Air Bud (1997)
The heartwarming family classic about a golden retriever with an unstoppable jump shot and the lonely boy who becomes his best friend.
Air Bud - Movie Information
- Original Title: Air Bud
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Charles Martin Smith
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 1997 (Canada - PG), August 1, 1997 (United States - PG), October 23, 1998 (United Kingdom - PG), September 16, 1997 (Germany - 0), April 29, 1998 (France), August 1, 1997 (Mexico - B)
- Alternative Titles: Air Bud - Champion auf 4 Pfoten (DE), Tobby, La Star des Toutous (FR), Můj pes Buddy (CZ)
- Production Companies: Keystone Pictures, Air Bud Entertainment
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
Air Bud - Plot
A lonely boy befriends a stray dog who has a natural talent for basketball and together they experience the highs and lows of life as their friendship remains solid through a series of escapades.
Air Bud - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see why this golden retriever became a legend:
He Sits. He Stays. He Shoots. He Scores.
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Air Bud - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Charles Martin Smith
Main Cast
- Kevin Zegers
- Wendy Makkena
- Michael Jeter
- Bill Cobbs
- Eric Christmas
- Brendan Fletcher
- Norman Browning
- Jay Brazeau
- Nicola Cavendish
- Stephen E. Miller
Writers
- Paul Tamasy
- Aaron Mendelsohn
Producers
- Robert Vince
- William Vince
Air Bud - FAQs
Is Air Bud based on a true story?
Yes! Air Bud is inspired by a real dog named Buddy, a golden retriever who genuinely could shoot basketball hoops. Buddy became a minor celebrity in the early 1990s after his owner, Kevin Di Cicco, showcased his remarkable skills, which eventually caught Hollywood's attention and led to this film.
Where can you stream Air Bud right now?
You can stream Air Bud on Disney Plus with a subscription. If you'd rather own or rent it, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. You can also catch it for free on Fawesome.
Who plays Josh in Air Bud?
Josh Framm is played by Kevin Zegers, who was just ten years old during filming. He delivers a genuinely heartfelt performance as the grieving, lonely boy who finds purpose and joy through his unlikely friendship with Buddy the basketball-playing golden retriever.
Is there really a rule against dogs playing basketball?
The film famously plays on this loophole — as Judge Cranfield points out, there's no rule that says a dog can't play basketball. This became one of the movie's most quoted and beloved moments, perfectly capturing its playful, feel-good spirit and making it a pop culture touchstone for 1990s kids.
What is Air Bud about?
Air Bud follows Josh Framm, a shy boy grieving his father's death, who moves to a new town and discovers a stray golden retriever with an astonishing ability to shoot hoops. As Josh joins the school basketball team, Buddy becomes his secret weapon — and his best friend.
What age rating does Air Bud have?
Air Bud is rated PG, making it a great pick for the whole family. The film deals with themes of loss and friendship in a gentle, age-appropriate way, though younger children may find the scenes involving Buddy's mistreatment by his original owner a little upsetting.
Did Air Bud launch a franchise?
Absolutely — Air Bud became the starting point for a surprisingly expansive franchise. It spawned several direct sequels featuring Buddy playing different sports, and later gave rise to the Air Buddies spin-off series following Buddy's puppies. The franchise has produced well over a dozen films across both series.
How long is Air Bud and who directed it?
Air Bud runs for 98 minutes — just under an hour and forty minutes — making it a comfortable watch for family movie night. It was directed by Charles Martin Smith, best known as an actor in American Graffiti, who brings a warm, unpretentious touch to this charming family adventure.
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