The Air Jordan Brand is an icon in the industry. It’s an icon that has not only made an impact on the sport’s world, but also the world of Pop Culture. Below are the most memorable appearances by Jordan shoes in film.
Do The Right Thing (1989) – Air Jordan IV
Spike Lee’s 1989 film, Do The Right Thing, became an instant classic. It took on controversial topics like race relations and police brutality with no filters. Do The Right Thing would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Lee would go on to craft many other memorable and important films, but Do The Right Thing is a standout in his career. Lee’s Do The Right Thing featured the Jordan IV in a memorable scene and helped the shoe transcend the game of basketball. Lee would take part in many popular Air Jordan ads as Mars Blackmon.
Space Jam (1996) - Air Jordan XI “Space Jam”
The Air Jordan 11 is one of the most innovative and unique sneaker designs of all time. The use of patent leather on the 11 made it not only a standout for the Air Jordan franchise, but also the sneaker world. Designer Tinker Hatfield looked at premium fashion and luxury as a blueprint for the 11. The 11 is one of Jordan Brand’s most popular models. Michael Jordan plays himself in Space Jam and interacts with cartoon aliens and the beloved Looney Tunes characters. The Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” is worn by MJ in the movie.
He Got Game (1998) - Air Jordan 13
The Air Jordan 13 is the last shoe MJ wore for a complete season with the Chicago Bulls. He would wear the 14 briefly in the NBA Finals and would later return to play for the Washington Wizards, but the 13 was the last shoe he would lace up for a season with the Bulls. In many ways, the 13 represents the end of an era. The 13’s cultural relevance was cemented by its appearance in Spike Lee’s He Got Game. Denzel Washington’s character in the film has a memorable scene where he purchases the 13. He Got Game is one of the all-time great sports films.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Air Jordan 1 “Origin Story”
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse released in 2018. Into the Spider-Verse is one of the best animated films ever made. It took the Spider-Man mythos and did something completely new and exciting with it. The film was a huge hit with Marvel fans, families, and lovers of great filmmaking. Miles Morales, who starred in the film as a new iteration of Spidey, was a normal kid growing up in New York City. Like any normal kid of today, Miles was into Air Jordan sneakers. He wore Air Jordan 1 sneakers in the film, which Jordan Brand released a version of in 2018, the Air Jordan 1 “Origin Story.”
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) – Air Jordan 1 “Next Chapter”
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse released in 2023. Across the Spider-Verse had a tough task on its hands, it had to top Into the Spider-Verse as a sequel. Most belief that the Spider-Verse sequel surpassed the first animated film in multiple ways. It showcased a darker and richer story. The characters were more fleshed out and new layers were added. The animation was even more awe inspiring and more impressive. The Marvel film was a huge success. Once again, a pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers were worn by Miles Morales in the film. Jordan made the shoe available in 2023, the Air Jordan 1 “Next Chapter.”
- Adam C. Better
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