Highlights

• Sports anime can be a great source of inspiration for those looking to make healthy lifestyle changes and improve their fitness.
• These anime often portray relatable struggles and challenges faced by characters, such as love, school, and family life.
• The intense and competitive nature of sports anime can motivate viewers to push themselves and strive to become the best in their chosen sport.

Sometimes the best way to feel motivated to get on one's feet and make healthy lifestyle changes is to be inspired by other people. While some look up to real-world sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, there are very inspirational figures that can be found in some of the best sports anime. Many sports anime tell the stories of young adults working hard to transform their bodies and abilities into the best they can be, while also dealing with relatable turmoils like love, school, and family life. It's not weird to be motivated by the cheeky, funny, cool, or lovable characters in some truly great sports anime. Aspiring gym rats and sports players will love these exciting, competitive shows.

Sports itself is something that so many people have become invested in, and it's easy to see why the medium of anime can elevate these emotions to new heights. There are many sports that people can get invested in for hours on end, to the point where viewers may be tempted to work out and emulate the success of their heroes after being moved by the struggles of these athletes and everything they have to go through to become the very best in their sport of choice.

Updated on January 15, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: It's a shame that so many people don't put too much stock into the idea of watching sports anime, writing it off as nothing more than a gimmick. The truth is that many sports anime that have become popular achieve this fame with great writing, memorable characters, and great action sequences that elevate whatever sport is being shown. The intensity of some of these shows is so intense that some people can definitely be motivated to workout and get back into shape if their fitness has been on the backseat for a while.

21 Yuri On Ice

Sport: Figure Skating

A show that covers the sport of figure skating, Yuri on Ice depicts many mature themes while showing the sheer level of dedication that it takes to be an expert in a craft that is underappreciated by many. However, it's the many other elements in Yuri on Ice that have also been rightfully lauded.

The depiction of a queer relationship and themes of anxiety are done brilliantly in a show that doesn't rely on dated tropes to handle such sensitive topics. Yuri on Ice is a show that fans of great, thought-provoking anime should check out, and it's very much possible that many people will gain a newfound appreciation for the art of figure skating.

20 Air Gear

Sport: Skating (With A Futuristic Twist)

• Studio(s): Toei Animation
• Manga Author: Oh! great

Skating is a tough sport that requires a lot of balance, skill, and determination to master. The Air Gear version of this sport is even more intense, pushing skaters to their very limits as they try to master the use of Air Gear and reach the top of the Trophaeum Tower.

The show is a great example of how no one can achieve something great on their own, and having companions also helps. Viewers who are struggling with fitness-related issues can always rely on their friends or experts to get back on track, just like the characters on Air Gear.

19 Run With The Wind

Sport: Running

After an incident leads to the series' protagonist, Kakeru, losing his passion for running, a shoplifting incident leads to a chance encounter with Haiji, a senior who tries to rope Kakeru back into the world of professional marathon running. While he's initially reluctant to do the same, the experiences he shares with a new group of friends help change his mind.

The importance of camaraderie in helping someone down on their luck walk on the path of self-improvement once again makes for a great time. It helps that the simple act of running is something anyone can pick up, making it a great anime for viewers to watch if they want to motivate themselves to work out.

18 Yowamushi Pedal

Sport: Biking

Biking is harder than most people think, with people having to maintain a ton of balance and speed while worrying about their safety every step of the way. So, when a self-proclaimed otaku called Sakamichi Onoda showcases his latent ability to cycle, he attracts the attention of his local high-school bicycle club, which gives him a chance to make a name for himself.

What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming story of a lonely boy finally making friends as he hones his bike-riding skills to compete in tough competitions. Yowamushi Pedal has a fairly simple premise, but it's what the series does with its characters and plot points that make it such a blast in every way.

17 Blue Lock

Sport: Soccer

The absurd premise of Blue Lock is one of the biggest reasons why the series has become such a smash hit. In a bit to help Japan reach greater heights in the World Cup, the Blue Lock program is started to prepare a striker with a great ego who can score goals with the greatest of ease.

However, any person who fails the program will be forbidden to represent Japan in any sport ever again. It's a ridiculous setup... but Blue Lock makes it work by taking things seriously and adding a fair bit of drama to the mix.

