The First Slam Dunk
Performance & Direction: The First Slam Dunk Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The First Slam Dunk (2022) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Slam Dunk features a noteworthy lineup led by Shugo Nakamura . Supported by the likes of Jun Kasama and Kenta Miyake , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The First Slam Dunk (2022) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.8/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: The First Slam Dunk
Quick Plot Summary: The First Slam Dunk is a Animation, Comedy, Drama film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Shohoku's “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The First Slam Dunk
Ending Breakdown: The First Slam Dunk resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of The First Slam Dunk demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The First Slam Dunk?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Animation cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre filmmaking
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: The First Slam Dunk
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $258.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: The First Slam Dunk
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The First Slam Dunk Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix
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Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreFandango At HomeThe First Slam Dunk Parents Guide & Age Rating
2022 AdvisoryWondering about The First Slam Dunk age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The First Slam Dunk is 125 minutes (2h 5m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.8/10, and global collection metrics, The First Slam Dunk stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2022 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Slam Dunk worth watching?
The First Slam Dunk is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The First Slam Dunk parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The First Slam Dunk identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The First Slam Dunk?
The total duration of The First Slam Dunk is 125 minutes, which is approximately 2h 5m long.
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Critic Reviews for The First Slam Dunk
Though the animation and pace of this film are really good, it's essentially a rather disappointing melodrama that wallows just a little too much in family angst! "Miyagi" is a young basketball player who lives very much in the shadow of his now deceased elder brother. His school team are always the underdogs but can they galvanise each other in order to raise their game and buck the trend, finally, of their fairly regular defeats. The characterisations themselves are quite well developed here, and the interaction between the players in their team presents us with quite a plausible dynamic of teenage stresses and strains - but unfortunately, for me at any rate, I found the underlying storyline just a little disappointing. Way too much sibling longing; the cave with their things in - all resonated for a while then started me wanting to shout "get over it"! If there is to be a "Second Slam Dunk", then I hope Miyagi doesn't get all loved up! It's scored to within an inch of it's life, which is also a bit irritating, but it does feature great action animation, though, from producers who clearly understand this fast-moving and dynamic sport.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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