Updated July 28, 2022 by

Sports has always been extremely popular amongst anime fans because of the way it’s glorified and made intense. All genres of anime are addictive but when it comes to sports anime, they take it to the extreme. The exciting, stimulating, and inspirational scenes from sports anime are sure to keep anime fans on the edge of their seats.

Without further ado, let’s get right into our list of best sports anime. We suggest you keep yourself hydrated because this list is going to work you out.

Read More: Best Anime Moms that You’ll Fall in Love With

 

Best Anime About Sports

53. Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

Information
Title	Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	P.A. Works
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This anime has a very bizarre yet interesting premise. It introduces us to very skilled racehorses who were reincarnated as horse girls in a different world. These horse girls wanted to become the best racers in Japan. One of these horse girls named Special Week enrolled in the Tracen Academy that is known for creating the best racers. Special Week comes across Silence Suzuka, a very skilled racer, in the academy and decides to become just like her. Luckily, Special Week ends up in Silence Suzuka’s team, Spica and starts her journey to become the best racer.

 

52. Walkure Romanze

Information
Title	Walkure Romanze
Genre	Romance, Sports
Type	Series
Studio	8bit
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Walkure Romanze takes us to Helen’s Hill at the Winford Academy where aspiring knights are learning the art of Jousting. Enter Takahino Mizuno who was training to become a knight and a jouster but after an unfortunate injury, Takahiro had to drop out of the Knight course and ended up joining the assistant course. Takahiro was a hot topic for all the girls in the Academy and they wanted him to become their personal assistant. However, Takahiro was not interested. One day, Takahino had to assist his friend Mio in a duel despite her not knowing anything about knighthood. After that, Takahiro agreed to continue assisting her as she decides to take part in the annual tournament.

 

51. Harakuna Receive

Information
Title	Harakuna Receive
Genre	Sports, Slice of Life
Type	Series
Studio	C2C
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This anime introduces us to a highs school girl named Oozora Haruka who is very insecure about her height. She’s actually taller than most of the girls her age. As she arrives at Okinawa airport, she’s greeted by her cousin named Higa Kanata. Higa also used to hate her short height because she had to quit her favorite sport, beach volleyball, because of her short height. Soon, both the cousins find themselves entangled in beach volleyball. Both of them are in a similar team and they must push each other up in order to conquer their dreams.

 

50. Tsurune

Information
Title	Tsurune
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Kyoto Animation
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Tsurune introduces us to Minato Narumiya who enrolls in the Prefectural  Kazemai High School. Tommy-sensei suggests he joins the archery club. Minato is not interested in joining the club while his childhood friends join immediately. However, he ends up joining after one of his friends insists. The three friends also meet two other guys who are in the same club. The five men in the archery club are all up to polish their skills but they’ll have to struggle a lot.

 

49. Bamboo Blade

Information
Title	Bamboo Blade
Genre	Comedy, Sports
Type	Series
Studio	AIC ASTA
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Salaryman Club introduces us to Mikoto Shiratori who used to be a badminton prodigy but after he lost in High School, he was unable to continue playing badminton with his full potential. As he grew up, he joined the Sunlight Beverage Company’s Badminton team  where he also worked fory as a sales person. Mikoto had played singles all his life and now he had to play doubles. He is extremely worried about his situation and starts doubting his decision to join the company. However, as he gets to know more about his teammates, everything becomes clear to him.

 

48. Salaryman Club

Information
Title	Salaryman’s Club
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	LIDENFILMS
Premiered	2022
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Salaryman Club introduces us to Mikoto Shiratori who used to be a badminton prodigy but after he lost in High School, he was unable to continue playing badminton with his full potential. As he grew up, he joined the Sunlight Beverage Company’s Badminton team where he also worked as a sales person. Mikoto had played singles all his life and now he had to play doubles. He is extremely worried about his situation and starts doubting his decision to join the company. However, as he gets to know more about his teammates, everything becomes clear to him.

 

47. Hanebado!

Information
Title	Hanebado!
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	LIDENFILMS
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Ayano Hanesaki had been blessed with a great physique. She had always been good at playing badminton but she mostly avoids it. However, when Ayano comes across a gifted badminton player named Nagisa Aragaki who spends most of her time playing badminton, she’s highly impressed. Their coach pushes her to indulge in sports as well. Ayano along with Tachibana Kentarou and Nagisa Aragaki are ready to set the badminton court on fire!

 

46. Rifle is Beautiful

Information
Title	Rifle is Beautiful
Genre	Comedy, Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Studio 3Hz
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Rifle is Beautiful tells us the story of Hikari Koruka who is into competitive shooting. To polish her shooting skills, she enrolls in Chidori High School in order to join their rifle shooting club. However, she finds out that the club has been shut down because there was no student interested in competitive shooting. Hikari takes it upon herself to start the club again and to find interested students and recruit them into the club. If she fails, she won’t be able to pursue her dreams.

