The First Slam Dunk
2022 · Directed by Takehiko Inoue
Original language: Japanese
- animation
- comedy
- drama
The story
Shohoku's “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.
What it’s like
Kinetic, gritty animation with sketchbook linework and bursts of smeared motion, the basketball shot in a hybrid of hand-drawn figures and fluid 3D camera moves that swoop low across a polished gym floor. Squeaking sneakers, bounced balls, and crowd roar build to sudden silences, and the mood shifts to quiet grain-lit interiors for the flashbacks. Told largely from the point guard's eyes, it moves in tense, breath-held bursts of play punctuated by calmer character moments. The vibe is adrenaline with an undertow of wistful memory: competitive, earnest, and bruised rather than cruel. Violence is limited to sports contact and a few injuries, with some blood but no gore. Best for fans of sports films and anime who like a tournament built around rivalry and teamwork, and for viewers who want an energetic watch with real emotional weight.
More films like The First Slam Dunk
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved The First Slam Dunkand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
