Above the Rim is a 1994 American sports drama film co-written and directed by Jeff Pollack in his directorial debut.

Considered the conclusion to Cooper's "Harlem Trilogy" (the preceding films being New Jack City (1991) and Sugar Hill (1994), the film tells the story about a promising New York City high school basketball star, and his relationships with a drug dealer and a former basketball star, now employed as a security guard at the high school he was a promising young star for the past years.

Some of the basketball scenes were filmed at Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York.

He must decide whether to play for and follow his widely beloved basketball coach Mike Rollins or Birdie, a local drug dealer in the neighborhood.

Thomas "Shep" Sheppard, a former standout player himself, now works as a high school security guard.

After the loss, Birdie orders Motaw, his star player and gang member, to kill Kyle.

Variety said "A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws, which should conspire to prevent any high flying at the box office.