15 best Christian basketball movies (Inspirational sports)
These inspirational Christian basketball movies demonstrate how the Christian faith can influence individual players, and coaches — even whole communities — when expressed both on and off the basketball court. Discover the 15 best faith-based basketball movies in our curated list.
These inspirational basketball movies demonstrate how the Christian faith can influence individual players, and coaches — even whole communities — when expressed both on and off the basketball court.
With two boys, my family and I love watching inspirational sports movies — especially the underdog stories!
We find the mix of hard work, life lessons, and sports action make for a great Friday movie night, especially when there’s Christian message or themes.
If I had to recommend one great baseball movie to watch, it would be "Hoosiers."
It's a true underdog story, and while not a faith-based movie, one of my sports-loving pastors recommends it (he played a clip at service).
If you enjoyed the football movie "The Blind Side," you might enjoy "Overcomers" from the Kendrick Brothers.
It shares the story of a basketball coach who mentors a troubled teen.
Please note: While most of these films are perfect for a family movie night (with G or PG ratings), a few are for mature audiences.
I included them because they share Christian themes such as forgiveness and reconciliation. I added them at the bottom of this list of sports movies.
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Top 15 Christian basketball movies
Table of Contents ▼
1. Overcomer (2019)
Rating: PG
A high school basketball coach dreams of reaching the championships, but is crushed when the small town's largest plant shuts down and his best players move away.
Reluctantly, he recruits the school’s only cross-country runner, a young girl struggling with asthma and her own identity.
Why watch: This is another great movie by the Kendrick Brothers and shares a clear message of identity in Christ instead of performance or career.
Cast: Ben Davies, Alex Kendrick, Cameron Arnett
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
2. Hoosiers (1986)
Rating: PG
This is a classic movie everyone should see. Set in the 1950s, Norman Dale arrives in a tiny Indiana town and gets a coaching job to lead the high school basketball team.
The "Hickory Huskers" make a run for the state championship. It’s an underdog story that will have you cheering!
While mostly fiction, the story is loosely based on the 1954 Milan High School team.
Why watch: It’s not a Christian film, but it emphasizes faith-based themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the importance of church and prayer in a community.
Cast: Barbara Hershey, Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper
Where to watch:
Stream: Amazon Prime, Philo
Free with ads: Plex
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
3. The Mighty Macs (2009)
Rating: G
In the early 1970s, Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) takes a basketball coaching job at a small Catholic women's college — that doesn't have a gym or uniforms!
With the help of her assistant coach, a nun, Rush must rally the team and the college's Sisters as they head to the national championships.
It’s based on the true story of the basketball team at Immaculata College in Pennsylvania.
Why watch: For an uplifting, family-friendly film that emphasizes persistence and highlights Catholic culture with a good message.
Cast: Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz, Ellen Burstyn
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
4. The Pistol: Birth of a Legend (1991)
Rating: G
This biographical film shares the 1959 season of Pete “The Pistol” Maravich, who was mentored by his father but struggled to fit in with older, bigger basketball players.
The movie is based on the life of Maravich, a professional basketball player who is a five-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA.
Why watch: A nostalgic classic for many families, Maravich became a devout Christian later in life. Many viewers enjoy its theme of "work unto the Lord” and use the Bible Study (leader kit).
Cast: Millie Perkins, Nick Benedict, Adam Guier
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
5. Nothing is Impossible (2022)
Rating: PG
A former high school basketball star is working as a high school janitor when he gets a chance to try out for an NBA team.
After years of disappointment, he must decide if he’ll trust God with his future as a pro team decides to hold open tryouts.
Why watch: It’s a lighthearted story of failure and redemption. Fans of “God’s Not Dead” may recognize some of the actors.
There’s also a a free discussion guide.
Cast: David A.R. White, Nadia Bjorlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Robert Amaya, Stella Parton, Steven Bauer, Harry Lennix
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
6. Prayer Never Fails (2016)
Rating: PG
An up-and-coming high school basketball coach is fired for praying with a player.
The movie follows the legal battle as the coach stands up for his right to express his faith amid secular objections.
It’s an original story, but for Christians who have followed similar legal challenges in the news, it will feel familiar.
Why watch: It takes on the issue of religious freedom and the courage to stand for your Christian convictions.
Cast: Corbin Bernsen
Where to watch:
Stream: Pure Flix, Amazon Prime, or UP Faith & Family
Free with ads: Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku Channel
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
7. My Many Sons (2016)
Rating: PG
The film shares the story of legendary college basketball coach Don Meyer and the question of how he achieved winning season after winning season.
Meyer is the most winning basketball coach in NCAA history (making this a must-watch during March Madness).
From a life-threatening accident that required his leg to be amputated, to his relentless focus on building the character of his players, this is an uplifting movie.
I love the message of how much of an impact a coach can make on young men.
Why watch: It emphasizes mentorship and how coaching is more than winning games, but also about building character.
Cast: Casey Bond, Judge Reinhold, Michael Papajohn, Terri Minton, Alex MacNicoll
Where to watch:
Stream: Pure Flix or UP Faith & Family
Free with ads: Pluto TV, Plex, or Vudu
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
8. Spirit of the Game (2016)
Rating: PG
Set in the 1950s, the movie follows Mormon Delyle Condie (Aaron Jakubenko), a star basketball player who walks away from a promising career and a broken engagement.
