Unleashing Your Soccer Passion: 10 Must-Watch Anime Similar to Blue Lock
Looking for more thrilling anime like Blue Lock? These top 10 series will keep you on the edge of your seat From intense sports dramas like Slam Dunk and Kuroko's Basketball, to gripping psychological games in Kakegurui and Tomodachi Game, there's something for everyone to enjoy while eagerly awaiting Blue Lock's upcoming film and second season
Here are the top 10 anime series to watch that are similar to Blue Lock, which has been gaining popularity and is set to have a film released in 2024. Blue Lock gained massive success in late 2022 and unexpectedly went viral in October 2023. Remember the "Who in the Blue Lock?" trend?
Blue Lock's long-awaited movie adaptation is scheduled to debut in April 2024, with a second season also in the works. If you're wondering what to watch while waiting, consider exploring the sports genre, which is home to some of the most underappreciated anime. If you're intrigued by Blue Lock and looking for a change from monsters and superpowered heroes, here are our top 10 recommendations for series similar to it.
Top 10 anime like Blue Lock
From High School sports to terrifying mind games, check out these similar anime series that are perfect for fans of Blue Lock.
10. Aoashi
We’re kicking off this list with another popular soccer (football, if you’re outside of the US) anime series: Aoashi.
The anime "Aoashi," based on Yugo Kobayashi's manga series, revolves around Ashito Aoi, a junior high student renowned for his soccer prowess. However, his arrogance causes him to forget the importance of teamwork, ultimately leading to his team losing their chance at the championship tournament.
Watch "Losing the tournament shatters Aoi's confidence. However, a coach's advice about his bad attitude prompts him to join a new team and make the most of his talents. Can he become a team player, or will he continue to repeat his past mistakes? Available for streaming on Crunchyroll."
9. Tomodachi Game
This entry on our list has nothing to do with soccer, but this thriller is a survival game story like no other.
Tomodachi Game, based on the popular shonen manga series by Mikoto Yamaguchi and Yuki Sato, shares a similar school setting with Blue Lock. The story follows a group of friends including Yuuichi Katagiri, Yutori Kokorogi, Tenji Mikasa, Shihi Sawaragi, and Makoto Shibe. As their class plans for a school trip, the friends face a rift when the trip funds are stolen. The situation worsens when they start receiving mysterious letters.
The mystery deepens as the group is suddenly knocked unconscious and find themselves in a room with a person named Manabu-kun. He informs them that they can settle their 20 million debt by participating in a series of games. Reminiscent of Squid Games, these challenges may appear simple but come with grave consequences. Who will emerge as the ultimate victor? Stream now on Crunchyroll.
8. Inazuma Eleven
It’s time to get back to soccer with Inazuma Eleven.
The plot centers on Raimon Middle School's soccer team, facing potential disbandment due to poor performance and financial struggles. In a bid to rescue the club, team captain Mamoru Endou, grandson of the legendary Inazuma Eleven goalkeeper, sets out to recruit new players. His search leads him to Shuuya Gouenji, a talented player who has lost passion for the sport. Mamoru is determined to reignite Gouenji's love for the game.
Available to watch on: Prime Video
7. All Out!
Say goodbye to soccer and say hello to the highly-underrated rugby series.
Adapted from Shiori Amase’s enduring manga series, this 2016-2016 anime from Madhouse chronicles the story of Gion Kenji, a high school student who opts to join the school’s rugby team after witnessing their practice sessions.
Sports enthusiasts everywhere will enjoy watching Kenji lead the team from being underdogs to becoming serious championship contenders. Together, they overcome challenges and work towards a shared goal. Stream it now on Crunchyroll.
6. Hajime No Ippo
Now onto one of the greatest sports anime series ever made: Hajime No Ippo.
Follow Makunouchi Ippo's transformation from a bullied high school student to a top contender in Japan's lightweight boxing division as the anime's plot develops. Inspired by heavyweight boxer Takemura's strength and courage, Ippo decides to take up boxing and soon realizes that he has a hidden talent for the sport.
