What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedSlam Dunk
Series · 1993
If you loved Slam Dunk, start with The First Slam Dunk (Takehiko Inoue, 2022) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Slam Dunk across media.
If you loved Slam Dunk, you will appreciate these stories about unlikely underdogs finding their purpose through grit, teamwork, and relentless competition.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The First Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue · Film · 2022
Books on the same thread
My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi · Book · 2015
Explores: Underdog Story, Heroism, Legacy.
Just as Sakuragi finds his path through basketball in Slam Dunk, this story captures the spirit of an underdog striving to prove his worth within a challenging new environment.
Demon Slayer
Koyoharu Gotoge · Book · 2018
Explores: Sibling Bond, Grief, Moral Duty.
The intense drive to overcome personal limitations that defines Slam Dunk is mirrored here, as a character faces overwhelming odds and transforms through sheer force of will.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 1
Koyoharu Gotouge · Book
Explores: revenge, sibling bond, tragic loss.
The same focus on personal growth and the pursuit of a difficult goal found in Slam Dunk resonates in this tale of a protagonist dedicated to his mission.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Koyoharu Gotouge · Book · 2018
Explores: Sibling bond, Revenge quest, Demon hunting.
Much like the journey of Sakuragi in Slam Dunk, this narrative emphasizes the importance of persistence and the evolution of a character who refuses to accept defeat.
Films on the same thread
Space Jam
Joe Pytka · Film · 1996
Shares a thread with Slam Dunk: Teamwork.
If the basketball focus of Slam Dunk kept you watching, you will enjoy this high-stakes spin on the sport that relies on the same spirit of team cooperation.
Slap Shot
George Roy Hill · Film · 1977
Explores: Underdog Story, Blue Collar Life, Male Bonding.
The camaraderie and competitive fire that make Slam Dunk a classic are present in this story of a struggling team finding their identity through unconventional means and collective effort.
White Men Can't Jump
Ron Shelton · Film · 1992
Explores: Street Hustle, Racial Dynamics, Underdog Story.
The gritty street-level competition and the bond between teammates echo the core dynamics of Slam Dunk, focusing on the hustle required to succeed in a demanding sports world.
Cool Runnings
Film · 1993
Shares a thread with Slam Dunk: Teamwork.
The heart of Slam Dunk lies in the underdog overcoming doubt, a theme this film captures perfectly as a group bands together to achieve a seemingly impossible athletic dream.
Podcasts on the same thread
Stugotz and Company
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: absurdism, unfiltered opinion, camaraderie.
The irreverent humor and deep-seated love for sports culture found in Slam Dunk are reflected in this commentary, which celebrates the chaotic spirit of competitive play.
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
This podcast channels the same inspiration you derived from Slam Dunk, using the lessons of character growth and athletic ambition to help you tackle your own daily challenges.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Should I watch The First Slam Dunk before the 1993 TV series?
The 1993 Slam Dunk television series establishes the foundational story of Sakuragi Hanamichi joining the basketball team to win over Haruko Akagi. While The First Slam Dunk is a 2022 movie adaptation, starting with the original series provides the necessary context for the characters and the team's journey.
Is Slam Dunk based on a specific sport?
Yes, Slam Dunk centers on the sport of basketball. The plot follows Sakuragi Hanamichi, a high school student who joins his school's basketball team to impress Haruko Akagi, despite having no prior experience with the game. The team aims to conquer the national championship under the leadership of Haruko's brother.
What is the main premise of the 1993 Slam Dunk series?
The 1993 Slam Dunk series follows Sakuragi Hanamichi, a high school punk who joins the basketball team to win the heart of Haruko Akagi. He must learn the sport from scratch while the team works toward their goal of conquering the nation under the guidance of Haruko's brother.
How does the 2022 movie The First Slam Dunk relate to the original anime?
The First Slam Dunk is a 2022 movie adaptation based on the source material of the Slam Dunk franchise. It serves as a cinematic entry point for the story of Sakuragi Hanamichi and his teammates, who are dedicated to winning the national basketball title.