Summary
- Best sports anime combine sports themes with unique twists, making them entertaining for all viewers.
- Popular sports anime explore various sports from bodybuilding to cycling, appealing to diverse interests.
- Sports anime like Yawara! and Captain Tsubasa showcase the journey of athletes and emphasize hard work and perseverance.
Sports are an important part of any society and can inspire tremendous works of art, which is why it’s no surprise that the best fitness and sports anime stand as titans of the medium. More than just a niche, the history of sports anime is heavily tied into the history of the medium in general. Series that grow popular enough have gone on to be huge influences even outside of their genre.
Unlike most feature films and live-action TV shows, these all-time best sports anime series may not always be grounded in reality, but, because the medium brings a whole new quirky twist to sports, these shows can often be as entertaining as some of the best athlete biopics—if not more so. On that note, from traditional uplifting dramas to genre-bending sports comedies, even those utterly uninterested in sports may find something of interest.
20 How Heavy Are The Dumbbells You Lift? (2019)
Animated By Doga Kobo & Based on the Manga By Yabako Sandrovich & MAAM
Since How Heavy Are The Dumbbells You Lift is a more adult anime that thrives on fan service and distinctly anime feel-good humor, it may not be to everyone’s taste. But, for anyone who has been in the pursuit of bodybuilding or regular fitness, the comedic stylings of How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? are enough to entertain. The central character of the series is gluttonous high schooler Hibiki Sakura. When her expanding waistline begins to concern her, she decides to turn her life around and joins a gym—but she must conquer insurmountable and often hilarious odds to stick to her fitness journey.
19 Kengan Ashura (2019)
Animated by Larx Entertainment & Based on the Manga by Yabako Sandrovich and Daromeon
Depending on how viewers experience martial arts, it can sometimes be overlooked for its potential when overlapping with combat sports. In Kengan Ashura, the business world secretly resolves its disputes using essentially hired gladiators in Kengan matches. At the show’s beginning, Ohma Tokita unwittingly incapacitates the chosen fighter for the Nogi Group corporation. Despite the show’s use of 3D animation, a point of contention for viewers, it is quite well-executed, bringing manga panels to life with strong combat animation.
18 Eyeshield 21 (2005)
Animated By Gallop & Based on the Manga By Yusuke Murata & Riichiro Inagaki
American football isn’t particularly popular in Japan, though it’s surprising to discover that the country actually does have a professional league for the sport known as the X-League. American football was also represented briefly through the relatively short-lived anime series Eyeshield 21. When the timid Sona Kobayakawa develops a hidden talent for running and evasion after years of eluding school bullies, he anonymously joins an American football team, wearing a face-concealing visor and going by the moniker Eyeshield 21. Eyeshield 21’s unique hook and compelling cast of characters undeniably mark it as one of the best sports anime ever.
17 Yowamushi Pedal (2013)
Animed By TMS Entertainment & Based on the Manga By Wataru Watanabe
Yowamushi Pedal’s Sakamichi Onda is a high school otaku whose interests do not exceed the bounds of anime and general nerd culture. However, when a famous cyclist and fellow student happens to discover Sakamichi’s surprising prowess on his bulky, beach cruiser-like bike, he’s roped into the world of cycling. A series about coming out of one’s shell and discovering new passions and interests as much as it is about cycling, Yowamushi Pedal adds quite a bit of personality and intrigue to a sport that isn’t often covered in most media.
16 Captain Tsubasa (2018)
Animated by David Production and Studio Kai, Based on the Manga by Yoichi Takahashi
While its portrayal of soccer gameplay is unrealistic, Captain Tsubasa is commonly regarded as the best adaptation out of several to tackle the classic sports manga. Tsubasa Oozora starts the series as a young kid with aspirations to play for Japan at the FIFA World Cup, with the series, in turn, inspiring many of the world’s all-time great footballers to pursue the sport as a career. Even with its exaggerated animation, which often creates more bombastic portrayals of the sport, the series wins over the hearts of longtime Captain Tsubasa fans with great animation and strong character development.
15 The Prince Of Tennis (2001)
Animated By Trans Arts & Production I.G., Based on the Manga By Takeshi Konomi
Premiering back in the mid-aughts, Prince of Tennis drifts away from the typical sports anime narrative. Instead of focusing on an underdog character, it tells the story of a star player, Ryouma Echizen. The young boy joins the Seishun Gakuen Junior High School after moving to Japan from the West. With his presence, the team becomes a force to be reckoned with. However, despite being a great player, Ryouma wishes to become the finest tennis player in Japan and create his own legacy instead of living under his father’s shadow.
14 Chihayafuru (2011)
Animated By Madhouse & Based on the Manga By Yuki Suetsugu
Spanning over several seasons and OVAs, Chihayafuru has an intriguing card game called Karuta at its fore. Both physically and mentally demanding, the game draws its inspiration from the classic Japanese anthology of Hundred Poets. The main protagonist of the series, Chihaya, first comes across this game when she meets transfer student Arata Wataya.
