Just as sports films have captured audiences’ hearts, sports anime have risen from the ranks of TV shows or comic-inspired series to become cultural phenomenons. And looking at the most beloved and popular sports anime ever released, it isn’t hard to see why.
The best sports anime series deliver compelling character histories, challenges, and victories. They also deliver on important themes like friendship, loss, family, and dedication. If all of that wasn’t enough, the top ranks of sports anime have also captured enough acclaim and devotion to not only be recognized as the best of their subgenre… but be seen among the top anime of all time.
20 Captain Tsubasa
Based on the Manga by Yōichi Takahashi
Captain Tsubasa is a great sports anime featuring a protagonist in the classic shonen-spokon style, who builds friendships and inspires rivals throughout his journey. Ozora Tsubasa is charismatic, kind, and very talented when it comes to soccer.
Captain Tsubasa
received a remake in 2011, available on Prime Video.
The series is full of exciting matches with spectacular and exaggerated techniques, as audeinces follow Tsubasa’s journey from his first amateur games to being a professional. Another highlight of Captain Tsubasa is the large supporting cast and relevant themes, especially for younger audiences, exploring topics such as perseverance, the pursuit of ones dreams, and teamwork.
19 SK8 The Infinity
Original Anime Series By Studio Bones
From the makers of Mob Psycho 100, My Hero Academia, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood comes this skateboard anime that dazzled fans back in 2021. Set in Okinawa, there is an underground skating competition called S where competitors race down dangerous courses and take on dangerous paths. Reki, a skateboard diehard, befriends the quiet transfer Langa and takes him to watch S. Langa is dazzled by the world of skateboarding and is very good at it, which makes sense given his experience with snowboarding.
Besides the fantastic action animation, the allure of SK8 The Infinity is its characters and their flamboyant and unique character designs. The fashion is amazing, the characterization works hand in hand with the eye-catching looks of the cast. The dynamic of the duo is really heartwarming too, and the friendship and rivalry of Langa and Reki is a cornerstone of the series.
18 Run With The Wind
Based on the Manga by Shion Miura
Fans interested in discovering different kinds of sports may be interested in Run With the Wind, an anime that takes viewers into the world of long-distance running, specifically focusing on a university relay marathon race known as the Hakone Ekiden, a highly regarded race that takes place every year in Japan.
The series follows former star runner Kakeru Kurahara after he’s caught shoplifting, crossing paths with fellow university student Haiji Kiyose. Haiji is impressed by Kakeru’s speed and invites him to live in Chikusei-sou, eventually asking him to join the Track Club. This take on a less-explored sport provides a compelling narrative that strikes a balance between humor, drama, and genuinely heartfelt moments.
17 IGPX
Original Anime Series Created By Production I.G. & Cartoon Network
Though it is a mech show, the Cartoon Network original anime IGPX follows the arc and structure of the best sports anime. The series follows the up-and-coming team Satomi as they compete in the IGPX, or The Immortal Grand Prix, a competition where teams of three race in mechs. Team Satomi consists of hot-shot forward Takeshi, loud and brash defender Liz, and mild-mannered mid-fielder Amy, who also serves as the team’s tactician. Together they compete in G-1, the IGPX’s top tier, to try and become the best team.
Fans of movies may recognize Haley Joel Osment as the voice of Takeshi and Michelle Rodriguez as the voice of Liz.
Nothing done in IGPX is exactly revolutionary, but instead, what the series excels in is telling a standard sports story exceptionally well. The characters are compelling, the animation courtesy of Production I.G. is outstanding, and each episode is consistently engaging. Additionally, IGPX’s mechs add a fun twist to what would have otherwise been a standard racing story. The result is that IGPX stands among the greatest sports anime.
16 Blue Lock
Based on the Manga By Kaneshiro Muneyuki
Blue Lock blends the classic battle-royale genre with sports in an unexpectedly exciting and inventive way, focusing on competitive soccer matches and exploring themes such as the mental challenges of the players and the competition of professional sports.
