Given hustle’s enormous popularity on Netflix, we may conclude that there is a larger audience interested in movies like hustle than what is often presented on streaming services nowadays.
It’s no secret that “Hustle” is one of the most-watched movies worldwide.
Since its premiere, this gritty movie featuring the ever-popular Adam Sandler and professional basketball player Juancho Hernangomez has been a massive success.
The movie’s overwhelming popularity shows a large audience interested in tales like this; therefore, we have compiled a list of amazing movies like hustle.
1. Jerry Maguire (1996)
- Director: Cameron Crowe
- Star casts: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston, Jerry O’Connell, Jay Mohr, and Bonnie Hunt
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
While “Hustle” does follow a player as he attempts to make it in the league, it concentrates more on the people who help him behind the scenes.
Watch “Jerry Maguire” if you want to see one of the best movies like hustle.
Tom Cruise plays a sports agent who loses his job and is reduced to representing only one athlete.
Maguire’s reputation is in ruins, and he strives to get an advantageous deal for his client despite personal and romantic difficulties.
The movie has been promoted as a romantic comedy, yet the story of a sports agent whose career is on the line provides enough dramatic tension.
2. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
- Director: Stephen Chow
- Star casts: Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-Fei Wong, Man-Tat Ng, Yin Tse, Hui Li, and Cecilia Cheung.
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Shaolin Soccer, directed by Stephen Chow, might be a good time for hustle fans.
This movie stands out from the rest because it features one of the most outlandish portrayals of a sporting event ever filmed.
Sing and five of his childhood friends in the movie get together to become the greatest soccer squad ever.
With their Kung Fu knowledge and training, they can apply their fighting prowess to the soccer field, resulting in some of the most ridiculous yet entertaining goals ever.
3. Seabiscuit (2003)
- Director: Gary Ross
- Star casts: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Cooper, David McCullough, Paul Vincent O’Connor, and Michael Ensign.
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
The unwavering loyalty of the characters is one of the movie’s most charming qualities.
Due to Bo’s history and current situation, Stan has several justifications for breaking up. However, he doesn’t dwell on his shortcomings.
Instead, he recognizes his potential and molds him into a champion. “Seabiscuit” expresses a similar point of view.
Tom Smith, a trainer in this movie, is challenged to rehabilitate a lame horse.
He forms a strong connection with the horse, which he uses to assist him in getting back in the game after a setback.
If you are a fan of hustle, this is one of the best movies like hustle to watch.
4. Coach Carter (2005)
- Director: Thomas Carter
- Star casts: Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Brown, Nana Gbewonyo, Antwon Tanner, and Channing Tatum.
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Among the most impressive movies here is 2005’s Coach Carter, which has a 7.3 rating on IMDb.
It tells the story of a group of students at Richmond High School who have a lot of potential on the basketball court but lack the proper mindset to reach their full potential.
The movie follows Coach Carter as he tries to instill in them the work ethic and dedication necessary to become successful student-athletes.
You’ll learn a lot about the inner workings of the basketball world and the ideal qualities of a coach by watching this, one of the greatest movies ever made on the sport.
In conclusion, this is one of the best movies, like hustle, that deserves your time and attention.
5. Moneyball (2011)
- Director: Bennett Miller
- Star casts: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Pratt, Stephen Bishop, and Reed Diamond.
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Many movies have shown athletes striving for success, but few have delved into the sport’s mechanics.
The managers and executives of a team are studied in “Moneyball,” as their decision-making process is examined.
It’s based on a true story about the Oakland Athletics general manager and his quest to build the best possible club.
He recruits Peter Brand, an economics graduate, to figure out the formula that would get them a flexible group of players.
It takes some getting used to since their approaches are mostly computer-based, but eventually, they succeed.
6. The Phantom of the Open (2021)
- Director: Craig Roberts
- Star casts: Mark Rylance, Ian Porter, Tommy Fallon, David Mara, Sally Hawkins, Austin W Griffin, and Jake Davies.
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
The Phantom of the Open is a comedy directed by Craig Roberts that may satisfy viewers looking for movies like hustle.
The inspiring story of Maurice Flitcroft, a lifelong dreamer whose ambitions appear impossible to achieve, is at the heart of the movie Phantom.
Maurice has a late-in-life career change and chooses to pursue professional golf.
Maurice’s unflappable joy keeps him pushing forward, even as many classmates try to derail him.
He joins the 1976 Open Championship without ever having hit a golf ball, but that doesn’t stop him from winning over the crowd.
7. High Flying Bird (2019)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Star casts: André Holland, Melvin Gregg, Eddie Tavares, Farah Bala, Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe, and Joy Taylor.
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
The protagonist of Steven Soderbergh’s “High Flying Bird” is a sports agent who, during a lockout at the agency, must rely on his creativity to get by.
He’s had three days to figure out how to help his client, a rookie basketball player, and himself.
