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White Men Can't Jump

White Men Can't Jump

Play hard. Hustle harder.

2023101 minRMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all films
Director
Calmatic
Starring
Sinqua Walls, Jack Harlow, Lance Reddick, Teyana Taylor

Seemingly opposite street hoopers, Jeremy, an injury prone former star, and Kamal, a has-been prodigy, team up to take one final shot at living out their dreams.

Where to watch

Where can I watch White Men Can't Jump?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists White Men Can't Jump streaming on Hulu via Disney+ and Tubi (free).

Subscription

via Disney+Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about White Men Can't Jump?

White Men Can't Jump earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Preferred by Women.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is White Men Can't Jump worth watching?

White Men Can't Jump's Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all films, from 62K ratings across 6 sources. 32% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of films

27th percentile among Comedy27th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)27th
Approval (how many liked it)26th

54 /100

27th percentile of all films

28th percentile among Comedy29th percentile among 2020s

Critics 40 · Audience 56

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

32% liked it

26th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Comedy27th percentile among 2020s
32% rated it 7–1068% rated it 1–6

Critics 26% · Audience 59%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

85th percentile

62K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Comedy86th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the remake does not match the original's energy or charm.

Fans praised

  • enjoyable, fun, feel-good watch despite not surpassing the original
  • leads Jack Harlow and Sinqua Walls show strong on-screen chemistry
  • witty dialogue and humor, especially from supporting cast

Detractors panned

  • leads lack chemistry and charisma compared to original cast
  • basketball scenes are poorly shot, sluggish, and unexciting
  • story feels aimless, lacking emotional engagement and payoff

What stands out

HumorDivisive50

divisive: many fans laugh at race jokes, detractors say comedy falls flat

DialogueDivisive50

fans enjoy witty banter and race jokes, detractors find it forced and unfunny

ActingDivisive45

polarizing: fans cite Harlow's natural charisma, detractors call him wooden and miscast

CharactersDivisive40

fans find leads likeable and relatable, detractors see no depth or motivation

PacingDivisive40

fans call it brisk and modern, detractors say it drags and feels rushed

Plot and storyDivisive35

predictable, formulaic, loses the original's grit and stakes

Emotional impactDivisive35

fans find heart in interpersonal moments, detractors see no genuine emotion

Originality25

widely panned as an unnecessary, inferior rehash of a classic

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 14 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is White Men Can't Jump like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is funny and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
JoyfulThrillingWarm
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film aims for a relaxed, cool vibe with playful humor, but the execution feels flat and charmless.
The rideA lighthearted sports comedy with joyful and thrilling moments, building to a climactic game.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end structure as the pair meet, plan, and compete in the tournament.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves a light, entertaining impression without lasting depth.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeTwo street-basketball hustlers team up to con opponents and compete in a tournament, following a mission to win and earn cash.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about a partnership forged through basketball and hustle, and how that bond challenges and supports personal ambition within a local community.
StanceThe film celebrates the bond and hustle of its duo within the local basketball scene.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
PopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingThe basketball courts and streets of Los Angeles

Content guide

Is White Men Can't Jump okay for kids?

R

White Men Can't Jump is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive language and some drug material” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (59/100), sexual content at minimal (12/100), language at severe (87/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (36/100) and frightening material at mild (27/100). Overall it is heavier than 36% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France16
  • Ireland16
  • New ZealandR13
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria12
  • Belgium16
  • BGD
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary16
  • LTN-16
  • LU16
  • LV16+
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/16
  • PRR
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan15+
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 60% of all filmsHeavier than 36% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 6%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 85%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 37%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 13%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does White Men Can't Jump have?

MovieCove's classifier found 1 depicted content warning in White Men Can't Jump: Addiction or relapse (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildAddiction or relapse

Cast and crew

Who is in White Men Can't Jump?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Sinqua Walls
as Kamal
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jack Harlow
as Jeremy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Lance Reddick
as Benji
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Teyana Taylor
as Imani
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Laura Harrier
as Tatiana
Myles Bullock
as Renzo
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Vince Staples
as Speedy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zak Steiner
as Phillip Williamson
J. Alphonse Nicholson
as Jermaine
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Aiden Shute
as Drew
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like White Men Can't Jump?

Movies like White Men Can't Jump include I Love You, Man (2009), White Men Can't Jump (1992) and Let's Be Cops (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, all are buddy comedies, and most are films set in Los Angeles.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: friendship. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with White Men Can't Jump?

997 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: con artist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.