Funny Basketball Movies: The Ultimate Guide with Trailers, Reviews, and more
by
Eric Sharp
Modified last on
Sep 29, 2024
Watching sports movies with your kids is just the best. ESPECIALLY if they're funny! Here's my ultimate guide to the 21 funniest basketball movies of all-time. From the classics to modern films, and maybe a few unknown to you!
Topic
Table of Contents
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Pizza and movie night with Dad. It’s a tradition and the kiddos love it.
We’ve coined it:
Pizza and a movie night!
Simple, but effective.
As my kids continue to grow, I get more excited to introduce them to classic sports movies. Growing up near Chicago in the late 90s burned a passion in me for basketball. What kid in the Midwest didn’t love watching Jordan’s Bulls be a dominant dynasty? I’ve loved basketball since.
If you love movie night with your kids, and love sports (in particular basketball), you’ll want to add these basketball comedies to your queue!
Let’s jump in.
Funny Basketball Movie Listing
Note about this listing: I’ve targeted and organized comedies only. If the basketball movie is a drama (such as Hoosiers), it will not be on this list. If its genre is comedy, it will be in my listing below.
Here is a full listing below that made our funniest basketball movies, not organized in any sort of meaningful way.
Click to jump straight to that movie!
- Space Jam
- Space Jam 2: A New Legacy
- White Men Can’t Jump
- Semi-Pro
- Uncle Drew
- Like Mike
- The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
- Air Bud
- Juwanna Mann
- The Sixth Man
- Teen Wolf
- BASEketball
- Eddie
- The Air Up There
- Rebound
- Celtic Pride
- Champions
- Fast Break
- Thunderstruck
- The Cookout
- The Absent-Minded Professor
Space Jam
1996, PG
This iconic film combines live-action with animation, featuring Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes characters to save their world. Packed with humor, nostalgia, and an epic showdown, “Space Jam” remains a timeless classic.
Reason to watch
The movie stars MJ and it’s an absolute classic.
More about Space Jam
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 7+
- More about the film: IMDB
Space Jam 2: A New Legacy
2021, PG
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” follows NBA superstar LeBron James and his son Dom, who are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I. To escape, LeBron teams up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other Looney Tunes characters for a basketball showdown against AI-powered opponents.
Reason to watch
LeBron James stars in his first big movie!
More about Space Jam 2
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
-
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 7+
- More about the film: IMDB
White Men Can’t Jump
1992, R
Starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, this film follows two street basketball hustlers who join forces despite their differences. It’s filled with witty banter and showcases the humorous side of playground basketball.
Reason to watch
Woody & Wesley together are simply dynamite.
More about White Men Can’t Jump
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
-
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 16+
- More about the film: IMDB
Semi-Pro
2008, R
Will Ferrell leads this hilarious comedy about the fictional ABA basketball team, the Flint Tropics. Ferrell’s comedic prowess and the film’s absurd situations make it a slam dunk for laughs.
Reason to watch
Will Ferrell.
More about Semi-Pro
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
-
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 16+
- More about the film: IMDB
Uncle Drew
2018, PG-13
Based on a Pepsi commercial, this movie features NBA star Kyrie Irving as an elderly basketball legend who assembles a team of older players for one final tournament. The makeup transformations and comedic timing create a riotous yet heartwarming tale.
Reason to watch
Kyrie and Shaq dressed up like a Grandpa is too much fun to miss.
More about Uncle Drew
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 11+
- More about the film: IMDB
Like Mike
2002, PG
This family-friendly comedy tells the story of a young orphan who finds a pair of sneakers with magical powers, allowing him to play like basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Heartwarming and humorous, it’s a slam dunk for kids and adults alike.
Reason to watch
Full of nostalgic if you grew up watching the NBA in the 90s!
More about Like Mike
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 7+
- More about the film: IMDB
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
1979, PG
A quirky and offbeat film, it follows a failing basketball team that turns to astrology to reverse their fortunes. This unconventional storyline brings forth a blend of basketball, comedy, and astrology-based antics.
Reason to watch
A unique film that’s goofy but lots of fun!
More about The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- More about the film: IMDB
Air Bud
1997, PG
While more of a family-oriented film, the concept of a dog playing basketball is inherently amusing. The film’s charmingly absurd premise and the dog’s athleticism make it a feel-good, lighthearted watch.
Reason to watch
A dog playing basketball? Yes please. Good fam fun!
More about Air Bud
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
-
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 5+
- More about the film: IMDB
Juwanna Mann
2002, PG-13
In this comedy, a disgraced basketball player, played by Miguel A. Núñez Jr., disguises himself as a woman to join the women’s basketball league. The film’s premise leads to comedic situations that deliver laughs throughout.
Reason to watch
Polarizing topic in today’s culture, all the more reason to watch!
More about Juwanna Mann
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 12+
- More about the film: IMDB
The Sixth Man
1997, PG-13
Marlon Wayans and Kadeem Hardison star in this supernatural basketball comedy about a deceased basketball player who comes back as a ghost to help his team win games. Mixing sports and otherworldly elements, it provides a unique comedic twist.
Reason to watch
One of the Wayans brothers (Marlon) stars.
More about The Sixth Man
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- More about the film: IMDB
Teen Wolf
1985, PG
“Teen Wolf” follows Scott Howard, played by Michael J. Fox, as he discovers he’s a werewolf. Balancing high school life with newfound abilities, he becomes a basketball star. The film, a mix of comedy and coming-of-age, explores identity and self-acceptance in a light-hearted and entertaining way.
