Dragon Ball Z is so iconic that it’s almost synonymous with the word “anime.” Yet, despite defining an era, it’s not the best anime of the 1990s. That title belongs to another legend: Slam Dunk.
When Originals Outshine Adaptations
The 90s were the golden age for original anime series like Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Revolutionary Girl Utena. These shows redefined what animation could express, making it tough for manga adaptations to break new ground in quality.
Still, among these masterpieces, Slam Dunk (1993) from Toei Animation rose powerfully. Not only is it the greatest sports anime ever made, it also stands as a pinnacle symbol of the entire decade.
Slam Dunk: The Art of Adaptation Perfected
Based on Takehiko Inoue’s acclaimed manga, the series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a rebellious high schooler who joins the basketball team just to impress a girl named Haruko. What follows is a perfect blend of personal growth, humor, and intense emotion as Sakuragi develops a genuine passion for the sport.
Slam Dunk stands out among its peers thanks to consistently high-quality animation. As a sports anime, it uses motion in ways manga cannot. Combined with outstanding sound effects and a classic soundtrack, Slam Dunk fully harnesses the power of animation.
Why Slam Dunk Surpasses Dragon Ball Z
While they share some similarities, Slam Dunk holds a small but crucial advantage over its Toei sibling.
Dragon Ball Z made a few minor changes from Akira Toriyama’s manga that had major effects. Toriyama himself expressed dissatisfaction with how the anime portrayed Goku as a more straightforward hero than in the original. Along with some character misrepresentations and pacing issues, Dragon Ball Z sometimes lacks the direct impact found in the manga.
In contrast, despite including some filler episodes, Slam Dunk remains absolutely faithful to Takehiko Inoue’s vision. Every artistic choice and message from the legendary mangaka is preserved intact on screen.
Currently, Slam Dunk is available on Netflix alongside the concluding film The First Slam Dunk. If you’re looking for a classic anime experience that’s completely different from Dragon Ball Z’s transformations and battles, Slam Dunk is a must-watch at least once in your life.