The First Slam Dunk

Shohoku's brainy speedster Ryota Miyagi makes every game feel like a chess match, weaving through defenders with precision and calm. In his second year, he joins the high school team alongside Kaede Rukawa, Hanamichi Sakuragi, Takenori Akagi, and Mitsui as they enter the Inter-High National Championship. They stand on the cusp of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. The squad trains hard, forges trust, and tests their limits as a unit, juggling fresh ambitions with old rivalries. The focus stays on teamwork and personal growth rather than high drama, building toward a tense, crowd-pleasing pursuit of victory. These moments hinge on quick thinking and trust. The film also treats mentorship and camaraderie with gentle humor for new players.

Released in 2022, The First Slam Dunk is directed by Takehiko Inoue, who brought the project straight from the manga to the screen. The film adapts Inoue's Slam Dunk franchise with care, introducing new audiences to Shohoku's world for generations.

Worldwide box office revenue stands at about 258 million dollars, underscoring global interest in a high school basketball tale brought to life by Toei. The film performed strongly in Japan and international markets, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Critics welcomed the film as a faithful extension of the original manga praising energetic basketball sequences, character dynamics, and a focus on teamwork and resilience. Fans get fresh takes on familiar rivalries while humor sits alongside sincere drama. Some noted pacing, but the emotional payoff remains strong across generations worldwide.

Animation by Toei Animation brings Inoue's manga to life, with Inoue directing the film adaptation that honors the original artwork. The animation sharpens on fast breaks, intense defense, and crowd energy while staying faithful to the high school basketball vibe. The design preserves familiar silhouettes and team colors on screen.