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Animation has developed a lot but everyone loves sports which is why what better method to show it than through a sports-themed story. We are listing our top picks for the best sports anime that all otaku should watch.
As a sub-niche Sports are among the most captivating stories to share.
Each character has their own motivations and reasons for their actions, you can encourage or deter one of these characters.
It could be friends or dealing with stage phobia or keeping your cool during the most stressful moments. Each sports-related show in this list will help you develop the skills you need.
Here are the top 15 sports-related anime that will fill your adrenaline with thrilling emotion and action.
#15 All Out
Sport: Rugby
Total Episodes Total Episodes: 25
Summary: Kenji Gion quick-witted first-year student at Kanagawara Prefectural High School. When he joins the rugby team, he meets a variety of enthusiastic people from different backgrounds, all trying their best to be successful in the game.
His first high school day was Sumiaki Iwashimizu. He’s a tall boy who is unable to play his preferred sport due to his past. Kenji becomes acquainted with the vice-captain of his team, Hachioji, and captain, Sekizan.
Are people who are totally separated from other motives be successful in a game of Rugby?
What You Should Be Watching: Every player on the team has something important to be told. When you are watching sports-related anime, I’m sure you don’t notice certain of them are secondary characters.
The well-written story and the emotional connection it creates make this show worth a place on this list.
#14 Run With The Wind
Sports: Marathon Relay
Total Episodes 23 episodes
Synopsis: It all starts with the dream. When Kakeru Kurahara was escorted out from a convenience store because of shoplifting, his friend from school Haiji Kiyose assists Kakeru. Haiji then invites Kakeru to his place in his old house, but things start to get more interesting from thereon.
There are 10 residents in the residence, including Kakeru and Haiji that makes it the dormitory for Kanesi University Track Club. After the welcome party for Kakeru, Haiji reveals that they must all participate in Japan’s top race relay: Hakone Ekiden.
Except for Haiji and Kakeru, The remaining eight players aren’t familiar with the sport and aren’t eager to play.
With so many things going on in everyday life How can Hainji convince them to they need to participate in Hakone Ekiden and be the winner of the relay?
The reason you should watch The most popular sport is running. It’s not a bad thing, even something as boring and simple as a race can be dramatic when you have the right mix of emotions.
Run With The Wind is an excellent, character-driven drama that supports the underdogs. This is something that everybody agrees on. The camera angles to the struggles during training are what make this sports-themed anime an underrated show that many people fail to see.
#13 Yuri!!! On Ice
Sports: Figure Skating
Total Episodes 12
Synopsis of the story: When Yuri Katsuki carried all the expectations for Japan upon his back, he was afflicted with an unbeatable loss in the Grand Prix Finale. After returning to the home of his family, Yuri went to his home, hoping to take a break and retire.
A few days later, his video became viral and an ex-world champion shows up in front of his house and offers to be a mentor. Another star is born in Russia by the name of Yuri Pilsetsky and was looking to claim the title himself.
With Yuri Katsuki’s skills getting rusty, and fierce competition similar to Yuri Pilsetsky on the show Can Yuri be the winner of the Grand Prix Finale with the tutelage by his mentor?
The Reasons to Watch The story is a short and fresh innovative approach to the gay community in sports. This tale teaches you how to handle the failures, even after working to do it all the time, which I’m sure that many of us can identify with.
The third act in particular of the show keeps everyone on their toes, cheering for Yuri.
#12 Yowamushi Pedal
Sport Cycle
Total Episodes 38
Summary: You could tell in the name, this series is about Cycling.
Sakamichi Onoda is an energetic student who enjoys biking. Onoda’s goal is to meet new people. Therefore, he was able to join the renowned anime club at his school.
Unfortunately, his school’s anime club was shut down, and along with the dreams of getting to know new friends vanished into the void. Uncertain of what to do, Onoda decides to make a round journey to Akihabara on his bicycle.
