The 13 Best Sports Anime to Keep Your Olympic Endorphins Going

As a lifelong fan of sports anime and someone who grew up watching classics like Slam Dunk and Captain Tsubasa, I can confidently say that these modern adaptations are not only accessible but also incredibly engaging.

As a long-time fan of sports and animation, I have to say that this year’s Summer Olympics have been nothing short of exhilarating! The high ratings, grand spectacle, and the thrill of kayak cross have left me in awe – among other incredible moments. But what really gets me pumped is thinking about how we can keep the Olympic spirit alive once the games come to an end this weekend.

Archery: Tsurune

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=CqrXWk6D55c

As a passionate lover of anime, I have had the pleasure of indulging myself in a myriad of captivating stories and visually stunning productions that transcend traditional storytelling boundaries. Among these gems, Tsurune stands out as one of the most unique and thought-provoking titles I’ve encountered. As someone who has dabbled in archery during my youth, I found a peculiar resonance with this series – it masterfully captures the essence of the sport in a way that transcends mere competition and delves into the soul of its characters.

Basketball: Slam Dunk

In my opinion, Takehiko Inoue’s tribute to basketball, “Slam Dunk,” is the best sports anime ever produced. Originally introduced as a manga in 1990 and later adapted into an anime by Toei Animation in 1993, “Slam Dunk” follows the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a redheaded troublemaker, who tries to join the Shohoku High basketball team to win the affection of a girl. However, he ends up falling deeply in love with the sport instead. As the series progresses, “Slam Dunk” reflects Sakuragi’s transformation into a team player and expands its narrative to focus on his fellow teammates. The story becomes about a group of individuals striving to surpass their limitations and past experiences through the game they adore. It is both hilarious, emotional, and profoundly moving, despite being more than three decades old. Now is an excellent time to start watching it. A standalone 2021 film adaptation, “The First Slam Dunk,” which beautifully recreates a crucial event in the series using contemporary animation techniques, is now available on Blu-ray. (Streaming on Crunchyroll with subtitles.) – Nicholas Quah

Boxing: Tomorrow’s Joe

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=wNMCToYrl4Q

50 years since its creation, the impact of “Tomorrow’s Joe” remains significant, with contemporary series like “Megalo Box” and “Hajime no Ippo” being deeply rooted in its legacy. The manga’s protagonist, Joe Yabuki, has long been revered by anime and manga creators for his journey from fighting in the Tokyo slums to competing on global stages. Co-created by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba, with Osamu Dezaki at the helm of the directorial team, who kickstarted his career with this series, “Tomorrow’s Joe” has left an indelible mark in the realms of art style, setting a blueprint for numerous sports-themed “shonen” titles, and employing dramatically stylized “postcard memory” freeze-frames to capture intense emotions. The blend of Joe’s dynamic spirit, the raw setting amidst the underclass of 1960s Tokyo, and the animation’s strategic juxtaposition of motion and stillness, create a powerful, enduring whole. (Partially available for streaming on YouTube, subtitled.) —E.V.B.

Cycling: Nasu: Summer in Andalusia

As a long-time enthusiast of both anime and cycling, I found myself captivated by the short film “Nasu,” which showcases the struggles and determination of a cyclist named Pepe Benengeli during the Vuelta a España. Having spent countless hours watching Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces like “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke,” I was immediately drawn to this production due to its connection to Kitarō Kōsaka, who directed both of those films at Studio Ghibli.

Golf: Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story

Unlike many titles on this list, Birdie Wing stands out as an original production rather than an adaptation. Its tone is self-consciously aimed at anime enthusiasts with a casual interest in golf, rather than avid golfers dabbling in anime. For instance, the show’s protagonist, Eve, who excels as one of the world’s top golfers, initially encounters a formidable rival that prompts her to reassess and rediscover the essence of golf. Some anime reviewers speculate that Birdie Wing‘s success may have triggered a “golf-anime revival,” citing several subsequent golf-themed series. (Available for streaming on Crunchyroll, unsubtitled.) —E.V.B.

Ice Skating: Yuri!!! On Ice

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=fyk86I9XOE4

Given the acclaim from figure skater Johnny Weir, it’s clear that “Yuri!!! On Ice” is a must-include. This anime, created by Sayo Yamamoto and Mitsurou Kubo, has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2016. The show stands out for its storytelling, particularly the portrayal of Yuuri Katsuki’s struggle with anxiety, which is sensitively introduced as a part of his character from the start. Additionally, the series depicts his relationship with Victor Nikiforov, the central character, in a casual manner, reflecting their same-sex bond. Underlying these elements is a solid foundation of genre delights that make for an enjoyable watch. Boasting impressive animation work by MAPPA and choreography by Kenji Miyamoto, “Yuri!!! On Ice” is often praised for its authentic representation of the ice-skating world. In fact, it even acknowledges several real-life skaters, including Johnny Weir himself. (Streaming on Crunchyroll, available in both dubbed and subtitled versions.) – N.Q.