The anime kicks off after Japan was knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and to rebuild their soccer program and regain their former glory, the Japanese national team hires coach Jinpachi Ego. He comes up with a plan: isolate 300 young strikers in a state-of-the-art training center called ‘Blue Lock’. The goal is to turn one of those selected into the national team’s top scorer through a rigorous training program akin to a life-or-death battle-royale elimination game.
15 Megalobox
Original Anime Inspired By Asao Takamori’s Ashita No Joe
Though sports anime tend to be more grounded, there is also a certain subsection of fantasy or science fiction sports anime such as Megalobox. The series follows a man known only as Junk Dog who starts competing in the titular Megalobox sport. The sport is essentially a boxing match where each fighter is equipped with an ultrapowerful exoskeleton that gives them devastating strength.
Even with its fantastical premise and dystopian setting, Megalobox perfectly captures what makes the best sports anime so compelling. Junk Dog’s struggle to the top is absolutely riveting, and it’s thrilling to see him improve and grow at his chosen sport with each match. Megalobox is also a great anime for any fan who’s looking for something a little more mature from a sports anime.
14 The Prince of Tennis
Based on the Manga By Takeshi Konomi
Although reactions to The Prince of Tennis may not be as universally positive as others, it remains a perfect sports anime for newcomers. Beginning as a manga that was serialized from 1999 to 2008, the series follows young tennis player Ryoma Echizen as he excels beyond his competition, quickly becoming a certified tennis ace. At the same time, following his school’s efforts to win a team championship.
The plot is very straightforward, and while the cast of characters may not be as fleshed out as other sports anime, The Prince of Tennis still manages to be one of the best-selling manga series and most popular sports anime series of all time. Long-time fans of the genre might find it less nuanced, but for viewers new to sports anime, it’s a great introduction.
13 Initial D
Based on the Manga By Shuichi Shigeno
Perfect for fans of the Fast and Furious series (particularly before it shifted from street racing to secret agent superheroics), Initial D centers on the same Japanese street racing the film series emulated for Tokyo Drift. Beginning as a manga in 1995 from Shuichi Shigeno, the series exploded into numerous anime stories, divided into “Stages.”
Though many viewers were introduced to the series through its popularity as meme fodder online, the tale of Takumi Fujiwara on his mission to become a respected racer is hard to beat in its genre. With incredible driving sequences and an upbeat soundtrack, Initial D is a thrilling and underrated anime, sticking to its lane every step of the way.
12 Yuri on Ice
Original Anime Series Created by Studio MAPPA
Yuri on Ice debuted in 2016 to a warm welcome, following its hero Yuri Katsuki, a figure skater trying to decide what his future in competition will hold. During his journey, he rediscovers his passion for skating, as well as love. While not as old as some other iconic sports anime, the series enraptured not just the usual anime crowd, but also professional skaters, too (gaining popularity when its choreography and soundtracks leaped real-world figure skating).
Real-world figure skater Kenji Miyamoto is largely responsible for
Yuri on Ice’s
choreography.
Though the series never outright confirms that its two central characters are love interests, it’s clear that Yuri on Ice is a love story at heart. This gives the series a unique edge as one of the few LGBTQ sports anime. The heart, struggles, and emotion of Yuri on Ice, as well as its uncommon sport of focus, guarantee it will remain a must-watch for years to come.
11 Yowamushi Pedal
Based on the Manga By Wataru Watanabe
Yowamushi Pedal first aired in 2013, but had already garnered fans due to its success as a manga series still being serialized after its 2008 debut. Spanning 84 volumes and airing five seasons, the series follows Sakamichi Onoda, who joins a bicycle racing club. The award-winning series from TMS Entertainment has stood out not only for focusing on cycling, but also for the appeal of the otaku protagonist.
Yowamushi Pedal
is a big franchise in Japan, with several seasons of the anime beyond the first and a handful of movies.
Part of what makes the series so unique among sports anime is the series’ comedy. Few sports anime are even half as funny as Yowamushi Pedal, making the series quite notable and helping it stand out. With plenty of humor and heart, Yowamushi Pedal is a series that anime watchers should take a chance on (if they aren’t hooked already).
