IMDb 6.6 1994 HD

Above the Rim

Above the Rim

1994
Crime Drama Thriller
96 min R USA
6.986 / 10
6.6 IMDB

Story of a promising high school basketball star and his relationships with two brothers, one a drug dealer and the other a former basketball star fallen on hard…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Jeff Pollack
Starring
Duane Martin / Tupac Shakur / Bernie Mac / Marlon Wayans / Leon / Wood Harris / Michael Rispoli / David Bailey

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

gritty compelling authentic intense predictable memorable powerful raw well-acted thought-provoking impactful

Reviews

P
Priya Sharma
May 16, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This film offers a gritty exploration of a young man's struggle against his surroundings. Duane Martin effectively conveys the pressures on his character, Kyle, a promising basketball player caught between two worlds. Tupac Shakur provides a standout performance,…

O
Oliver Finch
May 16, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

More than just a basketball film, 'Above the Rim' is a starkly realised portrait of ambition and the choices that define a life. Duane Martin delivers a nuanced performance as Kyle, navigating the treacherous waters of his environment.…

S
Sophia Davies
May 16, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'Above the Rim' touches on important themes of choice and consequence, its narrative often treads predictable paths. Duane Martin is solid as the conflicted teen, but it's the supporting players, especially Tupac Shakur, who inject much of…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 16, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A potent slice of 1990s urban cinema, 'Above the Rim' succeeds through its commitment to authenticity and strong central performances. Duane Martin embodies the conflicted protagonist with a believable mix of ambition and vulnerability. Tupac Shakur is electric,…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 16, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This drama offers a compelling, if familiar, look at the pressures facing a gifted young athlete. Duane Martin anchors the film as Kyle, a high school basketball star whose future hangs precariously between the court and the siren…

FAQs

Released in the mid-1990s, 'Above the Rim' has garnered a reputation for its authentic portrayal of basketball culture and urban life during that era. Its performances, particularly from Tupac Shakur, and its exploration of relevant social themes have contributed to its enduring appeal and recognition within certain film circles as a noteworthy entry.