Get ready to cheer, cry, and feel all the feels with these amazing sports anime series.
Who says anime is just about magic and fantasy? Sports anime brings the excitement of competition, the thrill of victory, and the power of teamwork to the screen.
The Best Sports Anime to Get Your Heart Pumping
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just love a good underdog story, these epic sports anime will have you cheering, crying, and feeling all the feels. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to be inspired!
Blue Lock
Forget teamwork and sportsmanship! Blue Lock takes a ruthless approach to creating the ultimate striker. This sports anime throws 300 high school players into a cutthroat competition. Only one will emerge as Japan’s next soccer star.
This anime is full of intense rivalries, ego clashes, and mind games. The players must push themselves to their limits, embrace their selfishness, and devour their opponents to achieve their goals. It’s a wild ride that challenges traditional sports anime tropes.
If you’re looking for a sports anime with a dark twist and a focus on individual ambition, Blue Lock is a must-watch. Get ready for some serious soccer action and a psychological battle that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ace of the Diamond
Eijun Sawamura is a passionate baseball player with a unique pitching style. He joins the prestigious Seido High School Baseball Club, determined to become the team’s ace and lead them to victory. But he faces tough competition and must learn to work with his talented teammates.
This anime is a classic for a reason. It’s full of exciting baseball action, heartwarming friendships, and inspiring moments of personal growth. You’ll find yourself cheering for Eijun and the Seido team as they strive for their dreams.
Ace of the Diamond is a must-watch for any sports fan. It captures the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and the thrill of competition. So grab your mitt and get ready to be swept away by this epic baseball saga!
Re-Main
Minato Kiyomizu was a water polo champion. But a tragic accident leaves him with amnesia and a forgotten passion. In high school, Minato decides to try water polo again. He joins a new team and faces the challenge of relearning the sport and rebuilding his skills.
This anime is a heartwarming story about second chances, overcoming adversity, and the power of teamwork. Minato’s journey of rediscovering his love for water polo and forming new bonds with his teammates will inspire you to dive headfirst into your passions.
With its unique premise and relatable characters, Re-Main is a must-watch for sports anime fans and anyone who loves a good comeback story. Get ready to cheer for Minato as he navigates the challenges of his past and strives for victory in the pool!
Blue Box
Taiki Inomata is a high school badminton player with a major crush on Chinatsu Kano, the star of the girls’ basketball team. He’s determined to confess his feelings, but things get complicated when Chinatsu unexpectedly becomes his housemate!
This sports anime is a heartwarming and relatable story about young love, friendship, and chasing your dreams. It beautifully captures the awkwardness and excitement of first love, with plenty of sweet moments and genuine emotions.
Blue Box is a must-watch for fans of romance and sports anime alike. It’s a charming and refreshing series that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Get ready to cheer for Taiki and Chinatsu as they navigate their feelings and strive for victory, both on and off the court!
Chihayafuru
Chihaya Ayase is a girl with a passion for karuta, a competitive card game based on Japanese poetry. Inspired by a childhood friend, she dreams of becoming the best karuta player in Japan. She forms a school club and competes fiercely, forging strong bonds with her teammates along the way.
This sports anime is a hidden gem that beautifully blends competition, friendship, and personal growth. It introduces viewers to the fascinating world of karuta, with its unique blend of strategy, speed, and memorization. Plus, it features a strong and determined female lead who will inspire you to chase your own dreams.
Chihayafuru is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s a captivating and emotional journey that will leave you cheering for Chihaya and her team as they strive for victory in the world of competitive karuta.
Yuri!! On ICE
Yuri Katsuki, a talented figure skater, faces setbacks and self-doubt. He’s on the verge of retiring when his idol, Victor Nikiforov, a legendary Russian skater, unexpectedly becomes his coach. Together, they embark on a journey to reclaim Yuri’s passion and conquer the world of competitive figure skating.
This sports anime is a beautiful and inspiring story about overcoming challenges, embracing your identity, and finding strength in love and friendship. It’s full of breathtaking skating sequences, heartwarming moments, and a captivating exploration of the dedication and artistry required to succeed in the world of figure skating.
Yuri!!! On ICE is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself, both on and off the ice.
Run With The Wind
Kiyose Haiji has a dream: to compete in the Hakone Ekiden, one of Japan’s most prestigious relay marathons. He recruits Kurahara Kakeru, a talented runner, and eight other unlikely residents of his dorm to form a team. But there’s a catch: most of them have never run competitively before!
This sports anime is an inspiring story about teamwork, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself. It follows the team’s journey as they train, overcome challenges, and form unbreakable bonds. Get ready for heartwarming moments, hilarious antics, and thrilling race sequences that will leave you breathless.
Run with the Wind is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves an underdog story. It’s a beautiful and emotional journey that celebrates the human spirit and the joy of running.
