The Ultimate List: Unveiling the Greatest Fitness & Sports Anime Ever!

Sports play a vital role in society and can act as a catalyst for exceptional artwork. This explains why the top fitness and sports anime series are highly regarded. The history of sports anime is closely intertwined with the overall history of the medium, and popular series have exerted considerable influence beyond their genre.

Diverging from the conventions of feature films and live-action shows, these greatest sports anime series often incorporate imaginative twists to the sporting world. As a result, they can be just as captivating, if not more so, than acclaimed biopics about athletes. From uplifting dramas to innovative sports comedies, even those without a particular interest in sports may discover something captivating within these shows.

15 How Heavy Are The Dumbbells You Lift?

14 Eyeshield 21

: For individuals who have an interest in bodybuilding or regular fitness, the comedic nature of How Heavy Are The Dumbbells You Lift, an anime that relies on fan service and distinct anime humor, is likely to be entertaining. However, due to its adult themes, this anime may not appeal to everyone. The protagonist of the series is Hibiki Sakura, a gluttonous high schooler. Concerned about her expanding waistline, she decides to make a change in her life by joining a gym. Throughout her fitness journey, she faces numerous and often amusing challenges that she must overcome.

Despite not being widely popular in Japan, American football holds a special place in the country through the existence of the X-League, a professional league dedicated to the sport. Additionally, anime fans may be surprised to learn that American football made a brief appearance in the form of the captivating series Eyeshield 21. The story follows Sona Kobayakawa, a timid individual who discovers an extraordinary talent for running and evading after escaping school bullies for years. Adopting the identity of Eyeshield 21 and donning a visor to conceal his face, he joins an American football team, creating a unique and enthralling narrative. With its remarkable premise and an engaging cast of characters, Eyeshield 21 undoubtedly stands as one of the top sports anime of all time.

13 Yowamushi Pedal

12 Prince Of Tennis

Sakamichi Onda, the protagonist of Yowamushi Pedal, is a typical high school otaku who only has a deep fascination with anime and nerd culture. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a renowned cyclist and fellow student happens to witness Sakamichi's remarkable cycling abilities on his old-fashioned, beach cruiser-style bike. Consequently, he becomes entangled in the world of cycling. Yowamushi Pedal not only revolves around the sport of cycling but also delves into the theme of personal growth and the exploration of new passions and interests. With its distinct charm and captivating storyline, the series adds a refreshing touch to a sport that often receives limited attention in mainstream media.

Premiering during the mid-aughts, Prince of Tennis sets itself apart from the typical sports anime storyline. Rather than following the journey of an underdog, it revolves around Ryouma Echizen, a well-known player. Upon relocating to Japan from the West, the young boy enrolls at Seishun Gakuen Junior High School. With his arrival, the team transforms into a formidable presence. However, despite his exceptional skills, Ryouma aspires to surpass his father's legacy and become the greatest tennis player in Japan, forging his own path.

11 Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru, a captivating anime series, explores the intricate world of Karuta, a physically and mentally challenging card game inspired by a collection of Japanese poems. The story revolves around Chihaya, the main character, whose life takes a transformative turn when she encounters Arata, a transfer student who introduces her to the exhilarating world of competitive Karuta. Derived from the renowned manga, Chihayafuru boasts a rich storyline with compelling characters and plot developments. Additionally, the exceptional animation by Madhouse Studio solidifies its status as one of the top sports anime of all time.

10 Major

A long-established baseball-focused anime that premiered in 2004, Major chronicles the journey of Goro Honda, the offspring of a renowned baseball icon whose career was derailed by an injury. Determined to overcome obstacles and escape the troubles resulting from familial conflicts, Goro transitions from an innocent school student to a promising prospect in the major leagues. Just like any anime series, it is rich with intense emotions, gripping suspense, and exaggerated dramatization. Nevertheless, given the significant role of baseball in Japanese culture, even fans from the Western world will find this sports anime, which has defined its genre, worth exploring.

9 Run The Wind

In contrast to the typical anime adaptations from manga, Run with the Wind takes inspiration from a novel. The storyline revolves around competitive running, with a focus on the personal growth and mental journey of its protagonist, Haiji. Despite leading a team of inexperienced high school runners, Haiji sets his sights on the immensely challenging university marathon relay races in Japan. Beyond the ambition of winning, the team must overcome numerous obstacles in order to even qualify and compete against the nation's top athletes.

