The First Slam Dunk

The First Slam Dunk (2022) is a Japanese animated sports drama film written and directed by Takehiko Inoue, the original creator of the Slam Dunk manga series. Produced by Toei Animation and Dandelion Animation Studio, the film serves as both a modern reimagining and a long-awaited continuation of the beloved basketball saga. Unlike the original anime, which largely focused on protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi, The First Slam Dunk shifts its narrative center to Ryota Miyagi, Shohoku High’s quick-witted point guard. The film explores Ryota’s backstory, his complex relationship with his late older brother, and his emotional drive to succeed on the court—all while leading Shohoku into a climactic match against the powerhouse team Sannoh High. Visually, the film blends 2D and 3D animation with remarkable fluidity. The basketball sequences are dynamic and hyper-realistic, captured with cinematographic precision and kinetic energy. Inoue, making his directorial debut, ensured the animation style stayed grounded in physical realism while retaining the expressive manga flair. The score by 10-Feet and a deeply emotional sound design amplify the high-stakes drama both on and off the court. The First Slam Dunk was a massive commercial success. It grossed over ¥15.7 billion (approx. $110 million USD) in Japan alone, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. Globally, it earned more than $272 million, with strong performances in South Korea, China, and other Asian markets. The film’s multigenerational appeal brought in both longtime fans of the 1990s series and a new generation of anime enthusiasts. Critically, the film received universal acclaim. It holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on a limited number of reviews) and was praised for its mature storytelling, emotional depth, and breathtaking animation. Reviewers highlighted the film’s bold choice to focus on Ryota rather than the more well-known Sakuragi, framing it as a story of grief, growth, and redemption wrapped in the structure of a high-stakes sports showdown. The film won Best Animation of the Year at the 46th Japan Academy Film Prize and earned top honors at the Animage Anime Grand Prix and the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival. It was also shortlisted for Best Animated Feature at several international festivals, solidifying its place as a standout in modern sports animation. The First Slam Dunk is now regarded as a landmark anime film—not just for sports fans, but for cinema lovers seeking high emotional stakes, technical excellence, and a grounded, human story. It revitalized the Slam Dunk legacy with a fresh vision and left an indelible mark on the genre.