25 Best Fitness and Sports Anime of All Time

Sport is an important part of any society and can inspire great works of art, which is why it is no surprise that the Best fitness and sports anime Stand like a titan of the middle. More than just a niche, the history of sports anime is heavily tied into the history of the medium in general. Series that grow popular enough have been huge influences even outside of their genre.

Unlike most feature films and live-action TV shows, the best sports anime series of all time may not always be grounded in reality, but because the medium brings a whole new quirky twist to sports, these shows can often be as entertaining as some Of the best athlete biopics – if not more so. On that note, from traditional uplifting dramas to genre-bending sports comedies, even those completely uninterested in sports can find something of interest.

25

How heavy are the dumbbells you lift? (2019)

Animated by Doga Kobo & based on manga by Yabako Sandrovich & MAAM

Since How heavy are the dumbbells you lift is a more mature anime that thrives on fan service and distinctly anime feel-good humor, it may not be to everyone’s taste. However, for anyone who has been in the pursuit of bodybuilding or regular fitness, The comedic stylings of How heavy are the dumbbells you lift? are enough to entertain.

The central character of the series is high schooler Hibiki Sakura. When her expanding waistline begins to worry her, she decides to turn her life around and joins a gym – but she must conquer insurmountable and often hilarious odds to maintain her fitness journey.

24

Welcome to the Ballroom (2017)

Animated by Production IG and based on manga by Takeuchi Tomo

Welcome to the ballroom is an anime about an ignored sport For the vast majority of people; Ballroom dancing. Although dance as a discipline may not particularly attract the attention of many, the anime introduces dance competitions in the most intense way possible with a dynamism and beauty that will captivate any viewer.

Welcome to the ballroom Beautiful for its characters, especially for the growth of Tatara Fujita, but also for its music and representation of what it means to devote to something you are passionate about, the complications of improving not only for yourself but for a partner who depends on you, and The difficulty of training to keep up with others who have been working on their body and technique for years, making it the perfect option for those who want to experience something different but equally motivating and thrilling than watching a soccer or basketball match.

23

Kengan Ashura (2019)

Animated by Larx Entertainment & based on manga by Yabako Sandrovich and Daromeon

Depending on how viewers experience martial arts, it can sometimes be overlooked for its potential when overlapping with combat sports. in Can AshuraThe business world secretly resolves its disputes using essentially hired gladiators in Kengan matches. At the beginning of the show, Ohma Tokita unknowingly incapacitates the chosen fighter for the Ngi Group Corporation.

Despite the show’s use of 3D animation, a point of contention for viewers, it is quite well executed, Bring manga panels to life with powerful combat animation.

22

Baby Steps (2014)

Animated by Pierrot & based on the manga by Hikaru Katsuki

Baby steps Follows Eiichiro Maruo, a model student known for the impeccable nature of his notes but who, despite his academic perfection, lacks in physical condition. Maruo is looking to start a sport, finding his true passion in tennis. Although its premise may come across as generic, Baby steps‘ Biggest charm is that it shows tennis realisticallyWithout sports geniuses with superhuman abilities, much drama or scenes that defy the laws of physics.

instead, Baby steps Presents a protagonist without any prior ability who stands out for using his intelligence and dedication to improve, dealing in his training, strategic techniques, first matches, and the love interest and rivals that Maruo will find in the tennis club itself and in competition.

21

Aoshi (2022)

Animated by Production IG & based on the manga by Yugo Kobayashi

oishi, Rather than focusing on winning a high school national tournament like other sports anime, it immediately moved into the competitive world of the professional minor league soccer teams, showing Ashito Aoi’s struggle to enter and survive in the Tokyo Esperion Youth.

Starting with the difficulty of the selection process, from a remote prefecture and a low-income family, Aoshi Features the path of pursuing your dreams with a more realistic approach than animes like Blue lacquer. However, the anime is equally exciting as AoshiHis story is wrapped in comedy and focuses on a broader view of soccer, learning that there is more to the sport than just scoring and that to advance in life necessary teamwork, tactics and honed techniques.

20

Eyeshield 21 (2005)

Animated by Gallup and based on manga by Yusuke Murata & Riichiro Inagaki

American football is not particularly popular in Japan, although it is surprising to discover that the country actually has a professional league for the sport known as X-League. American football is also represented briefly by the relatively short-lived anime series Eye shield 21. When the timid Sona Kobayakawa develops a hidden talent for running and evading after years of avoiding school bullies, he anonymously joins an American football team, wearing a face-obscuring visor and going by the moniker Eyeshield 21.

Eyeshield 21s Unique hook and compelling cast of characters undeniably mark it as one of the best sports anime ever.

19

Yowamushi Pedal (2013)

Animated by TMS Entertainment & based on manga by Wataru Watanabe

Yowamushi pedal Sakamichi Onda is a high school otaku whose interests do not exceed the boundaries of anime and general nerd culture. However, when a famous cyclist and fellow student happens to discover Sakamichi’s astonishing prowess on his bulky, beach cruiser-like bike, he is rapt into the world of cycling.