8 Ace of Diamond

Ace of Diamond tells the story of Eijun Sawamura, a young pitcher who gains a reputation for his unconventional style. Driven by ambition and an unwavering determination, his middle school team suffers defeat in their final game. However, Eijun refuses to be disheartened and instead embarks on a mission to become an even stronger athlete in high school. His exceptional skills pave the way for him to secure a place at Seidous High School, a renowned institution known for its baseball program. Yet, Eijun faces intense competition from rival teams and fellow teammates alike. While this anime follows the classic narrative beats of a shounen sports series, it is a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts and fans of the genre alike.

7 Kuroko’s Basketball

With its quick-paced quarters, dramatic time-outs, and high-intensity action, basketball has all the right elements to create a captivating anime series. That's why many shows use basketball as a narrative tool. Kuroko's Basketball follows suit but takes it a step further by incorporating fantastical elements into the sport. Prepare for unrealistic dunks, mind-blowing passes, and action infused with martial arts. While this may not provide strategic gameplay or real-life basketball lessons, it caters perfectly to fans of shounen anime.

6 Free! Iwatobi Swim Club

Some may mock the extensive fan service in Free!, but there is more to this anime than the attractive appearance of its protagonists. The true heart of the series lies in its well-developed characters, each receiving equal attention throughout the runtime. Despite a somewhat predictable premise, Free! captivates viewers with its intense swimming competitions and fierce rivalries. Let's not forget that the animation style and quality, courtesy of KyoAni's production, make it one of the most visually stunning sports anime out there.

5 Yawara!

Yawara! is a classic yet timeless anime that follows the journey of Yawara Inokuma, a remarkable teenager with extraordinary Judo skills. Raised by her incredibly skilled Judo instructor grandfather, Yawara finds herself torn between her desire for a normal life and the relentless pursuit of Olympic glory in the 1992 Summer Olympics. As she grapples with the immense pressure placed upon her by her grandfather, Yawara gradually discovers the true value of her innate talent and develops a newfound appreciation for the sport. Regarded as a hidden gem in the world of sports anime, Yawara! stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its protagonist.

4 Haikyuu

Haikyuu is undoubtedly one of the most popular anime series in recent times, drawing in a massive fan base worldwide. This overwhelming popularity is well-deserved, as the anime delivers a captivating story that revolves around the exhilarating volleyball endeavors of its main character, Hinata. However, what truly sets Haikyuu apart and captivates its viewers is its remarkable attention to detail in exploring the rich backgrounds of all its characters, ensuring that not a single moment goes by without intrigue. The intense on-court volleyball action alone is enough to keep audiences hooked, but it is the complexity and depth of these characters that truly elevates Haikyuu above the countless generic sports dramas that dominate the genre.

3 Yuri!!! On Ice

The exquisite artistry of ice skating portrayed in Yuri!!! On Ice instantly sets it apart as an exceptional series. However, the allure of its plot lies in the captivating and nuanced romantic developments. Crafted by the talented team at MAPPA Studio, Yuri!!! On Ice centers around Yuuri Katsuki, a former acclaimed figure skater who grapples with maintaining his prowess in the sport after experiencing a decline in his performance. But, fate takes a surprising turn when one of his previous performances goes viral, leading to the arrival of Victor Nikiforov, a five-time world champion, who emerges at Yuuri's doorstep to serve as his mentor. Although his journey to reclaim his place on the global stage may be challenging, with the unwavering support of Victor, Yuuri just might conquer it all.

2 Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk is an iconic anime that had a profound impact on Japanese culture and played a vital role in introducing and popularizing the sport in the country, as noted by Sports Illustrated. The brilliance of Slam Dunk lies in its seamless transition between intense sports action and the light-hearted daily escapades of its high school characters. Moreover, it delves into the intricacies of basketball, providing valuable lessons for aspiring players. While its animation style may appear outdated by today's standards, all the other aspects compensate for it without fail.

1 Hajime No Ippo

Considered the Rocky equivalent in the world of anime, Hajime no Ippo follows the familiar fight-of-the-week format. However, what truly sets it apart is the awe-inspiring boxing journey of its protagonist. One notable feature of the series is the unpredictability of its matches. No matter how hard one tries to anticipate the outcomes, the anime consistently surprises viewers, mirroring the unpredictability of the real sport. For those seeking motivation to begin their fitness journey or transform their lives, Ippo's trajectory from being bullied to becoming a professional boxer is truly inspiring and worth witnessing.

Sports anime, though not as widely embraced by Western fans, holds significant significance in the history of the medium. Iconic series such as Hajime No Ippo and Slam Dunk have had a profound impact not only within the sports shonen genre but also on shonen anime as a whole. The greatest sport and fitness anime ever created utilize the sports setting to convey profound narratives revolving around personal growth and the forging of meaningful connections.