7 Must-Watch Tennis Anime that Will Captivate You
Experience the exhilaration of sports intertwined with captivating narratives and vibrant characters in these must-watch tennis anime series With a strong following both as a competitive sport and recreational activity, tennis anime like Prince of Tennis, Baby Steps, Ace wo Nerae!, and more are sure to keep you hooked from start to finish Don't miss out on these thrilling and engaging shows!
Anime that revolves around tennis combines the thrill of sports with engaging narratives and characters. With its competitive and recreational appeal, tennis has always attracted a large audience. The fast-paced action and strategic aspects of the sport translate into exciting entertainment in competitive matches.
Moreover, tennis has been a source of inspiration for numerous anime series and movies that effectively convey the intensity and emotion of the sport. For fans of tennis seeking quality entertainment centered on their favorite pastime, the realm of anime presents a wealth of options.
There are a variety of exciting and enjoyable tennis anime shows out there, featuring intense training arcs, high-octane tournament battles, dramatic ups and downs of protagonists striving to be the best, and subtle romantic side stories. These shows are waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Please note that this article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.
Top tennis anime: Must-watch series for sports fans
1) Prince of Tennis
Prince of Tennis (Image via Production I.G)
Considered as one of the most iconic and enduring tennis anime series, Prince of Tennis chronicles the athletic adventures of Ryoma Echizen, a gifted young tennis sensation. The series portrays his growth as he becomes part of his middle school's tennis club and quickly ascends the ranks with his extraordinary abilities.
With more than 170 action-packed episodes showcasing competitions at the school, regional, and national levels, this series highlights brilliantly animated tennis sequences as Ryoma faces off against increasingly formidable opponents. It also introduces viewers to a variety of unique player types with diverse play styles.
From its humorous portrayal of the exaggerated effects of Ryoma's abilities to the gripping tie-break finishes, Prince of Tennis effectively combines the perfect balance of tennis action, drama, and comedy.
2) Baby Steps
Baby Steps (Image via Studio Pierrot)
The tennis anime "Baby Steps" follows the journey of Eiichiro Maruo, a reserved high school student who decides to pursue tennis after being inspired by a girl he meets at practice. The show offers a unique perspective on the classic sports anime storyline, as Eiichiro diligently sets goals, trains rigorously, and analyzes his opponents with meticulous planning. Over the course of 75 episodes across two seasons, viewers witness Eiichiro's gradual and steady improvement through his unwavering dedication and hard work.
With a compelling blend of everyday high school experiences and exhilarating tournament competition, Baby Steps skillfully presents the challenges, gradual progress, and obstacles encountered on the journey to achieving professional status as a tennis player.
3) Ace wo Nerae!
Ace wo Nerae! (Image via Tokyo Movie Shinsha)
Regarded as a timeless tennis anime from the late 1970s, Ace wo Nerae! is recognized for being ahead of its time in creating sports anime aimed at female audiences. The series follows the dreams, determination, and romance of Hiromi Oka, a high school freshman who becomes deeply passionate about tennis after witnessing her crush play at school.
Hiromi, despite her lack of experience, displays natural talent for tennis. With the help of her upperclassman doubles partner, she diligently hones her skills and earns the respect of her team.
Although the animation and pacing of this classic show may seem outdated to contemporary anime fans, its enduring story and themes of athletes overcoming personal struggles continue to inspire.
4) Hiatari Ryoukou!
Hiatari Ryoukou! (Image via Group TAC)
Unlike most sports anime that mainly feature male athletes, Hiatari Ryoukou! is a unique classic tennis anime series that focuses on the journey of a female player. The story centers around Kasumi Kishimoto, a determined high school tennis player who relocates to a town without proper tennis facilities or coaching.
Despite the challenges, Kasumi establishes a basic tennis club at her new school and persists through inadequate practice spaces and equipment, all in pursuit of competing in tournaments.
5) Teekyuu
In addition to the tennis storyline, the series provides insightful commentary on ambition, dedication, gender equality in athletics, and the challenges of establishing new sports initiatives. For aficionados of classic tennis anime, the endearing depiction of relatable characters in Hiatari Ryoukou! is definitely worth experiencing.
Below is an image of Teekyuu (Image via Itagaki Shin).
A delightful comedy series that follows the daily shenanigans of a high school girls' tennis club, Teekyuu delivers a hefty dose of outrageous humor and over-the-top tennis action in its short, high-energy episodes. The main character, Kondou Koyori, is a fresh recruit to the tennis club who finds herself constantly swept up in the chaotic energy, laid-back attitude, and eccentric personalities of her senior teammates.
6) Softenni
For fans of tennis anime, Teekyuu offers a unique blend of hyperactive comedy and sporadic tennis absurdity. The show's sharp writing and dynamic animation make the back and forth exchanges on court both ludicrous and entertaining, providing random laughs and occasional flashes of well-animated tennis madness.
Softenni (Image via Xebec)
Softenni provides a delightful blend of moe aesthetics and competitive tennis in its anime adaptation. The series revolves around Asuna Harukaze, a new student with limited athletic abilities, who unexpectedly finds herself chosen to join her school's highly skilled tennis team aiming for the national championship.
7) Stars Align
Asuna faces the expected initial challenges and must dedicate herself to rigorous training in order to achieve a basic level of proficiency. As she begins to make progress, the tennis scenes also become visually striking, featuring smooth animation during matches.
Stars Align (Image via Eight Bit)
Released in 2019, Stars Align is a compelling tennis anime series that delves into the challenges and emotions of a middle school soft tennis club. The narrative revolves around Toma Shinjou's determination to rescue the club from dissolution, and Maki Katsuragi, a gifted transfer student with a tumultuous past.
The show stands out for its in-depth exploration of character development and internal conflicts, delving into themes such as trauma, family dynamics, gender roles, and interpersonal relationships. It offers a raw and meaningful take on the sports drama genre.
While the series concludes abruptly after 12 episodes, the balance of likable characters, compelling tennis action, and impactful moments make these episodes stand out.
Conclusion
Japanese anime has offered tennis enthusiasts a wide range of enjoyable shows and films that have captured the competitive spirit of the sport over the years. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated fan of tennis anime, the highlighted titles above are sure to have something to love.
The stunning animation of tennis, combined with fascinating characters and storylines, is a testament to the high quality and entertainment value of renowned franchises like Prince of Tennis. It's no wonder that sports anime continues to thrive.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate tennis fan, I am thrilled to see the recognition given to tennis anime in this article. The combination of sports, captivating narratives, and vibrant characters makes these anime series a must-watch for any tennis enthusiast. The intensity and emotion of the sport are effectively conveyed, providing an exhilarating experience for viewers.
The variety of tennis anime shows available offers something for everyone, from intense training arcs and high-octane tournament battles to the dramatic ups and downs of protagonists striving to be the best. The subtle romantic side stories add an extra layer of interest, making these shows even more enjoyable. I highly recommend exploring the world of tennis anime to discover exciting and entertaining content that captures the essence of this beloved sport.