This is the time Shunsuke Imaizumi spots Onoda. After seeing his amazing ability to climb a mountain on a bicycle that weighs a lot, Imaizumi challenges him to an endurance race. If Onoda wins, the former would join his anime group.
This can lead to new friendships and new adventures of high school cycling.
The Reasons to watch: This show is about overcoming your problems with motivational buddies. The adorable characters and fierce battles between them are fun to watch.
Yowamushi Pedal isn’t your usual sports show, but it’s worth watching because of its moving storyline.
#11 Fighting Spirit (Hajime No Ippo)
Sports: Kick Boxing
Total Episodes 75
Description: Our main character Makunouchi Ippo, has been bullied throughout his life. He’s always been determined to change his life but is unable to take action.
Like every day, one day, he took an extremely hard blow until a boxer named Takamura Mamoru comes to help.
Takamura then drove the wounded Ippo and took him to Kamogawa boxing club. After healing from his injuries, Ippo demanded Takamura Mamoru to help him train.
After deciding that the child isn’t equipped with the skills is required to be a boxer Takamura put him in charge of a daunting job with an allotted time of just one week.
Amazingly, Ippo completed the task within the timeframe and has now entered the world of boxing. Does a person who has poor self-confidence and who is unable to combat bullies be an elite boxer?
What you should watch The show gives you the inspiration to get better at what you do. It is a great way to watch Ippo go from being a timid kid to a fearless fighter The underdog sports show is a must-watch within boxing fans.
#10 Ace of Diamond
Baseball is a sport
Total Episodes Total Episodes: 178
Synopsis: After completely missing on the bat in the finals Eijun Sawamura’s squad lost in the finals.
In a state of depression over his performance, Sawamura determined to make it to the national championship at the high school level.
This all changed when Eijun Sawamura received an invitation to Seidou High School. After observing his unique technique for pitching, the most prestigious high school gave Eijun Sawamura a position in their team.
After his friends encouraged him to be part of the Seidou team and he accepts, however, he finds himself in an environment that is competitive with experienced players.
Then he decided to become the team’s star and wanted to move Seidou toward Japan’s top baseball team.
Can he correct his errors and rise to the top?
The Reasons to Watch: No anime about sports checklist would be complete without baseball included in it.
It is the most-watched sport in Japan fans love to watch high-octane sports drama. The anime doesn’t just have shonen-inspired vibes but the characters are energized during the game.
#9 Baby Steps
Tennis is a sport.
Total Episodes 50 episodes
Synopsis: An average first-year student finds his physique degrading day by day. As we all do, Eiichirou Maruo joins a sporting club called Southern Tennis Club.
At first, he joined the sport as a way to keep him fit, Tennis became to be far more important than anything else ever.
After having a meeting with Natsu Takasaki, a fellow student in the first year, she decides to pursue a career as an expert.
With the desire to study not within his range, Maruo needs to up his skills.
Does a person who is not a pro from the beginning become a professional tennis player with pure hard work?
What You Should Consider a Watch: If you enjoy realistic, grounded sports anime then you should add this to your list of shows to watch.
As with many other animations, Baby Steps doesn’t feature any powers or anything. Instead, it’s focused on skill and training.
Overall, a genuine sports-oriented anime with a hint of love from the creator of Naruto films is what we want.
#8 Slam Dunk
Basketball is a sport
Total Episodes 101
Synopsis Hanamichi Sakuragi is a student who has serious issues with troublemaking.
The red-haired, aggressive boy is accepted into Shohoku High School to find an attractive girlfriend.
After having been rejected 50 times during middle school, he’s in a desperate search of an intimate relationship with someone.
A girl called Haruko Akagi walked up to Sakuragi she asked Sakuragi if he is a fan of basketball.
In love, the big boy attempts to impress her at the gym by throwing the ball. But instead, he overshoots it by crashing his head against the blackboard.
Then, Hanamichi Sakuragi is left with two thoughts. I’m not a fan of basketball, and I’m in need of an accomplice.
Akagi informs him of the basketball team captain of the school Hanamichi and how amazing the guy is.
