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Sports anime have achieved massive success in Japan and across the globe. Back then, sports weren’t a popular theme in Japanese anime. Fast forward to today, there’s no denying that the best sports anime have captured people’s attention and imagination.
Stunning animations, compelling storytelling, plus unforgettable soundtracks—these are some of the trademarks of the best sports anime. But that’s just the tip of their depth!
In this article, we’ll explore the best sports anime to watch and the main reasons why they’re worth your binge time. We’ve listed the best sports anime titles in the most popular sporting categories. Queue the OSTs and your notes for the best sports anime you should be watching.
Soccer Anime
Inazuma Eleven
- Year: 2008-2011
- # of Episodes: 127 (in 3 seasons)
Most sports anime are direct manga adaptations. However, Inazuma Eleven stands as an exception. That’s because it’s an anime based on a video game!
What sets Inazuma Eleven as one of the best soccer anime ever is the infusion of supernatural dimensions into soccer matches. Fortunately, that’s just a scratch on this sports anime’s depth.
Why Should You Watch Inazuma Eleven?
The lead goalkeeper of a rather ‘weak team,’ Endou tries to save Raimon Junior High’s soccer team from disbandment. His dedication to succeed was the driving force to inspire a skillful striker and other surprise recruits in building Inazuma Eleven.
- Hissatsu Technique (Ultimate Technique)
Inazuma Eleven highlights the use of the Hissatsu Technique in the characters’ special soccer moves. Whether it’s a pass, a strike, or a save, this soccer anime won’t disappoint you with spectacular scenes in every episode.
Speaking of otherworldly techniques, the Inazuma Eleven not only competed against other soccer varsity and international teams. Endou’s team faced teams from heaven and hell! Truly epic!
Captain Tsubasa
- Year: 1983-1986
- # of Episodes: 128
Captain Tsubasa tops the ranking of our best soccer anime to watch. This anime series follows Tsubasa Oozora’s legendary career from his primary school years in Nankatsu all the way to leading Japan’s U-17 team to Tsubasa’s ultimate goal of winning the FIFA World Cup.
Photo: Captain Tsubasa (1983 TV series) Japanese version banner
Why should you watch Captain Tsubasa?
Captain Tsubasa is a must-watch in the sports anime genre. After all, it’s a timeless narrative of determination to achieve lofty goals. If you’re a newcomer to the world of sports anime, Captain Tsubasa will easily draw you in.
- Recommendations from Soccer Legends
Lionel Messi, Andre Iniesta, and Lukas Podolski are some of the many legends in the game who explicitly stated they loved soccer because of Captain Tsubasa. Take our word from the legends!
- Gravity-defying Soccer Stunts
Aside from its moving storyline, Captain Tsubasa features spectacular stunts that are already ahead of its generation. No wonder why anime fans praise this series so much!
For a great kickoff about Captain Tsubasa’s life, we recommend this DVD Set.
Baseball Anime
Ace of Diamond
- Year: 2013-2020
- # of Episodes: 178 (in 3 seasons)
Baseball is huge in Japan, and so is Ace of Diamond. This exciting baseball anime follows Eijun Sawamura, an ace pitcher whose life completely turned around after being scouted by an elite baseball varsity team.
Why Should You Watch Ace of Diamond?
Ace of Diamond shows a realistic portrayal of baseball while not abandoning traditional anime elements. The team behind this baseball anime clearly did their assignment in highlighting meticulous attention to baseball’s technical aspects.
Eijun, the pitcher, and Kazuya, the catcher, make a perfect match for these critical roles in the team. It’s worth watching their camaraderie along with their teammates throughout a highly competitive journey.
- High-stakes Baseball Anime with Humor
Ace of Diamond consistently makes every baseball game count. Fewer story fillers, more baseball action and humor—no wonder why this baseball anime is a hit!
This complete manga set of Ace of Diamond is the perfect place to go deep in the battle.
Major
- Year: 2004-2010
- # of Episodes: 157 (in 6 seasons)
Put Major at the top of the best baseball anime you should watch! Major chronicles Goro Honda’s life from childhood up to becoming a professional baseball player.
