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The First Slam Dunk is a 2022 animated basketball film based on Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk manga. It follows Shohoku point guard Ryota Miyagi into the national tournament, where his team faces defending champion Sannoh. The film is available in Japanese and North American home-video editions; streaming availability depends on country and may have changed since Netflix’s 2024 announcement.
What is The First Slam Dunk about?
The film centers on Ryota Miyagi, Shohoku High’s point guard. According to Toei Video’s official synopsis, Ryota grew up in Okinawa following the example of his older brother. Now a second-year student, he joins Shohoku’s campaign in the national tournament and faces Sannoh, the reigning champion. The story puts Ryota in the foreground while the team competes on the court.
![The First Slam Dunk [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ac94Ed5IL._SL160_.jpg)
The film opened in Japan on December 3, 2022. Toei Video lists its running time as 124 minutes.
How does the film connect to the Slam Dunk manga?
The First Slam Dunk is based on Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk manga, serialized from 1990 to 1996. GKIDS described the work as “a beloved manga” in its April 1, 2024 home-video announcement. The film is directed by Inoue, marking his directorial debut.
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GKIDS reported in 2024 that the manga had sold over 185 million copies globally. That is the distributor’s stated figure, not an independently audited current sales total.
Where can you watch The First Slam Dunk?
Netflix announced on August 10, 2024 that the film began streaming exclusively in Japan on June 10, 2024, and would be available in 75 countries from August 25, 2024. Those dates document the announced rollout; they do not establish whether the film is currently in Netflix’s catalog in a particular country. Check the local service listing for present availability.
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For a physical copy, official releases include Japanese 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD editions, as well as a North American Blu-ray. Availability and retailer stock vary, so check a current listing in your market.
Is The First Slam Dunk available on Blu-ray?
Yes. Toei Video lists Japanese 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD editions released on February 28, 2024. GKIDS announced the North American Blu-ray release for June 25, 2024, distributed by Shout! Studios.
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![The First Slam Dunk - [4K UHD + Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41H7JZIcV+L._SL160_.jpg)
- The First Slam Dunk
The Japanese product page lists 124 minutes and Dolby Atmos audio for several editions. Its limited editions include bonus discs, booklets and collectibles; the special limited edition is a display-style box with 16 character cards. These are Japanese-market details, and the page’s yen prices are historical rather than current shopping guidance.
Before choosing a disc, verify its region compatibility, language and subtitle options, and included extras on the specific listing. The documented release announcements do not establish that Japanese and North American discs share the same specifications or bonus contents.
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![映画『THE FIRST SLAM DUNK』STANDARD EDITION [4K ULTRA HD Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51saWX-ejUL._SL160_.jpg)
- Standard UHD Blu-ray
How was the film received?
GKIDS reported that The First Slam Dunk won the 2023 Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation; it was Inoue’s first nomination and win. GKIDS also called it Japan’s highest-grossing domestic film of 2023. That is a ranking claim, not a box-office total.
Toei Video’s product page gives additional performance figures—¥39 billion worldwide gross, more than 37 million worldwide admissions, ¥15.73 billion domestic gross and more than 10.88 million domestic admissions—but does not clearly state an as-of date. Treat those figures as Toei Video’s published numbers with an unspecified date, rather than as current totals.
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![映画『THE FIRST SLAM DUNK』LIMITED EDITION（初回生産限定） [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417K6fox7BL._SL160_.jpg)
- First Press Limited Edition Blu-ray
Official sources
- GKIDS: The First Slam Dunk home-entertainment announcement
- Toei Video: Japanese home-video editions and film information
- Netflix: 2024 streaming rollout announcement
- GKIDS: North American Blu-ray release announcement
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
