Women’s sports movies may be hard to come by, let alone ones on women’s basketball. But that doesn’t mean there are some great movies and documentaries on women hoopers out there. Here are the best women’s basketball movies and documentaries you must watch.
#1 Love & Basketball (2000)
We had to start with this one. “Love & Basketball ” is a certified classic. This romantic drama intertwines the love story of Monica and Quincy with their shared passion for basketball. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film explores themes of ambition, gender dynamics in sports, and the sacrifices needed to achieve greatness. It’s a must-watch (and the soundtrack is GREAT).
#2 The Mighty Macs (2009)
“The Mighty Macs” tells the true story of Cathy Rush, a woman who built the Immaculata College women’s basketball team in the early 1970s. Directed by Tim Chambers, this film highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the impact of Title IX. It’s “Sister Act” meets “Coach Carter”.
#3 The Heart of the Game (2005)
The documentary “The Heart of the Game” follows the Roosevelt High School girls’ basketball team in Seattle over six seasons. Directed by Ward Serrill, it focuses on the team’s coach, Bill Resler, and star player, Darnellia Russell. It explores themes of race, gender, and the power of sports in shaping young lives.
#4 Swoopes (2013)
This ESPN documentary chronicles the life and career of Sheryl Swoopes, arguably the greatest women’s basketball player ever. Directed by Hannah Storm, “Swoopes” highlights her achievements, including being the first player signed by the WNBA and her remarkable WNBA stats. We also see her overcoming personal and professional challenges.
#5 Pat XO (2013)
“Pat XO” is an ESPN “Nine for IX” documentary about Pat Summitt, the legendary women’s basketball coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Directed by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern, the film gives an intimate look at Summitt’s life, career, and battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It features interviews with former players, colleagues, and her son, Tyler, and spotlights Summitt’s enduring influence on the game. Before you watch, our curated list of Pat Summitt quotes offers a little insight into how special of a person she was.
#6 Mind-Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw (2015)
Directed by Rick Goldsmith, “Mind/Game: The Quiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw” follows the life of Chamique Holdsclaw, a former Tennessee Lady Vol and WNBA star who struggled with mental health issues. The documentary explores her journey through basketball, her battle with depression, and her advocacy for mental health awareness.
#7 After the Game: A 20 Year Look at Three Former Athletes (2021)
“After the Game: A 20 Year Look at Three Former Athletes” is an independent documentary that explores the long-term positive influence of women’s sports. It follows three women basketball players over 20 years, from their small-time college days to eventual off-the-court professional careers. Directed by April J. Abeyta, it highlights the transformative power of competing athletically for women.
Full disclosure: I was a producer on this film and receive a percentage of each sale (with no additional cost to you) by purchasing through the link above.
#8 Dream On (2022)
“Dream On” was released as a two-part ESPN Films 30 for 30. It chronicles the journey of the 1996 USA Women’s Olympic basketball team. It follows their grueling training leading up to the Olympic games, exploring how they handled the pressure and highlighting how their popularity helped launch the WNBA.
#9 Women of Troy (2020)
“Women of Troy” is an HBO Sports documentary that follows the dominance of the USC women’s basketball team in the 1980s. Directed by Alison Ellwood, it shows how the Cheryl Miller-led squad’s imposing athleticism and uptempo play influenced the game of women’s basketball.
