Netflix Releases One of the Highest-Grossing Anime Films with a New Date

The First Slam Dunk Arrives on Streaming in August for U.S. Fans

When The First Slam Dunk was first released in December 2022, it caused quite a stir. Author and artist Takehiko Inoue was in charge of the writing and direction, making it the first anime adaptation of the series in decades. A lot of fans found the 3DCG to be divisive, but the animation in the movie received high praise from critics; CBR called it “a technical marvel, perfectly suited for the intense basketball sequences and bursts of violence throughout its runtime.” Key animator Kiyotaka Oshiyama, the director and writer of Look Back, who made his debut to widespread acclaim in June 2024, is a notable addition to the staff roster.

The First Slam Dunk Is the Most Successful Sports Movie in Anime History

The Opening Blow Dunk is by far the highest-grossing anime sports picture ever (The Numbers) and the sixth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time thanks to its enormous $280 million global box office gross. Toei Animation attributed its record-breaking 2022 box office year, in part, to the film and One Piece Film: Red. Although Inoue did not explicitly rule out a sequel, he also did not confirm it either, choosing to remain open-minded in the matter.

The First Slam Dunk is one of many well-known anime films and TV shows that Netflix will be releasing in the upcoming weeks. In addition to Blue Giant, which is one of Makoto Shinkai’s early feature films and Gundam’s best-selling movie ever, the Toei Animation picture Sailor Moon Cosmos will also be making its premiere on August 22. This information was just disclosed in a trailer.

The First Slam Dunk is licensed by GKIDS, and in June 2023 it will be released in theatres across the United States. Explained to official descriptions, “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.”