Just like sports movies have won the hearts of audiences, Sports cartoons has risen from a series of television shows or comic book-inspired series to become a cultural phenomenon. And looking at the most beloved and famous sports anime ever released, it’s not hard to see why.
The best sports anime series offer compelling character history, challenges, and victories. They also cover important themes such as friendship, loss, family and dedication. If all that wasn’t enough, the top sports anime have also garnered enough acclaim and cult following to not only be recognized as the best in their sub-genre… but to be considered one of the best. of the top anime of all time.
10 Prince of Tennis
While the reaction to The Prince of Tennis may not have been as positive as other series, it is still a perfect sports anime for beginners. Beginning as a manga serialized from 1999 to 2008, the series follows young tennis player Ryoma Echizen as he outperforms his opponents, quickly becoming a certified tennis player. At the same time, continue their school’s efforts to win the team championship.
The plot is simple and although the cast of characters may not have as many bodies as other sports anime, The Prince of Tennis still became one of the best-selling manga and most popular sports anime of all time. grand. Longtime fans of the genre may find it less nuanced, but for those new to sports anime this is a great introduction.
The original 9 D’s
Perfect for fans of the Fast and Furious franchise (especially before it switched from street racing to superhero secret agents), D originally focused on the same Japanese street racing that simulation series for Tokyo Drift. Beginning as a manga in 1995 by Shuichi Shigeno, the series exploded into multiple anime stories, divided into “Stages.”
Although many audiences have become aware of the series through its popularity as an online meme, the story of Takumi Fujiwara on his quest to become a respected racer is hard to surpass in the genre. With incredible driving scenes and a rousing soundtrack, Initial D is a thrilling and underrated anime that sticks to its guns every step of the way.
8.Yuri on ice
Yury on Ice debuted in 2016 to a warm welcome, following hero Yury Katsuki, a figure skater trying to decide what his competitive future holds. During his journey, he rediscovers his passion for skating as well as his love of skating. While not as old as some other iconic sports anime, this series has captivated not only the casual anime crowd but also professional skaters (becoming famous for its choreography and soundtrack makes the leap into real-world figure skating). The heart, struggle and emotion of the show, as well as its distinctive sports focus, ensure that it will remain a must-watch for years to come.
Pedal 7 Yowamushi
Yowamushi Pedal first aired in 2013 but gained fans thanks to its success as the manga remained serialized after its launch in 2008. Running 84 episodes and airing five seasons, the series is about Sakamichi Onoda, who joins a cycling club. TMS Entertainment’s award-winning series stands out not only for its focus on cycling but also for the appeal of its otaku protagonist. With lots of humor and heart, Yowamushi Pedal is a series that anime viewers should check out (if they aren’t hooked already).
6 Kuroko’s Basketball
First created as a manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki in 2008, Kuroko’s Basketball is a series that stands out for breaking away from typical sports manga conventions. The film follows the main character, Tetsuya Kuroko, as he joins a basketball team in hopes of becoming a top contender at the high school level. While it may seem typical at first, the series combines magical action with sports and plot beats. Each player seems to have their own superpowers, making the game more thrilling and exciting. The diverse cast of characters are also motivated in compelling ways, while the main character is an unexpected and very quiet star. Kuroko’s Basketball is a must-watch anime series that combines traditional sports anime with fantasy elements.
5 Ace of Diamonds
Ace of Diamond is another series that began as a manga (2006 – 2015) before being adapted into an anime by Madhouse and Production IG, first airing in 2013 (and spawning many sequel series and manga since then ). The hero of the story is Eijun Sawada, who wants to become a star pitcher, or ‘ace’ on the baseball diamond. The series offers individual competition as teammates compete to become aces, as well as the usual ups and downs of a season of major league baseball. With a cast of characters with big dreams and exciting baseball action, Ace of Diamond needs to be on the watch list of any baseball fan and beyond. anime.
4 Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! is one of the most popular sports manga and anime of the modern era – and it’s no wonder why. Another series from Production IG, this manga anime adaptation follows Shoyo Hinata, whose determination and teamwork throughout the series make the story stand out (though it’s quite young compared to sports anime). another hit). Haikyu!! won several awards and even though it’s over it’s still worth getting in sooner. Hinata’s perseverance and struggle, as well as the camaraderie that fuels her success, make this a must-watch sports anime.
3 Majors
Although less known or widely cited than some other modern sports anime, Major deserves a spot on this list. First launched as a manga by Takuya Mitsuda and serialized from 1994 to 2010, followed by an anime broadcast in 2004, this baseball anime follows Goro Honda, who strives to become an athlete. professional pitcher like his father. What makes it unique is the length of the story, taking Goro from his early years in the sport all the way to the big tournaments.
While representing progress beyond a championship or a season, the Major has all the hallmarks that sports fans love, but also has a fan base that includes pitchers MLB all-star pitcher and hitter, Shohei Ohtani. The major league player has mentioned his love of the series in interviews, proving that it is not only a compelling story but one that inspires athletes Ambitious at any age.
2 Hajime no Ippo
Created by George Morikawa as a manga in 1989, Hajime no Ippo is often compared to Rocky. This underdog hero is Ippo Makunouchi, who entered the world of boxing when a professional boxer intervened in one of many instances of bullying in the young man’s life. After Ippo learns how to box, the focus of the story comes from the rivalry, interactions between the characters, and the resulting growth that Ippo has to go through.
Like the titular hero of Rocky or The Karate Kid, this anime hero is an underdog in a combat sport who gets stronger the more he learns about himself and others. Fans of both films should give Hajime no Ippo a chance, as the film has proven that it can resonate with audiences in the long term.
1 dunk
In 1990, mangaka Takehiko Inoue launched the sports manga and eventually the most beloved anime in the world. Beginning with Toei Animation in 1993, the series’ most recent film The First Slam Dunk remains a box office hit. Slam Dunk is credited with increasing the popularity of basketball in Japan, making it one of the most influential sports stories in manga and anime… if not the most influential of all time .
The film follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a feared, trouble-making gang leader who hopes to impress a girl by learning to play basketball. His journey to becoming a successful player and leader of a championship team is etched in anime history, so if any anime fan has yet to watch it, it would be a mistake to do so any time soon. do right.