Coach Carter is a 2005 American biographical sports drama film starring Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Thomas Carter. It is based on the true story of Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter, who made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results. The screenplay was co-written by John Gatins and Mark Schwahn. The cast features Rob Brown, Channing Tatum (in his film debut), Debbi Morgan, Robert Ri'chard, and singer Ashanti.

The film was a coproduction between MTV Films and Tollin/Robbins Productions. It was commercially distributed by Paramount Pictures for theatrical release and home video rental. The film explores professional ethics, academics, and athletics. The sports action in the film was coordinated by Mark Ellis. On January 11, the film's soundtrack was released by Capitol Records, and the film's score was composed and orchestrated by musician Trevor Rabin. Coach Carter was released in the United States on January 14, 2005, and earned $76.7 million on a $30 million budget. It received a varied reception from critics.

In Richmond, California, Ken Carter becomes the coach of Richmond High School's basketball team, the Oilers, for which he once played. The team is initially undisciplined and disrespectful. Carter implements strict contracts requiring the players to sit in the front rows of their classes, maintain a 2.3 GPA, and submit to progress reports on grades and attendance. Despite parental opposition, most players sign the contracts, though some, including talented player and drug dealer Timo Cruz, walk out. Principal Garrison questions Carter's strict approach, doubting the players' ability to meet his demands.

Carter imposes a rigorous training regimen focused on conditioning and teamwork. His son, Damian, joins the team after transferring from a private school. Cruz eventually asks to rejoin, agreeing to complete a series of tough exercises. Although he falls short, his teammates help him finish, allowing him to rejoin the team.

Team captain Kenyon Stone struggles with his girlfriend Kyra's pregnancy, leading to tension between them, with Kenyon wanting to go to college and knowing a baby will stop this from happening. Another player, Junior Battle, is suspended for skipping classes. His mother, Willa, pleads with Carter, who reinstates Junior after he apologizes.

The team improves, bonding with Carter and becoming undefeated in the regular season. After winning a holiday tournament, the team sneaks out to a party, which Carter interrupts. He later discovers some players are failing academically and locks the gym, directing the team to study until they meet the contract's terms.

Cruz angrily quits the team again, but after his cousin Renny is gunned down in a drug deal gone wrong, he apologizes to Carter and begs to rejoin the team. Carter's gym lockdown draws media attention and community outrage. He argues that the boys need education to avoid a life of crime or limited prospects. At a school board hearing, Carter declares he will resign if the lockdown is lifted. Despite support from Principal Garrison and the board's chairwoman, the lockdown is ended by the majority vote.

Carter prepares to leave, but the team, inspired by his message, chooses to continue studying instead of playing. Cruz, responding to Carter's repeated query about his deepest fear, quotes from A Return to Love, thanking Carter for saving his life.