Photo: Major 1st Season Banner
Why Should You Watch Major?
Major stands out as an epic saga that keeps you invested for the long haul in what would happen to Goro Honda. It’s precisely for that reason that anime fans looked forward to seeing how Honda’s story would end up.
Talk about setting the standards in baseball anime—Major really sets the bar high. This baseball anime depicts the intense challenges faced by professional players in perhaps what’s deemed the most realistic baseball anime ever.
Major isn’t just a baseball anime; it’s a family story, too. Sports and anime fans love Major because it highlights the role of generations of families and friendships in rooting for Goro Honda’s success.
Also Read: BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO 5 JAPANESE TRADITIONAL SPORTS
Basketball Anime
Slam Dunk
- Year: 1993-1996
- # of Episodes: 101
No ‘best sports anime list’ would be complete without Slam Dunk. This classic basketball anime follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins the Shohoku High School Basketball team. Hanamichi unexpectedly falls in love with the game of basketball even without knowing one tiny bit about this sport.
Photo: Slam Dunk Signature Dunk Scene
Why should you watch Slam Dunk?
- Unmatched Legacy in Basketball
Slam Dunk is an iconic basketball anime that has left an indelible mark on the sports anime genre and basketball’s popularity in Japan. Flashy sometimes but mostly realistic is one formula that made Slam Dunk one of the best sports anime ever.
- Shohoku High School Basketball Team
Each member of this team shares a spotlight on the grand story. Whether it’s Shohoku’s starting five or the benchwarmers, you won’t find it hard to love them in their roles.
Slam Dunk masterfully combines humor, basketball, and drama. Not so many basketball anime can make you tear up a bit then laugh out loud soon just as Slam Dunk can do.
Photo: The First Slam Dunk Movie Poster
In 2023, the movie “The First Slam Dunk” was released and is also worth watching!
Kuroko’s Basketball
- Year: 2012-2015
- # of Episodes: 75 (in 3 seasons)
Intense, out-of-this-world, and groundbreaking—that’s Kuroko’s Basketball for its loyal fanbase and critics. Today, it’s one of the best sports anime ever made!
Central to this story are products of the highly-skilled Generation of Miracles, Taiga Kagami and Kuroko Tetsuya. But these two players sought to prove a better way to play basketball.
Why should you watch Kuroko’s Basketball?
- Intense Basketball Action
Kuroko’s Basketball features high-octane and fast-paced basketball matches. Aside from being visually stunning, this basketball anime falls nowhere short of providing intense one-on-one and teamplay action on the basketball court.
- Teamwork vs. Talent Dilemma
A common theme that surfaces in Kuroko’s Basketball is “Who should take over the game: the star player of the team?” It’s a basketball dilemma that looms over Kuroko, his teammates, and opponents. This tension brings out the best (and worst) of each player.
- Miraculous Basketball Abilities
Kuroko’s Basketball distinguishes itself from other basketball anime because it makes use of non-athletic related techniques. Whether Kuroko makes a pass or takes a shot, this basketball anime is sure to highlight these superhuman abilities.
Get out on the playing court by suiting up with Seirin High School’s jersey.
Individual and Dual Sports Anime
Tomorrow’s Joe
- Year: 1970-1971
- # of Episodes: 79
Tomorrow’s Joe (Ashita no Joe) easily makes it a legendary classic in the world of sports anime. This boxing anime showcases Joe Yabuki’s transformation on and off the boxing ring. Because of boxing’s popularity in Japan, many turn to this sports anime for leisure and inspiration.
Why should you watch Tomorrow’s Joe?
Think of Rocky Balboa but just in animated form with a different plot twist. That’s Tomorrow’s Joe! From prison to the biggest stadiums, Joe Yabuki’s tale of redemption and resilience all lead to a classic ending.
- Superb Character Transformation
Tomorrow’s Joe is beyond the rags-to-riches story. Who would’ve thought that Joe who started fighting the Yakuza would end up becoming a boxing champion? Beyond Joe’s boxing skills are the internal transformations that make him even a better person.
