Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and a center of popular culture. It’s no surprise that the sport is associated with the most famous artists, the hottest songs as well as the most interesting documentaries. Here are 16 of the best basketball documentaries of all time ranked.
Hoop Dreams
Hoop Dreams is a truly unique story about two basketball players, William Gates and Arthur Agee as they try to get to the NBA from one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s a masterpiece that film critic Roger Ebert has described as the best movie of the 1990s. The film offers a stunning yet heartbreaking look at how basketball can be an escape from reality. economic. It also addresses the social, racial, and class issues that are pervasive in American life. This movie inspires us all to make the most of the opportunities that life offers. The price is $10.99 on Amazon.
The Last Dance
One of the best basketball documentaries of all time. This is the story of the 1990s Chicago Bulls- one of the greatest sports dynasties ever. Follow Michael Jordan through the peak of his stardom during the 97-98 season, providing unprecedented insight into one of the NBA’s most thrilling and exciting moments. The Last Dance is released in 2020 and gives most of America something to look forward to every week during the COVID-19 pandemic. With good reason, The Last Dance was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Documentary Series.
Rebound: A Basketball Story
Rebound is an interesting documentary based on the true story of a Kentucky high school basketball team in 1980. The story takes place in a small Kentucky town called Independence. A tragic gas explosion at the town’s high school injured several students, killed a 16-year-old, and left the town in turmoil. The film was released in 2009 and is an inspirational story about overcoming adversity, a testament to how sport can bring everyone together during difficult times.
Shut Up and Dribble
While many basketball movies focus entirely on the game, Shut up and Dribble goes in the exact opposite direction when it comes to the social and political roles of NBA players in society. It covers many different aspects, from the struggle for power to individual social activism. There are many important events covered, as well as a series of interviews with athletes and other key individuals involved in the game. This is also one of the best basketball documentaries.
Iverson
Iverson is a documentary about Allen Iverson-one of the most interesting point defenders to ever play in the NBA that debuted in 2014. Takes the actual story of Iverson as he tells it. See how Iverson went from growing up in poverty to becoming an 11-time NBA star. Iverson really influenced a whole generation of young basketball players.
Bad Boys
Referring to the best basketball documentaries, the name Bad Boy cannot be missed. This documentary offers an in-depth look at the real bad boys of the NBA, the Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s and early 1990s. These boys are willing to do anything to win the title of NBA brand. The film is released in 2014 and will inspire basketball players to do whatever it takes to succeed. Bad Boys shows everyone the grit and perseverance it takes to win the NBA championship.
More Than a Game
More Than a Game is a great documentary that tells the story of the LeBron James High School basketball team in Akron, Ohio. James had a lot of talented teammates around him in high school with the likes of Dru Joyce III and Romeo Travis pushing him to the next level. More than a game is a reminder that a team is never just players but needs the solidarity and support of team members.
Survive and Advance
Also on the list of best basketball documentaries, Survive and Advance is a story about legendary coach Jim Valvano and how he led NC State to the NCAA title in 1983. Survive and Advance first aired that year. One of the best documentaries on overcoming adversity was released in 2013. Valvano gave one of the greatest speeches of all time when he died of cancer ten years later in 1993.
Long Shot – Kevin Laue
Long Shot is an exciting documentary that tells the fascinating story of Kevin Laue, who dreams of becoming the first one-handed player to play basketball at Division 1 College. His life was rather unhappy at birth. with an amputated arm and witnessed the tragic death of his father. The movie was released in 2013 and really inspires viewers to never give up on their dreams no matter what obstacles they may encounter.
The Announcement
The Announcement is a movie that deserves to be on the best basketball documentaries list. This documentary provides an in-depth look at this historic moment in NBA history. The main character is Magic Johnson, he was diagnosed with HIV when he was 40 years old. This is an inspiring story of how Johnson overcame a devastating diagnosis and went on to live a happy life with his signature smile.
Through the Fire
Through the Fire is an interesting documentary. Instead of following a famous player, it chronicles Sebastian Telfair during his senior year at Brooklyn Lincoln High School and includes the epic decision to go to college or move straight into the NBA. This can be a very difficult choice because it can change the life of a column of people. There’s still a lot of talk about athletes preparing to go pro, and this story does a great job of dissecting the topic from a first-hand perspective.
The Fab Five
t would be a pity not to mention The Fab Five in the list of best basketball documentaries. The film deals with five players, they are alleles Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King – who have changed the NCAA forever. They started as the first team with 5 freshmen with the goal of winning the national championship. The rather gripping story not only deals with their impact on college basketball, but it’s also a great trip back to the 90s. A true story of excitement, skill, and struggle.
Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals
80s basketball fans, as well as those who simply love the game, will love Magic & Bird. This documentary covers two of the most famous players to ever play the game and overcome their famous feud to see exactly what drove them to become such superstars during their prime. However, the movie doesn’t stop there. While Bird and Magic are central, the story spans the entire NBA and shows how two great talents helped bring it back from the brink. There’s a lot of stuff packed into this movie, and it’s all incredibly entertaining.
The Carter Effect
This is also one of the best basketball documentaries. The film follows Vince Carter’s career from his journey to the NBA, how he turned the Toronto Raptors, and his path to becoming a household name. The plot mostly revolves around the Raptors struggling to find a fan base with consistent support and how Carter’s arrival changed everything.
Without Bias
This film relives a tragic time in Len Bias’ life. He was the number two pick of the 1986 NBA Draft and is often considered the next Michael Jordan. However, he had to experience a tragic death due to convulsions from using too much cocaine just two days later. This moment rocked the world and became one of the biggest in tournament history.
Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks
This is the final film in our best basketball documentaries theme for today. The film chronicles the rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. The series first aired in 2010 and became popular very quickly with NBA fans. Witnessing how Reggie Miller led the Pacers to victory over the Knicks will show young basketball players the importance of good leadership.
In conclusion, those are all 16 best basketball documentaries that we would recommend to everyone. Among them, Hoop Dreams is my favorite movie. Few stories are as compelling and very few that can touch on so many important political, personal, and social themes. If you want a great movie, story and basketball journey then Hoop Dreams is definitely a great choice.
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