ray Allen). This film blends redemption, regret, and raw talent.
It’s got grit, intense visuals, and a soundtrack by Public Enemy — not to mention the second chance storyline that doesn’t wrap up in a neat little bow.
5. The Redeem Team
A powerful documentary film featuring exclusive interviews and archival footage of the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s team — aka the comeback kings after their 2004 flop.
With LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and more in the mix, this movie has a special place in sports movie legacy. Part sports doc, part masterclass in turning failure into gold.
Motivational without being cheesy — and a great reminder that sometimes you do get a second chance.
6. White Men Can’t Jump (2023)
Yes, the Woody Harrelson/Wesley Snipes classic has a Gen Z reboot — and while no remake can quite match the charm of the original, this version adds new jokes and a lot more sneakers.
The heart of the film? Two childhood friends-turned-hustlers navigating life, legacy, and losses — all while scamming folks on outdoor courts across L.A. It’s chaotic, occasionally sweet, and fun to watch.
7. Amateur
If you’re raising a young baller — or just curious about the messy world of youth recruiting — Amateur offers a gritty dive into amateur sports politics. A 14-year-old star player gets caught up in a corrupt system where coaches and sponsors aren’t always playing fair.
It’s fictional, but if you’ve been around any version of March Madness or youth tournaments, it’s going to feel a little too real.
8. Rez Ball
Produced by LeBron James, this film follows a Native American high school team in New Mexico chasing a state championship after the loss of their star player.
What makes Rez Ball special isn’t just the basketball — it offers a lot of learning about loss, culture, and pride. A moving story about community, healing, and the deep connection between Indigenous youth and the game.
9. Glory Road
Based on the true story of the 1966 Texas Western team — the first all-Black starting lineup to win the NCAA title — this film delivers tension, racism-fuelled adversity, and sweet, sweet victory.
It’s one of those great basketball movies where you’ll cheer out loud even though you already know how it ends. An important chapter in sports history — and yes, tissues may be required.
10.Hustle
Yes, we’re ending with an Adam Sandler film — but hear me out. This is post-Uncut Gems Sandler: understated, deeply watchable, and surrounded by a stacked cast of real NBA players, plus Queen Latifah as his supportive wife.
Sandler plays a down-on-his-luck scout who discovers a Spanish streetballer and sees his shot at redemption. It’s sweet, funny, and inspiring without being cheesy.
For the Love of the Game (and Good Streaming)
Even I have to admit there’s something magical about a good sports movie. The squeak of sneakers on the basketball court, the slow-mo buzzer beaters in a high-stakes basketball game, the underdog fighting for a second chance. It just does something to the spirit.
So whether you’re laid up post-surgery, building your March watchlist, or just here to see Queen Latifah continue her reign as MVP of every scene she’s in — these picks deliver. Big energy, big heart, and more than enough to make you cheer (or cry a little).
Got a favourite I missed? Drop it in the comments — because if there’s one thing I know about basketball fans, it’s that you just love a good debate.
Want More Movie Lists with Big Laughs and Big Feels?
Once you’ve made it through these buzzer-beaters, head over to these two reader favourites:
👉🏾 You got McDonald’s Money? … and Other Parenting Wisdom from 90s Black Movies – Nostalgia, side-eye, and life lessons from the best decade in Black cinema.
👉🏾 Best Movies to Watch with Teenagers (That You’ll Actually Like Too) – For when you’re trying to bond with your big kids without falling asleep.
Because good movies — like good parenting moments — are best when they make you laugh, cry, and say “Wait, what just happened?”