Desiring to find an intimate relationship, Hanamichi Sakuragi now enters the game of basketball. Can he succeed in this difficult game and then be a success, Haruko Akagi?
Why you should watch: This story is something everyone can identify with.
Tell me how many times have you thought of impressing your lover at some point in your life?
The old sports TV is a great example of how we all can be proud of the success of Hanamichi Sakuragi like we do.
#7 Big Windup!
Baseball is a sport
Total Episodes Total Episodes: 25
The Synopsis Ren Mihashi was the star of Middle school, but because of his poor pitching, the team is unable to win every single game.
It even leads to other teams taking advantage of their players. As the sole weak point on his team, Mihashi has completely quit his sport in high school.
Things get interesting after his new group of friends from Nishiura High forced him to play a position as a pitcher on the new team.
After losing all his confidence, Mihashi was left with only one option: play.
When he sees his teammate struggling with self-esteem, the catcher Takaya Abe vows to help Mihashi with everything he can.
With his friends, Ren Mihashi gradually began to regain his confidence in his sport.
Is he finally accepted as is he really is? And most importantly, can Abe remain true to his pledge to assist him in becoming more effective?
What You Should Check it out: Just like other sport-related shows, this one isn’t one that’s serious in the sense that the main character tries to be an elite athlete.
Instead, it shows the things you can accomplish when your friends get your back.
From being a weak player to being the most effective player in the team, This anime about sports is all about not letting you lose your own self in the process.
#6 Chihayafuru
Sport: Karuta
Total Episodes Total Episodes: 74 + OVA
Synopsis: Chihaya-Ayase, Arata Wataya, as well as Taichi Mashima, three friends aged 12 who are avid players of Karuta.
After separating for various reasons, the trio has pledged to play once more when they are A-Class players.
If Arata, Taichi, and Chihaya meet in Fukui the world changed for them.
Although Arata is Arata that taught Chihaya to play karuta Then, Chihaya quits the game of cards because of unfortunate events.
Taichi assists Chihaya to establish the kagura club. As a physically and mentally difficult, many people don’t regularly play it.
With the intention of establishing an organization called the Municipal Mizusawa High Competitive Karuta Club and to compete in the championships at the national level, Chihaya is bringing like-minded people to be part of her journey.
The Reasons to Be Watching: As you would expect, many aren’t aware of the game of cards, Karuta. Don’t make the same mistake I made by ignoring this show.
It’s not about a simple card game. The story is definitely centered around karuta however the core of the story is the pursuit of desires.
There isn’t one villain to hate throughout the entire series, Chihayafuru is one such sports-related anime that is a popular choice for viewers.
With that said, we are now entering the top 5 sports-related anime on our list.
#5 Ping Pong The Animation
The sport: Table Tennis
Total Episodes 11
Synopsis The story is a straightforward tale of Makoto Tsukimoto as well as Yutaka Hoshino. The two are totally opposite from one another, however, the only thing that holds them together is table tennis.
With the sport being played every day and every day of their lives, the pair joins the tournament of inter-high table tennis.
To be clear It is not a normal tournament because players from all across Japan are gathered here following intensive training. The idea of even participating in it is impossible for many players of table tennis.
With the phrase “The hero arrives. The hero comes. The hero arrives.” to serve as Makoto’s motive can the group climb the ladder?
What You Should watch: Ping Pong The Animation is more of an emotional experience rather than a game.
With an amazing soundtrack backing the story, the show creates stunning animations.
The real faces of athletes in situations of difficulty, this sports anime tells a compelling story about rivals and is suitable for all ages.
#4 Cheer Boys!!
Sport: Cheerleading
Total Episodes 12 + OVA
Synopsis The story goes like this: Despite his family having a judo club Haruki Bandou must abandon the sport because of a shoulder injury.
What Haruki did not anticipate was his closest friend, Kazuma Hashimoto, to be leaving judo.
However, Kazuma dreams of starting an unofficial cheerleading team comprised of males.
Haruki was friends with his friend. Haruki joined teams with Kazuma to form Meishiin’s first cheerleading team for males “Busters.”
