6 Best Sports Anime Featuring Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, and More

Whether you're in middle school or your 20s, these series can get you seriously pumped. Shutterstock AI Generator / Shutterstock

Sports anime blend heart-pounding action with emotional storytelling, showing how athletes train, struggle, and grow.

The best sports anime bring that passion to life, drawing viewers into every game, match, or race with unforgettable characters and top-tier animation.

1. 'Haikyuu!!'

This volleyball anime follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but determined high school boy who dreams of becoming a top player. With an energetic cast, realistic gameplay, and emotional highs, "Haikyuu!!' is highly regarded as one of the greatest sports anime of all time.

Themes of teamwork, rivalries, and personal growth resonate with fans around the world. It’s a must-watch for anyone new to the genre.

2. 'Blue Lock'

"Blue Lock" flips the traditional soccer anime on its head. After Japan's national team underperforms, a radical program recruits the country’s most talented forwards for a competitive sport showdown. Only one will make the final cut.

Packed with intense action and psychological drama, this anime explores ego, talent, and what it takes to become the world’s best striker. It’s a standout for fans who love character-driven storytelling.

3. 'Run With the Wind'

Set at a university, "Run With the Wind" follows a group of unlikely teammates training for the Hakone Ekiden marathon. With beautiful animation and grounded storytelling, it shows how friendship and persistence can turn a dream into reality.

The anime focuses not just on physical performance, but also mental resilience, past trauma, and finding purpose beyond competition.

4. 'Slam Dunk'

A classic in the sports anime genre, "Slam Dunk" centers on Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl. What starts as a joke becomes a journey of growth and dedication.

The manga series is widely credited with boosting basketball’s popularity in Japan and was adapted into a successful anime. Its humor, intensity, and legendary matches make it unforgettable.

5. 'Hajime no Ippo'

This boxing anime delivers emotional depth with every punch. "Hajime no Ippo" follows Ippo Makunouchi, a shy boy who becomes a determined fighter. As he enters the world of professional boxing, the series dives into discipline, rivalry, and the meaning of strength.

With over 70 episodes and multiple seasons, it's one of the most enduring sports anime series out there.

6. 'Free!'

Focused on swimming, "Free!" dives into the lives of high school boys reconnecting through their former club. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and competition, with animation that captures the elegance and power of the sport.

Produced by Kyoto Animation, "Free!" has earned a loyal fanbase thanks to its strong character development and emotional storytelling.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.