 

45. Love All Play

Information
Title	Love All Play
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Nippon Animation
Premiered	2022
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

The story of Love all Play follows Ryo Mizushima who loves playing badminton and joined his school’s badminton team. He wasn’t really good at playing the sport but managed to enter the prefectural tournament. He joins the badminton team of Yokohama-Minato High School under the care of Ebihara. He realizes that his teammates are quite skilled in comparison to him. Now, he must work hard and train hard in order to reach the level of his teammates and not hold them back.

 

44. Number 24

Information
Title	Number 24
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	PRA
Premiered	2020
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This sports anime is about Rugby. It introduces us to Natsusa Yuzuki who joined his college rugby team. Yuzuki was expecting that he would become the ace of his team. However, due to an unexpected injury, Yuzuki had to quit .

 

43. Wave!! Surfing Yappe!!

Information
Title	Wave!! Surfing Yappe!!
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Asahi Production
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

We’re introduced to Masaki Hanako who comes across a blonde boy named Shou Akatsuki who was surfing on the beach. Masaki finds out that Shou is his new classmate. Shou showcases his surfing skills which greatly impress Hanako. While Hanako’s best friend, Nalu, had been interested in surfing, he himself was not really fond of it. But after watching Shou, he develops an interest in surfing and wants to try it out himself. As Hanako tries surfing for the first time, he’s surprisingly very good at it. He decides to take part in a surfing competition and trains hard in order to win it.

 

42. Giant Killing

Information
Title	Giant Killing
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Deen
Premiered	2010
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Giant Killing introduces us to the East Tokyo United Soccer team that used to be the talk of the town. However, they became irrelevant when its captain, Takeshi Tatsumi left the team to join another team in England. The team had been doing average with the efforts of the new captain named Murakoshi. Years later, Takeshi is back in town and wants to make his former team rise again. But now everyone hates him for leaving the team behind for selfish reasons. Even his own team members are not fond of him now. Raising them up again won’t be an easy task for Takeshi anymore.

 

41. Battery

Information
Title	Battery
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Zero-G
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	11 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Battery tells us the story of Takumi Harada who moves to a town in the mountains named Okayama because of his father’s transfer. As spring break is going on,Takumi still has some time before he could get enrolled in his new middle school. Takumi is actually a pitcher who isn’t really as confident as he used to be. However, after meeting Kou Nagakura, his new classmate, Takumi is pumped up and wants to form a pair (Battery) with Kou in order to shine once again.

 

40. Burning Kabaddi

Information
Title	Burning Kabaddi
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Burning Kabaddi tells us the story of Tatsuya Yoigoshi who is a first-year high school student. He used to be a soccer ace in his former school and didn’t really like any other sport other than soccer. In his new school, he’s offered to join a kabaddi team. When he comes to know about the offer, he shows no interest in joining it. However, as he watches one of the practice matches, he’s suddenly grew interested in it and decides to join the kabaddi team.

 

39. Dive

Information
Title	Dive
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Zero-G
Premiered	2017
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	22 min. per ep.

Dive tells us the story of Tomoki Sakai who has been very fond of diving ever since he was a child. One day, he met a guy named Yoichi Fujitani, asenior and a skilled diver. Tomoki decides to join a diving club along with other members. Their coach explains to them that if they fail to become an Olympian, the club will be disbanded. They must work very hard in order to keep the club going.

 

38. Farewell, My Dear Cramer

Information

Title	Farewell, My Dear Crammer
Genre	Drama, Sports
Type	Series
Studio	LIDENFILMS
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Sumire Suo was not good at playing soccer. However, she was invited by her rival, Midori, to play with her in her team. She promised that Suo would never be alone if she joined her team. Suo is reluctant. But Midori is being very honest with her. Will Suo take up her offer?

 

37. Bakuten

Information
Title	Bakuten
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Zexcs
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	22 min. per ep.

Bakuten introduces us to Shoutarou Futaba who has always been very fond of sports. However, he was not good at playing baseball and was a mere benchwarmer. One day he comes across a gymnastic competition and is very impressed by the moves of the gymnasts taking part in it. Shoutarou decides to enrol in the Soushuuhen High School and also be a part of the gymnastic club there. Despite having no experience in gymnastics, Shoutarou is accepted into the club. Now, Shoutarou has a chance to prove himself but first, he must learn the basics of gymnastics. Will he be able to withstand such hard training or will he end up becoming a target of everyone’s jokes?

