10 Basketball Movies, Shows & Docs That Bring The Game Home On Disney+
Stream stories of underdogs, dynasties, and game changers that hit like a clutch three
No tip-off tonight? Don’t worry, you can still get that buzzer-beater energy. These Disney+ picks, including feel-good sports stories andESPN documentaries, deliver big moments and bold personalities, so read on and build your Watchlist.
A History-Making Three-Pointer: ESPN Films’Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry
Directed by Religion of Sports co-founder Gotham Chopra, this documentary explores the creativity, discipline, and mindset behind one of basketball’s greatest players. The film follows Curry leading up to his historic 4,000th career three-pointer, as he reflects on the upbringing and work ethic that have shaped his extraordinary career. It also explores the parallels between athletic excellence and artistic expression, with acclaimed artists including Viola Davis, Rick Rubin, Patti Smith, and Jon Batiste sharing their perspectives on Curry’s craft.
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Basketball Movies To Stream On Disney+
Unlikely superstars take the court, true stories hit home, and a high school captain expresses himself in song.
A Nostalgic Dream-Scenario Comedy:Like Mike
Shad Moss (a.k.a. Lil Bow Wow) stars as Calvin, a teenager who dreams of making it to the NBA. When he finds a pair of mysterious, ragged sneakers and starts wearing them when shooting hoops, his dream comes true overnight. Featuring supernatural feats of athleticism and plenty of cameos from real-life NBA stars, this 2000s family comedy is a nostalgic, easygoing watch.
An Underdog Run That Changed The Game:Glory Road
Based on the true story of Texas Western’s 1966 championship run, this is an inspirational tale of determination in the face of doubt and skepticism. Glory Roadfollows Coach Don Haskins as he assembles a group of talented players and inspires them to play with teamwork and discipline on the road to victory.
A Journey From Backyard Courts To The NBA:Rise
This 2022 movie tells the extraordinary story about the Antetokounmpos and the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league. It charts how basketball enabled the brothers, once living in Greece under precarious immigration statuses, to rise to international glory. Intercut with archival footage from Giannis’s draft, it’s an impactful tale of grit, family bonds, and the importance of always getting back up.
A Quest To Prove ‘Em Wrong:Chang Can Dunk
At 5’8″, Asian-American high schooler Chang seems unlikely to become a basketball star. Hoping to impress his fellow students and his crush as “Chang 2.0” he makes a bet that he can learn to dunk by Homecoming. It’s going to take all of Chang’s determination, courage, and belief in himself to win the bet. And be sure to look for more cameos by NBA stars, including Andre Drummond.
Dance Numbers Infused With Dribbling & Shooting:High School Musical
East High basketball team captain Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) finds himself torn between his love of dominating the court and his passion for music. When he meets the smart and talented Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), they both wonder if they can pursue their stage dreams alongside their academic and athletic goals. Rediscover the joy of this classic Disney Channel Original Movie in our HSM 20th anniversary article.
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A Twin-Powered Dream:Double Teamed
A Disney Channel Original Movie inspired by the lives of WNBA twin sisters Heidi and Heather Burge, often called the world’s “tallest twins.” Set during their high school years, the sisters navigate sibling rivalry and the challenge of carving out your own identity as a twin, while learning to play as a team and prove their skeptics wrong.
ABasketball Show To Binge On Disney+
A story about the game and the importance of family comes to life.
A Tale Of Brotherhood & Basketball:The Crossover
Another twin tale, based on the bestselling novel by Kwame Alexander. The show follows the sons of a former professional basketball player as they pursue their own athletic dreams while also juggling school, friends, and crushes. Featuring narration in the book’s distinctive, poetic, spoken-word style, this is a unique and impactful watch about family, ambition, and being true to yourself.
Basketball30 for 30Documentaries On Disney+
Explore the legacy of an iconic college team and get a firsthand account from one of basketball’s most controversial figures.
A College Basketball Throwback:Phi Slama Jama, ESPN
The University of Houston Cougars men’s basketball teams were some of the hottest on the scene in the early 1980s. Defined by their fast, dunk-heavy style of play, the nickname “Phi Slama Jama,” given to them by sportswriter Thomas Bonk, helped turn them into a cultural phenomenon. Infused with a real-life mystery about a player who suddenly disappeared, this documentary chronicles the rise and fall of a sports juggernaut. Available on Disney+ with a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle subscription.*
An Ultimate Villain Arc:I Hate Christian Laettner, ESPN
Directed by Rory Karpf and narrated by Rob Lowe, this doc explores how some athletes become characters that people love to hate. Laettner was Duke University’s golden boy in the early 90s. But his attitude and apparent privilege rubbed fellow players the wrong way. Laettner and his peers look back at his career and how he shaped his public persona, and vice versa. Available on Disney+ with a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle subscription.*
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For more gripping real-life sports stories, check out our list of12 Essential ESPN30 for 30Documentaries To Stream With ESPN On Disney+.
How To Watch More Basketball This Season On ESPN
Get access to select NBA, WNBA, and college basketball games with any subscription that includes ESPN Unlimited.* Add ESPN Unlimited to your bundle now, or find out more about our bundles on our help page.
Tune into Ernie Johnson and his crew onInside the NBA and let them guide you through the season’s biggest triumphs and upsets with their signature banter and expert commentary.
And for more stories of underdogs, redemption arcs, and changemakers, check out our watch guides on sports titles on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, and winter sports movies.
*ESPN on Disney+ requires a plan that includes ESPN. Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle: U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data may be required to watch certain content. Use of the services is subject to the Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement. For more information, including detailed information on billing and cancellation, please visit the Disney+ Help Center. Hulu: Access content from each service separately. Select Hulu content available via Disney+ with valid Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions; additional content only available via Hulu app. Hulu content can be streamed via Disney+ on up to 2 devices simultaneously. Additional app features and device restrictions apply.
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