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He Got Game

Play trailer Poster for He Got Game R 1998 2h 14m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
81% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington) has spent the last six years in prison after accidentally killing his wife during a violent domestic dispute, leaving his son, star basketball prospect Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: He'll be given a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, with the promise of a shortened sentence if he succeeds.
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He Got Game

He Got Game

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Critics Consensus

Though not without its flaws, He Got Game finds Spike Lee near the top of his game, combining trenchant commentary with his signature visuals and a strong performance from Denzel Washington.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Rechtshaffen The Hollywood Reporter May 3, 2019
As a director, Lee continues to hone his considerable craft and is unafraid to take creative risks along the way. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy Variety Mar 25, 2008
B
Lacking the moral indignation and militant politics of Lee's former work, this vibrantly colorful father-son melodrama is soft at the center, but it's one of the most accessible films Lee has made and Denzel Washington is terrific. Go to Full Review Andrew Sarris Observer Apr 27, 2007
At the end of Mr. Lee's movie, all you feel is the distraction of Mr. Lee's stylistic exhibitionism, without which, I concede, he might not be regarded as a genius in some quarters. Go to Full Review Lawrence Ware The Root Oct 13, 2023
A
“He Got Game” shows that being young, gifted and Black in America is not easy. In fact, if you’re not careful, it can destroy you. Go to Full Review Farah Cheded A Good Movie To Watch Sep 23, 2023
Transcends the usual limits of the sports drama to become an operatic tale of temptation and forgiveness. Go to Full Review Barbara Shulgasser Common Sense Media May 15, 2020
3/5
Spike Lee sports drama has strong language, violence, sex. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad Oct 3, 2026 He Got Game is a *4* star movie! See more Fro T @frothizzlereviews Sep 18, 2026 A gritty sports flick that Denzel knocks out of the park. Ray Allen might not be the best actor, but I found him to be tolerable. Milla Jovovich also has a nice performance here as the prostitute next door. The camerawork is a bit wonky, but the soundtrack is banging! 8/10 See more Shawn E @Bahllusyourmouthous Sep 11, 2026 Typical spike Lee "cigarette butt" the part where everyone says he has game" is so fake and obnoxious wow spike, Michael Jordan deserves an Oscar for appear. Stupid takes you out of the movie so badly done like a fake documentary. Big name dropper and professional Knicks nut Licker See more Antony B @RT29664284 Aug 23, 2026 He Got Game is Spike Lee at his most passionate. A bruising, soulful story about basketball, family, ambition, and the impossible weight of expectations. Denzel Washington brings real emotional gravity to the role, while Ray Allen is remarkably natural at the center of the storm. The basketball scenes have electricity, but it’s the father-son relationship that gives the film its heart. Smart, intense, and deeply human. A sports movie with a lot more on its mind than the final score. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Aug 13, 2025 Success in 2 hours and 14 minutes. Ages 17 and older. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Jun 28, 2025 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Read all reviews
He Got Game

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Cast & Crew

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Spike Lee

Director

Denzel Washington

Jake Shuttlesworth

Ray Allen

Jesus Shuttlesworth

Milla Jovovich

Dakota Burns

Rosario Dawson

Lala Bonilla

Hill Harper

Coleman 'Booger' Sykes

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He Got Game

He Got Game (1998) He Got Game (1998) He Got Game (1998) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington) has spent the last six years in prison after accidentally killing his wife during a violent domestic dispute, leaving his son, star basketball prospect Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), to fend for himself. One day, the prison warden (Ned Beatty) approaches Jake with an unusual offer: He'll be given a week of parole to convince Jesus to attend the governor's alma mater, with the promise of a shortened sentence if he succeeds.
Director
Spike Lee
Producer
Jon Kilik, Spike Lee
Screenwriter
Spike Lee
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 25, 1998, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$21.6M
Runtime
2h 14m
Sound Mix
Surround
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