Do you need to watch the original Space Jam to understand Space Jam 2?

Space Jam 2 aka Space Jam: A New Legacy is now playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max. Do you plan on watching the movie this weekend, but never got to see the original? If that’s the case and you’re afraid you won’t understand it, we’re here to help!

The original movie premiered in 1996, so most of you were not old enough to remember the movie. It stars Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes.

After Bugs Bunny and his crew are threatened to be enslaved by aliens, they make a deal: If the Looney Tunes win a basketball match against the aliens, they are free. Of course, they have no chance of winning alone, so they recruit NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

What follows is non-stop fun — well, it depends on who you ask. Critics weren’t too kind, but there’s a reason why the original Space Jam is still so iconic, the fans! It’s nostalgia fun and the fact that there’s no other movie like it. And if you need more proof of that, well, there’s Space Jam 2! If the movie wasn’t such a huge pop culture mainstay, there wouldn’t be a revival.

However, is the original movie a must-see before Space Jam 2? Here’s what we think!

Do you need to watch Space Jam before Space Jam 2?

Simply put, no. You will understand HBO Max’s Space Jam 2 just fine even if you haven’t seen the original.

I do recommend it, though! In fact, if you have a subscription to HBO Max and that’s how you’re watching Space Jam 2, why not watch the first one while you’re at it? It’s streaming on HBO Max as well.

If you don’t have the time, again, it won’t be a problem. The new movie makes jokes and references about the original, but you’ll be able to follow along just fine.

Are you going to watch the new movie this weekend? If so, will you be going to your local movie theater or streaming it on HBO Max?