With over 7,000 movies to watch on Netflix, it can be hard to land on just one. That’s why I check out what’s trending on the streaming service to bring you four top choices for the week, using metrics like popularity, ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, and individual preference. This week, a new inside basketball documentary has us chasing hoop dreams.
Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom
It’s easy to think that once you hit the pros, it’s all gravy, but there are cautionary tales aplenty out there. The latest Untold sports documentary on Netflix, The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, follows the life of the 6’10” power forward from Jamaica, Queens, to the NBA. With fame came attention, and his marriage to Khloe Kardashian after just a month of dating kicked off a downward spiral that ended with him being found comatose in a Nevada brothel.
The Redeem Team
Thankfully, Lamar Odom was able to pull his life together. There’s nothing we love more than a comeback story, which is why basketball documentary The Redeem Team is next on the list. After the traditionally incredibly dominant US basketball team finished third at the 2004 Athens Olympics, the demoralizing loss forced the best ballers in the country to get serious and learn to work together. It’s a strong watch with lots of cool behind-the-scenes Olympic footage.
The First Slam Dunk
One of the coolest things about the Japanese manga industry is its wide range of subject matter. Slam Dunk, which debuted in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in 1990, is a perfect example. The story of a high school delinquent turned basketball player is wildly addictive, with a rich supporting cast and tons of plot twists. This 2022 animated adaptation of the series’ final match won raves from fans for its brisk action and solid characterization.
High Flying Bird
The machinations behind sports contracts are enough to drive even the most stable athlete to the brink, and that’s the fertile ground that Steven Soderbergh explores in 2019’s High Flying Bird. Andre Holland plays Ray Burke, an agent who is trying to save his job by snagging up a newly drafted player’s contract during a negotiating lockout. When a video of two prospects goes viral, he leverages it to accomplish his own goals, with mixed results. Interestingly, Soderbergh shot the whole thing using an iPhone 8 with an anamorphic lens.
Recommended by Our Editors
-
Director: Steven Soderbergh
-
Stars: Andre Holland, Zazie Beetz, Melvin Gregg
-
Genre: Drama
-
Rating: TV-MA
-
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Want to see everything that’s new on Netflix this month? We’ve got you covered.
Get Our Best Stories!
Your Daily Dose of Our Top Tech News
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy
Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Our Expert
K. Thor Jensen
Contributing Writer
Experience
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.
Latest By K. Thor Jensen
-
The 5 Best Weekend Deals On Can’t-Miss Tech From Beats, Motorola, Ring, and More
-
April Brings Deep Desktop Discounts on Computers From Dell, HP, Lenovo, and More
-
We’re Keeping Our Eyes Locked on April’s Best Monitors Deals From Dell, LG, Samsung, and More
-
What’s New to Watch on HBO Max the Week of April 10, 2026
-
What’s New to Watch on Disney+ and Hulu the Week of April 10, 2026
-
More from K. Thor Jensen
Read Full Bio
