Top 15 Sports Anime of All Time

[Mavi]

Welcome to yet another AnimeCrazy Feature Article. After doing Top shows of 2008 we've decided to do a fairly rare top list called Top 15 Sports Anime of all time, which is just that. If you don't know there are only like 30 or so sports anime's released to date, and only 20 or so of them have been subbed, so we're taking all of them and just ranking them. Note that we do not include board games or tournament fighters in this as we don't consider those sports. The funny thing is that I don't even like most sports as I find them to be dreadfully boring to watch but again Anime makes them not just bearable but exciting to watch, so even if you don't like sports or hate them then give these shows a try. Oh and yea if it was me i'd put 10 of these as number 1, and the other 5 at 2-5 so bear with the order they are all good shows in my eyes.

CAUTION: You will probably pick up one or two of these sports after watching these anime, as they are just that motivational.

15:One Outs

From the director of Akagi and Kaiji, which are the legendary two gambling animes that have captured my heart over the last 2 years, comes One Outs a show that takes baseball and turns it into a massive gambling event. You could hate both baseball and gambling and you'll cherish this show as your second brother, the only reason this show is 15th is because I can't give new shows higher ratings due to lack of knowledge of how it'll continue or else it would be most likely 6th or 7th (don't kill me please, I repent) on this list. Basically each time he pitches an out he gets 47k, and each time he get's a run scored on him he loses 470k, and during the course of the show the team manager tries to get him to get runs scored so that he can make money, but the issue is that Toua is just so good that he keeps debunking everyone's expectation and is getting rich out of one badas* contract.

"Short explanation: When it comes to the fun factor, this series can't be beat.

Long-winded explanation: It's a given that One Outs doesn't have the character depth of a series like Hajime no Ippo or Oofuri, but it is a heckuva lot more fun to watch than those two series combined as there's never a dull moment. It's ridiculously fun and enjoyable--the most fun I've ever had while watching a sports anime--however, in terms of overall quality, it doesn't hold a Louisville Slugger to the aforementioned sports gems. They just simply fail to be better than One Outs in my eyes because they just aren't nearly as fun. When it comes to sports anime, fun the defining element as far as I'm concerned." (Jedi General)

14.Aoki Densetsu Shoot!

Ever see a classic anime that just makes you get all excited then midway through the show stabs you head on with a massive plot twist that just makes you go Huh? Well this show did just that and I must say in a way that made me say just that as well. If you like soccer, want to see a realistic soccer anime without super special moves that don't exist then this is the show for you. If not then go to the next page because we get into a few other shows that do that just.

DarkUmagon's input: This is one of the most insane anime ever. It's more than your average soccer anime. After episode 20, you'll be in shock. At first I was skeptical, but it has a few unusual(but great) twists.

The plot: Toshihiko Tanaka is a boy who entered Kakegawa High School with his friends Kenji & Kazuhiro, in order to play soccer with Yoshiharu Kubo, a great soccer player whom they have idolized. While his other two friends were reluctant to play again, "Toshi" eventually convinces them to play for the team. The team soon find themselves in the midst of a quest to the All-Japan High School Championship, while overcoming obstacles along the way.

13.Yawara

Ever Seen Monster, Master Keaton, or 20th Century Boys? Then welcome to one of Noaki's Urusawa's older works, Yawara, The Fashionable Judo Girl. This show is a bit older then the other anime's on here but it's story line is way more intriguing then most of the anime's that were made in the 80's. It's one of those sports shows that makes you want to do that sport, in this case Judo. The main charactar wants to just be a normal girl but due to her hard pressing grandfather she is being forced to go and compete in higher level Judo Tournaments which basically makes her a Judo master. Whenever she's on a date she accidently flips the guy or when someone taps her on the back she flips the person by accident. This show contains comedy within the guy's who like her as well as the way they just are. Hard to explain a classic like this so just check it out as it's definitely a must watch show.

12.Ookiku Furikabutte

Mihashi was the previous ace pitcher in his middle school's baseball team, but it seems that he only got the position because his grandfather was the owner of the school. His teammates (especially the team's catcher) hated him, and they always lost their games. Mihashi is thoroughly convinced that he is a lousy baseball pitcher and he graduates to high school with extremely low self-esteem. He then transfers to Nishiura high school with plans of quitting baseball, because he does not believe he is good enough to succeed at baseball. However, he is dragged into Nishiura's baseball team by their coach. Assisted by his new teammates (and especially the catcher, Takaya Abe), he grows in stature, confidence and skill, helping his team excel with his own abilities.