 

36. All Out!!

Information
Title	All Out
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime introduces us to a timid guy named Gion who meets another guy named Iwashimizu on his first day of school. Both of them are invited to watch a rugby match by the rugby club of their school. After observing the match, Gion realizes that you don’t have to be only tall and sturdy in order to play rugby. It’s the kind of sport that can let short players shine as well. He decides to join the rugby club and also drags Iwashimizu with him. Now he must train hard along with his teammates in order to prove himself.

 

35. Re-Main

Information
Title	Re-Main
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	MAPPA
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Minato had always been a water-polo prodigy until one day, he got into an accident and lost all his memories. He didn’t even remember how he used to play water polo. However, after he was constantly pestered by a guy with whom he shares a history with, he ended up joining the water polo club of his school. The club had a bunch of weird guys with different personalities and their personalities often clashed. But all of them were trying their best to learn water polo properly and be a formidable team. Will they be able to defeat their rivals who have their eyes fixed on Minato?

 

34. Ao Ashi

Information
Title	Ao Ashi
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2022
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Ao Ashi introduces us to a soccer freak named Ashito Aoi who was looking for a school with a great soccer club. However, because of him, his soccer team suffers a loss and is eliminated from the tournament. However, someone from Tokyo takes an interest in him and that’s how Ashito’s life is changed forever.

 

33. Sk8 The Infinity

Information
Title	Sk8 The Infinity
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Bones
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Sk8 The Infinity tells us the story of a boy named Reki who is too much into skateboarding. He goes to take part in an underground tournament hosted by the eccentric Adam who is an extremely dangerous opponent who no one has been able to defeat. Enter Langa, a transfer student who catches the eye of Reki considering his potential in skateboarding. The two train together in order to take part in the tournament and to win it. They made friends along the way and we’re all pumped up to see them defeat the unbeatable, Adam.

 

32. Days

Information
Title	Days
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	MAPPA
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime is for all the soccer freaks out there. It is a perfect blend of action, humor, and emotions. This anime is very catchy and pretty solid. The story of this anime relies on the fact that everything in life is just a game of possibilities.

This anime revolves around a boy named Tsukushi Tsukamoto who possesses no talents and is very clumsy and shy. He meets a boy named Jin Kazama who saves him from bullies and asks him if he’s interested in soccer. Jin tells him to play for him as his team is one player short. Tsukushi agrees and arrives at the designated place after running ten miles in the rain with an injured foot.

He’s awful at playing soccer but his effort and hard work motivate the rest of his team. He finally scores a goal and is responsible for the win. After the match, he gets involved with Jin and they get dragged into the storm of soccer.

 

31. Tsuritama

Information
Title	Sirius the Jaegar
Genre	Sports, Comedy
Type	Series
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Premiered	2012
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This anime is absolutely beautiful with amazing visuals and colorful settings. It correctly uses the colors according to the changing emotions and moods of the anime. Not only the visuals are incredible, but also the music is perfectly fitting. This anime is touching in so many ways.

This anime is about a bunch of outcasts who bond together over fishing and find out the true essence of friendship. The protagonist, Yuki Sanada, is a very introverted boy who failed to make any friends his whole life and stays with his grandmother all the time. He meets a zealous boy named Haru who claims to be an alien and ends up staying with him at his grandmother’s house.

Both of the boys soon meet another boy named Natsuki Usami and their magical adventure in the ocean begins which makes them close to each other.

 

30. Prince of Stride

Information
Title	Prince of Stride
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime has such a unique concept that is nothing like your average sports anime. The animation is very flashy and uses gorgeous contrasts of colors which makes it all the more attractive. It has the perfect balance of sports action as well as a few cooldown episodes that keep you hooked to it. The background music is also very catchy and complements the anime perfectly.

Prince of Stride is about an extreme kind of sport that mixes up parkour and relay race. The sport involves 6 players who run relay races in a town. Three students of Honan academy High School, Nana Sakurai, Takeru Fujiwara, and Riku Yagami decide to join the Stride Club.

After knowing that the stride Club had been inactive for 2 years after a horrible incident, the three of them decide to re-open the club. Their goal is to compete with other schools and win Eastern Japan’s top Stride competition.

 

29. Air Gear

Information
Title	Air Gear
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

If you are a fan of comedy as well as action then this anime is perfect for you. It has the perfect balance of serious as well as lighthearted scenes that make it fantastic. The character development in this one is insane. The action scenes are very engaging and leave you in awe. The background music is one of the best parts of this anime. Overall, it is a great anime that every action lover would adore.

The story revolves around Itsuki Minami who is a delinquent as well as a student. He is the leader of the gang named “East Side Guns”. The “Air Treks” is everyone’s craze where Ikki lives and they compete with each other using these Air Treks. Ikki lives with four sisters that took him in when he was a baby. The sisters are a part of the A-T gang by the name of “Sleeping Forest”. Upon knowing their secret, Ikki’s life gets involved in the storm of A-T gangs and he faces the fate he never anticipated.

