20 Best Movies Like 'Air'

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Updated August 15, 2024 20 items
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Vote up the movies that fans of 'Air' are sure to love.

Lace up those shoes and jump into our ranked list of best movies like Air. Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Viola Davis, the 2023 biographical sports movie features the origin of Michael Jordan's signature shoes under Nike.   

If you're looking for movies about sneakers and shoe collections, there are plenty of documentaries here you'll love. Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 and One Man and His Shoes both delve into Jordan's iconic shoes, while Sneakerheadz and Just for Kicks explore sneaker culture and its pop culture impact. Other good recommendations include basketball movies with underdogs, like Hustle and Like Mike, as well as movies with sports agents, like Jerry Maguire and Million Dollar Arm. 

Vote up the best movies like Air to help others find their next watch, and check which of films are currently streaming on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and more.

  • Moneyball
    1
    Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    34 votes

    A failing baseball team's general manager defies conventional wisdom by using advanced analytics to assemble a competitive roster on a shoestring budget. Brad Pitt delivers a captivating performance as Billy Beane, the real-life Oakland A's GM who revolutionized the sport with his innovative approach, supported by Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman in equally compelling roles that contribute to the film's critical acclaim.

    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Bennett Miller

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  • Tetris
    2
    Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Sofya Lebedeva
    13 votes

    A gripping biographical thriller unfolds as players navigate the complex world of licensing and patenting a groundbreaking video game amidst Cold War tensions. With captivating performances from Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, and Sofia Lebedeva under Jon S. Baird's direction, this 2023 film masterfully portrays the true story behind Tetris' rise to fame in the late 1980s.

    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: Jon S. Baird

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  • Hustle
    3
    Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah
    18 votes

    A down-on-his-luck NBA scout turns the tables by discovering a hidden gem of a basketball player in Spain, igniting an inspiring journey towards the prestigious draft. With Adam Sandler leading the cast alongside Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, and Robert Duvall, this sports comedy-drama showcases exceptional performances and authentic insights into professional basketball under Jeremiah Zagar's direction, while being co-produced by none other than LeBron James himself.

    • Released: 2022
    • Directed by: Jeremiah Zagar

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  • Ford v. Ferrari
    4
    Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
    15 votes

    Witness the thrilling battle between two automotive giants as an eccentric designer and a fearless racer defy all odds to build a revolutionary race car. The movie is brought to life by outstanding performances from Matt Damon as visionary car designer Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as daring driver Ken Miles, while it delves into the fascinating world of 1960s racing with stunning visuals, high-speed action, and an engaging storyline that highlights the importance of perseverance and friendship.

    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: James Mangold

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  • One Man and His Shoes
    5

    One Man and His Shoes

    David Falk, Jemele Hill, David Stern
    18 votes

    A riveting examination of the cultural and social impact of a basketball legend's iconic sneakers, as well as the dark side of their massive success. Featuring interviews with prominent figures such as Spike Lee and Michael Jordan himself, this documentary delves into consumerism, marketing genius, and the power dynamics that transformed athletic footwear into a global phenomenon.

    • Released: 2020
    • Directed by: Yemi Bamiro
  • Just for Kicks
    6

    Just for Kicks

    Missy Elliott, Raekwon, Damon Dash
    7 votes

    Step into the captivating world of sneaker culture and its deep-rooted connection to hip-hop through the eyes of legendary artists and avid collectors. Delve into the iconic history of Nike Air Force Ones, Air Jordans, and Adidas Superstars while witnessing the profound influence figures like Grandmaster Caz, Reverend Run, Missy Elliott, DJ Run, Jam Master Jay, and DMC have had on this pervasive phenomenon.

    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Thibaut de Longeville, Lisa Leone
  • Jerry Maguire
    7
    Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding, Renée Zellweger
    13 votes

    A sports agent's life-altering epiphany leads him on a journey to find meaning and redemption in both his professional and personal life. Featuring Tom Cruise as Jerry Maguire, the film showcases the complexities of human relationships while exploring themes of loyalty, ambition, and love with an Oscar-winning performance from Cuba Gooding Jr. as the charismatic football player Rod Tidwell.

    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Cameron Crowe

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  • The Founder
    8
    Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch
    10 votes

    A struggling yet ruthless salesman turns a small fast-food joint into an iconic global empire. The Founder, starring Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, showcases the captivating true story behind McDonald's rise to fame and demonstrates outstanding acting performances with its thought-provoking exploration of business ethics and determination.

    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: John Lee Hancock

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  • Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1
    9

    Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1

    Spike Lee, Mark Wahlberg, Michael B. Jordan
    12 votes

    Explore the cultural impact of a controversial sneaker that transcended sports and became a symbol of rebellion, art, and innovation in this riveting documentary. Delving into the history of the iconic Air Jordan 1, Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 features interviews with prominent figures such as Michael Jordan, Spike Lee, and DJ Khaled while uncovering how this revolutionary shoe changed not only basketball but also fashion and society as a whole.