Instead, he goes overseas on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in Australia.
Once in Melbourne, Delyle helps train the new Australian national basketball team for their first-ever Olympic competition.
The movie’s based on the true story of the “Mormon Yankees,” a basketball team of missionaries.
Why watch it: While explicitly focused on LDS missions, the film broadly shows the power of faith in action.
Cast: Aaron Jakubenko, Anna McGahan, Kevin Sorbo, Wade Briggs
Where to Watch:
Free with ads: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Plex.
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
9. Glory Road (2006)
Rating: PG
Head basketball coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas) is facing budget cuts and a struggling program at Texas Western College in the 1960s.
He decides to ignore the unwritten rule to limit the number of black players on the basketball court, instead focusing on recruiting the best players he can find.
The movie follows his team’s journey through racial tension, prejudice, and threats — and makes it to the NCAA Championship.
There he makes the historical decision to start with an all-black lineup. It’s based on the true story of the 1966 Texas Western Miners.
Why watch it: With subtle Christian themes, it has a powerful message of justice and equality, as well as character.
Cast: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols
Where to Watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
10. Coach Carter (2005)
Rating: PG-13
Basketball coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to his high school in the tough neighborhood of Richmond, California.
A "man of his word," Carter institutes tough love and strict rules, including a 2.3 GPA, perfect attendance, and dressing up on game days.
The team's winning streak propels them forward, but when the players' academics falter, Carter does the unthinkable. He locks the gym, cancels practice, and forefeits the game.
The movie is based on the 1999 season of the Richmond High School Oilers and a coach who took similar measures, including forfeiting a game despite the team's undefeated streak, to focus on character and making good decisions.
Why watch it: While not a Christian movie, our family enjoyed watching it, as we found its message of integrity and responsibility sound.
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Brown, Ashanti, Debbi Morgan
Where to Watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
11. New Hope (2012)
Rating: PG-13
It's a Christian film with a gritty story. Michael Evans (Samuel Davis) is the son of a preacher who moves to the small town of New Hope for his senior year of high school.
He joins the basketball team but immediately clashes with the star player, Lucas (Ben Davies).
Lucas is consumed with anger and grief following the suicide of his brother, Chase. And he sees Michael as an unwelcome outsider trying to fill his brother's shoes on the basketball court and by dating Lucas's former girlfriend.
The story follows Michael as he relies on his faith despite bullying and persecution.
Why watch it: This faith-based movie shares the message of salvation and the importance of the local church.
The main character, Michael, demonstrates "turning the other cheek" when dealing with bullies.
Cast: Samuel Davis, Perry Frost, Ben Davies
Where to Watch:
Free with ads: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Freevee, Plex, Dove Channel, or UP Faith & Family.
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
12. For the Glory (2011)
Rating: PG
The film follows Kurt Kuykendall (Jason Burkey), a talented college basketball player whose lifelong dream is to play in the Olympics.
His world is turned upside down when he's cut from the team as a freshman, however, and the disappointment is crushing.
Facing the weight of a broken home (an alcoholic mother and a demanding father), Kurt struggles to see his future.
A friend suggests he try out for a fraternity's soccer team, and Kurt discovers his natural talent. The story follows him as he reaches the Olympic training squad.
It's based on the true story of Kurt Kuykendall, who switched from basketball to soccer in college and became a professional goalie. He played for the New York Cosmos and the U.S. Olympic team.
Why watch it: While so many sports films emphasize winning, this one reminds you that God works in all things for good, including failure.
The film also depicts the importance of integrity and faith despite challenges at home.
Cast: Donald Leow, Kenneth Altman, Christopher Rogers, Joshua Taylor, Cortney Matz
Where to Watch:
Free with ads: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Freevee, UP Faith & Family, Dove Channel, or New Faith Network.
Rent or buy: Amazon, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
13. Hoop Dreams
Rating: PG-13
This is not a Christian movie, as it depicts some of the realities of life in inner-city Chicago, but it is “Christian-friendly.”
The documentary follows two African American teenagers from Chicago, William Gates and Arthur Agee, who were recruited in 8th grade to play at a predominantly white Catholic high school.
One of the subplots explores the relationship between Arthur’s father and the challenges of sobriety and reconciliation.
Why watch: The boys’ mothers are the spiritual backbones of their families, and the film depicts their resilience and reliance on God despite the challenges of poverty.
Where to watch:
Stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel
Free with ads: Tubi, Pluto TV.
Rent or buy: Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, or DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
14. He Got Game (1998)
Rated: R
This is not a Christian movie, but this gritty film explores the faith-oriented theme of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Directed by Spike Lee, it follows the main character, Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington), who is a prisoner serving time for his wife’s accidental death.
Jake is granted a temporary week-long release by the governor, who offers him a deal. His sentence will be reduced if he convinces his estranged son, Jesus Shuttlesworth, to sign with the governor’s alma mater.
While this is a fictional story, the character of Jesus Shuttlesworth was inspired by New York legends such as Stephon Marbury and the pressure basketball stars face.
Why watch it: This movie is for mature audiences, yet there are subtle Christian themes, including forgiveness and reconciliation.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Hill Harper, Milla Jovovich, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson
Where to watch:
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story” and the editor of the Faith Storytellers website, which publishes Christian testimonies and curated lists of Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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