 

28. Area no Kishi

Information
Title	Area no Kishi
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Shin-Ei Animation
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	37 episodes
Duration	25 min. per ep.

This anime is a fantastic mixture of different genres that makes it enjoyable. It features decent graphics and visuals and a perfect blend of heartwarming/bittersweet story. You’re going to enjoy this anime if you’re a soccer freak.

This series revolves around a soccer team manager of an ordinary high school, Kakeru Aizawa, who believes himself to be an average player. His brother, Suguru, on the other hand, is a very skilled soccer player who is also an ace for the Japanese National Team.

Though both the brothers are on friendly terms, Aizawa still feels envious of his brother’s talent. Suguru believes that he can awaken the hidden talent of his brother with a little bit of effort and is very concerned about it. Kakeru is forced to get involved in the world of soccer after an unexpected tragedy and also reunites with his childhood crush. He finally decides to face the scar of his past that had held him for so long.

 

27. Okikku Furikabutte

Information
Title	Okikku Furikabutte
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Premiered	2007
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	25 min. per ep.

Baseball is one of the most used sports in the world of Anime because of obvious reasons. It’s super popular in Japan and the Japanese follow baseball like Crazy. Okikku Furikabutte gained a lot of popularity because of its amazing storyline and enjoyable characters.

The characters are very realistic and their development is pretty solid. It starts as a laid-back, slice of life anime but starts becoming intense gradually. If you’re a baseball fan then you’re in for something very exciting and fun.

Okikku Furikabutte is about a high school student named Mihasi Ren who becomes hopeless after getting his self-esteem trampled on in his middle school baseball days. He has no intention of playing baseball again but his school team needs a pitcher urgently. He comes off as selfish but his pitches are well-controlled. With the help of Abe, he polishes his baseball skills and becomes unbeatable.

 

26. Chihayafuru

Information
Title	Chihayafuru
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2011
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	22 min. per ep.

This anime is not your average sports anime and has a very unique concept that we rarely see in the sports anime genre. It features the Japanese Traditional card game, Karuta, which we don’t see a lot in anime. The characters of this anime are very likable and cheerful.

This anime is perfect for those who love simple stories that are full of emotions. The character development is fantastic and is very unpredictable. Its story is a fresh breath of air for everyone.

The story revolves around Chihaya Arase who’s a very famous girl in her school because of her beauty. Three years ago when she was in her final year of elementary school, she became interested in Karuta along with her friend, Taichi, and a lonely-looking boy named Arata Wataya.

The trio fell apart after graduating and went their separate ways. They decide to not give up on Karuta and meet each other again at the national championship. Chihaya becomes a Karuta freak in high school and reunites with her two friends that are indifferent to the game now. she decides to bring them together again to share her passion with them.

 

25. Cross Game

Information
Title	Cross Game
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	SynergySP
Premiered	2009
Episode Count	50 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Another great story in the world of baseball anime, Cross game is one of the staples for sports anime fans. Its story is very simple and refreshing. The burning passion for competition and being the best and greatest can also be seen in the main protagonist.

The animation style is retro which a lot of anime fans adore. This anime is perfect for those who like drama along with sports. Its simple story is going to make you swoon and leave you refreshed.

Cross Game is a story about two families whose lives are intertwined because of baseball, business, and tragedy. The main character, Ko, is the son of a local sports shop owner. Wakaba is the daughter of the owner of a batting center.

An unfortunate accident takes place and Wakaba passes away. Her younger sister, Aoba, who was always jealous of the relationship between the two now befriends him. Both of them are great at playing baseball and try to exceed their potential by practicing vigorously every day.

 

24. Hoshiai no Sora

Title	Hoshiai no Sora
Genre	Drama, Sports
Type	Series
Studio	8bit
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime is very different from your average sports anime because of its realistic setting and amazing theme. It will not be wrong to say that this anime is true to life. It rightly captures the distress and anxiety of teenagers with originality.

It features the sports of anime but we see the Slice of Life genre dominating with this one. It does have an atmosphere of competition but is not very intense. Overall, this anime is such a beautiful piece of art with realistic characters and hard-hitting dialogues.

Hoshiai no Sora is about a boy named Toma Shinjou who aspires to be a great tennis player but his tennis team is disbanded after showing poor performance. He then becomes interested in a transfer student named Maki Katsuragi because he shows great athletic skills.

Toma constantly bugs Maki to join the tennis club but he shows zero interest. Maki ends up joining the club under the condition that toma will pay for his club expenses and other things. He shows exceptional skills and pushes the rest of his team to surpass their potentials and polish their tennis skills. The boys find their true strengths while facing the hardships of middle school life.