    • Released: 2018
    • Directed by: Dexton Deboree
  • Million Dollar Arm
    10
    Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Bill Paxton
    12 votes

    An ambitious sports agent travels to India in search of undiscovered baseball talent, ultimately transforming the lives of two young men and his own in the process. This inspiring true story features a captivating performance by Jon Hamm as J.B. Bernstein, alongside Madhur Mittal and Suraj Sharma as Rinku and Dinesh, showcasing themes of perseverance, cultural exchange, and personal growth throughout its heartwarming narrative.

    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Craig Gillespie

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  • Draft Day
    11
    Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary
    14 votes

    A determined general manager faces immense pressure and personal turmoil as he navigates the high-stakes world of professional football to rebuild his team on the most important day of their season. Featuring a powerhouse performance by Kevin Costner as Sonny Weaver Jr., this captivating sports drama showcases the behind-the-scenes complexities, strategic decision-making, and intense negotiations that occur during the NFL Draft, while also exploring themes of loyalty, ambition, and redemption with an ensemble cast including Jennifer Garner and Denis Leary.

    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Ivan Reitman

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  • Sneakerheadz
    12

    Sneakerheadz

    Clark Kent, Rob Dyrdek, Mike Epps
    10 votes

    A devoted sneaker enthusiast embarks on a thrilling quest to acquire the world's most coveted kicks, navigating an underground subculture filled with colorful characters and cutthroat competition. With its fascinating exploration of sneaker culture and compelling interviews featuring prominent figures like DJ Skee and Wale, Sneakerheadz offers viewers an intriguing glimpse into the passion-driven world of high-stakes footwear collecting.

    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: David T. Friendly, Mick Partridge
  • High Flying Bird
    13
    André Holland, Zazie Beetz, Bill Duke
    3 votes

    A sports agent pitches a controversial business opportunity to a rookie basketball player during an NBA lockout, navigating the power dynamics of race and money in the world of professional sports. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this thought-provoking film explores themes of control and exploitation through captivating performances from André Holland as Ray Burke, Zazie Beetz as Sam, and Melvin Gregg as Erick Scott.

    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

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  • Michael Jordan to the Max
    14
    Michael Jordan, Laurence Fishbourne, Phil Jackson
    6 votes

    Immerse yourself in the world of basketball as a legendary player takes you on an unforgettable journey through his final NBA season. This captivating documentary showcases Michael Jordan's exceptional skills, dedication and impact on the sport while featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with teammates Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson, and narration by acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne.

    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: James D. Stern, John D. Stern, Don Kempf
  • Blue Chips
    15
    Nick Nolte, Mary McDonnell, Shaquille O'Neal
    4 votes

    A college basketball coach finds himself in a moral dilemma as he is forced to choose between maintaining his integrity or succumbing to the pressures of winning at any cost. This compelling sports drama, featuring Nick Nolte and NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, delves into the dark side of collegiate athletics while highlighting the importance of ethics and responsibility within competitive environments.

    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: William Friedkin

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  • Space Jam
    16
    Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito
    6 votes

    A retired basketball legend and a group of iconic animated characters join forces to win an intergalactic basketball game against powerful aliens. Michael Jordan's charismatic performance, alongside the beloved Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, coupled with innovative live-action-animation hybrid techniques and a memorable soundtrack, make this 1996 sports comedy film an unforgettable nostalgic experience for audiences.

    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Joe Pytka

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  • Hoop Dreams
    17
    William Gates, Arthur Agee, Sheila Agee
    7 votes

    Two ambitious teens navigate the world of competitive basketball, confronting challenges both on and off the court in pursuit of their dreams. The captivating documentary, featuring William Gates and Arthur Agee, is praised for its honest portrayal of inner-city life, racial issues, and educational inequality while showcasing the exceptional talent of these young athletes.

    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Steve James

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  • Rise
    18
    Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Maximiliano Hernandez
    2 votes

    Witness the inspiring journey of three Nigerian-Greek siblings as they overcome adversity to achieve success in the world of professional basketball. Rise, directed by Akin Omotoso and featuring a talented cast including Uche Agada, Ral Agada, and Jaden Osimuwa, masterfully captures the Antetokounmpo brothers' relentless determination and strong family bonds that propel them to stardom within the National Basketball Association.

    • Released: 2022
    • Directed by: Akin Omotoso

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  • What Men Want
    19
    Taraji P. Henson, Tracy Morgan, Aldis Hodge
    2 votes

    A successful sports agent gains the ability to hear men's thoughts, leading her on a hilarious journey of self-discovery and professional triumph. With Taraji P. Henson's captivating performance as Ali Davis and a supporting cast that includes Tracy Morgan and Aldis Hodge, this film delivers an entertaining blend of comedy, romance, and empowerment while exploring themes of gender dynamics in the workplace.

    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: Adam Shankman

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  • Like Mike
    20
    Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki
    4 votes

    A young orphan discovers a pair of magical sneakers that grant him extraordinary basketball skills, propelling him into the world of professional sports. The film showcases heartwarming performances by Lil' Bow Wow and Morris Chestnut, as well as cameos from NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson, creating a unique blend of fantasy and reality that appeals to both children and adults alike.

    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: John Schultz

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