Reason to watch
A cheesy classic from the 80s that’s good family fun.
More about Teen Wolf
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 13+
- More about the film: IMDB
BASEketball
1998, R
“BASEketball” is a 1998 sports comedy film co-created by the creators of “South Park.” Starring Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it satirizes sports culture by introducing a hybrid of baseball and basketball. The film humorously explores the absurdities of competitive sports, friendship, and unconventional gamesmanship.
Reason to watch
Director of Naked Gun + South Park creators = FUN
More about BASEketball
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- More about the film: IMDB
Eddie
1996, PG-13
“Eddie” is a 1996 comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg as Eddie Franklin, a passionate basketball fan who unexpectedly becomes the coach of the New York Knicks. Mixing sports and humor, the film explores her impact on the team’s dynamics, offering a blend of heartwarming moments and comedic twists in the world of professional basketball.
Reason to watch
Whoopi is fun and film has many cameos from real NBA players!
More about Eddie
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
The Air Up There
1994, PG
“The Air Up There” is a 1994 sports comedy starring Kevin Bacon as a college basketball assistant coach who travels to Africa to recruit a talented tribal player. The film combines humor and cultural exploration, showcasing the transformative power of basketball and the unlikely bond between two worlds through the love of the game.
Reason to watch
Kevin Bacon in his prime!
More about The Air Up There
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 11+
- More about the film: IMDB
Rebound
2005, PG
“Rebound” is a 2005 sports comedy starring Martin Lawrence as a college basketball coach who, after a public meltdown, finds redemption by coaching a junior high school team. The film explores personal growth, teamwork, and mentorship through humor and heartwarming moments in the world of youth basketball.
Reason to watch
Martin Lawrence being an outrageous basketball coach just fits!
More about Rebound
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 9+
- More about the film: IMDB
Celtic Pride
1996, PG-13
“Celtic Pride” is a 1996 sports comedy film starring Dan Aykroyd and Daniel Stern as passionate Boston Celtics fans. In a comedic twist, they accidentally kidnap the star player of the opposing team to ensure a Celtics victory. The film explores fandom, rivalry, and the humorous extremes fans can go to support their team.
Reason to watch
Great cast and hilarious plot line!
More about Celtic Pride
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- More about the film: IMDB
Champions
2023, PG-13
The most recent funny basketball movie on this list!
A court order compels a former minor-league basketball coach (Woody Harrelson) to lead a team comprising individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through their journey, he discovers that, contrary to his initial doubts, this remarkable team has the potential to surpass even their wildest expectations.
Reason to watch
Woody has proven he crushes basketball movies (see White Men Can’t Jump). Pair him with Kaitlin Olson (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), and this is heart-warming fun.
More about Champions
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 13+
- More about the film: IMDB
Fast Break
1979, PG
“Fast Break” is a 1979 sports comedy film directed by Jack Smight. It follows a college basketball coach who recruits a team of misfits for his fledgling program. The movie combines humor, underdog sports narrative, and camaraderie as the team navigates challenges on and off the court, aiming for success.
Reason to watch
One of the older funny basketball movies on this list (tied with The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh), and fairly forgotten. But, a good one to check off the list!
More about Fast Break
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- More about the film: IMDB
Thunderstruck
2012, PG
“Thunderstruck” is a 2012 family comedy film directed by John Whitesell. It follows the story of a teenager who magically swaps basketball skills with an NBA superstar (Kevin Durant) after an encounter at a game. The movie explores themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Reason to watch
What kid doesn’t want to swap basketball skills with an NBA legend? Storyline is enough to watch!
More about Thunderstruck
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
-
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 7+
- More about the film: IMDB
The Cookout
2004, PG-13
“The Cookout” follows a young basketball star, Todd, who signs a lucrative NBA contract. When his family throws him a cookout to celebrate, chaos ensues as they clash with his new celebrity lifestyle. Through comedic mishaps and cultural clashes, Todd learns the true value of family and staying grounded.
Reason to watch
Not as much raw basketball as other movies on this list, but the theme of “staying true to oneself” is loud and clear!
More about The Cookout
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 16+
- More about the film: IMDB
The Absent-Minded Professor
1961, G
In “The Absent-Minded Professor,” basketball plays a minor role as the professor’s experiments with flubber lead to him discovering its potential to enhance athletic performance. He uses flubber to create high-flying basketball shoes that give his team an advantage on the court, leading to hilarious and entertaining basketball scenes.
Reason to watch
Definitely the quirkiest and oldest film on this list. And even though the focus isn’t on basketball, it’s old-school Disney and a whimsical blend of science fiction and comedy.
More about The Absent-Minded Professor
Some quick links to WATCH and also LEARN more about this funny basketball movie:
- Watch: Amazon Prime
- Common Sense Rating: Ages 6+
- More about the film: IMDB
Dad’s Final Thoughts
Sports and movies is a great combo for quality Dad time. Just be sure the basketball comedy is age appropriate and the pizza is hot!
You got this, Dad!
Can you win at Dadhood AND everywhere else in life? I'm just crazy enough to believe we can. With the right knowledge, hacks, habits, and motivation — we can crush it ALL!
About Eric
Eric Sharp is the founder of Healthy Dad Hacks. He married the love of his life (Sarah) and proud Dad of a blended family (Hazel & Roman). When not thinking about being a better Dad, he enjoys; CrossFit, entrepreneurship, eating carnivore, collecting Michael Jordan sports cards, music, and fancy sneakers.
[Picture: Turkey Trot 2021]
