Some of the best anime ever made are centered around sports. Sure, they’re not your typical series with powerful characters who fight with weapons or cast spells, but you can still expect action-packed scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The cast of interesting characters, each with unique and sometimes outrageous abilities, makes these shows even more exciting. Not to mention, the valuable lessons they offer add to their appeal, keeping fans coming back for every episode!
So, we’ve ranked some of the most entertaining anime focusing on a specific sport!
15. Inazuma Eleven
Inazuma Eleven revolves around a group of middle school soccer players in a universe where they can harness their energy to perform superpowered special moves during matches.
Released in 2008, the series became a popular franchise in Japan, spawning a manga, a TV series, and multiple video game sequels. Now, a remake of the first game is currently in development and set for release in June 2025. With that, the franchise is likely to regain its former glory!
14. The Prince of Tennis
Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy, faces creatively skilled opponents on his path to the championship in The Prince of Tennis. The series defies physics and logic, which has both entertained and divided viewers, particularly in later seasons.
With its manga selling over 60 million copies though, The Prince of Tennis has become a legendary sports anime, making it one of the best-selling series as of November 2019.
13. Yowamushi Pedal
Yowamushi Pedal hooks viewers with its unique premise, following Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku whose long-distance biking fuels his passions. As he becomes increasingly invested in cycling, he surprises serious competitors with his abilities.
With few cycling anime in the genre, Yowamushi Pedal has gained popularity, resulting in five seasons, an OVA special, and a live-action movie.
12. Yuri!! On Ice
Yuri!! On Ice is a critically acclaimed sports anime centered on figure skating, but its appeal goes beyond the sport. With stunning animation and a heartwarming story, it follows Japanese skater Yuri Katsuki as he overcomes anxiety to become a world champion, aided by his Russian coach, Victor Nikiforov.
Though just 12 episodes and one special long, the series leaves a lasting impact. A praised aspect is the genuine same-sex relationship between Yuri and Victor which avoids senseless queerbaiting and offers meaningful LGBTQ representation in the sports anime genre.
11. Megalo Box
In a futuristic world where underground fighting is a means of survival, Junkyard Dog, known as "Joe," enters Megalonia after losing to champion Yuri, who challenges him to a rematch. Lacking the mechanical enhancements called “Gears,” Joe must fight bare-handed against better-equipped opponents.
While Season 1 is an underrated gem, Season 2 showcases all the elements that make the franchise exceptional. With a great soundtrack, impressive retro-style animation, and a compelling plot, it leaves fans eager for more exciting boxing titles.
10. Blue Box
Badminton player Taiki has a crush on basketball star Chinatsu Kono, who seems out of his league. However, their after-school activities and shared living situations create a chance for romance.
Blue Box isn’t your usual sports anime filled with training arcs or fierce rivalries. Instead, it blends high school drama and romance with the characters' passion for their sports, making it one of the best romance and sports titles of 2024.
9. Chiyahafuru
The competitive card game Karuta takes center stage in Chihayafuru. Chihaya Ayase, a tomboyish yet beautiful girl, aims to become the Queen of this poetry game with the support of aspiring pros Arata Wataya and Taichi Mashima.
Chihayafuru shows that sports anime don’t need high-octane action to succeed. Since its debut in 2011, it has captivated audiences with its storytelling, likable characters, and stunning visuals. The character dynamics left a lasting impression, surprising many with how the series concluded in 2020.
8. Kuroko's Basketball
Kuroko's Basketball is one of the most out-there sports anime, featuring a cast of characters with special abilities. In fact, the main protagonist is known for having an almost invisible presence on the court, giving him an advantage in matches.
But it remains one of the top-notch sports anime for its fun character interactions, balanced pacing, and fluid animation, making it an enjoyable watch.
7. Blue Lock
Blue Lock is one of the most thrilling yet controversial series that gained worldwide attention in 2022, featuring interesting elements that make it a standout sports anime.
Season 1 introduced the battle royale-esque game of Blue Lock, unique characters with deep motivations, and intense soccer matchups. It did suffer from poor animation quality in its second season, but the overwhelming popularity of its manga still helped fans enjoy the anime for its story nonetheless.
6. Major
Goro Honda’s baseball journey is followed from his early childhood years up to adulthood in Major. The series, which aired in 2004, is praised for giving viewers the same excitement as watching a real baseball game, with the bonus of becoming attached to its characters and rooting for their success.
A sequel anime, Major 2nd, released in 2018, followed in its predecessor’s footsteps, this time focusing on Goro’s son.
5. Free!
Free! tells the story of five high school boys who form a club for their chosen sport—swimming. Through this sport, they build a tight camaraderie that is fun to watch as they work through their goals, fears, and insecurities.
From its superb animation to its engaging coming-of-age story, Free! is considered one of Kyoto Animation’s finest works. Free! The Final Stroke Part 2 is its latest movie, marking the end of the series.
4. Ping Pong the Animation
Most sports anime explore teammates’ bonds and relationships, often through their preparations or when they are actually playing together. But Ping Pong the Animation goes deeper into the inner struggles of its main leads, making viewers reflect on the challenges faced by talented and dedicated individuals.
Its moving story complements its unique animation, which truly sets it apart from most titles with similar themes.
3. Fighting Spirit
Fighting Spirit is one of the best anime featuring boxing, and its 35-year run is proof of its lasting relevance in keeping the franchise alive. Fans enjoy watching Ippo Makunouchi’s growth, and his hardships make his victories all the more satisfying.
The show excels in many aspects, particularly its realistic portrayal of the sport, hilarious dialogue, excellent voice acting, and memorable characters.
2. Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk is another beloved classic known for accurately capturing the essence of the sport and featuring players with distinct personalities that liven up the scenes. The show follows Sakuragi Hanamichi, a “self-proclaimed genius” who decides to impress his crush by playing basketball.
The anime did not adapt the manga’s final arc, but The First Slam Dunk, a sequel and prequel movie, later covered it. This time, Sakuragi’s teammate Ryota Miyagi takes the lead as the protagonist.
1. Haikyu!!
Production I.G.’s Haikyu!! is considered one of the best modern sports anime ever created, revolving around Shoyo Hinata’s journey in volleyball. Much like most anime on this list, Haikyu!! captivates audiences by making them care about its characters, combining humor and heartfelt moments as they showcase their unwavering spirit in every training session, practice, and game.
Haikyu!! has become a staple in sports anime, attracting a diverse fanbase and even contributing to a resurgence in interest in volleyball in Japan during its peak.
Make sure to follow our Anime Rocks My World Facebook page for more news and explainer articles about your anime!