If you’re new to the world of anime, you might be wondering about the best sports anime to watch. Sports anime is a popular genre that features characters engaging in various athletic activities like basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, tennis, and more. Combining exciting action scenes with emotional drama, comedy, romance, and life lessons, sports anime can appeal to a wide range of viewers, regardless of their interest in sports.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best sports anime for beginners, considering their popularity, ratings, and reviews. We’ll provide a brief summary of each anime and explain why it’s worth watching. Here are our top picks:

Sports Anime Recommendations for Beginners:

Haikyu!!:

Haikyu!! is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports anime of all time. It follows the story of Shoyo Hinata, a passionate volleyball player who dreams of emulating his idol, the “Little Giant.” Joining the Karasuno High School volleyball team, Hinata encounters Tobio Kageyama, a genius setter known as the “King of the Court” for his dominant playstyle. Together, they form an unlikely duo with the goal of taking Karasuno to the national tournament. Haikyu!! is a thrilling and heartwarming anime that emphasizes growth and teamwork. With its exceptional animation, music, and voice acting, this series will immerse you in the game.

Kuroko’s Basketball:

Kuroko’s Basketball focuses on basketball and has gained immense popularity and critical acclaim. The story revolves around Tetsuya Kuroko, a mysterious player who was part of the legendary “Generation of Miracles.” Despite lacking flashiness or exceptional skills, Kuroko’s unique ability to pass the ball sets him apart. Joining the Seirin High School basketball team, he meets Taiga Kagami, a talented yet hot-headed player determined to challenge the Generation of Miracles. Together, they strive to become the best in Japan. With intense battles and rivalries, Kuroko’s Basketball is an action-packed and suspenseful anime. Its stunning animation, music, and voice acting will make you feel the adrenaline rush of basketball.

Slam Dunk:

Slam Dunk is a classic and highly influential sports anime that played a significant role in popularizing basketball in Japan. The series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent and hopeless romantic who joins the Shohoku High School basketball team to impress his crush, Haruko Akagi. Surprisingly, Sakuragi discovers his natural talent for basketball and becomes determined to improve his skills and help Shohoku win the national championship. Alongside other memorable characters, such as Rukawa Kaede, Akagi Takenori, Mitsui Hisashi, and Ryota Miyagi, they face various challenges and opponents on their quest for glory. Slam Dunk is a hilarious and inspiring anime that showcases the passion and spirit of basketball. Its realistic animation, music, and voice acting will transport you to the court.

Yuri!!! on Ice:

Yuri!!! on Ice is a recent and highly successful sports anime that revolves around the world of figure skating. The story follows Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater who experiences a devastating defeat at the Grand Prix Final, leading him to contemplate retirement. However, everything changes when his idol, Victor Nikiforov, a five-time world champion, becomes his coach, offering him a chance at redemption. Together with Yuri Plisetsky, a young Russian prodigy vying for Victor’s attention, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and fierce competition in the world of figure skating. Yuri!!! on Ice is a beautiful and touching anime that captures the artistry and elegance of figure skating. Its stunning animation, music, and voice acting will transport you to the captivating performances.

Free!:

Free! is a popular sports anime that centers around swimming. The story follows Haruka Nanase, a free-spirited swimmer with an unyielding love for water. When he reunites with his childhood friends Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rin Matsuoka at the same high school, he discovers that Rin, once their friend, has become a competitive swimmer determined to defeat Haruka. Inspired by Rin’s challenge, Haruka, Makoto, and Nagisa form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, where they encounter Rei Ryugazaki, a former track and field athlete eager to learn how to swim. Together, they compete against Rin and his team from Samezuka Academy, as well as other schools, in various swimming tournaments. Free! is a fun and heartwarming anime that highlights friendship and rivalry among swimmers. Its gorgeous animation, music, and voice acting will make you feel immersed in the water.

Ace of Diamond:

Ace of Diamond focuses on the sport of baseball and follows the story of Eijun Sawamura, a left-handed pitcher with a wild but powerful pitching style. After a fateful encounter, Sawamura is scouted by the prestigious Seidou High School and joins their baseball team. He encounters talented players like the prodigious catcher, Kazuya Miyuki, and the hardworking captain, Chris Yuuji. Together, they strive to bring Seidou to the national championship, facing formidable opponents and honing their skills along the way. Ace of Diamond is an intense and gripping anime that showcases the strategic and competitive nature of baseball. Its dynamic animation, music, and voice acting will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Chihayafuru:

Chihayafuru is based on the competitive card game karuta. The plot revolves around Chihaya Ayase, a high school student who falls in love with karuta after meeting Arata Wataya, a talented player. Chihaya, inspired by Arata, establishes a karuta club with her childhood friend Taichi Mashima, and recruits additional enthusiastic players. They understand the complexities of the game and form deep friendships with one another as they compete in tournaments to become karuta champions. Chihayafuru is an engrossing and emotive anime that combines the ferocity of competition with touching character interactions. Its lovely animation, music, and voice acting will transport you to the world of karuta.

These recommendations provide a great starting point for beginners in the world of sports anime. Each series offers unique and engaging stories with well-developed characters, intense sports action, and valuable life lessons. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or not, these anime have the potential to captivate and inspire you. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the excitement and emotions of these fantastic sports anime!