The best sports anime take all the intensity and drama of more fantastical
settings and distils them down into a relatively realistic environment.
Though most wouldn't expect sports anime to be the medium's most
exciting genre, there are plenty of excellent series that immerse the viewer
through well-written drama and action-packed matches. Instead of using cool
power systems or magical weaponry, sports anime applies the high-stakes action
of shonen to every sport imaginable.
Whether it's traditional sports like volleyball or something unorthodox
like ping pong, the anime's portrayal allows viewers to fall in love with
every sport. The best sports anime have lovable characters who share
interesting dynamics. Teammates have a specific relationship, as do rival
teams.
1. Blue Lock (2022)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Action, Mystery
IMBD Rating - 8.5
Japan keeps losing the World Cup, over and over. After Isagi Yoichi, a forward
for a high school team, gets eliminated in the last game in the qualifier for
nationals, gets invited to a traning camp.
High school soccer players from across Japan gather for a controversial
project designed to create the best and most egoistic striker in the
world.
2. Haikyuu!!(2014–2020)
This is my personal favorite :)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
IMBD Rating - 8.7
Determined to be like the volleyball championship's star player nicknamed
"the small/little giant", Hinata Shoyo joins his school's
volleyball club.
3. Baki (2018–2020)
TV-MA | 45 min | Animation, Action, Drama
IMBD Rating -6.7
The protagonist, Baki Hanma, trains with an intense focus to become strong
enough to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, the strongest fighter in the
world.
4. Kuroko's Basketball (2012–2015)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Sport
IMBD Rating -8.3
The Teiko Middle School Basketball Team. The school that produced three
perfect seasons in a row, with five once-in-a generation players, called
"The Generation of Miracles."
5. Aoashi (2022– )
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Ashito Aoi, who lives in Ehime prefecture. Ashito has a strong talent in
soccer, but he tries to hide it. Due to his very straightforward personality, he
causes a disaster that serves as a huge setback for him
6. Bubble (2022)
TV-PG | 100 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After bubbles that broke the laws of gravity rained down upon the world. Cut
off from the outside world, Tokyo has become a playground for a group of young
people who have lost their families.
7. Redline (2009)
Not Rated | 102 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
A story about the most popular racing event in the galaxy, the Redline, and
the various racers who compete in it.
8. Slam Dunk (1993–1996)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
About Sakuragi Hanamichi, a freshman of Shohoku High School who joins the
basketball team because of the girl he has a crush on, Haruko. Although he is
newbie in this sport, he is no ordinary basketball player.
9. Baki the Grappler (2001–2007)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Baki Hanma competes in an underground fighting tournament organized by
Tokugawa. Masters of various fighting styles come from all over the world in
order to determine who is the strongest fighter on Earth.
10. Kengan Ashura(2019– )
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Sport
A timid old man is summoned by his chairman to become the manager of Tokita
Ohma, a highly skilled gladiator who only cares about fighting and winning in
the Kengan matches.