 

23 Yowamushi Pedal

Information
Title	Yowamushi Pedal
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	38 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Sports anime about cycling sounds unusual, right? But Yowamushi Pedal depicts the amusing side of competitive cycling and the actual excitement that follows this sport.

Unlike other sports anime, the protagonist in this anime is not very competitive and believes that the true essence of playing sports lies in creating unbreakable bonds and enjoying it for what it truly is.

This is a story about an otaku named Sakamichi Onada who wants to join the anime club in his new school.

He wants to make new friends in this school because he had no friends back then. Now he wants to share his interest with other people and change his bland life. Being extremely obsessed with anime, Sakamichi travels to Akihabara on his mommy bike all the time and develops crazy cycling skills that make him join his school’s Bicycle Racing Club.

 

22. Baby Steps

Information
Title	Baby Steps
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Pierrot
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This one is such an underrated sports anime despite it being so unique. The main focus of this anime is tennis and it approaches this sort in a very different way. We see characters hitting rock bottom and then rising as unbeatable heroes. This anime is sure to impress you if you love drama.

It depicts the story of a first-year high school student, Marou Eiichirou who chooses tennis as the sport he wants to play. He’s an excellent student and gets good grades but when it comes to playing some sort of sports, he’s a total loser. After taking an interest in tennis, he devotes his everything to it and becomes unbeatable.

 

21. Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-kun

Information
Title	Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-Kun
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Hibari
Premiered	2017
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Another sports anime that depicts the perfect blend of comedy as well as an atmosphere of seriousness and competition, Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama-Kun is sure to impress you. Its main focus is soccer so if you’re a fan of soccer and also some light-hearted comedy, then you’re in for a treat.

This anime is about a clean-freak and self-sufficient guy, Aoyama, who is adored by everyone at his school. The weird thing is that he plays soccer, which is a rather dirty sport. Despite being a dirty sport, Aoyama cleanly paves his way to the top. But the path to the Nationals is not going to be easy as Aoyama thinks. Along with the striker of his team, Kaoru Zaizen, he’ll show that there are some things he’ll happily get himself dirty for.

 

20. Inazuma 11

Information
Title	Inazuma Eleven
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	OLM
Premiered	2008
Episode Count	127 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime takes soccer to the extreme, making it one of the most interesting sports anime. It features a wide range of interesting and likable characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for them.

You’ll indeed get to witness a lot of over-the-top flashy moves that are very common in other anime genres. However, you’ll enjoy those flashy moves and they’ll get you all excited. This anime personally became very nostalgic and sentimental for me. So, I’d recommend this anime to anyone who’s into soccer.

Inazuma 11 is about a zealous young boy named Endou Mamoru. He’s a part of a six-membered team who face serious hardships while climbing the stairs to the top. Endou Mamoru gathers different players throughout the series to make his team the best in Japan. We see a lot of action and exciting matches between different teams that are unforgettable.

 

19. Run With The Wind

Information
Title	Run With The Wind
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	23 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This anime leans more towards drama than the actual sports action. So, if that’s your cup of tea then you’re going to love this one. It depicts the artform in a way that cannot be replicated in any other way. You will find yourself loving this anime because of its realistic portrayal of life and some philosophical questions that you find very relevant.

We don’t see a lot of anime that focuses on running and considers it as a form of sport. Character development in this one is insane and the characters are also very realistic. This anime makes you think that running allows everyone to compete against themselves. You will also find yourself laughing throughout this anime because of its epic comedy.

Haiji Kiyose is a very energetic fourth-year student at Kansei University who has been secretly gathering different men for the track and field team of the university campus. Kiyose wishes to take part in Hakone Ekiden which is a popular relay university marathon race.

 

18. Ping Pong

Information
Title	Ping Pong
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Tatsunoko Production
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	11 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Ping Pong has the most unique animation style and visuals in our list of the best sports anime. It is not your average sports anime that offers a lot of interesting things for the girls. It will take some time for you to get used to its animation style.

The characters in this anime are very enjoyable and you can feel them develop in a very realistic manner. The action in this anime is spectacular and will leave you in awe. It revolves around table tennis which we don’t see in a lot of anime. Overall, this is an enjoyable anime that you’re going to love watching if you don’t follow the norms when it comes to anime.

This anime centers around two childhood friends, Smile and Peco. They both play table tennis for Katase High School. Peco’s self-esteem is crushed after a student named China beats him and he halts all practice.

Smile, on the other hand, is always reluctant in giving his full potential while playing with Peco because of his personality. The coach tries to change this about Smile and motivate him to give his all while playing. The players in this anime find the true meaning of playing table tennis after a lot of struggle and ups and downs.

 

17. Megalo Box

Information
Title	Megalo Box
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This one is for all the boxing freaks out there. There’s a lot of hype created around boxing and anime fans loving watching boxing anime because of how action-packed they are. It features engaging action scenes that keep you coming back for more.