Overtake!
Haruka Asahina is a young and determined Formula 4 racer. He dreams of reaching the top, but his path is filled with challenges. Enter Kouya Madoka, a photographer who sees Haruka’s potential and decides to help him achieve his goals.
This sports anime is a thrilling ride, full of high-speed races, intense rivalries, and the pursuit of dreams. It captures the adrenaline-pumping world of motorsports and the dedication it takes to succeed. Plus, the bond between Haruka and Kouya adds a heartwarming touch to the story.
Overtake! is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves the thrill of competition. Get ready to experience the excitement of the racetrack and cheer for Haruka as he pushes himself to the limit!
Megalo Box
In a dystopian future, “Junk Dog” is a nameless fighter who participates in rigged Megalo Box matches. He’s bored and unfulfilled, until he encounters Yuri, the reigning champion. This sparks a fire in Junk Dog, and he sets out to prove himself in the brutal world of Megalo Boxing.
This sports anime is a gritty and inspiring tale of an underdog rising to the top. It’s packed with intense action, compelling characters, and a retro-inspired aesthetic that sets it apart. Junk Dog’s journey of self-discovery and his relentless pursuit of his dreams will resonate with anyone who has ever fought for recognition.
Megalo Box is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Get ready to be captivated by the raw energy, emotional depth, and thrilling battles in the ring.
Salaryman’s Club
Shiratori Mikoto is a talented badminton player with a sharp eye for the game. But a past trauma haunts him, hindering his performance. After being cut from his prestigious team, he joins Sunlight Beverages, hoping for a fresh start. However, he faces new challenges with his quirky coworkers and a struggling badminton team.
This sports anime blends workplace comedy with thrilling badminton action. It explores themes of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and finding your passion. Shiratori’s journey of self-discovery and his determination to reignite his badminton career will resonate with anyone who has ever faced setbacks.
Salaryman’s Club is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Get ready for hilarious office antics, intense badminton matches, and a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and personal growth.
Haikyu!
Shoyo Hinata is a small but determined volleyball player with big dreams. Inspired by the “Little Giant,” he joins his high school volleyball team, only to find his rival, Tobio Kageyama, as his teammate. Together, they must learn to work together and overcome their differences to achieve their goals.
This sports anime is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s packed with exciting volleyball action, heartwarming friendships, and hilarious moments. You’ll find yourself cheering for the Karasuno High team as they face challenging opponents and strive for victory.
Haikyu!! is a must-watch for any sports anime fan. It captures the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and the thrill of competition. Get ready to be inspired by Shoyo and his teammates as they fly high and chase their dreams on the volleyball court!
Yowamushi Pedal
Onoda Sakamichi is an otaku who loves anime and riding his clunky bike uphill to Akihabara. But his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets two competitive cyclists at his high school. He joins their cycling club and discovers a hidden talent for the sport.
This sports anime is a thrilling ride, full of intense races, inspiring friendships, and heartwarming moments. Follow Onoda as he trains hard, pushes his limits, and competes in grueling races with his team. You’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!
Yowamushi Pedal is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s a captivating and motivational series that celebrates the power of hard work, determination, and the thrill of cycling.
MF Ghost
In a future where self-driving cars rule the roads, the MFG racing circuit offers a thrilling escape. Kanata Rivington, a skilled driver, returns to Japan to compete in the MFG and search for his missing father. But he’ll face fierce competition and uncover secrets that could change his life forever.
This sports anime is a high-octane thrill ride, full of intense races, cutting-edge technology, and a captivating mystery. It’s a must-watch for fans of motorsports and anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush. Plus, Kanata’s determination and family ties add an emotional layer to the story.
MF Ghost is a perfect blend of action, drama, and heartwarming moments. Get ready to experience the excitement of the racetrack and uncover the truth alongside Kanata as he races towards his goals.
Oblivion Battery
Haruka Kiyomine and Kei Kaname were a legendary baseball duo. But their dreams were shattered when Kei suffered amnesia. Now, they’re reunited at a new high school with a ragtag team of former rivals. Can they overcome the challenges of Kei’s memory loss and reignite their passion for the game?
This sports anime is a heartwarming and hilarious story about second chances, friendship, and the power of teamwork. It’s full of quirky characters, unexpected twists, and exciting baseball action. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll root for this underdog team as they strive for victory.
Oblivion Battery is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good comeback story. Get ready to be inspired by Haruka and Kei as they face their past, embrace new challenges, and rediscover the joy of baseball.
SK8 The Infinity
Reki and Langa are two high schoolers with a passion for skateboarding. They discover “S,” a secret and dangerous downhill race, and quickly become hooked on the adrenaline rush. Together, they’ll face tough competition, push their limits, and discover the true meaning of friendship and rivalry.
