In the field of anime, the community has been blessed with titles from a variety of genres, including psychological thrillers; boy, Different world, slice-of-life, and even romantic comedies that resonate with fans on a deep emotional level, and one of the categories that stands out the most is sports anime. One of his pioneering series in this genre that took anime lovers by storm was Haikyu!!A dynamic and exhilarating cruise.
Since its debut in 2014, this sports-based anime has become a global sensation, praised for its charming characters and intense matches between the Karasuno High School volleyball team.
Shoyo Hinata is a determined high school student with an undying love for volleyball. After a fateful encounter with his idol Tobio Kageyama, known as the “King of the Court,” they become unexpected teammates at Karasuno High School. Driven by passion, friendship, and the pursuit of greatness, this story is comprised of intense matches, character growth, and fortitude as the Karasuno volleyball team looks to overcome challenges on and off the court.
For those who are fascinated by the sports, teamwork, tournaments, and challenges depicted in this series, it’s natural to want more anime like this. Haikyu!!.Introducing some sports anime Haikyu!! Fans who have seen Hinata and his team will appreciate this.
Top 10 sports anime like “Haikyu!!” To add to your watchlist
Ping Pong THE ANIMATION (2014)
as its name suggests, ping pong animation is all about table tennis and explores the competitive world of table tennis through the lens of a complex cast of characters.
Makoto Tsukimoto, also known as Smile, is a taciturn high school student who has developed a long-term friendship with the lively and energetic Yukata Hoshino (nicknamed Peko). Both are members of local table tennis clubs and have a natural talent for the sport. Despite his skills, Smile’s personality always prevents him from defeating Peko. However, the club teacher recognizes Smile’s potential and wants to instill more competitive spirit and sportsmanship in him.
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Run with the wind (2018)
Haikyu!! and run with the wind Both are curated by the same team at Production IG. This charming sports anime depicts the journey of his diverse group of 10 young runners brought together by chance and fate.
Kakeru, a former elite high school runner, is being chased for stealing food. The person who saves Kakeru is Haiji, a student at Kansei University and a fellow runner. He then convinces Sho to let him live in an old dormitory called Chikusei-so, where he reveals his plan to form a team from the residents and compete in the prestigious Hakone Ekiden, Japan’s famous university race. However, Kakeru notices that except for Heidi and himself, all the other residents are new to the sport.
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Yuri!!! on ICE (2016)
meanwhile Haikyu!! Focusing on volleyball, Yuri!!! on ICE A journey through the world of figure skating, blending sport, romance, and self-discovery along the way.
Yuri Katsuki is a struggling Japanese figure skater who befriends the Russian skater he admires, Victor Nikiforov. After a video of Yuri’s heartfelt performance goes viral, Victor becomes his coach. The series depicts Yuri’s journey as he overcomes personal and professional challenges while competing against other talented skaters in the Grand Prix His series. In the midst of fierce competition, Yuri develops a deep bond with Victor and explores his love and self-discovery.
This anime beautifully weaves together figure skating and romance, making it a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and sports genres.
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Blue Rock (2022)
blue rock We feature unique projects that have been carefully selected to identify the best strikers in football. After the Japanese national team finishes in 16th place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Japan Football Association scouts a mysterious person, Jinpachi Ego. His unconventional strategy to elevate Japan’s standing in the world of soccer is called Blue Rock, a training program aimed at producing the most confident strikers in the world. Those who are not successful at Blue Rock will never be able to compete on the Japanese national team again.
Yoichi Isaki, a little-known high school soccer player who struggles with conflicting playing styles, decides to enroll in the school in order to become the world’s best striker.
IMDb rating: 8.3/10
Kuroko’s Basketball (2012)
kuroko’s basketball, alias kuroko’s basketball, “Seirin High School Basketball Club” is the story of Seirin High School’s basketball club, which aims to succeed in a highly competitive sport. Kuroko Tetsuya, a seemingly unremarkable first-year student, is a former member of the “Kiseki Generation,” a group of genius basketball players who took the junior high school basketball world by storm.