A series about coming out of your shell and discovering new passions and interests as much as it is about cycling, Yowamushi pedal Adds quite a bit of personality and intrigue to a sport that is not often covered in most media. Biking is not a common theme in sports anime, however Yowamushi pedal Makes a great case for why it should be. Every race is thrilling, and the animation of TMS really sells the thrill of each twist and turn of the characters.

18

Captain Tsubasa (2018)

Animated by David Production and Studio Kai, based on manga by Yoichi Takahashi

Although the image of soccer gameplay is unrealistic, Captain Tsubasa is commonly regarded as the best adaptation by some to tackle the classic sports manga. Tsubasa Oozora starts the series as a young kid with aspirations to play for Japan at the FIFA World Cup, with the series, in turn, Inspiring many of the world’s all-time great footballers to pursue the sport as a career.

Even with its exaggerated animation, which often creates more bombastic images of the sport, the series wins over the hearts of longtime Captain Tsubasa Fans with great animation and strong character development. Captain Tsubasa is a legendary franchise in Japan, and the best way for Western fans to get into the series is the 2018 adaptation of the anime.

17

Free! Iwatobi Swim Club (2013)

Original anime series by Kyoto Animation

Some viewers may spit Free! Intense fan service, but there is much more to the anime than just the good looks of its heroes. The characters of the series are Free! HeartAll of them receive relatively balanced development throughout their runtime.

Despite a fairly predictable premise, Free! Keeps viewers intrigued with its high-octane swimming competitions and rivalries. Not to mention, since KyoAni is behind the anime production, both the style and quality of its animation make it one of the best-looking sports anime ever. While it is easy to write Free! It’s nothing but fan service, which ignores the incredible skill that goes into crafting this series. The characters are lovable, the animation is great, and the story is fun, easy to make Free! Ranked highly among the best sports and fitness anime.

16

The Prince of Tennis (2001)

Animated by Trance Arts & Production IG, based on manga by Takeshi Konomi

Premiering back in the mid eights, Prince of Tennis Drifts away from the typical sports anime narrative. Instead of focusing on an underdog character, it tells the story of a star player, Ryouma Echizen. The young boy joined Seishun Gakuen Junior High School after moving to Japan from the West. With his presence, the team becomes a force to be reckoned with. However, despite being a great player, Ryouma wants to become the best tennis player in Japan and create his own legacy instead of living under his father’s shadow.

The Prince of Tennis was a massive anime when it premiered in 2001, and the legacy continues even today. While the series borrows more than a few elements from classic Battle Shaun, they all work despite their ridiculousness. The result is a series that puts an incredibly fun spin on tennis.

15

Chihayafuru (2011)

Animated by Madhouse & based on manga by Yuki Suetgu

Spanning over several seasons and seasons, Chihayafuru Has an intriguing card game called Karuta in its fore. Both physically and mentally demanding, The game draws its inspiration from the classic Japanese anthology of a hundred poets. The main protagonist of the series, Chihaya, first comes to the game when she meets transfer student Arata Wataya.

This is the fateful meeting that changes her life for the better and introduces her to the fascinating world of competitive karuta. Adapted from the manga of the same name, the storyline of Chihayafuru is full of well-developed characters and plot points. Madhouse Studio’s stellar work with the show’s animation is a bonus that ranks it among the greatest sports anime ever.

14

major (2004)

Animated by Studio Hibari & SynergySP, based on manga by Takuya Mitsuda

A long-running baseball-centric anime that originally debuted in 2004, Chief Follows the career of Goro Honda, the son of a prominent baseball star whose career has been sidelined by injury. In order to overcome adversity and escape the pain brought upon him by family drama, Goro goes from an innocent schoolboy to a promising major-league prospect.

As is the case with any anime series, it is full of emotion, suspense and hyperbolic exaggeration. However, baseball is a very important sport in Japan Even Western fans will want to check out this genre-defining sports anime. While many sports anime focus on a specific time period, Chief Sets itself apart from the competition by covering a large span of time in Goro’s life. Watching Goro grow is really heartwarming, and it makes him an easy protagonist to root for, as viewers have seen his very origins.

13

Gone with the Wind (2018)

Animated by Production IG and based on the novel by Shion Miura

Unlike most anime that are adapted from manga, Run with the wind is a novel adaptation. As the title suggests, the show is about competitive running. However, along with the generic narrative around the progress of its main character in their sport, it also delves deep into the mental catharsis of its protagonist, Haiji. Despite having a high school team full of novice runners, Haiji set his sights on the ridiculously difficult university marathon relay races in Japan.

Winning aside, to even be able to compete against Japan’s best runners, the team will have to overcome many hurdles along the way. With breathtaking animation and a lovable cast of characters, Run with the wind Certainly made an impact.

12

Mouse of Diamond (2013)

Animated by Madhouse & Production IG, based on manga by Yuji Terajima

Mouse of Diamond Tells the story of Eijun Sawamura, a young pitcher who develops a reputation thanks to his atypical style. Ambitious and a little over-eager, his high school team loses their final game, but Eijun campaigns to become an even stronger high school athlete. Eijun’s skills earn him a place in Japan’s notoriously shady high school, though he is fraught with competition from both competing teams and fellow teammates.