16 Ping Pong The Animation

Sport: Table Tennis

Only the medium of anime can make something as simple as table tennis incredibly exciting. The manga run of Ping Pong ended back in 1997, and fans were pleasantly surprised to enjoy an adaptation of the same in the previous decade.

Ping Pong The Animation is an excellent show with a brilliant plot and an incredible soundtrack. It's easily one of the most underrated sports anime that fans of the genre should check out.

15 Kuroko's Basketball

Sport: Basketball

Kuroko no Basket is a basketball anime that follows the story of a high school basketball team, Seirin High, as they aim to become the best team in Japan. The main character, Tetsuya Kuroko, possesses incredible passing and misdirection abilities that make him a valuable asset to the team.

It helps that the rest of the cast is just as memorable, and watching Kuroko use his intelligence to make amazing passes and help win games makes for a great time. He also has an invisible presence at times that he uses on the court to great effect, with many players underestimating his ability.

14 Slam Dunk

Sport: Basketball

Slam Dunk features Hanamichi Sakuragi in the lead role, a delinquent who joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl. Although he initially has no knowledge or interest in basketball, he quickly develops a passion for the sport and becomes an integral part of the team.

The anime features intense matches, comedy, and a heartwarming coming-of-age story that resonates with viewers. Players who like to see a classic character redemption arc will love what Slam Dunk brings to the table.

13 Captain Tsubasa

Sport: Soccer

Captain Tsubasa is a soccer anime that has been a fan favorite for decades. Pretty much everyone knows about this anime, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that this series is arguably one of the most popular sports anime of all time.

The eponymous main character, Tsubasa Oozora, is a young soccer player who dreams of playing in the World Cup. The anime is known for its iconic moves and over-the-top soccer matches that look like action sequences, making it a thrilling watch for soccer fans. The show emphasizes the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and hard work, inspiring viewers to work out too.

12 Eyeshield 21

Sport: Football

Eyeshield 21 focuses on American football, a sport that is surprisingly popular in Japan. The anime follows the story of Sena Kobayakawa, a timid high school student who becomes a star running back for his school's team.

The name of the anime comes from the number Sena wears, along with an eyeshield that protects his identity since his social anxiety would prevent him from performing well otherwise. Watching this shy character slowly become a star member of the team is the biggest reason why many viewers love Eyeshield 21.

11 Baki The Grappler

Sport: Martial Arts

Baki the Grappler is one of the more brutal anime on this list, dealing with more adult and mature themes. It focuses on martial arts with the main character, Baki Hanma, seeking revenge on his father for the many atrocities he committed against him and his mother.

The anime features several intense and graphic fight scenes, with fighters putting their bodies on the line in an immense display of strength. The show emphasizes the importance of training and discipline, which is bound to resonate with viewers who wish to push themselves to their limits in real life.

10 Hungry Heart: Wild Striker

Sport: Soccer

• Studio(s): Nippon Animation
• Manga Author: Yoichi Takahashi

Hungry Heart is a pretty underrated soccer anime that more people should get into. It tells the tale of Kano Kyosuke, an aspiring striker who regains his motivations after meeting his romantic interest.

The anime has some pretty great moments and does a good job of developing Kano's character. It helps that the supporting cast is strong as well, with the ending feeling like an emotional gut punch after the time that viewers have spent with the team.

9 Prince Of Tennis

Sport: Tennis

Prince of Tennis is a legendary anime that many people have heard of. The story follows Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy who quickly becomes a regular at the sport and slowly learns what tennis means to him.

This show is an easy recommendation for fans of sports anime. It might be a long series, but every one of its episodes is worth it for the sheer spectacle of how Ryoma and his friends excel at the sport while dealing with a few tough spots of their own.

8 Hajime No Ippo

Sport: Boxing

Speaking of classic sports anime, it would be impossible to not mention Hajime no Ippo. This legendary boxing anime has seen several adaptations, with the latest one being an absolute spectacle that has been animated brilliantly.

Getting into Hajime no Ippo might take a bit of effort, but it's worth the effort. Watching Ippo rise against the odds and beat opponents that are pounding his head in is a blast no matter how many times it happens!

