The Basketball Diaries (1995)
A talented high school athlete's world unravels as addiction drags him into a bleak, gritty spiral.
A high school basketball player’s life turns upside down after free-falling into the harrowing world of drug addiction.
How intense is The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What The Basketball Diaries feels like
- Tone
- grittybleakmelancholyintimate
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
- True story
- Yes, based on a book.
Where to stream The Basketball Diaries
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Basketball Diaries for you?
Is The Basketball Diaries scary?
No. The Basketball Diaries is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Basketball Diaries gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Basketball Diaries sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is The Basketball Diaries OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries runs 1h 42m.
Where can I stream The Basketball Diaries?
The Basketball Diaries is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Basketball Diaries have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
No. Brace yourself.
Cast and crew
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