Table Tennis: Ping Pong: The Animation

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=2v6iOVhw6mQ

Masaaki Yuasa is one of the most innovative directors in contemporary anime, transforming devilish characters, natural calamities, mythical sea creatures, and 14th-century Japanese rock musicians into consistently eccentric entertainment. In his work on Ping Pong: The Animation, he took on the wildest indoor sport – adapting Taiyō Matsumoto’s manga into a dynamic, 11-episode series. At the core of the story are two distinct friends, Peco and Smile, who aim to compete for ping-pong supremacy at the national tournament. In the matches, under Yuasa’s unique direction, the competitors twist and contort as the animation revolves around the ball, with the camera tracking it as the competitors try to mimic this motion. Although the animation is meticulously crafted, it has a deliberate roughness to it – a nod to the immaturity of the characters highlighted by its energetic J-rock soundtrack. Ping Pong seems to suggest that there’s something childlike about watching two boys exchange ping-pong hits, but also that appreciating their exuberant madness is rewarding. (Streaming on Crunchyroll, available in both dubbed and subtitled versions.) – E.V.B.

Tennis: Aim for the Ace!

In the anime “Aim for the Ace!”, directed by Osamu Dezaki and adapted from Sumika Yamamoto’s manga, we witness how the protagonist Hiromi learns that falling in love is almost a prerequisite for playing tennis, as both players and challengers demonstrate. This series, which originally aired in the early ’70s, set a standard for anime and manga aimed at young women. It even caught the attention of Hideaki Anno, the creator of “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, who used its title for one of his robot anime creations. Despite having limited animation resources, resulting in simplified crowd scenes, Hiromi’s personal journey from raw talent to seasoned competitor makes it a compelling watch. The second season, “Aim for the Ace! Another Match”, aired about 15 years later and boasts improved quality, making it a smoother viewing experience. It is available on Blu-ray, subtitled. (Written by E.V.B.)

Tennis: Prince of Tennis

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=H0aHXo8q85g

As a long-time fan of anime, I must say that “Prince of Tennis” is not your average tennis anime by any means. With its flamboyant array of special moves such as the “Zero Shiki Drop” and the “Boomerang Snake,” some of which seem more fantastical than feasible, it veers closer to a fantasy series rather than a realistic portrayal of the sport. It’s not even necessarily the best anime that tackles tennis – I’ve heard compelling arguments for shows like “Baby Steps” and “Aim for the Ace!” to claim that title. But “Prince of Tennis,” an old-school classic, is a bombastic rollercoaster ride filled with larger-than-life personalities and utterly bonkers face-offs. If you squint just a little, you can see where the manic energy of shows like “Challengers” originates from. You can stream it on Crunchyroll, both dubbed and subtitled. -N.Q., an anime enthusiast who grew up watching these iconic series.

Track & Field: Run With the Wind

In the captivating series, Run With the Wind, a college senior devises an unconventional housing arrangement by tricking nine males into sharing a dorm under the guise of providing them with free meals and affordable rent. The catch? They must join the university’s running club. While this deception would typically be against the law, it’s acceptable in the realm of sports anime. Their collective goal is to participate in the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon – a physically demanding race that lasts two days, involves ten legs, and covers approximately 220 kilometers between Tokyo and Hakone, Japan. Each team member has unique motivations, such as Haiji, the student who formed the team after suffering an injury to his leg, and Kakeru, a seasoned runner who gradually bonds with his new teammates. The exhilaration of running becomes contagious. (Now available on Crunchyroll, unsubtitled.) —E.V.B.

Soccer: Captain Tsubasa: Junior Youth Arc

Indeed, soccer, often referred to as football globally, is the beloved sport that rules the planet, making it no surprise that Yōichi Takahashi’s “Captain Tsubasa” has become one of the longest-lasting media franchises in existence. Originating as a manga back in 1981, this series follows Tsubasa Oozora, an 11-year-old boy with dreams of becoming the world’s greatest soccer player, as he journeys from local prodigy to Olympic contender. Essentially, it’s a fascinating exploration of the sport’s culture! Over the years, “Tsubasa” has given birth to numerous adaptations, many of which are challenging to find, but its 2018 version, produced by David Studios and directed by Toshiyuki Kato, which covers the “Junior Youth Arc” from the manga, is now easily accessible in various platforms. Notably, it’s generally well-regarded! (Streaming on Crunchyroll with both dubbed and subtitled versions.) – N.Q.

Volleyball: Haikyu!!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=auY1G51RWNo

Among the recently popular sports anime, “Haikyu!!”, which has gained global recognition, revolves around two volleyball players – Shoyo Hinata, a passionate but inexperienced short player, and Tobio Kageyama, a skilled yet reserved one. Initially, they were rivals of sorts, but as they grow closer, each discovers something special in the other. In many ways, this series shares similarities with “Slam Dunk”, such as Hinata’s distinctive orange-red hair, but what truly sets “Haikyu!! apart is its unabashed focus on the deep passion for the sport it portrays. It’s also incredibly endearing! Interestingly, “Haikyu!!” was a popular choice among fans at this year’s Japanese volleyball matches, with its theme song played during the games when the Japanese national team played. Even more intriguing is that Japan had to play against Argentina in the group stages, mirroring a significant event from the manga. (Streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix, subtitled.) – N.Q.

Drift Racing (!?): Initial D

As a longtime fan of automotive culture and racing, I wholeheartedly agree that car racing should be included in the Olympics. Over the years, I’ve watched countless hours of Formula One races, attended local drag events, and even dabbled in amateur drifting myself. To me, bending a vehicle to your will is an exhilarating display of human athleticism.

2024-08-07 23:54