How to watch

Slam Dunk follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a hot-headed delinquent who joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl and unexpectedly discovers a genuine talent for the sport. With its mix of comedy, sports drama, and heart-stopping games, the franchise remains a cultural touchstone in Japan and around the world.

🕐 Release Order

Release order takes you from the original television series through the classic short films and up to the modern feature.

1. Slam Dunk (1993 TV series)
2. Slam Dunk (1994 film)
3. Slam Dunk: National Domination! Sakuragi Hanamichi (1994 film)
4. Slam Dunk: Roar!! Basket Man Spirit (1995 film)
5. Slam Dunk: Howling Fierce Wind! (1995 film)
6. The First Slam Dunk (2022 film)

The short films were released alongside the TV series, while The First Slam Dunk retells and expands the story's climactic game from a fresh perspective.

📖 Story Chronology

The core story runs through the 1993 series, with the short films acting as side games and The First Slam Dunk dramatizing the pivotal Sannoh match.

1. Slam Dunk (1993 TV series) — Sakuragi joins Shohoku and the season unfolds
2. The four theatrical shorts (1994-1995) — side matches during the series
3. The First Slam Dunk (2022) — the legendary game against Sannoh

Which Order Should You Choose?

Newcomers should begin with the 1993 anime series to build a bond with Sakuragi and the Shohoku team, then finish with The First Slam Dunk for a stunning, emotional payoff. If you're short on time, The First Slam Dunk works surprisingly well as a standalone film thanks to its focus on Ryota Miyagi, but it hits hardest once you know these characters. The vintage short films are optional treats for dedicated fans.

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Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!