Hoop Dreams (1994)

Kernel Score: 84% · 326 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Documentary

Released: 1994-09-12

Runtime: 174 minutes

Where to watch Hoop Dreams

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Every school day, African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee travel 90 minutes each way from inner-city Chicago to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominately white suburban school well-known for the excellence of its basketball program. Gates and Agee dream of NBA stardom, and with the support of their close-knit families, they battle the social and physical obstacles that stand in their way. This acclaimed documentary was shot over the course of five years.

Hoop Dreams parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Hoop Dreams is a PG-13 documentary following two inner-city Chicago teens pursuing basketball dreams amid social and economic obstacles.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Hoop Dreams

If you liked Hoop Dreams, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Director

Steve James

Cast

  • William Gates as Self
  • Arthur Agee as Self
  • Gene Pingatore as Self
  • Steve James as Narrator (voice)
  • Dick Vitale as Self
  • Bobby Knight as Self
  • Spike Lee as Self
  • Isiah Thomas as Self

Hoop Dreams FAQ

Is Hoop Dreams good?

Hoop Dreams has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 326 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Hoop Dreams?

In the US you can stream Hoop Dreams on Fubo and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free and Xumo Play and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Hoop Dreams OK for kids?

Hoop Dreams is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Hoop Dreams is a PG-13 documentary following two inner-city Chicago teens pursuing basketball dreams amid social and economic obstacles.

What movies are like Hoop Dreams?

If you liked Hoop Dreams, try O.J.: Made in America, Diego Maradona, Above the Rim and Pumping Iron.