Everyone loves a good sports anime. After all, if there’s one thing we all love following its the thrill of the competition, the struggle of athletes doing their best to win. Sports animes can be very well researched and one can learn quite a lot about that particular sport by watching the anime. Elements of the sport are usually used with great effect to move the storyline along, and in doing so, much of the protagonist’s character is revealed as he/she faces adversity endearing said character more to the viewer.
Sports animes also appeal to the human aspect inherent in all of us – to triumph over adversity. After all, who doesn’t like to watch a winner, especially one that’s worked so hard to get there? So in honour of all the athletes out there, and the upcoming Olympics, in no particular order, here’s my list of the top 10 sports anime.
1. Hajime no Ippo
This boxing anime follows the story of Ippo Makunouchi’s journey in boxing. From a teenager searching for a direction to a force to be reckoned in boxing. Great rivalries and inspiring comrades pepper the anime keeping it fresh and exciting and there’s always a great fight round the corner to inspire Ippo to improve and grow as a boxer.
There is that sense of satisfaction watching Ippo grow and improve as a boxer over the span of 14 years. The struggles, fights and pummeling he has to endure, makes his hard-won victories a very gratifying watch, and I occasionally found myself shouting out a small cheer every time he emerged victorious in his matches.
Why watch it?: There’s plenty of great boxing references for the boxing fans out there while the well-animated boxing action will keep you glued to the seat. Then there’s, of course, Takamura’s hilarious super ego throughout the series that’ll keep you in stitches.
Episodes:
TV Series: 137 Episodes
OVA: 1 Episode
Anime Movies: 1 Movie