7 The Gymnastics Samurai

Sport: Gymnastics

This great sports anime set in 2002 follows the story of pro-gymnast Jotaro Aragaki, a former Olympian who could never quite get the gold medal. Now at 29 years old, Jotaro is ready to formally retire, as he feels he will never be able to improve again. After speaking with his coach, spending time with his daughter, and meeting a curious self-proclaimed "ninja" named Leo, Jotaro decides to continue being a gymnast for a little longer, pushing off his retirement.

This show highlights the perseverance that professional athletes need to achieve great things, along with the importance of trusting and motivating others. The characters are relatable, the music truly adds to the powerful events, and the animation is delightful to watch. This sports anime is only one season long as of 2020, with a possible season 2 coming in the future.

6 How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?

Sport: Weightlifting

• Studio(s): Doga Kobo
• Manga Author: Yabako Sandrovic

This goofy over-the-top comedy anime lacks the same passion, beauty, and deepness that others on this list have, but it focuses on one thing and one thing only: weightlifting at the gym. It follows a very lazy and food-loving high school girl named Hibiki hoping to improve her health by joining a gym.

She agrees to join a shiny new gym alongside her classmate, Akemi, after feeling comfortable around her and the cute gym worker. However, she quickly realizes that the two are muscle-obsessed gym junkies that are about to take her on a wild ride in the world of weightlifting. The show features mostly female characters looking to beef up and get stronger and is filled with comical nonsense. It's super corny, very outlandish, and totally out of the normal, but it does teach viewers real tips about physical therapy, personal training, and body anatomy.

5 Sk8: The Infinity

Sport: Skateboarding

When Canadian native Langa moves to sunny Okinawa, he becomes good friends with Reki, a mischievous high schooler obsessed with skateboarding who skates in underground competitions called "S". After finding out that Langa is an experienced snowboarder, Reki teaches him how to skateboard. Adventures in the hidden skating world commence, with the two boys pushing themselves to the limit to surpass the skills of the mysterious skating legend Adam.

Besides being so touched and inspired by the strong relationships the characters build over their time skating together, they all work incredibly hard to improve their skateboarding skills. This fantastic sports anime teaches viewers the importance of loving a craft while doing it, rather than only focusing on being the best. It's fun, passionate, exciting, and motivating!

4 Free!

Sport: Swimming

Though the main protagonists in this swimming anime have a long history of being great swimmers, they have a lot of work to do if they want to be district champs. Haru, Makoto, Nagisa, and Rei spend their year transforming their pool, pushing themselves beyond their capacities, putting in the hours, and training both in the pool and out. A great deal of the anime covers their impressive training, rather than focusing on the competitions. They teach each other vital skills, rely on their team manager for meal plans and training routines, and even endure a weekend outing where the four swim across the ocean to improve their endurance.

This anime is very relatable to students across the globe who wish to improve their skills enough to stand out to university recruiters and make it to college and professional teams. Swimmers and sportsmen everywhere can learn about the importance of practicing and staying inspired for Free!

3 Megalo Box

Sport: Boxing (With A Futuristic Touch)

This fighting anime will take viewers on an adventure into an alternate, sci-fi reality where boxing is now megalo boxing. This dangerous sport requires the boxers to be enhanced with a metal exoskeleton called Gears, engineered to cause more damage to the opponent. The main character, nicknamed Junk Dog, is a poor, lower-class citizen fighting in underground, illegal matches until his life is turned upside down after being challenged to fight in the exclusive Megalonia ring. Junk Dog must fight his way up the ranks to become the best fighter and win his way into Megalonia.

This gritty anime is much different from many other popular sports anime, as it features a dark world of poverty, violence, drug addiction, and death. The nameless main character has to endure a lot of pain and push himself to achieve his goals.

2 Farewell, My Dear Cramer

Sport: Soccer

• Studio(s): Liden Films
• Manga Author: Naoshi Arakawa

This new 2021 sports anime follows a poor-performing woman's soccer team hoping to improve enough to win against their nationally-ranked opponents. The girls on the team must transform the way their school's team works, eager to boost their skills and abilities.

The main characters have a variety of practice and play styles that they must optimize to work together cohesively as a proper team. Besides just getting along on the field, they also must navigate their relationships after practice. It's a sweet anime filled with enticing female characters, beautiful animation, and heart-racing competitions.