This movie delves deep into the action’s serious stakes and gritty details.
It depicts the difficulties faced by those who have made a profession out of it and how one choice may have far-reaching consequences for them and their loved ones.
8. King Richard (2021)
- Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
- Star casts: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, and Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew.
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
In the history of sports, Serena and Venus Williams stand above all others as the most inspirational duo in the world.
They have shattered all previous records and defeated all previous odds.
However, they had to put in a lot of effort, make some sacrifices, and have a coach that believed in them to get there.
The plot of “King Richard” centers on the father’s efforts to mold his children into top-tier tennis players.
The Williams face adversity after adversity, and their future prosperity rests on their dedication and resilience. This is undoubtedly one of the best movies like hustle.
9. Cinderella Man (2005)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Star casts: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti, Bruce McGill, David Huband, and Connor Price
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
In the movie “Hustle,” protagonist Bo Cruz must balance his commitment to basketball with his responsibility to provide for his family.
He’s been working in construction on the side to support his family. “Cinderella Man” is based on a similar notion.
It portrays James Braddock’s plight as a provider for his family during the Great Depression. When he’s out of options, he turns to box, which has always been his true love.
A classic underdog story, “Cinderella Man” succeeds in making its viewers cheer for its protagonist while also providing a positive emotional experience.
10. Home Team (2022)
- Director: Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane
- Star casts: Kevin James, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Jackie Sandler, Gary Valentine, Lavell Crawford, and Chloe Fineman.
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10
This movie tells the story of Sean Payton, suspended for nearly a year after being linked to the bounty gate incident.
During that time, he returned to his hometown and his family, where he coached his son’s football team.
The team didn’t have much promise, but Sean showed them what a true coach does, and now they’re contenders.
11. Hoosiers (1986)
- Director: David Anspaugh
- Star casts: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley, Fern Persons, Chelcie Ross, and Robert Swan.
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Hoosiers is a movie from 1986 that fans and reviewers have praised throughout the years. The movie has gotten a 7.5 rating on IMDb, which indicates its high quality.
It tells the story of a coach and his journey with a struggling high school team with big dreams to pursue, even though the coach has to deal with the school administration.
Also, the students have far more problems than you can imagine, from family issues to academic difficulties.
They want to one day compete and triumph in the state finals as a team.
12. Uncut Gems (2019)
- Director: Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie
- Star casts: Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Idina Menzel, Mesfin Lamengo, Sun Zhi Hua-Hilton, Liang Wei-Hui-Duncan, and Sunny Wu Jin Zahao.
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Adam Sandler’s dedication to basketball is evident in his movies. You’d be wrong to assume that ‘Hustle’ was the first part in which his character’s existence was intertwined with the game.
Sandler stars as a jewelry shop owner and gambler in the Safdie brothers ‘Uncut Gems,’ with his future at stake when he wagers on a game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The movie may lack motivational montage moments and exciting matches, but it makes up for it with a gripping story and a mind-blowing ending.
13. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Star casts: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter, Lucia Rijker, and Brían F. O’Byrne.
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
One of the most powerfully moving sports movies like hustle is Million Dollar Baby, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Frankie Dunn, the protagonist, is a boxing trainer who is only patient with himself and his best friend, Eddie.
In need of mentoring, Maggie Fitzgerald first appears at Frankie’s gym. Frankie is initially hesitant to take her in and train her, but ultimately he chooses to do so.
Tissues should be within easy reach because of the likelihood of tears being shed during the movie.
14. Above the Rim (1994)
- Director: Jeff Pollack
- Star casts: Duane Martin, Tupac Shakur, Leon, David Bailey, Tonya Pinkins, Marlon Wayans, and Bernie Mac.
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
This one’s a big hit with audiences and critics alike; it has a 6.6 rating on IMDb, which is excellent; and it tells the story of a promising young basketball star at a small-town high school who has a knack for spectacular dunks, which is how the movie gets its title.
A local security guard, formerly a famous backcourt player who has since faded from the spotlight, plays a pivotal part in the plot.
The basketball player struggles to decide between joining a violent squad or remaining loyal to his own.
This means a ton of exciting stuff is happening on screen, making the movie fun to watch.
15. Celtic Pride (1996)
- Director: Tom DeCerchio
- Star casts: Damon Wayans, Daniel Stern, Dan Aykroyd, Gail O’Grady, Christopher McDonald, Paul Guilfoyle, and Adam Hendershott.
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
This 1996 movie has a mediocre rating on IMDb, but it’s worth seeing if you’re a fan of movies like hustle, which is about basketball, and want to have a good time.
The movie portrays two diehard Celtics fans who get so infatuated with their team that they kidnap the other team’s key player.
This sets off a chain reaction of mayhem, drama, and comedy after the Celtics are eliminated from the NBA finals.