His unique style of play, which places more emphasis on misdirection and passing than scoring, catches the attention of Taiga Kagami, a talented first-year student who has transferred to Seirin. Together, Kuroko and Kagami form a dynamic duo that leads Seirin to the top of the high school basketball world.
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Ace of Diamonds (2013)
ace of diamonds The anime transports viewers into the exhilarating world of high school baseball, blending sports action with an intense character-driven story. Haikyuu!!
Eijun Sawamura, a left-handed pitcher who joins Seido High School’s baseball club, aims to become the ace pitcher. The story begins with Sawamura’s team advancing to the finals of a local tournament in a rural town. His talent catches the attention of scouts, including Seido High School’s coach, and he is invited to join a prestigious baseball program known for its strong reputation. Sawamura accepts the offer and leaves his hometown and friends to pursue his dream of playing in Koshien, the national high school baseball championship tournament.
IMDb rating: 8.2/10
Chihayafuru (2011)
in ChihayafuruNow, viewers, let’s take a look at a traditional Japanese card game called “Karuta.” Chihaya Ayase has dedicated much of her life to supporting her sister’s modeling career. However, everything changes when she befriends Arata Wataya, a skilled karuta player who recognizes her potential.
Inspired by Arata’s belief in her abilities, Chihaya sets a new goal for herself: to become the best karuta player in Japan. Chihaya reunites with her old friend Taichi Mashima and together they establish the Mizusawa Karuta club. Surrounded by her supportive teammates and friends, Chihaya strives to become the best player in the world and hopes for a future reunion with her Arata.
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Food Geki no Soma (2015)
food wars soma It may not be about a specific sport.Instead, what is common between the two? Haikyu!! And this series has a spirit of teamwork and competition.
Soma Yukihira is an ambitious boy who aims to surpass his father, Joichiro Yukihira, as a skilled chef. Soma enters Totsuki Culinary Academy, an elite cooking school known for its strict standards and competitive atmosphere. The school has a tradition of hosting intense cooking showdowns called “shokugeki,” where students challenge themselves to cooking battles to prove their skills. During Souma’s stay in Totsuki, he faces various challenges and rivals, including Erina Nakiri, the school’s strict “God Tongue” judge.
This series is a blend of culinary battles, fierce competition, and the art of gourmet cooking.
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Free! ~Iwatobi Swimming Club~ (2013)
free! Four childhood friends, Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, and Rin, meet again in high school. They revive the school’s dormant club and reignite their passion for competitive swimming. Haruka’s love of water, Makoto’s supportive nature, Nagisa’s enthusiasm, and Rin’s competitive spirit shape their journey.
like Haikyu!!, the series also explores character dynamics, friendships, individual challenges, and builds to an intense swimming competition. Haruka’s pursuit of ultimate swimming, Rin’s quest for redemption, and the team’s bond create a great story about dreams, rivalry, and love of sports.
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Tsurune (2018)
Taking archery enthusiasts on a fun journey, this series follows Minato Narimiya, a former prodigy archer who experiences a shocking incident during a junior high school tournament. Minato, now a high school student, decides to join Kazamai High School’s archery club at the recommendation of a friend.
The series revolves around teams tackling personal challenges, honing their archery skills, and competing in tournaments. Minato’s journey towards self-discovery, redemption, and pursuit of excellence is beautifully depicted, highlighting the friendships and growth of the characters.
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb/Haikyuu)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
– What is your favorite anime? Haikyu!!?
Run with the Wind, Ace of Diamond, Kuroko’s Basketball and ping pong animation Is there a similar anime? Haikyuu!!
– Are there any sports anime that I can watch on Netflix?
Haikyu!!, Blue Rock and kuroko’s basketball You can stream it on Netflix.
– Which is the best sports anime?
Blue Rock, Kuroko’s Basketball, Haikyu!! and run with the wind Some of the best sports anime.