11.Hungry Heart - Wild Striker

From the makers of Captain Tsubasa comes Wild Striker, one of the better soccer animes released to date that focus more on soccer then fantasy shots that no one could ever make unless they were aliens with wings. Most soccer anime or sports anime suffer from fake soccer shots that no one could do, or for that fact don't even make sense at times (Inazuma for instance is based on a fake version of soccer). Wild striker takes those types of anime and runs all over them with true respect for the game, and shows off the true feeling of wanting to win even if it you have to practice non stop for 24/7 (with some rest of course). Just letting you know after all that that this does contan some aspects of shounen in it as Kanou the main character does shoot massive speed shots that turn orange every once in a while, but that doesn't detract anything from the show so it's a ok in my books.

Kyusuke Kanou, a robust teenager of 16 sports orange hair and aspires to conquer the world of soccer as a forward. But somehow the shadow of his renowned elder brother Seisuke, a midfielder for AC Milan falls upon his career. Threatened by inferiority complex, he decides to give up soccer. Yet, destiny reunites him with football as he accidentally becomes the coach of the women's soccer team of his school . Thus, his journey to fulfill his dream begins portraying his path of struggle. Backed by his helpful teammates and wellwishers like Miki, the girl's soccer team captain and Mori, the manager, he proceeds forward in life.

DarkUmagon's input: This is my favorite Soccer Anime. The last few episodes will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I love Kyusuke's will power. The name of the anime "Hungry Heart- Wild Striker" really fits Kyusuke really well. I would recommend this anime to anyone who loves soccer.

10.Capeta

A boy who doesn't complain about anything. A boy who doesnt do anything to make his hard working dad who is already trying as hard as he can, have to work harder for him. One day is allowed to try cart racing and wants to beat the other guy on the track which he almost does but loses at the last minute or so leaving a bitter feeling in his mouth.

That boy which has never wanted anything extra in his life, wants to just simply cart race against that boy on the race tract and win. That boy is Capeta.

Capeta is really an amaxing show about a down to earth kid, who once he starts cart racing he must deal with the conditions of being poor, with less practice time, and less equipment must use his innate skill at cart racing to move up the rankings to defeat his rival. If there is something I didn't like about the show is how it didn't continue beyond 52 episode, wish it was longer so I could enjoy it even more!

9. Eyeshield 21

Taking the anime world by a storm this was yet another really big show that actually had a sort of viral affect to it since it is the only american football anime to date. Not just that but it had a sense of humour in the beginning that fooled many like me into thinking it would become another Reborn, but it still help my interest quite well till the show finished. As far as anime goes it's definately an interesting sports anime as far as sports anime's go.

Kobayakawa Sena is a little guy who always get picked on by the bullies in school. Since elementary school, he always play the role of the 'errand boy' to the extent that he has become swift and fast in his movements. Coincidentally, Hiruma Youichi and Kurita Ryukan are looking for a fast running back for their American Football team (Amefuto) and want to put Sena in the team. To hide their new 'star' player from the eyes of other High Schools, Hiruma encases Sena in a Amefuto helmet with a dark visor and name him Eyeshield #21.

8.Captain Tsubasa Road to 2002

The only anime that basically everyone world wide knows, Captain Tsubasa, had a sequel made in 2002 due to Japan's hosting of the 2002 world cup. Road to 2002 is the only Captain Tsubasa show you can find still English subbed, since the first show is only available at this point in spanish. This show is a classic soccer anime chock full of specials, massive practice sessions, and fills the viewer with motivation as they continue the show. The fact this show is a classic pushes it up a spot or two.

7.Whistle

The story of Katsumatsuri, a middle schooler who loves soccer so much when he was on the bench for so long, he went to an easier school so he could join their team. Yea i know lol. BUT the story undergoes some major growth spurts making him quite a sight to see, and quite fun to watch as he makes his way to the upper leages, and if i say anymore i will spoil the show for you, this is one of my favorite soccer shows due to it's realism, and even more it's portrayal of how real strength is gained.

6.Bamboo Blade

Kendo, The art of the sword, is something that most people could never turn into a cute and happy thing, well until Bamboo Blade that is. Bamboo Blade is about a group of girls which slowly come together to form a girl's kendo team for their school. BB combines the personality types: over zealous, strong but quiet, study type, and nice but really evil, all into one team which creates really fun to watch Kendo team, as they go through their daily kendo activities, and later their tournaments.

5.Initial D

The show that caught the world by surprise spawning a few of the best drifting games, arcade has even known, as well as a drifting sub culture which suddenly exploded after this show become popular. Going strong for 4 seasons or so, and the manga is still continuing on strong, so make sure to check out this drifting mania for yourself.

Initial D chronicles the story of 18-year old high school student Takumi Fujiwara, a fairly relaxed kid who never really enjoyed driving, especially when for years, he has to deliver tofu for his dad in the wee hours of the morning along the windy roads of Mount Akina in a Toyota Treuno AE86 (a Corolla equivalent also known as the Eight-Six or Hachi Roku). But then one morning, Takumi does his usual tofu run when he overtakes a Mazda RX-7 FD3S which is driven by Keisuke Takahashi: one of the hottest street racers in the prefecture. Takumi soon finds himself involved in the world of street racing as racers from all over come and challenge him both on Mt. Akina and other mountainous courses.

