Best 20 Car and Racing Anime Of All Time Rated  | ZenMarket

Machine Hayabusa is a well-known anime from the late 1970s. It is a charming anime that features a good vs evil trope, which was typical for anime in this era. 

Machine Hayabusa focuses on the conflict between two groups, the evil Black Shadow led by Ayab Mobil Dick and the Saionji racing team created by Dr. Saionji to stop the Black Shadow. 

The series protagonist, Ken Hayabusa, joined the Saionji racing team to avenge his father’s death. Ken Hayabusa is entrusted with the powerful Falcon race car that helps him stop the Black Shadow. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Super Grand Prix is an F1-inspired racing anime from the 1970s. The anime focuses on Takaya Todoroki, a young man who dreams of being an F1 racer. Unfortunately, Takaya gets into an accident which discourages him from his goals. 

His life suddenly changes when the world-renowned driver, “Nick,” visits him in the hospital and gives him a prototype vehicle. This new vehicle helps Takaya earn a spot with Katori Motors and gets him one step closer to becoming an F1 world champion. 

Rating: 3 Stars

EX-Driver brings a unique twist to the racing anime genre. Like many sci-fi racing anime from the 1980s and 1990s, Ex-Driver has a futuristic setting with AI-controlled cars. With no more need to drive, most of the city’s population has forgotten how to drive. 

The catch is that rogue AIs have taken over several vehicles, and nobody can stop them. It is up to the elite drivers, called “eX-Drivers,” to chase down these rogue vehicles. The show is an action-packed take on the genre and is a fun watch for fans of sci-fi racing anime. Later on, the anime series also released a movie sequel. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Immortal Grand Prix is not a traditional anime since the vehicles here are mechs equipped with various weapons. The storyline is set in the year 2048. With the crazy rules in the anime, such as being able to blast and directly fight other opponents, Immortal Grand Prix brings a highly enjoyable twist to the racing anime genre. 

Immortal Grand Prix had a significant following in the 2000s, spawning its own PS2 video game. This anime is highly recommended for fans of mecha and non-traditional-style racing anime. In total there are 2 seasons and 26 episodes.

Rating: 3 Stars

Two Car focuses on high school students Yuri Miyata and Megumi Meguro, who team up to join Miyake Island’s competitive motorcycle sidecar racing. Together, they go on crazy races and compete with other members. 

This anime is a fun ride, especially with its colorful cast. The two main characters constantly argue with each other, creating a fun dynamic. Two Car is highly recommended for those looking for a racing anime with a female-centric cast and well-animated racing scenes.

Rating: 3 Stars

Overtake is a modern anime focusing on the Formula 4 (F4) racing scene. The story revolves around the young photographer Kouya, who meets Haruka of Komaki Motors. When Kouya discovers Haruka’s talent in driving, he becomes determined to help the small team grow and meet their full potential. 

Overtake is a breath of fresh air since it focuses on characters with the potential for greatness despite not being the best. It is a perfect watch for those looking for a modern series based on today’s motorsport scene.

Rating: 3 Stars

Future GPX Cyber Formula is one of Sunrise’s (now known as Bandai Namco Filmworks) hits from the 1990s. The series features a futuristic setting where cars, known as Cyber Formula Machines, have advanced technologies, such as AI. 

Future GPX Cyber Formula follows Hayato Kazami’s journey in this universe’s counterpart to the F1, the Cyber Formula. The anime features plenty of exciting races and many cool-looking vehicles. 

Many of the Cyber Formula Machines featured in the series are available as model kits. The series even spawned OVAs and a video game in 2018. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Bakusō Kyōdai Let’s & Go!! is a lighthearted anime that focuses on remote-controlled racing cars. The anime follows the Seiba brothers, Go and Retsu, in their pursuit of being Japan’s best Mini 4WD racers.

The show is mainly aimed towards children, which may make it less appealing for some viewers. However, the show is unique and charming in its own way and will surely resonate with fans of Mini 4WD racing. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Speed Racer is arguably the most well-known Japanese racing anime of the 1960s. It is a classic anime that has defined the racing anime genre. Fans of the franchise fondly remember its catchy opening song along with iconic characters and vehicles such as Speed Racer with his Mach 5 and Racer X with his Shooting Star. 

Speed Racer later got updated anime adaptations and sequels. It even got Western cartoon animations and a live-action film. But overall, the 1967 original is a true classic for anime fans.

Rating: 3 Stars

F (エフ) is a classic racing anime popular in Japan but never made it in the West. F by Noboru Rokuda follows the story of Gunma Akagi, a country boy who dreams of becoming an F1 professional racer. 

The 31-episode anime gives an inside look at the motorsports industry. It also does a good job of introducing and expanding its memorable characters. And, of course, there are plenty of iconic races. 

Given its age, F won’t be for everyone. But overall, it is still a great watch, especially for F1 fans. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Tailenders is a hidden gem adored by racing anime fans. Despite only being a 30-minute short film, Tailenders manages to accomplish a lot. 

It is set in a dystopian future where the planet Terulus has been ravaged by earthquakes caused by rogue Terraformers originally designed to reclaim the environment. On this planet, humans inhabit giant wheeled cities that hold races. 

The ultimate goal of the racers is to beat the record set by “Loser King,” who disappeared 100 years prior to the start of the film. In Tailenders, the protagonist, Shiro, is gravely injured. 

However, he is saved by a woman who offers him a chance to finally beat Loser King’s record. Tailenders is a great watch for those looking for a short film with well-animated scenes and an interesting story. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Mario Kart is Nintendo’s most successful racing game franchise. However, hardcore Nintendo fans will know that Nintendo has another iconic racing video game series that has been dormant for years. This video game series is none other than the well-loved F-Zero. 

