7 Best Sports Anime of All Time: Which is Better?

Sports anime has long been a beloved genre, capturing the hearts of fans with its thrilling competitions, inspiring characters, and the enduring spirit of teamwork. From iconic basketball matches to intense soccer rivalries, these anime series have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and animation.

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So, what is the best anime of all time in sports genre?

In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best sports anime of all time, highlighting those that have left an indelible mark on the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of sports anime, these series are sure to ignite your passion and leave you cheering for the underdog.

1/ The Gymnastics Samurai

Anime has a strong affinity for sports such as tennis, soccer, and particularly baseball. Each of these sports boasts several remarkable series, and they are often featured in new manga narratives. Their popularity is evident for a profitable reason, warranting the attention they receive; however, it is refreshing when a series emerges that focuses on a more specialized activity. As suggested by its title, The Gymnastics Samurai centers on gymnastics, making it essentially the sole anime dedicated to this discipline.

In the past, Joutarou was celebrated as Japan’s premier gymnast. Although he still possesses considerable skill, he is no longer at the peak of his athletic prowess and has begun to experience a noticeable decline. While the passage of time is an inevitable adversary, Joutarou is determined to persevere, motivated by his daughter’s encouragement and the support of Leo, a fan who has become a friend. Emphasizing humor, The Gymnastics Samurai often embraces a lighthearted tone, yet its gymnastics competitions remain consistently impressive. The three main characters are endearing, and Joutarou’s challenges are rarely addressed in the realm of sports anime.

2/ Hinomaru Sumo

Sumo is a subject that has not been extensively explored within the realms of anime or manga, and this lack of representation introduces a refreshing aspect to this particular series. Nevertheless, if one looks beyond the unconventional central theme, they will discover a relatively traditional sports shonen anime centered on an overlooked protagonist striving to defy expectations and achieve greatness in the field. Hinomaru Sumo does not seek to innovate dramatically; rather, it adheres to a familiar yet effective narrative framework to deliver an engaging and thrilling story. The anime’s appeal is rooted in its relatable main characters and dynamic fight scenes, which stand up well against many other martial arts narratives.

3/ Inazuma Eleven

While not particularly prominent in Western countries, Inazuma Eleven holds significant popularity in Japan. The franchise, developed by Level-5, has spawned approximately eight seasons of anime, totaling over 200 episodes. The original series, Inazuma Eleven, is regarded as one of the best sports anime of all time, whereas its sequel, Inazuma Eleven GO, along with the spin-offs Inazuma Eleven: Ares Kickoff! and Orion no Kokuin, tend to evoke mixed reactions.

As an exuberant soccer-themed anime reminiscent of the tone found in Pokémon, Inazuma Eleven offers an enjoyable viewing experience. The series features a cast of endearing characters and thrilling scenes, and although some later seasons may venture into the realm of the absurd, they remain engaging. At its finest, Inazuma Eleven provides a highly accessible viewing experience.

4/ Keijo!!!!!!!!

Keijo embraces its intentionally absurd premise, centered on a fictional sport where women attempt to push each other into a pool using only select body parts. The series unabashedly prioritizes fanservice, making no pretense of being anything beyond its core concept. Despite the ludicrous and comedic nature of the premise, the characters in Keijo approach the sport with utmost seriousness. They are determined to excel, and their identities are shaped by their fervor for the titular competition. Keijo features commendable animation, engaging characters, and effectively navigates the tournament format. The series successfully functions as both a parody and a conventional shonen-style sports narrative, maintaining a concise and enjoyable runtime.

5/ The Prince Of Tennis

The Prince of Tennis, regarded as one of the greatest sports anime of all time, begins with a foundation of realism before transitioning into a distinctly extravagant battle shonen series. While it does not venture into the realm of “saving the world through tennis,” the anime presents characters with increasingly absurd abilities. This shift often leads to a division among viewers, as the later arcs of the series tend to receive lower ratings compared to the initial season. Nevertheless, The Prince of Tennis can provide an enjoyable experience for those seeking a series that aligns more with Kuroko’s Basketball than with Slam Dunk.

6/ Tiger Mask W

While it may not be as widely recognized outside of Japan as some other iconic series, Tiger Mask boasts a rich history that traces back to the late 1960s. The manga created by Ikki Kajiwara enjoyed a successful run, leading to the development of two anime adaptations and several films. However, the franchise remained inactive for an extended period after the release of Tiger Mask 2 in 1981, only to make a comeback in 2013 with a live-action film, followed by a new anime series in 2016.

Tiger Mask W serves as a homage to professional wrestling, particularly New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), while portraying the sport as a genuine competition, emphasizing that rivalries are authentic rather than merely scripted outcomes. The anime unfolds as a conventional action-sports narrative, infused with a touch of exaggerated melodrama. Although it may not appeal to all viewers, Tiger Mask W offers an enjoyable experience for wrestling enthusiasts.

7/ Captain Tsubasa

In conjunction with Tomorrow’s Joe, Captain Tsubasa stands as one of the best sports anime of all time. The narrative chronicles the journey of Tsubasa Oozora, beginning in his elementary school years and culminating in the World Cup. Since its original release in 1983, the animation has certainly become outdated; nevertheless, the characters remain compelling. Tsubasa serves as a commendable protagonist, while Genzo Wakabayashi and Kojiro Hyuga often surpass him in terms of character development.

While Captain Tsubasa generally upholds a satisfactory quality, some of its later seasons may appear hurried. As a result, the anime is not as highly recommended as the manga. The 2018 reboot, along with its 2023 sequel, offers the most accessible means to engage with this narrative, although it does not quite reach the excellence of the original series from the 1980s.