Hustle (2022)

Kernel Score: 88% · 2,762 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama, Comedy

Released: 2022-06-03

Runtime: 117 minutes

Is Hustle worth watching?

Worth watching. A well-made basketball underdog story with a surprisingly good Adam Sandler as a weary scout. It follows a familiar path, but the performances, real NBA faces and grounded training scenes make it feel sincere.

Watch it if you

  • like sports dramas with heart
  • enjoy Adam Sandler in serious mode
  • want an easy, uplifting watch

Skip it if you

  • dislike predictable underdog stories
  • aren't interested in basketball

Best for: Easy night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Hustle

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad, a down on his luck basketball scout takes it upon himself to bring the phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.

Hustle parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Hustle is an R-rated sports drama about a basketball scout mentoring a talented but rough-edged player, including a teenage pregnancy subplot.

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

Movies like Hustle

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

  • Air (2023) — 84%: Entertaining, human business-meets-basketball story with a similar uplift.
  • Coach Carter (2005) — 86%: Basketball coach pushes kids to be more than athletes.
  • Glory Road (2006) — 84%: True basketball underdog story with social weight.
  • Love & Basketball (2000) — 83%: Basketball dreams woven into a heartfelt story.
  • Hoop Dreams (1994) — 84%: Documentary look at the real stakes of chasing hoops dreams.
  • Rise (2022) — 87%: True story of brothers chasing basketball glory.

Director

Jeremiah Zagar

Cast

  • Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman
  • Queen Latifah as Teresa Sugerman
  • Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz
  • Ben Foster as Vince Merrick
  • Kenny Smith as Leon
  • Anthony Edwards as Kermit Wilts
  • Robert Duvall as Rex Merrick
  • Jordan Hull as Alex Sugerman
  • María Botto as Paola
  • Ainhoa Pillet as Lucia

Hustle FAQ

Is Hustle worth watching?

Worth watching. A well-made basketball underdog story with a surprisingly good Adam Sandler as a weary scout. It follows a familiar path, but the performances, real NBA faces and grounded training scenes make it feel sincere.

Where can I watch Hustle?

In the US you can stream Hustle on Netflix.

Is Hustle OK for kids?

Hustle is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Hustle is an R-rated sports drama about a basketball scout mentoring a talented but rough-edged player, including a teenage pregnancy subplot.

What movies are like Hustle?

If you liked Hustle, try Air, Coach Carter, Glory Road and Love & Basketball.