Kobe Bryant would have turned 47 years old this year. Sadly, he passed away tragically in January 2020 at the age of 41. On his birthday, the news that a biopic is in the works for the Los Angeles Lakers legend made fans happy. The legendary Kobe deserves a movie that will tell his story. But this will not be the first one. Let’s take a look at some great Kobe Bryant movies that can get you ready for the upcoming biopic.
Three Kobe Bryant Movies to Watch Before the Biopic
Kobe Bryant – The Black Mamba
The Black Mamba was a Nike commercial about the making of a fictional movie, with Robert Rodriguez pitching Kobe the story. It was a story about a hero called The Black Mamba. The two have a conversation about what happens in the movie and how it would end. While it is a commercial more than a movie, it is worth seeing, as Kobe talks about what makes the Black Mamba so great.
The fictional movie sees Kobe squaring off against a monster-like villain like Danny Trejo, before playing against Bruce Willis. In the end, he fights zombie basketball players led by Kanye West. Nike released it in February 2011 as part of a marketing campaign to promote the new Kobe shoes.
Kobe Bryant’s Muse
This Kobe documentary goes behind the stats to explore his career, focusing on the mentorships, allies, and rivalries that came along. It tells the story of the impact Kobe and his career had on the NBA, and uncovers his greatest personal challenge, the ACL injury.
Through the documentary, we see Kobe reveal his vision for a better career and a better life. Through his words, you understand his dream and determination, how he strives to be the best version he can be.
But most importantly, the movie shows the daily grind of practice and training. There are legendary stories about Kobe working out. But this movie goes beyond the stories and shows the therapy that pro athletes have to endure to make a recovery from a major injury.
Dear Basketball
If anyone ever doubts Kobe’s love for the game and how competitive he was, play them this short movie. The animated film was written and narrated by Kobe himself. Glen Keane directed and animated it, experimenting with new techniques.
The movie is based on a letter Kobe wrote for The Player’s Tribune on November 29th, 2015, when he announced his retirement. In the movie, he describes his love for the game from his childhood days. The movie begins with making a dunk as the game clock is running out, and then goes on to reminisce about his childhood, describing what inspired him to give his body, mind, spirit, and soul to the game.
Think of the movie as a love letter from Kobe to his great fans. Watching this short movie, listening to his voice years after his passing, brings goose bumps to every fan. With the movie, Kobe achieved another milestone that probably no basketball player will surpass: an Academy Award.
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