10 Chihayafuru Explores A Niche Sport In A Beautiful Way
Based on the Manga By Yuki Suetsugu
It is quite amazing how popular Chihayafuru got despite the main sport being very niche, but it speaks a lot to the storytelling, drama, and character writing of the series that invested fans long enough to learn the karuta game. Chiha meets a talented karuta player, Arata, who believes she can be a great player and they become friends. Unfortunately, they are separated, and years later when she joins high school, she and her childhood friend, Taichi, form a karuta club and thus starts her journey of becoming a great karuta player.
Few series are as emotional and dramatic as Chihayafuru, and the respect the series gives to its cast is unmatched. The cast is phenomenal and many get amazing and realistic character development, the card game is very interesting and the players’ state of mind is depicted very well too. While Chihayafuru doesn’t revolve around more exciting sports such as basketball or football, the creator did a great job of making it as engaging as possible, and the series surely rewards any fan of sports series for stepping out of their comfort zone.
9 Kuroko’s Basketball
Based on the Manga By Tadatoshi Fujimaki
Created first as a manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki in 2008, Kuroko’s Basketball is a stand-out series for breaking typical sports manga conventions. It follows the titular character, Tetsuya Kuroko, as he joins up with a basketball team hoping to become the top contender at the high school level. While initially seeming typical, the series blends magical action with sports tropes and plot beats.
The players each seem to have their own superpowers, allowing the games to feel extra suspenseful and intriguing. The broad cast of characters are also motivated in compelling ways, while the main hero is an unexpected and very quiet star. Kuroko’s Basketball is a must-see anime that blends traditional sports anime with fantasy-esque elements.
8 Ping Pong The Animation
Based on the Manga By Taiyo Matsumoto
Unique doesn’t begin to describe the wonderful and ambitious animation of Ping Pong The Animation. From the studio behind hits like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Psycho-Pass comes the story of Smile and Peco, two childhood friends with opposite personalities and an unbreakable bond. Peco, a genius who skips practice, is defeated by a Chinese player, leading him to question why he even plays the sport. Meanwhile, Smile suffers from holding back in a match, and coach helps him overcome this self-imposed restraint. This is a journey of two friends finding meaning with a sport they love.
The story is amazing and an inspiring tale of two differing characters who navigate ping pong, but the animation is what truly sells it. With a very distinct art style, fluid animation and movement, gorgeous backgrounds, vibrant visuals and amazing soundtracks, the production of Ping Pong The Animation couldn’t have been any better. The story was already amazing but the animation took it to another level and really shows just how much important good production is in storytelling.
7 Ashita No Joe Lit A Fire In Within Japan
Based on the Manga By Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori
There are very few series that take over an entire nation like Ashita No Joe, inspiring millions of Japanese fans in dark times. Following the orphaned drifter, Yabuki Joe, the troubled teen meets former boxing coach Danpei who takes Joe under his wing. However, Joe’s antics lead him to prison, and although this was a major setback, he finds a rivalry worth becoming serious about boxing and thus starts his journey of making use of his habit of violence.
Ashita No Joe translates to Tomorrow’s Joe, and this theme is exactly what draws people in. The series’ core message is having hope that tomorrow will be better and that we should work to ensure that it is so. Striking a cord within the nation that was recovering from war and financial depression, Joe became an emblem of hope for many and inspired people to continue fighting. With an amazing protagonist, uplifting message, amazing combat, and a fantastic bittersweet conclusion, Ashita No Joe is a staple of not just the sports genre but the manga medium itself.
6 Ace of Diamond is a Series About Big Dreams and Big Action
Based on the Manga By Yuji Terajima
Ace of Diamond is another series that began as a manga (2006 – 2015) before being adapted into an anime by Madhouse and Production I.G., first airing in 2013 (and spawning multiple sequel series and manga since). The hero of the story is Eijun Sawada, who wants to be a star pitcher, or an ‘ace’ on the baseball diamond. The series provides personal competition as teammates compete to become an ace, as well as the usual ups and downs of a season of league baseball.