This sports anime is a visual feast, with stunning animation and dynamic skateboarding sequences that will leave you breathless. It’s a celebration of passion, creativity, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. Plus, the diverse cast of characters and their unique skating styles will keep you entertained and inspired.
SK8 the Infinity is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Get ready to shred with Reki and Langa as they carve their own paths to victory!
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
Haruka Nanase loves to swim. He and his childhood friends, Makoto, Rin, and Nagisa, share a deep passion for the water. But when Rin returns after years of training abroad, their rivalry reignites, pushing Haruka to confront his past and embrace his competitive spirit.
This sports anime is a beautiful and inspiring story about friendship, teamwork, and the pursuit of dreams. It’s filled with stunning underwater sequences, heartwarming moments, and a cast of lovable characters. You’ll find yourself cheering for the Iwatobi Swim Club as they face challenges and strive for victory in the pool.
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story. It’s a celebration of passion, dedication, and the power of friendship to help us overcome any obstacle.
Rising Impact
Nanaumi Gawain is no ordinary third-grader. He has an incredible talent for hitting things really, really far. When he discovers the world of golf, he’s hooked. He sets his sights on becoming the world’s best golfer and embarks on a journey to Tokyo to hone his skills.
This sports anime takes the “prodigy” trope to the extreme. Gawain is a ridiculously talented golfer, despite his young age. He faces off against older competitors, learns valuable lessons about the sport, and grows as both a player and a person.
Rising Impact is a fun and exciting watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves an underdog story. It’s full of over-the-top action, quirky characters, and inspiring moments. Get ready to be amazed by Gawain’s skills and cheer him on as he chases his dreams on the green!
The Prince of Tennis
Ryoma Echizen is a tennis prodigy with a cool demeanor and killer skills. He joins the prestigious Seishun Academy and quickly rises through the ranks, aiming for the National Middle School Tennis Championship. But he’ll face tough competition and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship along the way.
This classic sports anime is a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s full of exciting matches, dynamic characters, and over-the-top tennis moves that will leave you in awe. Plus, Ryoma’s determination and growth as a player are truly inspiring.
The Prince of Tennis is a beloved series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. It’s a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the thrill of competition. So grab your racket and get ready to be served a dose of epic tennis action!
Tsurune: Kazemai High School Kyudo Club
Minato Narumiya has a past with archery. He joins his high school’s kyudo club, hoping to rediscover his love for the sport. But he faces a challenge: target panic. With the help of his friends and teammates, Minato must overcome his anxiety and find his own path to mastery.
This sports anime is a beautiful and introspective story about facing your fears, finding your strength, and the power of friendship. It delves into the mental and emotional aspects of kyudo, a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes focus and precision.
Tsurune is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who appreciates a story with depth and heart. It’s a calming and inspiring series that celebrates the beauty of kyudo and the journey of self-discovery.
The Gymnastics Samurai
Jotaro Aragaki, a former Olympic gymnast, faces a difficult decision. His age and injuries are catching up to him. His coach suggests retirement, but Jotaro’s passion for gymnastics still burns bright. A chance encounter with a mysterious ninja inspires him to give it one more shot.
This sports anime is a heartwarming and inspiring story about second chances, defying expectations, and the pursuit of dreams. It follows Jotaro’s journey as he overcomes obstacles, rekindles his love for gymnastics, and strives for a comeback in the competitive world of professional sports.
The Gymnastics Samurai is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s a beautiful and emotional series that celebrates the dedication, resilience, and artistry of gymnasts.
Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story
Eve and Aoi are two young golfers with very different backgrounds. Eve is an orphan who hustles in underground matches, while Aoi is a prodigy from a prestigious school. But they share a fierce passion for the game, and their rivalry ignites when they face off in a heated match.
This sports anime is a wild ride, full of over-the-top action, quirky characters, and a touch of “yuri” romance. It’s a fresh and exciting take on the world of golf, with a focus on female athletes who defy expectations and break the mold.
Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story is a must-watch for fans of sports anime and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Get ready to be swept away by the drama, the humor, and the sheer determination of these amazing golfers.
Game On! More Sports Anime Await!
From the basketball court to the racetrack, these epic sports anime deliver thrills, chills, and heartwarming moments.
We’ve explored a variety of series that showcase the power of teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just love a good underdog story, there’s a sports anime out there that will resonate with you.
But the world of sports anime has so much more to offer! We’ve only just scratched the surface with this list.
There are countless other amazing series waiting to be discovered, each with its own unique blend of action, drama, and heartwarming moments.
Don’t Miss Out on More Anime Action!
Stay tuned for more exciting anime content on Nerdy Girl Trends. We’ll be back with new recommendations, reviews, and discussions. Plus, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on all things anime and geek culture. Let’s continue this anime adventure together!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to be inspired by these incredible athletes and their stories of triumph. The world of sports anime is waiting for you!