4.Prince of Tennis

The story is basically about a young freshman who just came back from america and wants to join his new school's tennis team. Of course he's so good that he immediately starts beating on other arrogant tennis players. Yea I know that summary was just lacking details. Let's just say this is the best tennis anime hand's down, and you need to watch it even if you don't like tennis. On a side note, after sitting down and watching Prince of Tennis I seriously picked up a tennis racket and then seriously started playing tennis for around 2 years time, so if you do the same don't be ashamed, you've be animecrazified.

3.Major

The baseball addict boy which just can't stop practicing baseball because he wants to grow up to become like his dad, who is a professional baseball player pitcher gone batter. During the first few episodes Honda Goro goes to see his dad play against a legendary american pitcher, but in the process after his dad hit's a home run a tragedy occurs.

I have watched around 5-6 baseball anime's to date, and I believe that is like all that is out there, and I must say this is the best one at actually drawing me into to the next episode, plus it's not based on romance which the others seem to all be so far. As like the rest of the shows you don't have to like baseball to like watching this show. Major is the king of Baseball anime, and some would argue the king of sports anime as well.

2.Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk is a rare anime as it's one of the few basketball releated anime out there, and there are only 2 of those as far as I know (Buzzer Beater being the other), plus it's one of the few sports anime's that actually lasted longer then 52 episodes making it a very successful anime in Japan. This show takes the element of sports, comedy, and romance, then mixes them all together to create one hell of an anime, so make sure to check this out.

Basically Sakuragi Hanamichi the High School Punk is always getting rejected by girls due to his thug like appearance, when he spots the girl of his dreams, Haruko, he then wants to do anything to impress her. He even goes as far as joining the school's basketball team when he finds out that she likes basketball players, only to then find out that her older gorilla like brother resides as team captain. There is also another freshman who is a basketball genius who Haruko pays more attention to, and most likely loves. The story continues..

1.Hajime No Ippo

Let's see: Take some Comedy, Mix in Some More Comedy, Mix in some extreme boxing, Rivals, Drama, and then put in some hints of romance, and we got the best sports anime to hit earth since the creation of anime. Hajime no Ippo is one of the few shows i've actually watched more then 2 times, and considering I'm always watching new show's that's quite a feat. (PM me if you want the few others I watched more then 3 times.)

Mackanoichi Ippo, A fisherman's son, has been bullied at school because of his lack of time to be socially active, as well as the fact he seems to look weak. As he's being beat up, a random jogger comes to his rescue and scares away the bullies by using boxing moves. He then takes Ippo to his gym where they treat him for his injuries, as ippo waits around at the gym he starts to want to learn to box. Of course the boxer who saved him won't let him join so easily as he has to first pass his first test...

Don't Skip this show as it's my top, and there is a new season that is currently airing!

Honerable Mention(Basketball): Buzzer Beater
Honerable Mention(Golf): Dan Doh!

[Juvefc417]

Captain Tsubasa, FTW!!! used to watch that when i was around 5 or 6....really good.

Got to say a whole lot of sports animes i haven't seen but ill watch though i already have a feeling that the order is screwed up from best to worst...

[DarkUmagon]

Originally Posted by Juvefc417

Captain Tsubasa, FTW!!! used to watch that when i was around 5 or 6....really good.

In Spanish?

[kryme32]

hmm ive only read hajime no ippo and if its anything like the manga then it deserves the top spot

[Negatiw]

Captain Tsubasa for me too , in German , i was a pro at German then , but now , don't know a word !

[Tyeboi777]

YES bamboo BLADE!!!! T.T!!!!!!

[kerero23]

yeah i agree hajime deserves numba 1 spot yo!!!!!!!!!!!

[kerero23]

hhey what happened to Ookiku furikabutte?!!! i was into it for a couple eps, then was busy came back and couldn't find it any more even forgot the name an now i see it here?......(was trying so hard to remember the name and was looking real hard too)...(sigh)

[InsertNameHere]

ive watched or am watching a bunch of these now. im thrilled to see a bunch i never heard of, for future viewing. i think the comments made in the description for one outs is spot on. that is a real fun show and it seems every episode is a nail biter. the prince of tennis is also just a real fun show to watch. (im curious to know if u learned how to do the Drive B or twist serve when u started playing hehe) i havent watched any of the soccer or racing shows but i like the look of the cart one. hajime no ippo is the show that got me looking for sports anime. after i finished the last series of ippo i was thinking
WOW i wonder if there are more out there like this. if i was to pick one that i think is closest to ippo its Major. they have similiar story lines but play different sports