Everything from animation to the background music is just perfect. It leaves the fans in awe because of how fascinating the boxing matches are in this one. You definitely need to watch this anime if you’re a boxing fan.

This series takes place in futuristic Japan where licensed live in the city while the unlicensed ones are forced to live in the slums on the outskirts. Our main protagonist who lives by the name Junk Dog is a boxer who possesses a technique for rigging for Megalobox matches that he uses to support himself along with his friend Gansaku Nanbu. Yuri is a skilled boxer and soon his life gets tangled with Junk Dog and they become rivals, fighting each other to be the king of the ring.

 

16. Whistle

Information
Title	Whistle
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Comet
Premiered	2002
Episode Count	39 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

This anime focuses on soccer but is much more than just soccer anime. It is very entertaining and not bland at all. The characters are also very fun and keep you entertained throughout. We also see some degree of development in the main character as he interacts with other characters which are amazing.

The Whistle series is about a boy named Kazamatsuri Shou who aspires to become a great soccer player but does not possess very good soccer playing skills. He luckily got accepted into the prestigious Musashi no Mori Junior high which is known for its amazing soccer team. Unfortunately, our boy could not rise beyond the rank of third-stringer. He moves to Sakura Jousui Junior high where he’s finally able to polish his skills along with his other friends that push him forward. Shou paves his way to achieving his dream with his willpower.

 

15. Captain Tsubasa

Information
Title	Captain Tsubasa
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	David Production
Premiered	2018
Episode Count	52 episodes
Duration	22 min. per ep.

This anime is no doubt one of the gems in classic sports anime. Another soccer anime that you’re going to love. It features a very simple story that gradually becomes intense and leaves you in awe. The 90’s kids would definitely remember this gem of an anime.

The characters in this anime are very unique and distinctly recognizable. You will not get bored because each match has its dynamics and level of difficulty. I praise this anime for the diversity and engagement that keeps you coming for more.

Captain Tsubasa is about an 11-year-old young boy named Tsubasa who is obsessed with playing soccer. Tsubasa moves with his mother to Nankatsu city which is famous for its exceptional elementary school soccer teams. Although Tsubasa is very talented when it comes to playing soccer. But it will take something more than talent for Tsubasa to become the best of the best. He encounters a lot of rivals and makes a lot of friends who push him forward and to the top.

 

14. One Outs

Information
Title	One Outs
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2008
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This anime focuses mainly on sports action and will keep you hooked to it till the end. If you’re not a fan of drama with sports anime, this could keep you busy. The main character is a badass and is very attractive because of his personality.

The action in this anime is fantastic and will keep you entertained without making you bored. The anime focuses on baseball which is the most favorite sports genre of the Japanese. If you’re a fan of baseball and love some hardcore sports action then you’re in for a treat.

One Outs is about a gambler named Toua Takuchi who is also an athlete. He outwits everyone at One Ots which is a simplified form of baseball with one pitcher and one batter. Hiromichi Kojima is a veteran slugger that scouts Toua for his unsuccessful team, the Saikyou Saitama Laycaons.

Kojima hopes that Toua will take their team to the top. However, the owner of the Lycaons sees Toua as a threat to the team’s income. He puts forward a condition for Toua. He suggests that every out Toua pitches will earn him five million yen and with every run he gives up he’ll lose 50 million yen.

 

13. Initial D

Information
Title	Initial D
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Gallop
Premiered	1998
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	25 min. per ep.

This one is for all the gear heads out there. Initial D is a fast-paced sports anime about racing that has the ability to draw you into the races and makes you draw into the races and make you think about what’s going to happen next.

The protagonist of this anime is very hard to figure out which makes him interesting. The animation is a mix of two mediums, regular animation for the characters and background and 3D CG animation for the cars. The race scenes are surprisingly very exciting when coupled with pumping background music.

The story of this anime is about a street racer who’s very passionate about racing and doesn’t hesitate to speed down mountain passes at more than a hundred miles per hour. The two characters Takumi Fujiwara and Itsuki Takeuchi who are high school friends and have just obtained their driving licenses. Itsuki aspires to be a street racer and joining a local team, the Akina Speedstars. On the other hand, Takumi is not very obsessed with driving or becoming a street racer.

 

12 . 2.43: Seiin Kouko Danshi Volley-bu

Information
Title	2.43: Seiin Kouko Danshi Volley-bu
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	David Production
Premiered	2021
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

This is an ongoing anime that focuses on volleyball, one of the most loved sports in Japan. The fluidity of the animation is amazing and its characters are very likable. We see beautiful volleyball action that is very addictive. If you’re a fan of a simple yet emotional plot as well as melodrama then this one is for you.

