What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe First Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue · Film · 2022
If you loved The First Slam Dunk, start with Slam Dunk (1993) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The First Slam Dunk across media.
What hooked you in The First Slam Dunk was the way the intensity of high-stakes competition mirrors the internal growth of athletes.
Start with the source
The source
Slam Dunk
Series · 1993
Books on the same thread
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 1
Koyoharu Gotouge · Book
Explores: revenge, sibling bond, tragic loss.
Just as The First Slam Dunk focuses on the emotional weight of personal history, this series captures the drive to overcome tragic loss through unwavering dedication and relentless physical pursuit.
Sooley
John Grisham · Book · 2021
Explores: rags-to-riches, athletic perseverance, immigrant experience.
Like the underdog spirit found in The First Slam Dunk, this story captures the grit of a young talent navigating immense pressure to prove himself on the basketball court.
Look Back
Tatsuki Fujimoto · Book · 2022
Explores: Artistic obsession, Creative collaboration, Grief and moving forward.
If you appreciated the deep character exploration within The First Slam Dunk, you will connect with this poignant look at how creative collaboration shapes our identities as we grow up.
Demon Slayer
Koyoharu Gotoge · Book · 2018
Explores: Sibling Bond, Grief, Moral Duty.
The First Slam Dunk excels at balancing heavy personal stakes with action, a dynamic you will recognize as Tanjiro fights to protect his family against overwhelming odds in this series.
Series on the same thread
Kuroko's Basketball
Series · 2012
Shares 3 threads with The First Slam Dunk: Teamwork, Overcoming Adversity, Underdog Story.
Fans of The First Slam Dunk will immediately recognize the familiar rush of team dynamics and the pursuit of excellence against legendary rivals that defines this high-energy basketball journey.
Haikyu!!
Series · 2014
Shares 3 threads with The First Slam Dunk: Teamwork, Overcoming adversity, Friendship.
Much like the competitive development in The First Slam Dunk, this series highlights the transformative power of teamwork and the resilience required to rise from an underdog position.
BLUE LOCK
Series · 2022
Shares 2 threads with The First Slam Dunk: Underdog Story, Sports Anime.
If the high-intensity gameplay of The First Slam Dunk kept you on edge, you will thrive on the psychological stakes and ego-driven competition featured in this elite soccer project.
Podcasts on the same thread
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
This podcast channels the same motivational energy that drives the characters in The First Slam Dunk, helping you translate their screen-based perseverance into your own daily life achievements.
Anime Grind
Podcast
Explores: Personal Growth, Goal Setting, Positive Mindset.
Just as the players in The First Slam Dunk find strength through their struggle, this show breaks down those iconic moments to provide fuel for your own personal growth goals.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The First Slam Dunk a direct sequel to the 1993 Slam Dunk television series?
The First Slam Dunk is a standalone film written and directed by Takehiko Inoue. While it features the same Shohoku High School basketball team as the 1993 Slam Dunk television series, it functions as an independent cinematic adaptation of the source material.
Do I need to watch the 1993 Slam Dunk anime before seeing The First Slam Dunk?
You do not need to watch the 1993 series to follow the story in The First Slam Dunk. This film focuses on the perspective of point guard Ryota Miyagi during the Inter-High School National Championship, providing a self-contained narrative experience for the viewer.
How does Ryota Miyagi's role in The First Slam Dunk compare to his character in the original series?
In The First Slam Dunk, Ryota Miyagi serves as the central protagonist. The film highlights his role as the team's speedster and point guard, showcasing his tactical approach to the game while he competes alongside his Shohoku teammates at the Inter-High School National Championship.
Does The First Slam Dunk cover the entire plot of the original Slam Dunk manga?
The First Slam Dunk does not adapt the entire original manga series. Instead, the film focuses on a specific narrative arc featuring Ryota Miyagi and the Shohoku team as they participate in the Inter-High School National Championship tournament.