It is at this point that things become interesting, as it is commonly referred to as a female-only job. the team will confront backlash because of gender stereotypes.
Are these best buddies equipped with what it takes to make it through the difficult times coming their way?
The Reasons to Watch The reason you should watch this isn’t just a story about two friends who do the impossible. It’s about facing your doubts, fears, and difficulties along the journey.
With the high-quality boundaries that define their dreams, Cheer Boys tell something fresh and authentic.
This show will cause you to cry, laugh and stand tall with Haruki Bandou as well as Kazuma Hashimoto’s team.
#3 Kuroko’s Basketball
Sport Basketball
Total Episodes 75 episodes
Synopsis: If you’re looking for something that could compete with Slam Dunk then it’s Kuroko’s Basketball.
Tetsuya Kuroko was the sixth player in the unbeaten Teikou Basketball team of Junior High School.
The team has been crowned champions for more than three years The main players of the team are known as “The Generation of Miracles” have graduated and are now set to compete against one another with the world.
Kuroko at the other end is a newcomer to Seirin High School’s squad who isn’t as athletic or as agile as the other players.
It was also when another player Taiga Kagami, who moved to the U.S was included in the squad.
With players who have other talents beyond basketball, the anime isn’t real.
Will the next generation be able to be the winners of the Interhigh Championship and become Japan’s most successful High School team?
What You Should Go: If you enjoy the intense heart-racing action and realistic elements, then this is an enjoyable series to take in.
What we mean by “unrealistic” is that the majority of characters in the cartoon have god-like abilities, and they seem a bit tinny in comparison to reality.
Despite all of these aspects teamwork and sportsmanship are something that this show is a master at.
#2 Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
Sport The sport of swimming
Total Episodes 37 + OVA
Synopsis: I’ve never ever considered watching a swim-themed anime. With all the criticism from one end of the anime community, this sports-themed anime is more than just a fan service.
Four friends, specifically Haruka Nanase Rin Matsuoka Nagisa Hazuki as well as Makoto Tachibana were the winners of the relay competition at their primary school.
After being separated for a long time After being separated for years, they all got together at high school, but Rin was not the person she was once.
He will soon attend school to prove he is more adept at swimming than Haruka.
In the year Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto form a club for swimming called Iwatobi High School Swim Club New member Rei Ryuugazaki is added to the group.
Could Haruka ana Rin find a way to settle things in the end?
What You Should Take a look: As many claims, this is actually a fan-based service that features the most muscled men.
But what’s the issue with males?
If you are able to laugh at the absurdity of these situations and have open minds, then you are likely to be willing to watch this show for the art and its relationship.
Whatever happens, if you keep going until the end, this captivating sports show will surely delight you with its conclusion.
#1 Haikyuu
Sport: Volleyball
Total Episodes 85 episodes
Synopsis: A TV show cannot gain this much popularity in the sports genre without doing something extraordinary.
This is why Haikyuu is the most popular sports anime of all time makes it onto the top of our list.
Shouyou Hinata middle-school student who was influenced by the legend of volleyball “Little Gaint.”
After his group finally reached the finals of the tournament, The King of Court, aka Tobio Kageyama beat his competitors.
Hinata will then set out to beat Kageyama and is determined to improve his skills. When he later joined Karsuno High’s team for volleyball Hinata was astonished to meet his former teammate.
Despite his impressive jumps being short, it is a problem for Hinata on the court. Tobio Kageyama also struggles with other aspects of his.
Are they able to Hinata and Kageyama change from being enemies to becoming teammates and join Japan’s most successful volleyball team?
What You Should See: Now that you have seen the most entertaining sports show You are free to maintain your high expectations.
From developing character to communications, Haikyuu sure lives up to its name by providing memorable moments.
If you’ve ever been looking to begin an anime about sports, then this is a must-watch.
It’s the end of our top sports anime list that you must be sure to.
Do you have a view about our suggestions? Do you have any other ideas to think about?
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