Anime movie ‘The First Slam Dunk’ heads to North American theaters this summer

(Featured Image Source: Takehiko Inoue / Toei Animation / Shueisha) / GKIDS Films)

Take to the court this summer with the Shohoku High School basketball team when the anime film The First Slam Dunk heads premieres in North American theaters!

“Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure.

Born and raised in Okinawa, Ryota had a brother who was three years older. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a famous local player from a young age, Ryota also became addicted to basketball.

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.”

via GKIDS Films

SLAM DUNK is a manga series written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. It tells the story of a high school delinquent who, after meeting the girl of his dreams and learning she likes basketball, joins his school’s team, discovering a skill and love of the sport. It would later get an anime adaption and several anime films.

The First Slam Dunk is written & directed by series creator Takehiko Inoue, with animation by Toei Animation. It is the first Slam Dunk movie in 27 years and will follow Ryota Miyagi and his high-school basketball team as they face off against the champions.

The First Slam Dunk will be released in North American theaters this summer. Keep an eye on the scoreboard over at GKIDS.com to see the latest updates.

You can stream the anime series now over on Crunchyroll.

(Source: GKIDS.com)

Anime NYC 2025 has wrapped up, so make sure to check out our coverage to see what happened at NYC’s largest anime convention! And stay tuned! Anime NYC 2026 is set for August 20-23! We will keep you up to date as they announce their special guests, event lineup, and when badge sales go live!