While Mouse of Diamond Following many well-known sports anime story beats, there is one anime fans who also happen to watch baseball need to check out..

11

Kuroko’s Basketball (2012)

Animated by Production IG & based on the manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki

The fast-paced quarters, the dramatic time-outs, the high-intensity action – the sport of basketball has all the right ingredients to make a tough and enticing anime series. This explains why so many shows use the sport as a narrative device. While Kuroko’s basketball Doing the same, it adds a layer of fantasy to the sport. T

There’s a lot of unrealistic dunking, passing and martial arts-centric action. Viewers looking for strategic gameplay and lessons on real-life basketball may not get much out of this, but for fans of Sean Anime, this fits the bill perfectly.

10

Bucky (2018)

Animated by TMS Entertainment and Double Eagle, based on manga by Keisuke Itagaki

like Kengan Ashura, Baki is a combat sports anime, although the latter is more wild. For viewers who want to consume more of the series, it should be noted that Bucky the grappler Prides the 2018 Bucky Anime on Netflix. While Bucky the grappler Also, viewing is not required to enjoy Netflix’s offerings. This, followed by Bucky Hanma, follows the wild and wacky mixed martial arts adventures of its titular protagonist, Who finds a stronger opponent than himself to fight, so that he can surpass his father, the strongest man alive.

Think of Bucky like A great exaggerated, earth-bound counterpart to the Dragon Ball FranchiseOnly ultraviolet and without the need to introduce non-human species for inhuman feats of strength to achieve. The results are often silly, and the nonsensical anatomy of its cartoonishly muscular characters is easy to mock, but it’s mercilessly compelling and endlessly entertaining. However, the idea of ​​two combat sports anime like Bucky Hanma And Can Ashura Crossing may seem attractive, but their solo stories are still far superior.

9

Yawara! (1989)

Animated by Madhouse & based on manga by Naoki Urasawa

old but gold, Yawara! Features the titular teen Yawara Inokuma, a young judo prodigy raised by her grandfather, who also happens to be a highly skilled judo instructor. Faced with the pressures of competing for a spot in the 1992 Summer Olympics, Yawara must train relentlessly to meet the demands placed on her by her grandfather, even though she just wants to live a normal life free of hardcore athletics.

Ultimately, Yawara learns to harness her innate talent and achieves a new appreciation for the sport, though it takes her time. Yawara! is a seminal sports anime that is recognized by many as a somewhat overlooked anime gem.

8

Blue Lock (2022)

Animated by eight bit and based on manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura

Blue lacquer Gives a different vision of competitive soccer than Captain Tsubasa. Although it is certainly not a realistic portrayal of soccer players at all times, It makes a fascinating point about achieving greatness. Jinpachi Ego’s twisted vision to get Japan the coveted FIFA World Cup involves an initial battle royale to decide future strikers for Japan, but there’s a catch. Anyone who loses this, out of the three hundred recruits, will never be allowed to represent Japan on the world stage in soccer.

Blue Lock’s visuals and story make it clear why it is currently among the best-selling manga in the world and certainly among Kodansha’s best manga ever. Ego’s vision, to create selfish strikers to compete with the unique mindset of many of the greatest players in the real world, is a warm perception, but is supported by him, which shows Japan’s sportsmanship and considerate nature as Possible reasons why they have never won a cup. This motivates the protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, to become the greatest striker in the world While creating believable, high-stakes rivalries around him In this popular sports anime.

7

Ping Pong The Animation (2014)

Animated by Tatsunoko Productions and based on manga by Taio Matsumoto

Although many sports anime are about friendship and personal improvement, Ping pong the animation Goes beyond that and learns a lesson about humanity, maturity and finding happiness in life. With a different animation proposal, which may not appeal to all the viewers, the anime shows an insight into the struggles of competition of minority feelings after losing to personal growth and the grasp of his potential.

The story revolves around Smile and Peco, both talented players but with limitations and emotional problems that affect them both on the ping pong table and in the enjoyment of life. Ping pong the animation is difficult to classify as just a sports seriesAs the competition takes the back seat sometimes; However, it’s a must-watch anime, even if it’s just for Maasaki Yuasa’s stellar story sequences and his unique art style.

6

Ashita no Joe (1970)

Animated by Mushi Production & based on manga by Asao Takamori & Tetsuya Chiba

Tomorrow’s Joe is an engaging and intense series that revolves around Joe Yabuki, a troubled young orphan whose street fighting skills arouse the interest of former boxer Danpei Tange, and is not only a classic that stands out among sports titles but also one of the most influential anime in History.

Ashita no Joe is full of violence, difficulties and dramatic moments Where people dedicate themselves in body and soul and risk their lives in the ring for the hope of a better future, learn about perseverance and effort but also show the tragedy and suffering behind the sport. Ashita no Joe is a series marked for posterity for its incredible story with a scene that has become one of the most honored and parodied scenes in anime and manga.