Basketball Movies

Last updated: April 3, 2026

It doesn't need to be March Madness for you to enjoy a good Cinderella story. If you've got a hoops fan in your house, this list of our favorite basketball movies is sure to be a slam dunk. Whether you're in the mood to watch Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes team up on the court or be inspired by documentaries about NBA superstars like LeBron James, there's something for every basketball lover on this list. So if you're waiting for tip-off, try one of these fantastic picks. And don't forget to check out our lists of great soccer, football, and baseball movies.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Air Bud Poster Image

MOVIE

Air Bud

age 5+

Sweet dog tale has some peril and mature themes.

August 1, 1997 1997 PG (98 minutes)

See full review

GOAT movie poster: Will, the goat main character, surrounded by other animals

MOVIE

GOAT

age 7+

Basketball tribute (with a little edge) champions teamwork.

February 13, 2026 2026 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

Like Mike movie poster

MOVIE

Like Mike

age 7+

Lil Bow Wow in family-friendly fantasy.

July 3, 2002 2002 PG (100 minutes)

See full review

Space Jam Poster Image

MOVIE

Space Jam

age 7+

'90s live-action-animation mix has some cartoon violence.

November 15, 1996 1996 PG (88 minutes)

See full review

The Mighty Macs Poster Image

MOVIE

The Mighty Macs

age 7+

Tame girls' basketball tale is sentimental but inspiring.

October 21, 2011 2011 G (97 minutes)

See full review

Believe in Me Poster Image

MOVIE

Believe in Me

age 8+

Sweet, feel-good sports flick is girl-powered.

March 8, 2007 2007 PG (108 minutes)

See full review

Double Teamed Poster Image

MOVIE

Double Teamed

age 8+

Positive true story of twin girls' rise to pro basketball.

January 18, 2002 2002 NR (92 minutes)

See full review

High School Musical movie poster: Teens jump happily on a stage in front of red curtains

MOVIE

High School Musical

age 8+

Feel-good musical has positive messages for tweens.

January 20, 2006 2006 PG (98 minutes)

See full review

Like Mike 2: Streetball Poster Image

MOVIE

Like Mike 2: Streetball

age 8+

Basketball fantasy teaches about teamwork, friendship.

June 6, 2006 2006 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

The Year of the Yao Poster Image

MOVIE

The Year of the Yao

age 8+

Yao Ming's journey from Shanghai to Houston.

April 15, 2005 2005 PG (88 minutes)

See full review

Linsanity Poster Image

MOVIE

Linsanity

age 9+

Thoughtful sports docu will inspire young basketball fans.

January 6, 2014 2014 PG (88 minutes)

See full review

Chang Can Dunk Movie Poster: Bloom Li alone on the court.

MOVIE

Chang Can Dunk

age 10+

High school underdog tale has bullying, life lessons.

March 10, 2023 2023 PG (107 minutes)

See full review

Glory Road Poster Image

MOVIE

Glory Road

age 10+

Inspiring sports flick about an underdog team.

January 13, 2006 2006 PG (106 minutes)

See full review

Home Court movie poster: Ashley Chea is shooting a basketball layup

MOVIE

Home Court

age 10+

Inspiring docu follows teen girl's basketball ups and downs.

May 5, 2024 2024 NR (95 minutes)

See full review

Hoosiers movie poster: Close-up on a basketball

MOVIE

Hoosiers

age 10+

Tale of sportsmanship dented by racist rewrite of history.

November 14, 1986 1986 PG (114 minutes)

See full review

More Than a Game Poster Image

MOVIE

More Than a Game

age 10+

Inspirational basketball documentary is OK for young fans.

October 2, 2009 2009 PG (105 minutes)

See full review

Rise Movie Poster

MOVIE

Rise

age 10+

True story about overcoming odds has positive messages.

June 24, 2022 2022 PG (111 minutes)

See full review

The Basket Poster Image

MOVIE

The Basket

age 10+

An ambitious, complicated, and thoughtful story.

May 5, 2000 2000 PG (150 minutes)

See full review

The First Slam Dunk Movie Poster: Five animated teenage Japanese basketball players look ready to compete

MOVIE

The First Slam Dunk

age 10+

Basketball anime about personal loss is a winner; language.

July 28, 2023 2023 PG-13 (124 minutes)

See full review

The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend Poster Image

MOVIE

The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend

age 10+

Inspiring true sports story with bullies, discrimination.

November 4, 2008 2008 G (104 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.