Is When They Were Young Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, When They Were Young is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 61 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
When They Were Young Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2011, When They Were Young enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Every NBA star can tell you exactly how they felt on the day they were drafted. Under the direction of the director, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from LeBron James. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, When They Were Young offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, When They Were Young resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, When They Were Young is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of When They Were Young centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Every NBA star can tell you exactly how they felt on the day they were drafted. It’s a time of anticipation and excitement as they are about to fulfill their ultimate dream: joining the NBA elite! Some, like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, have had hall of fame careers. Others such as LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are still writing their own legends. Each player has etched a unique path to stardom, but how did it all begin? In this action-packed program, the NBA takes you back in time, with rare high school and even youth basketball footage of some of your favorite superstars. Go behind the scenes to draft day and watch all-time greats like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade immediately electrify fans – and learn some hard lessons along the way that helped them become the incredible players they are today. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2011 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of When They Were Young has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a When They Were Young sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for When They Were Young (2011): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch When They Were Young Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
When They Were Young is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, When They Were Young stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When They Were Young movie hit or flop?
When They Were Young is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is When They Were Young worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, When They Were Young may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch When They Were Young online?
When They Were Young may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
More with LeBron James
The Blackout - Fat Joe Vs Jay-Z At The Rucker
Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants
2016 NBA Champions: Cleveland Cavaliers
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is When They Were Young movie hit or flop?
When They Were Young is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is When They Were Young worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, When They Were Young may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch When They Were Young online?
When They Were Young may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of When They Were Young?
When They Were Young is a Documentary movie that follows: Every NBA star can tell you exactly how they felt on the day they were drafted. It’s a time of anticipation and excitement as they are about to fulfill their ultimate dream: joining the NBA elite! Som...
Is When They Were Young family friendly?
When They Were Young is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is When They Were Young available in?
When They Were Young is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Every NBA star can tell you exactly how they felt on the day they were drafted. It’s a time of anticipation and excitement as they are about to fulfill their ultimate dream: joining the NBA elite! Some, like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, have had hall of fame careers. Others such as LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are still writing their own legends. Each player has etched a unique path to stardom, but how did it all begin? In this action-packed program, the NBA takes you back in time, with rare high school and even youth basketball footage of some of your favorite superstars. Go behind the scenes to draft day and watch all-time greats like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade immediately electrify fans – and learn some hard lessons along the way that helped them become the incredible players they are today.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.