Sports anime, like sports films, have become really popular. They’re not just TV anime s or comics anymore they’re a big part of our culture.
When we look at the most loved and famous sports anime ever made, it’s easy to see why they’re so special. The greatest sports anime have gripping stories about characters with interesting backgrounds, facing tough challenges, and achieving big wins.
They also tackle important themes like friendship, loss, family, and hard work. What’s more, the top sports anime have earned so much praise and love that they’re not just the best in their category, but they’re considered among the best anime ever made.
1) Slam Dunk
In 1990, mangaka Takehiko Inoue introduced what would later become one of the most cherished sports manga and anime worldwide.
Toei Animation began adapting it in 1993, and the most recent film in the series, The First Slam Dunk, was still a box office success.
Slam Dunk is widely recognized for boosting basketball’s popularity in Japan, cementing its status as one of the most influential sports stories in manga and anime history, if not the most influential of all time.
The story revolves around Hanamichi Sakuragi, a tough and troublesome gang leader aiming to win the heart of a girl by learning basketball.
His transformation into a skilled player and leader of a championship team has left a lasting mark on anime history.
For any anime fan who hasn’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch without delay. With all these elements combined, Slam Dunk rightfully earns its place as the greatest sports anime of all time.
2) Hajime no Ippo: Rising
Hajime no Ippo, created by George Morikawa as a manga in 1989, is often likened to Rocky. The protagonist, Ippo Makunouchi, is an underdog who enters the world of boxing after a professional boxer intervenes during one of his bullying encounters.
As Ippo learns the art of boxing, the heart of the story unfolds through rivalries, character interactions, and the personal growth that Ippo experiences throughout his journey.
Just like the main characters in Rocky or The Karate Kid, the protagonist of Hajime no Ippo: Rising is an underdog in a combat sport.
He discovers more about himself and others as he becomes stronger. Fans of either movie should definitely consider giving Hajime no Ippo a try, as the series has demonstrated its ability to connect with audiences over the long term.
3) Yuri on Ice
Yuri on Ice premiered in 2016 and was well-received. It follows Yuri Katsuki, a figure skater, as he struggles to figure out his future in competitive skating.
Along the way, he reignites his love for skating and also finds love. Despite being relatively new compared to other famous sports anime.
Yuri on Ice captured the hearts of not only anime fans but also real-life professional skaters. Its popularity soared when its choreography and soundtracks influenced real-world figure skating.
While Yuri on Ice doesn’t explicitly state that its two main characters are romantically involved, it’s evident that the series is ultimately a love story.
This makes it stand out as one of the rare LGBTQ sports anime. The heartfelt emotions, challenges, and unique focus on figure skating ensure that Yuri on Ice will continue to be a loved and popular watch for many years.
4) Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! is one of the most famous sports manga and anime series of recent times, and it’s easy to see why.
Produced by Production I.G, this manga-turned-anime follows Shoyo Hinata, whose perseverance and teamwork make the story exceptional, even though it’s relatively new compared to other popular sports anime.
It’s quite surprising that volleyball, a popular sport, hasn’t been explored much in anime. That’s why Haikyu!! stands out as it explores the sport, delivering thrilling action.
Production I.G. does an excellent job animating the intense sports scenes. Haikyu!! has won numerous awards, and although it has ended, it’s definitely worth watching as soon as possible.
Hinata’s determination, challenges, and the strong bonds that lead to success make it a must-watch sports anime.
5) Kuroko’s Basketball
Kuroko’s Basketball is a standout series that breaks typical sports manga norms. It was created as a manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki in 2008.
The story revolves around Tetsuya Kuroko, who joins a basketball team aiming to become the best in high school.
While it may seem like a regular sports story at first, Kuroko’s Basketball mixes in magical action with sports elements and storylines.
In Kuroko’s Basketball, each player appears to have their own special abilities, adding extra excitement and intrigue to the games.
The diverse cast of characters is motivated in interesting ways, and the main hero, despite being quiet, shines unexpectedly. Kuroko’s Basketball is a must-watch anime because it mixes traditional sports themes with fantasy elements.
6) Ace of Diamond
Ace of Diamond, originally a manga from 2006 to 2015, was turned into an anime by Madhouse and Production I.G., debuting in 2013.
It has since spawned several sequels and manga adaptations. The protagonist, Eijun Sawamura, dreams of becoming a star pitcher, known as an ‘ace,’ on the baseball field.
The series focuses on personal competition among teammates vying for the ace position, as well as the typical challenges and triumphs of a baseball season.
Ace of Diamond stands out from other baseball anime by putting a spotlight on the pitcher, which is an important position in baseball.
It’s refreshing to see the series give this role the attention it deserves. With a cast of characters driven by big dreams and exciting baseball action, Ace of Diamond is a must-watch for any baseball fan, as well as anime enthusiasts.
7) Yowamushi Pedal
Yowamushi Pedal premiered in 2013, but it already had a fanbase thanks to its popular manga series, which began in 2008 and was still ongoing.