- Emotional Punches to Your Core
This boxing anime is sure to tug some heartstrings at some point when you watch Tomorrow’s Joe. For fans of this anime, the stories of joy, disappointment, and death hit stronger than the punches that Joe throws.
Watch Tomorrow’s Joe in this rare DVD set and enjoy it right away.
Also Read: TOP 7 SITES FOR ANIME AND MANGA MERCHANDISE
Ping Pong the Animation
- Year: 2014
- # of Episodes: 11
Just a glimpse of this sports anime, you’ll understand why Ping-Pong the Animation offers a unique take on table tennis and life itself. It follows the lives of two friends, Peco and Smile, who navigate through not only tough competition but even conflicting ideals.
Why should you watch Ping Pong the Animation?
- Peco, Smile, and Intertwining Relationships of the Prodigies
This sports anime’s main characters all have multi-layered relationships with each other. Each ping-pong prodigy brings a unique take on the sport. Every action they make leads to another prodigy’s epiphany.
Ping-pong The Animation’s artistic design is distinct from other sports anime. The style may appear ‘loose’ and ‘wonky’ but don’t think it’s poor production. Rather, it’s believed to be used as an expression of the sports’ complexity and the character’s depth.
- Failing, Winning, and Meaning
Most sports anime place a heavy deal on highlighting action in sports. Fortunately, this anime combines intense ping-pong action with meaningful dialogues among characters on eye-opening themes like failure, fair play, and society’s impact.
More Team Sports
Eyeshield 21
- Year: 2005-2008
- # of Episodes: 145
It’s a rare treat to feature foreign team sports like American football in any Japanese anime series. That’s’ why Eyeshield 21 offers a refreshing take on this sport in a Japanese context.
Why should you watch it Eyeshield 21?
- A Unique Sport in this Genre
American football is not a common theme in the world of sports anime. Eyeshield 21 does a decent work of presenting the technical aspects of the game. However, this team sports anime maintains its charm and wit.
Sena is Eyeshield 21, the mysterious running back of Deimon High Blue Devils. Off the field, Sena is often on the wrong end of bullying. But all that changes upon the discovery of his talent. His unmatched speed and agility make him the team’s best asset.
- Underdog Team in an Underdog Story
At first glance, people couldn’t imagine the Deimon High Blue Devils winning. But Sena’s arrival and the recruitment of new and quirky members changed their fortunes. Their success even resulted in more opportunities outside Japan.
Also Read: BEST 15 ANIME CAT GIRLS
Haikyuu
- Year: 2014-2020
- # of Episodes: 175
Perhaps now considered the best sports anime by most critics and fans, Haikyuu is as good as it gets. It’s a thrilling volleyball anime that revolves around Shoyo Hinata in Karasuno High School.
Haikyuu’s plot, characterization, and animation combine to make fast-paced and action-packed volleyball matches.
Why should you watch Haikyuu?
Despite his short stature, Hinata takes inspiration from Karasuno’s “The Little Giant.” His unmatched vertical jump and athleticism allowed him to make up for what he lacked physically. More importantly, Hinata is the ultimate volleyball competitor.
- Brotherhood of Characters
The brotherhood in Karasuno High and even their rival schools create the camaraderie they need to succeed on and off the court. Hinata and Kageyama are the perfect examples of the embodiment of this brotherhood.
Like most sports anime, Haikyuu isn’t just about volleyball. The characters show passion, teamwork, and excellence. It’s an anime that inspires and motivates viewers to chase their own dreams and work together as a team.
Here’s another rare Haikyuu find just for you to enjoy: Haikyuu DVD First Season Limited Edition.
Conclusion
Sports anime has the incredible ability to combine thrilling sports action with compelling storytelling and character development. Whether you’re a fan of sports or not, these sports anime series will entertain and inspire you.
This article has covered some of the best sports anime to watch. Their inclusion comes because of their popularity, impact on the anime industry, and influence on the sporting world.
It’s also worth noting that there are more sports anime that can offer similar watching experiences.
Nonetheless, you now have an anime watchlist to start ticking.
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