Above the Rim (1994)
Kernel Score: 77% · 217 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1994-03-23
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch Above the Rim
- Stream: Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Story of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard times and now employed as a security guard.
Above the Rim parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that this R-rated basketball drama involves drug dealing and crime-related tension between brothers.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Crime and drug-dealing plot elements suggest tense, potentially violent confrontations typical of the genre.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — A central character is a drug dealer, indicating drug use/dealing is depicted throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Above the Rim
If you liked Above the Rim, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rise (2022) — 87%
- Air (2023) — 84%
- The Basketball Diaries (1995) — 84%
- Glory Road (2006) — 84%
- Coach Carter (2005) — 86%
- Hustle (2022) — 88%
- Love & Basketball (2000) — 83%
- Hoop Dreams (1994) — 84%
Director
Jeff Pollack
Cast
- Duane Martin as Kyle Lee Watson
- Tupac Shakur as Birdie
- Bernie Mac as Flip
- Marlon Wayans as Bugaloo
- Leon as Shep
- Wood Harris as Motaw
- Michael Rispoli as Richie
- David Bailey as Rollins
- Tonya Pinkins as Mailika
- Byron Minns as Monroe
Above the Rim FAQ
Is Above the Rim good?
Above the Rim has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 217 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Above the Rim?
In the US you can stream Above the Rim on Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Above the Rim OK for kids?
Above the Rim is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that this R-rated basketball drama involves drug dealing and crime-related tension between brothers.
What movies are like Above the Rim?
If you liked Above the Rim, try Rise, Air, The Basketball Diaries and Glory Road.