Available to watch on: Netflix
5. Tokyo Revengers
If you're wondering what Tokyo Revengers and Blue Lock have in common, it turns out that the series may be more closely linked than you think, with fans on social media even begging for a crossover. This 2021 anime adaptation, based on Ken Wakui’s manga, follows the story of Takemichi Hanagaki, a 26-year-old temp worker who unexpectedly finds himself in a life-changing situation after the death of his ex-girlfriend Hinata Tachibana in a dispute with the Tokyo Manji Gang.
The following day, Takemichi is pushed off a subway platform and inexplicably finds himself twelve years in the past. Determined to prevent her death, he sets out to change the course of events.
If you enjoy the animation style and character designs of Blue Lock, you may find this anime to be a good match for your tastes.
Available to watch on: Crunchyroll
4. Kakegurui
Blue Lock and Kakegurui are both renowned for their intense competitive nature.
Based in the Hyakkaou Private Academy, an institution for privileged students, the school undergoes a dramatic shift as it becomes a hub for high-stakes gambling. These games of chance play a crucial role in establishing the social standings and power dynamics of the students, with winners living like royalty and losers facing dire repercussions.
You can watch the story of Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student who quickly becomes part of the demanding world of gambling. She is highly intelligent and competitive, showing the other students what a true high roller looks like. Stream it on: Netflix.
3. Kuroko’s Basketball
Onto yet another brilliant and popular anime sports series.
The plot of Kuroko’s Basketball centers on a former member of Japan's renowned basketball team, the Generation of Miracles. The team dominated the court but grew complacent at their success, leading to their eventual breakup. Kuroko, however, remains passionate about the game and is determined to reunite his former teammates. Similar to Blue Lock, the series highlights the importance of teamwork in sports and showcases impressive athletic achievements.
Available to watch on: Crunchyroll
2. Chainsaw Man
Both Blue Lock and Chainsaw Man made their debut in the same year and have become outstanding anime series in their own unique ways. Chainsaw Man offers exceptional fights, character development, and top-notch animation, setting it apart from other shonen series just as Blue Lock stands out from sports series.
The story centers on Denji, a young man turned into a formidable demon-human hybrid by a chainsaw demon that saved his life. Recruited by an organization specializing in demon hunting, Denji utilizes his powerful chainsaw in combat.
Similar to Blue Lock, the characters in this series are driven to compete against each other in order to become the best in their world, all while navigating an enigmatic organization that may not have the protagonist's best interests at heart.
Available to watch on: Hulu, Prime Video and Crunchyroll
1. Slam Dunk
The last entry on the list is a beloved anime series that achieved global recognition. Slam Dunk chronicles the Shohoku basketball team's pursuit of greatness in Japan. At the center of the story is first-year student Hanamichi, who reluctantly joins the team in hopes of finding a girlfriend, despite his disdain for basketball.
Although he lacks interest in the sport, his remarkable physical abilities make him a valuable addition to the team. While he may not break his streak of romantic rejections, he may discover a new passion for the sport instead.
Available for streaming on: Crunchyroll
Looking for intense mind games and internationally-acclaimed sports dramas like Blue Lock? Check out our top 10 series to watch, from high-stakes mind games to Crunchyroll's best anime. Click here to learn how to watch from anywhere in the world.
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the growing popularity of sports anime like Blue Lock. The intensity, passion, and determination displayed by the characters in these shows are truly inspiring. Blue Lock, in particular, has captivated me with its unique concept of creating the ultimate striker through a rigorous training program. The upcoming film and second season have me eagerly anticipating more of this exhilarating soccer anime.
While waiting for Blue Lock's new content, I am excited to explore the other anime recommendations provided in the article. The variety of sports and psychological games featured in these series promises to offer a diverse and engaging viewing experience. I am particularly intrigued by Aoashi, which delves into the importance of teamwork and overcoming personal flaws in the context of soccer. Tomodachi Game, on the other hand, presents a thrilling survival game scenario that goes beyond sports, adding an element of suspense and strategy.