With 84 volumes and five seasons, the anime follows Sakamichi Onoda, who joins a bicycle racing club. Produced by TMS Entertainment, this award-winning series stands out not only for its focus on cycling but also for its relatable otaku protagonist.
Yowamushi Pedal stands out among sports anime because of its comedy. It’s much funnier than most sports anime, which makes it really special.
With lots of humor and heart, Yowamushi Pedal is definitely worth checking out for anime fans, especially if they haven’t already fallen in love with it.
8) Major
While Major may not be as famous as some other modern sports anime, it definitely belongs among the best. Originally a manga by Takuya Mitsuda, serialized from 1994 to 2010, it was adapted into an anime in 2004.
This baseball anime follows Goro Honda, who dreams of becoming a professional pitcher like his father. What sets it apart is its extensive storyline, tracing Goro’s journey from his early days playing the sport to reaching the major leagues.
Major goes beyond the typical focus on just one championship or season, offering a storyline that spans a broader progression.
It has all the elements that sports fans enjoy, which has helped it build a dedicated fan base.
Notably, even MLB star Shohei Ohtani has expressed his love for the series in interviews, showing that Major isn’t just a engrossing story but also an inspiring one for aspiring athletes of all ages.
9) Initial D
Ideal for fans of the Fast and Furious movies (especially before they changed from street racing to secret agent adventures), Initial D focuses on Japanese street racing, much like Tokyo Drift.
It began as a manga in 1995 by Shuichi Shigeno and later became several anime stories, split into different Stages.
Many people first discovered the series through its popularity as internet memes, but the story of Takumi Fujiwara striving to become a respected racer is hard to top in its genre.
With awesome driving scenes and a lively soundtrack, Initial D is an exciting and underrated anime that stays true to its style throughout.
10) The Prince of Tennis
Not everyone might love The Prince of Tennis, but it’s a great sports anime for people new to the genre. It started as a manga series from 1999 to 2008.
The story is about a young tennis player named Ryoma Echizen who becomes really good at tennis, even better than his rivals. It also shows his school’s journey to win a team championship.
The storyline of The Prince of Tennis is pretty simple, and although the characters may not be as deeply developed as in other sports anime, it’s still one of the best-selling manga series and most popular sports anime ever.
People who’ve been into sports anime for a long time might think it’s not as complex, but for those new to the genre, it’s a fantastic starting point.
11) Free!
Free! is a popular anime from 2013 that’s all about swimming. It’s about Haruka Nanase, a great swimmer who really loves the water.
He and his friends face challenges in competitive swimming. Free! is loved for its beautiful animation and touching stories.
It has a big fanbase and people praise how it shows swimming. Even if you’re not into swimming, Free! is still something many people enjoy watching.
If you’re into anime and haven’t seen Free! yet, you should definitely give it a try. It’s got great characters, interesting stories, and amazing swimming scenes.
12) Blue Lock
Blue Lock is a popular anime about talented soccer players picked for a special training program called Blue Lock. The show tracks their quest to become the best strikers.
Blue Lock stands out for its fresh idea and exciting soccer scenes. It has a loyal fanbase and has been praised for how it shows soccer. Even if you’re not into sports, Blue Lock has something for everyone to enjoy.
If you love anime and haven’t seen it yet, Blue Lock is a must-watch. With its exciting characters, gripping stories, and thrilling soccer matches, it’s one of the best sports anime in recent years.
13) SK8 the Infinity
SK8 the Infinity is a recent anime series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Created by Studio BONES, it follows a group of skateboarders as they compete in exhilarating races and events.
The anime is praised for its dynamic animation and adrenaline-pumping skateboarding action. What sets SK8 the Infinity apart is its unique concept and high-energy storytelling.
It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and received acclaim for its portrayal of the skateboarding culture. Despite being centered around skateboarding, SK8 the Infinity appeals to a wide audience beyond just sports enthusiasts.
14) Megalo Box
Megalo Box, created by George Morikawa, packs a punch like no other. With its gritty portrayal of boxing, it’s often compared to classics like Rocky.
The story follows Joe, an underdog who enters the world of Megalo Boxing, a high-stakes combat sport, to find his place in the ring.
Just like the iconic heroes of Rocky or The Karate Kid, Joe undergoes a journey of self-discovery and growth as he faces formidable opponents.
Fans of these films should definitely give Megalo Box a shot, as it has proven its ability to attract audiences with its thrilling matches and compelling characters over the long run.
15) Baki
Baki, created by Keisuke Itagaki, is a powerhouse of martial arts anime. This series, which debuted in 1991 as a manga, has often been likened to iconic fighting stories like Fist of the North Star.
The protagonist, Baki Hanma, is a young martial artist determined to prove himself as the strongest fighter in the world.
Similar to the legendary heroes of martial arts classics, Baki faces intense battles and rivals, pushing himself to his limits to become unbeatable.
Fans of these kinds of stories should definitely give Baki a chance, as it has stood the test of time and continues to enthrall audiences with its intense fights.
Honorable Mention
Pay by Love by Homunculus