Far from just another baseball anime, Ace of Diamond features a unique hook by focussing primarily on a pitcher. This role is quite important in baseball, so it’s great to see Ace of Diamond pay it so much respect. With a cast of characters outfitted with big dreams and engrossing baseball action, Ace of Diamond needs to be on the watchlists of any baseball fan, and anime fan besides.
5 Haikyu!!
Based on the Manga By Haruichi Furudate
Haikyu!! is one of the best-known sports manga and anime of the modern era – and it’s no wonder why. Another Production I.G series, this manga turned anime follows Shoyo Hinata, whose determination and team-building throughout the series make the tale a stand-out (despite how young it is relative to other hit sports anime).
Volleyball is a popular sport, which is why it’s so surprising that Haikyu!! is one of the few anime to really dive into the sport. The result is thrilling and shows why Production I.G. is one of the best studios for animating high-intensity sports action. Haikyu!! has won several awards, and though it has concluded, it is worth jumping into sooner than later. Hinata’s perseverance and struggles, as well as the camaraderie that builds into success, makes this a must-watch sports anime.
4 Grand Blue
Based on the Manga By Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka
Although Grand Blue is known for its incredible comedy and hilarious dynamics, it is fundamentally a sports anime as the characters bond through their interest in scuba diving. Iori Kitahara moves far from home for university and lives with his relatives who own a diving shop. Excited for a fresh start, his hope for a normal college life is crushed when he meets the wild diving club and is coerced into joining. From naked drinking parties and unexpected vacations, Iori finds a home with a group of people he never expected to be associated with.
This hilarious not only deals with the beauty of the ocean and how rewarding it is but also the challenges of it by making the protagonist fear it and slowly learn to embrace nature. Despite their cartoonish antics and gags, the side characters are real people with real problems like life after university and family, giving Grand Blue a human touch while also maintaining the comedy that draws in so many. Although the series has just one season, the future is bright for the franchise and more news will come according to the production team.
3 Major is a Story That’s Inspired Real World Athletes
Based on the Manga By Takuya Mitsuda
While less widely known or cited than some other modern sports anime, Major deserves a spot among the best sports anime. First launched as a manga by Takuya Mitsuda and serialized from 1994 to 2010, followed by an anime airing in 2004, this baseball anime follows Goro Honda, who strives to be a professional pitcher like his father. What makes it unique is the length of the story, taking Goro from his early years playing the sport all the way to the major leagues.
While demonstrating a progression far beyond one championship or season, Major has all the hallmarks sports fans love, but also enjoys a fan base including all-star MLB pitcher and hitter, Shohei Ohtani. The major league player has mentioned his love for the series in interviews, proving it isn’t just a compelling story, but an inspiring one for aspiring athletes of all ages.
2 Hajime no Ippo: Rising
Based on the Manga By George Morikawa
Created by George Morikawa as a manga in 1989, Hajime no Ippo has often been compared to Rocky. This underdog hero is Ippo Makunouchi, who enters the world of boxing when a professional boxer interrupts one of many instances of bullying in the young man’s life. After Ippo learns how to box, the heart of the story comes from rivalries, character interactions, and the growth that Ippo undergoes as a result.
Like the titular hero of Rocky or The Karate Kid, the hero in Hajime no Ippo: Rising is an underdog in a combat sport, who learns about himself and others the stronger he gets. Fans of either film should give Hajime no Ippo a chance, as the series has proven it can resonate long-term with audiences.
1 Slam Dunk
Based on the Manga By Takehiko Inoue
In 1990, mangaka Takehiko Inoue debuted what would become one of the most beloved sports manga, and eventually anime, in the world. Beginning with Toei Animation in 1993, the most recent film of the series The First Slam Dunk was still a box office hit. Slam Dunk is credited with increasing basketball’s popularity in Japan, making it one of the most influential sports stories in manga and anime… if not the most influential of all time.
Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue has another basketball manga called REAL that focuses on players in wheel chairs.
The series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, an intimidating, trouble-making gang leader who hopes to impress a girl by learning how to play basketball. His journey to becoming an accomplished player and leader of his championship team is already etched in anime history, so if any anime fan has yet to see it, it’s a wrong to right sooner than later. All of this adds up to Slam Dunk being the greatest sports anime of all time.