In 2003, F-Zero received an anime adaptation called F-Zero GP Legend. The 51-episode anime tackles the origins of the protagonist, Captain Falcon, and showcases many of the races in which he has participated. 

F-Zero GP Legend is a no-brainer for fans of the F-Zero franchise, who are patiently waiting for another entry in the series. It is also a great starting point for those who want to get into F-Zero.

Rating: 4 Stars

What’s Up Mechadoc is a great anime from the 1980s that was never released in the West. Unlike many racing anime that came before it, What’s Up Mechadoc had a realistic setting featuring real-life cars that existed in the 1980s. 

The story follows 18-year-old Jun Kazami and the Mechadoc car tuning crew, who create specially tuned cars for races. As the series progresses, the team meets more talented racers who truly put their tuning skills to the test. What’s Up Mechadoc is perfect for those who are into tuning vehicles and fans of JDM cars in the 1980s. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Capeta is one of the most well-loved racing anime. The anime follows the story of the ten-year-old boy Capeta Taira, who loves race cars. His ordinary life suddenly changes when his father gives him a racing cart made from scrap parts. 

Finally, with an actual racing cart, Capeta trains and ignites his passion for racing. The 52-episode anime covers plenty of ground. It follows Capeta’s early years as a young boy to his teenage years, where he seeks to be a professional race car driver in the F1. While Capeta’s story isn’t anything new or groundbreaking, his fun, lighthearted, and exciting journey ultimately makes Capeta worth watching. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Ōban Star-Racers is one of the best sci-fi racing anime on this list. This anime is a French-Japanese production and is one of the few native English anime. Also, Ōban Star-Racers was originally a Star Wars spinoff, as seen in the pod-inspired vehicles in the show. 

The story follows Eva Wei, a young girl who wishes to reunite with her father. Despite not being recognized by the legendary race manager, Don Wei, Eva Wei decides to join Don’s racing team and prove herself. Eva takes on the alias “Molly” and participates in the Great Race of Ōban to save the fate of Earth and mankind. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Many fans consider Appare-Ranman one of the best racing anime in recent years. The story takes place during the Meiji era. Appare Sorano is a skilled inventor who one day goes on an adventure with his samurai bodyguard, Kosame Isshiki. 

Unfortunately, the duo gets stranded in the sea and is only saved by a passing American ship. The duo gets stuck in Los Angeles with no money. 

Their only hope to get home is by joining the Trans-America Wild Race. With just 13 episodes, Appare-Ranman offers a fun cast, great-looking vehicles, and plenty of action-packed races. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Wangan Midnight (湾岸ミッドナイト) is arguably one of the most underrated racing anime. Originally released in 1990, the Wangan Midnight manga predates Initial D and perfectly captures the 1990s street racing scene based on the real-life Wangan Route (Bayshore Route).  

Wangan follows the story of Akio Asakura, a high school street racing enthusiast who one day loses to the legendary Blackbird. In his goal of beating the Blackbird, he discovers the Devil Z, a cursed car that has seen many accidents in the past. With Devil Z, Akio is determined to beat Blackbird with Devil Z and become the best street racer on the Wangan Route. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Outside of the Initial D franchise, Redline is considered by racing anime fans to be the quintessential racing anime. Redline is a sci-fi anime film centered around the intergalactic high-stakes race called Redline. 

The story follows the daredevil JP, who seeks to triumph through the extremely dangerous race. Unlike many of the best racing anime, the story and the characters aren’t the film’s highlights. What makes Redline a must-watch is its gorgeous visuals and animation, unique art style, and perfectly scored soundtrack. 

The film boasts over 100,00 hand-made drawings and does not use any CGI to bring the races to life. Redline is a must-watch for those who want to experience the thrill of racing. 

Rating: 5 Stars – Must Watch

MF Ghost is the highly anticipated sequel to the legendary racing anime Initial D. It is written by the same author (Shuichi Shigeno) and features many of Initial D’s fan-favorite characters. Unlike Initial D, set in the 1990s, MF Ghost takes place in the hypothetical version of the 2020s. 

In the world of MF Ghost, internal combustion cars are replaced by self-driving cars. To preserve traditional cars, MF Ghost was established as a racing circuit for internal combustion cars. 

The story follows Kanata Rivington as he drives his Toyota 86 and competes with Japan’s best drivers. MF Ghost is a promising ongoing anime and manga series looking to reach the same heights as Initial D. 

Rating: 5 Stars – Must Watch

Initial D is, without a doubt, the king of racing and car anime. It features many great elements, such as the faithful recreation of the 1990s illegal Japanese street racing scene, legendary JDM cars, Eurobeat, and memorable characters. 

The anime follows the story of Takumi Fujiwara, a talented high school driver who discovers Japan’s underground TŌGE scene (mountain pass racing). As he races, he meets like-minded drivers and joins the team “Project D.” Together with Ryosuke Takahashi and Keisuke Takahashi, Takumi and Project D strive to be the best street racers. 

The show is incredibly detailed and features some of the best-executed and most intense street racing in anime. It even features real-life locations and characters based on real people. And, of course, it introduced the world to the legendary Toyota AE86. 

Initial D offers plenty of content. The anime comprises 11 seasons called Stages (6 main seasons, 2 extra stories, and 3 battle stages featuring the show’s iconic races). Overall, Initial D is a must-watch for racing car fans. 

Rating: 5 Stars – Must Watch