Directed by Sydney Freeland, Rez Ball is a captivating sports drama that draws inspiration from the non-fiction book Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation by The New York Times journalist Michael Powell. The film premiered on Netflix on September 27, 2024, and has received enthusiastic reviews.
Featuring talented performers like Kauchani Bratt and Jessica Matten, Rez Ball narrates the journey of a Native American high school basketball team known as the Chuska Warriors based in Chuska, New Mexico. As they gear up for the state championships, disaster strikes when their star player is sidelined.
This powerful film showcases Native American culture and explores themes of resilience, discipline, and teamwork set against the backdrop of competitive sports.
Movies Similar to Rez Ball: Edge of America, Running Brave, and More
1) Black Cloud – Amazon Video
Directed by Rick Schroder and featuring Eddie Spears, Russel Means, and Tim McGraw, Black Cloud is a sports drama that tells the story of a young Navajo man named Black Cloud (played by Eddie). After getting involved in a fight with his girlfriend’s ex, he draws the ire of the local Sheriff. When an Olympic Scout witnesses his skills in the boxing ring, he is offered a chance to try out for the US Olympics, but Black Cloud struggles with the idea of representing White America.
Ultimately, he must confront his issues with anger and identity to seize the opportunity and train for the prestigious boxing event. This inspiring narrative delves into sports alongside the essence of Native American culture, echoing themes similar to those in Rez Ball.
2) Edge of America – Amazon Prime Video
Edge of America, directed by Chris Eyer and starring James McDaniel, is a poignant sports drama inspired by real-life events. The film follows Kenny Williams (McDaniel), an African-American teacher who transfers to an American Indian school in Utah, where he takes on the role of coaching a girls’ basketball team.
This movie effectively highlights cultural differences, as both the coach and his team work to overcome biases and embrace unity. Like Rez Ball, it addresses sports while exploring important racial issues.
3) Running Brave – YouTube
Directed by Donald Shebib, Running Brave is a biographical sports film that tells the inspiring story of athlete William Mervin Mills, known as Billy Mills, a Native American athlete whose real name is Tamakhóčhe Thehíla.
The film chronicles Mills’ challenges as he strives to join the American running team for the Olympics, rising from obscurity to fame. Viewers witness one of the most exhilarating moments in sports history when Mills, who started in third place, sprints to claim the gold medal in the 10,000-meter race at the 1965 Tokyo Olympics—an achievement unmatched by any other American runner. Much like Rez Ball, it reflects the perseverance and spirit of Native Americans in the realm of sports.
4) Crooked Arrows – Amazon Prime Video
In Crooked Arrows, directed by Steve Rash and starring Brandon Routh, the plot centers around Joe Logan (Routh), a mixed-blood Native American who aims to revitalize his casino. However, to do so, he must first coach the struggling high school lacrosse team on the reservation, a condition set by his father, the tribal chairperson.
As Logan struggles to connect with his players, he realizes the need to instill pride in their cultural heritage and the significance of honoring their roots. Similar to the Chuska Warriors in Rez Ball, the lacrosse team embraces their Native American identity to build confidence.
5) Remember the Titans – Amazon Prime Video
Remember the Titans, directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington as coach Herman Boone, is a remarkable film based on true events. The story unfolds as Boone attempts to integrate racial tensions within the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia during the year 1971.
Boone and his assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) work tirelessly to bridge racial divides and lead their team to the state championships. This film was an instant hit and, like Rez Ball, it emphasizes the power of community and unity in the world of sports.
6) Indian Horse – Amazon Prime Video
Based on Richard Wagamese’s book, Indian Horse is directed by Stephen S. Campanelli and is a poignant Canadian drama. It tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Indigenous Canadian who is sent to a residential school in Ontario, where he faces harsh treatment from his instructors.
Saul’s passion for ice hockey offers him an escape from his struggles and becomes a metaphor for overcoming oppression. Like Rez Ball, this film highlights the resilience of the Indigenous experience through sports.
7) Friday Night Lights – Amazon Video
Directed by Peter Berg, Friday Night Lights is based on the book Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger, which chronicles the true story of the 1988 Permian High School Panthers football team.
The plot follows new coach Gary Gaines (played by Billy Bob Thornton) as he strives to restore confidence in his team after a pivotal player sustains an injury. Like Rez Ball, the narrative depicts a sports team on a quest for revival following the loss of a key player. Notably, director Sydney Freeland has acknowledged that his film drew inspiration from Friday Night Lights.
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