Sports anime have become very popular in recent years, especially among youth. These anime features compiling stories with inspiring characters, exploring the themes of perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. In this article, we will see ten sports anime that have lasting effects.
1. Haikyu!! (2014-2020)
Shouyou Hinata wants to prove that height is not a barrier to becoming a professional basketball player. He enrolls at Karasuno High School to get one step closer to his dream. He finds that his rival from his old team, Tobio Kageyama, is now his teammate. Haikyu is adapted from a manga series by Haruichi Furudate.
2. Blue Lock (2022-2023)
In the anime Blue Lock, the Japanese national football team fails consistently in the World Cup. Therefore, coach Ego Jinpachi introduced a new training regime called Blue Lock to create the best egotistical striker in the world. The series shows Yoichi Isagi’s journey, who joins the Blue Lock program. The matches in the series are captivating.
3. Fighting Spirit (2000-2002)
It is the story of a teenage boy named Ippo Makunouchi, who helps his mother in the fish boat rental business. He spends most of his time helping his mother instead of school. He was always targeted and bullied at school. He was rescued by boxer Mamoru Takamura while dealing with bullies. He discovered his potential and strength in boxing and decided to follow the steps of Takamura. He undergoes rigorous training to become a great boxer.
4. Slam Dunk (1993-1996)
Slam Dunk is one of the classic anime. Sakuragi Hanamichi, a high school student, falls in love with Haruko Akagi. He joined the basketball team to impress her. Sakuragi discovered he loved playing basketball, and along with other teammates, he worked towards winning the national championship. Soon their team became popular in Japan. Sakuragi's character development is the most compelling part of the series and also the reason the series is so well known.
5. Ping Pong (2014)
The anime is about two childhood friends, Smile and Peco. Both are talented at playing ping pong and are members of the Katase High School ping-pong club. Peco was confident in his game and often skips practice, while Smile, despite his skills, holds back while playing with others. Peco gets defeated by an ex-national player from China; he becomes so wrecked that he quits practice and questions his passion for the sport. Meanwhile, Coach Jo discovered Smile's potential and helped him to overcome his obstacles. This anime stands out with its distinct art style.
6. One Outs (2008-2009)
Hiromichi Kojima was a talented baseball player playing for the Lycaons baseball team. When Kojima, the pitcher, gets injured, Kojima goes to Okinawa to find a replacement pitcher. There, he meets Toa Tokuchi, who has exceptional skills. Kojima was impressed by Tokuchi's talent and offered him to join the Lycaons baseball team with a condition; he proposed One Outs contract in which he gets 5 million yen for each out, and with each point he loses, he loses 50 million yen. Kojima thought Tokuchi would have to give millions of yen after the match. However, after the first game, he had to give 110 million to Tokuchi. Pitcher’s betting for millions of yen is the ultimate excitement of the series.
7. Ace Of Diamond (2013-2020)
Eijun Sawamura was dissatisfied with his defeat at the school baseball game. His goal was to reach the national tournament once he went to high school. He joined Tokyo's elite school, Seidou High School, to develop his skills and play at a higher level. Together with the Seidou baseball team, Eijun aims to conquer Japan's Koushien championships. Their adventure unfolds with enthusiasm and excitement. These series have one of the best OSTs, and with likable characters, it is a must-watch anime series.
8. Amanchu! (2016-2018)
The story revolves around Futaba Ooki, who relocates to the coastal town of Shizuoka. There, she meets Hikari Kohinata, a passionate scuba diver. They both form a strong bond, and together, they join the Diving Club. Futaba works with Hikari to achieve her diving certification.
9. Yowamushi Pedal (2013-2023)
It's the story of Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku who just entered high school with the hope of joining an anime club to make new friends. However, the anime club was disbanded, which disheartened him. To revive the club, he needs to find four new members. Onoda catches the attention of Shunsuke Imaizumi, a cyclist, and Naruko, an anime fan, while riding his bicycle. Naruko and Imaizumi ask Onoda to join a bicycle racing club. Onoda sets off for intense training, discovering his hidden talent in cycling. As he clashes in races, he blends his love of anime with his growing excitement for cycling, making friends, and growing personally along the way.
10. Hanebado (2018)
Nagisa Aragaki started to lose her love for badminton after her defeat at the National Junior Badminton Tournament. Meanwhile, Ayano Hanesaki, who was a good player, abandons badminton due to her traumatic loss. Kentarou Tachibana, an Olympic-level player, becomes their new coach. Both girls are on a journey of recovery, repentance, and, ultimately, victory in Kitakomachi High School's badminton club. This anime highlights the importance of failures in our lives, as they give us an opportunity for growth and progress.