The plot revolves around two childhood friends Kimichika Hajima and Yuni Kuroba who reunite after enrolling at Sein High School. Kimichika possesses exceptional athletic attributes but gets vulnerable under pressure. Both of them join the volleyball club. The new volleyball team after a lot of practice and hard work become their town’s new rising star.

 

11. Major

Information
Title	Air Gear
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Studio Hibari
Premiered	2004
Episode Count	26 episodes
Duration	25 min. per ep.

We have another baseball anime here but this time, it’s one of the longest sports anime series with an ongoing timeline. It does not only focus on the sport itself but also has some comedy and heavy drama on the side. The most effective points for this one are the spectacular character development and engaging storyline.

Major revolves around the life and career of Goro Honda. He got interested in baseball because of his father who’s a great baseball player. But, as his life and his love for baseball become tangled together in knots, he gathers courage and stays strong in the face of hardships.

 

10. Eyeshield 21

Information
Title	Eyesheild 21
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Gallop
Premiered	2006
Episode Count	143 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

The anime with the intense bumping, Eyeshield 21, is all about American Football. The crazy sports action coupled with humor makes it a perfect football anime. It’s also very intense and will keep you coming back for more. If you’re a fan of some crazy sports action then you’re in for some fun.

Eyeshield 21 is about a boy named Sena Kobayakawa who gained exceptional physical power by running different errands due to all the bullying he faced. His immense physical power was discovered by the captain of Devil Bats American Football. Sena simply wanted to be the manager of the field but things happen and he becomes the legendary eyeshield 21, pushing his team forward to victory.

 

9. Ahiru no Sora

Information
Title	Ahiru no Sora
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Diomedea
Premiered	2019
Episode Count	50 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Another show with some of the most realistic characters, Ahiru no Sora is loved by a lot of anime fans all around the World. It revolves around basketball and gained immense popularity because of its realistic characters. If you’re a fan of some decent anime action then this one could keep you busy.

Sora Kurumatani is a high school student who aspires to be the best basketball player. He made a promise to his mother that he’ll be the best of the best. He joins the basketball club of Kuzuryu High School and finds out that it’s a den of delinquents. Sora changes his team with sheer hard work and pushes them forward to the road of victory.

 

8. Prince of Tennis

Information
Title	The Prince of Tennis
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Trans Arts
Premiered	2001
Episode Count	178 episodes
Duration	22 min. per ep.

Prince of tennis is another anime about tennis but is very different from other anime that involve tennis. It features out-of-this-world sports action that will keep you hooked till the end. The animation is also spectacular and the characters are very enjoyable. This one is for all the tennis freaks out there.

It follows the story of a tennis prodigy, Echizen Ryoma who has won a lot of tennis matches despite his young age. There’s only one person he can never win against, his father. He enrolls in Seishun Gakuen and joins an outstanding tennis team. He passes a lot of obstacles and trains like crazy so he could defeat his father for once.

 

7. Diamond no Ace

Information
Title	Diamond no Ace
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	75 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

I won’t be exaggerating if I say that Diamond no Ace stands at the top of all the baseball anime because of its amazing storyline. The way the characters are portrayed in this anime and their attitude towards their favorite sport, baseball, is spectacular. There’s nothing ordinary about this anime. The in-game tension in this one is something you won’t find in most of the other sports anime. The sound effects and background music are going to give you the chills.

The series follows a baseball pitcher Eijun Sawamura who develops a very unusual changeup pitch which occurred to him naturally. During his match with a team from a local high school, Eijun is scouted by a scout from the prestigious Seido High School and offers him a scholarship as well as a chance to make it to the nationals. After visiting the school, Eijun’s whole outlook of his future changes.

He joins the baseball team but finds himself very unskilled when surrounded by a lot of talented players. He declares that one day he will become the ace of the team. He along with his teammates aspire to become the best of the best and train like crazy.

 

6. Yuri on Ice

Information
Title	Yuri on Ice
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	MAPPA
Premiered	2016
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

Yuri on ice is going to make you drool and swoon over the characters and you’re going to get wrapped in their charm. This one is for all the yaoi fangirls.

This anime is very special at a lot of levels. With its stellar animation and addicting background music, you’d definitely want to rewatch it. It revolves around skating which we don’t see in a lot of other sports anime. The unique theme makes it different from all other sports anime.

The story is about a figure skater named Yuri Katsugi who returns to his hometown because of his crushing defeat. Soon after Yuri’s video goes viral in which he is performing a routine that was previously performed by a World Champion, Victor Nikiforov. Victor approaches Yuri and proposes that he wants to be his mentor. Yuri being a fan of victor eagerly accepts his offer and starts his journey back to the world of skating. His journey is not easy as he meets a lot of other figure skaters who want to crush him to make it to the top.

