Above the Rim

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Above the Rim

R

1994

1h 33m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

22 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

A high-school basketball star (Duane Martin) is torn by loyalties to a drug dealer (Tupac Shakur) and an ex-player (Leon).

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Anderson Jones

Detroit Free Press

Apr 26, 2022

2/4

Films with principally African-American casts shouldn't have to mean hats cocked sideways, baggy jeans around the knees, slithery drug dealers and voiceless women. Not even in service of a fast break. Or buck.

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Karen McCluskey

Empire Magazine

Mar 25, 2008

2/5

It ain't got game.

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Brian Lowry

Variety

Mar 25, 2008

A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws.

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Scott Thomas

Buffalo News

Feb 29, 2024

2/5

The plot is a predictable slide toward the big game.

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JK Sooja

Common Sense Media

Aug 29, 2022

3/5

Gun violence, language in solid '90s basketball drama.

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TV Guide

Mar 25, 2008

2.5/4

A superficial and predictable sports drama with an inner-city background, Above the Rim nevertheless offers engaging characters, fast-paced direction, and strong performances.

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Honey T

@RT93040660 Sep 13, 2026

This movie is a Black classic! It will be in the top ranked movies of the culture for eternity. Only the culture would understand its significance. Tupac Shakur and Leon were absolutely impressive!

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Caz M

@CazMartino Apr 13, 2026

The only thing that really holds up for this movie is the final game at the end. It's mediocre until that point.

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matt B

@RT02357977 Mar 21, 2026

Tupac on one of his acting nests beside Juice. Why can't I find QNY platform to watch it on though. Only available on DVD..... Are they trying to bury it on purpose and why?

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Mar 7, 2026

Successful drama in 1 hour and 33 minutes. Ages 17 and older.

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Shakil S.

@SHAKIL504 Dec 25, 2025

GOATED MOVIE!!! SHEP

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Mo S.

@9mr_0 Dec 14, 2025

فيلم بين المتوسط والضعيف

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Jeff Pollack

Director

Duane Martin

Kyle Lee Watson

Leon

Shep

Tupac Shakur

Birdie

David Bailey

Rollins

Tonya Pinkins

Mailika

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Synopsis

A high-school basketball star (Duane Martin) is torn by loyalties to a drug dealer (Tupac Shakur) and an ex-player (Leon).

Director: Jeff Pollack
Producer: Jeff Pollack, Benny Medina, Ina Mayhew
Screenwriter: Barry Michael Cooper
Production Co: New Line Cinema
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 23, 1994, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.0M
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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