It’s this fateful encounter that changes her life for the better and introduces her to the fascinating world of competitive Karuta. Adapted from the manga of the same name, the storyline of Chihayafuru is replete with well-developed characters and plot points. Madhouse Studio’s stellar work with the show’s animation is a bonus that ranks it among the greatest sports anime ever.
13 Major (2004)
Animated By Studio Hibari & SynergySP, Based on the Manga By Takuya Mitsuda
A long-running baseball-centric anime that originally debuted in 2004, Major follows the career of Goro Honda, the son of a prominent baseball star whose career was sidelined by injury. Out to overcome adversity and escape the woes brought upon him by familial drama, Goro goes from an innocent schoolboy to a promising major-league prospect. As is the case with any anime series, it’s full of emotion, suspense, and hyperbolic over-exaggeration. Yet, baseball is a hugely important sport in Japan, and even Western fans will want to check out this genre-defining sports anime.
12 Run With The Wind (2018)
Animated By Production I.G. & Based on the Novel By Shion Miura
Unlike most anime that are adapted from manga, Run with the Wind is a novel adaptation. As its title suggests, the show is about competitive running. But, along with the generic narrative surrounding the progress of its main characters in their sport, it also delves deep into the mental catharsis of its protagonist, Haiji. Despite having a high school team full of novice runners, Haiji sets his eyes on the ridiculously hard university marathon relay races in Japan. Winning aside, to even be able to compete against Japan’s best runners, the team will have to surpass many hurdles along the way. With breathtaking animation and a lovable cast of characters, Run With the Wind certainly made an impact.
11 Ace of Diamond (2013)
Animated By Madhouse & Production I.G., Based on the Manga By Yuji Terajima
Ace of Diamond tells the story of Eijun Sawamura, a young pitcher who develops a reputation thanks to his atypical style. Ambitious and somewhat over-eager, his middle school team loses their final game, but Eijun campaigns to become an even stronger high school athlete. Eijun’s skills land him a spot at Japan’s notorious Seidous High School, though he’s fraught with competition from both competing teams and fellow teammates. While Ace of Diamond follows many familiar shounen sports anime story beats, it’s one anime fans who also happen to watch baseball need to check out.
10 Kuroko’s Basketball (2012)
Animated By Production I.G. & Based on the Manga By Tadatoshi Fujimaki
The quick-paced quarters, the dramatic time-outs, the high-intensity action—the sport of basketball has all the right ingredients to make up a taut and enticing anime series. That explains why so many shows use the sport as a narrative device. While Kuroko’s Basketball does the same, it adds a layer of fantasticism to the sport. There’s a whole lot of unrealistic dunking, passing, and martial arts-centric action. Viewers looking for strategic gameplay and lessons on real-life basketball may not get much out of this, but, for fans of shonen anime, this one perfectly fits the bill.
9 Free! Iwatobi Swim Club (2013)
Original Anime Series By Kyoto Animation
Some viewers might scoff at Free!’s intensive fan service, but there’s a lot more to the anime than just the good looks of its heroes. The series’ character are Free!’s heart, all of whom get relatively balanced development throughout its runtime. Despite having a fairly predictable premise, Free! keeps viewers intrigued with its high-octane swimming competitions and rivalries. Not to mention, since KyoAni is behind the anime’s production, both the style and quality of its animation make it one of the best-looking sports anime ever.
8 Baki (2018)
Animated by TMS Entertainment and Double Eagle, Based on the Manga by Keisuke Itagaki
Like Kengan Ashura, Baki is a combat sports anime, although the latter is more absurd. For viewers eager to consume more of this series, it should be noted that Baki the Grappler precedes the 2018 Baki anime on Netflix. While Baki the Grappler is also good, it’s not required viewing to enjoy the Netflix offerings. This, followed by Baki Hanma, follows the absurd and bizarre mixed martial arts adventures of its titular protagonist, who finds stronger opponents than himself to fight so he can surpass his father, the strongest man alive.
Think of Baki as a grossly exaggerated, earthbound counterpart to the Dragon Ball franchise, only ultraviolent and without needing to introduce non-human species for inhuman feats of strength to be achieved. The results are often silly, and the nonsensical anatomy of its cartoonishly muscular characters is easy to mock, yet it’s mercilessly compelling and endlessly entertaining. However, the idea of two combat sports anime like Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura crossing over may seem attractive, yet their solo stories are still far superior.
7 Yawara! (1989)
Animated By Madhouse & Based on the Manga By Naoki Urasawa
Old but gold, Yawara! features the titular teen Yawara Inokuma, a young Judo prodigy who is being raised by her grandfather, who also happens to be a highly skilled Judo instructor. Faced with the pressures of competing for a spot in the 1992 Summer Olympics, Yawara must train relentlessly to meet the demands placed upon her by her grandfather, though she only wants to live a normal life free from hardcore athletics. Ultimately, Yawara learns to harness her innate talent and attains a new appreciation for the sport, though it takes her time. Yawara! is a seminal sports anime that’s recognized by many as a somewhat-overlooked anime gem.