 

5. Free! Iwatobi Swim Club

Information
Title	Free!
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Kyoto Animation
Premiered	2013
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Being immensely popular because of its fanservice, Free is sure to sweep you off your feet. It’s for those of you who like to see a lot of hot boys swimming with sparkle all over. The artwork of the anime is so beautiful that it will make you want to go swimming. It’s going to refresh your senses. One of the best things about this anime is the character development and the relationship of characters with each other. The theme of this anime is also very unique and entertaining.

This anime revolves around Haruka Nanase who has a natural affinity towards the water and a passion for swimming. He won a relay race in elementary school along with his friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, and Makoto Tachibana. The four friends went their separate ways. They reunited again as high school students but it seemed that Rin couldn’t care less about how things used to be. He also wants to show Haruka that he’s a much better swimmer than him.

Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto form a swim club along with a fourth member, Rei. The four form a close bond while training and Haruka decide to settle the score with Rin once and for all.

 

4. Kuroko no Basuke

Information
Title	Kuroko no Basket
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2012
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

Standing proud at number 4 is an anime that’s all about basketball. You will not see such intense sports action in any other anime. It’s immensely popular all around the world because of its stellar animation and pumping background music. The characters are also very charming and likable. It’ll be hard for you to choose one favorite character. With such amazing stunts, it is safe to say that Kuroko no Basket is one of the best Basketball anime of all time.

This anime starts with Teiko Middle School rising to distinction by crushing all competitors. The team became the “Generation of the Miracles”. The five prodigies went to different schools after graduating and had no idea that there’s another sixth “Phantom” prodigy that they do not know about. The sixth player Kuroko and a naturally talented player Taiga aspire to become the best of the best and face many challenges during their training and matches with other schools.

 

3. Slam Dunk

Information
Title	Slam Dunk
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	1993
Episode Count	101 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

We’re finally at the top three of our list of the best sports anime and this position is secured by none other than Slam Dunk. It will be safe to say that Slam Dunk is the best Basketball anime of all time. The exciting stunts and very realistic game experiences are going to keep you hooked to it. It also features a perfect blend of drama, action, and comedy.

This anime revolves around the story of a high school student named Hanamichi Sakuragi. After getting rejected by his crush, he channels his anger in basketball and becomes very skilled at it. He meets another girl named Haruko who teaches him basketball and falls in love with her. His road to love is not easy. The elder brother of Haruko is the captain of the team and his crush is the ace.

 

2. Haikyuu!

Information
Title	Haikyuu!!
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Production I.G
Premiered	2014
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 min. per ep.

The second place on our list of the best sports anime goes to none other than Haikyuu. This anime is perfect in every way and has a remarkable plot with realistic characters. It also portrays the complex relationship between the characters flawlessly.

This anime shows teamwork that no anime has ever been able to show before. You will feel attached to the players at an emotional level and they’ll make you fall in love with them. It also features brilliant volleyball action that will keep you hooked to it throughout. Overall, Haikyuu is an all-rounder and the best Volleyball anime out there.

Haikyuu is a story about a boy named Hinata Shouyo who despite his short height wants to be the best. He aspires to become the little giant of his team and works very hard for it. During middle school, he is crushed by the King of the Court, Tobio Kageyama. His self-esteem gets crushed and he vows to join a school with a volleyball team and decides to settle scores with Kageyama once and for all.

A lot of things happen and Kageyama and Hinata end up on the same team. Along with their other team members, Hinata and Kageyama show amazing teamwork and make their way to the top.

 

1. Hajime no Ippo

Information
Title	Hajime no Ippo
Genre	Sports
Type	Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	2000
Episode Count	75 episodes
Duration	23 min. per ep.

We’ve finally arrived at the top of our list. Hajime no Ippo is the anime that deserves to be on top because of its immense popularity. Out of all the sports anime that exist, this one is the best.

This anime shows boxing at its finest. It portrays out-of-the-world boxing action that you might not have witnessed before in any other boxing anime. It will make you ponder that boxing is much more than punches and frantic action. It teaches us the importance of diligence, consistency, and perseverance through the drama and action of its story.

Hajime no Ippo is about Makunouchi Ippo’s struggle in boxing and his private life. He was bullied and made to do chores that he never wanted to. He had no confidence at all and was a pushover all his life. He was found by a boxer named Takamura one day when he was being bullied. Takamura brings him to a boxing gym where he decides to redeem himself. After a lot of tests, he decides to take up boxing as his interest and polishes his boxing skills. He changes his weak side and is now a different and stronger person.

 

Conclusion

With sports anime being so thrilling, there’s no end to fans’ fascination with athletes and games. They not only include sports action but also have a hint of drama to make it feel more realistic.

I hope you liked our recommendation list of the best sports anime of all time. So, are you ready for some adrenaline rush? Pick up your favorite and start binge-watching!