6 Blue Lock (2022)
Animated by Eight Bit & Based on the Manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura
Blue Lock presents a different vision of competitive soccer than Captain Tsubasa. While it’s certainly not a realistic portrayal of soccer players at all times, it makes a fascinating point about achieving greatness. Jinpachi Ego’s twisted vision for getting Japan the coveted FIFA World Cup involves an initial battle royale to determine future strikers for Japan, but there’s a catch. Anybody who loses this, of the three hundred recruits summoned, will never be allowed to represent Japan on the world stage in soccer.
The visuals and storytelling of Blue Lock make it clear why it’s currently among the top-selling manga in the world and certainly among Kodansha’s best manga ever. Ego’s vision, to create egotist strikers to rival the singular mindset of many of the real world’s greatest players, is a warped perception but is backed up by him pointing out Japan’s sportsmanship and considerate behavior as possible reasons they’ve never won a Cup. This motivates the protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, to become the world’s greatest striker while creating believable, high-stakes rivalries around him in this popular sports anime.
5 Haikyuu!! (2014)
Animated By Production I.G. & Based on the Manga By Haruichi Furudate
Haikyuu!! is among the most popular anime of the modern era, and it more than earns its incredible popularity. While its central premise rests on the volleyball adventures of a pint-sized protagonist named Hinata, the anime intricately explores the backstories of all its characters and never leaves a dull moment. Its on-court volleyball action is exciting enough to keep most viewers glued to it. But, more than that, it’s the characters of this anime that allow it to rise above other generic sports outings that have been overtaking the genre.
4 Megalobox (2018)
Animated by TMS Entertainment, Directed by Yō Moriyama, and Written by Katsuhiko Manabe and Kensaku Kojima
Megalobox is a fascinating series in the world of sports anime in that, despite its cyberpunk setting, it’s brimming with boxing anime spirit and a tough attitude, backed by a stellar soundtrack and great animation. The series introduces a sci-fi gimmick of combat-enhancing exoskeleton “Gear” arms to use in the “Megaloboxing” ring. Megalobox’s protagonist, Junk Dog, rises from his past where he was expected to lose his boxing matches intentionally when Megaloboxing champion Yuri challenges him; however, to be able to fight him, Junk Dog needs to climb the Megaloboxing rankings.
During this journey, viewers quickly see a likable protagonist in Junk Dog as he adopts the name “Gearless Joe” in the ring, stripping Megaloboxing to its bare essentials and showing his pure skill in beating his mechanically-assisted opponents. Megalobox boasts excellent animation and a true sports anime spirit despite existing in a sci-fi world, and its sequel series, Megalobox 2: Nomad, follows Joe’s numerous internal crises following the original series. The show also features an undeniably classic aesthetic reminiscent of hits like Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo.
3 Yuri!!! On Ice
Original Anime Series Created By Mappa
The expert depictions of the delicate, beautiful art of ice skating already make Yuri!!! On Ice a standout series. However, when it comes to its plot, it’s hard not to be captivated by its subtle and scintillating romantic developments. Created by MAPPA Studio, Yuri!!! On Ice focuses on Yuuri Katsuki, a once-renowned figure skater who struggles to hold on to the sport after losing his peak form. But, with a twist of fate, one of his previous performances goes viral, and five-time world champion Victor Nikiforov shows up at his door to mentor him.
Yuri’s journey back to the world stage may not be easy, but, with Victor’s support, he might just make it. Yuri!!! On Ice’s true strength is its characters and their relationships, making it one of the greatest sports anime ever.
2 Slam Dunk (1993)
Animated By Toei Animation & Based on the Manga By Takehiko Inoue
Slam Dunk is a classic. As remembered by Sports Illustrated, when it first premiered, it had a massive impact on Japanese culture and popularized the sport in the country. What makes Slam Dunk such an epic anime is how it seamlessly shifts back and forth between its sports-centric action and the day-to-day high school hijinks of its characters. Along with that, it also heavily focuses on the technicalities of the sport and throws in several lessons here and there for aspiring basketball players. Its animation style might seem dated today, but all the other elements easily compensate for that.
1 Hajime No Ippo (2000)
Animated By Madhouse & Based on the Manga By George Morikawa
Essentially the Rocky of anime, even though it follows a typical fight-of-the-week format, the boxing journey of Hajime no Ippo‘s main character is awe-inspiring. Another aspect of the series that makes it stand out is the predictability of its boxing matches. No matter how hard a viewer tries to foresee the outcomes of its bouts, the anime always surprises with its outcomes—much like the real sport.
For anyone looking for inspiration to start working out or just to turn their lives around, Ippo’s road from being bullied to becoming a boxing pro deserves a shot. Hajime no Ippo isn’t just a classic, it stands tall as the greatest sports or fitness anime of all time.
