I thought it’d be fun to rate all the sports animes I’ve watched up until now! So if you’re looking for sports anime recommendations look no further!
Warning: ✨may contain minor spoilers✨
PSA: This is just my opinion and it is totally okay for you to disagree with me I understand everyone has different tastes!
1. Haikyuu!! 10/10
Listen I know you’ve probably already watched it but just in case you haven’t I adore this anime it is probably one of my all time favourites! MC is a wholesome ball of sunshine who just wants to play volleyball, all the character are so well written and have satisfying character development (it took us 3 seasons for Tsuki to get his shit together but we love him now) Plus the manga is finished so you don’t have to worry about being stuck on cliffhanger! I love that the other teams actually get along with each other and aren’t just a source of conflict for the main characters to overcome. Honest to god this is a super show!
2. Run with the wind 10/10
A very close second, this anime is a masterpiece, it’s so well done I honestly cried watching it. Can basically be summed up as evil mastermind Haiji blackmails his roommates into running a marathon with him. It’s a little angstier then haikyuu (the last couple episodes always get me) but its also got a lot of funny moments. The characters are diverse, with many of them not being athletes at all - it’s definitely an underdog story. The anime’s only got one season which wraps up the whole story so you don’t end up with a cliffhanger ending!
3. All Out! 9/10
Much less popular then most of the other animes on this list but it’s so good. Like run with the wind it’s also a bit on the angstier side and deals with some darker topics, but it mostly has lighthearted episodes. It follows the very typically sports anime storyline - loud, short boy wants to play rugby and has to prove himself despite his size. The team is so supportive and nice to each other (We love our supportive team parents Sekizan and Hachioji). The only downside to this anime is that it’s sadly incomplete.
4. Daiya no Ace 8/10
Has my favourite sports anime protagonist ever Sawamura (another literal ray of sunshine - Sawamura I would die for you). Probably one of the best animes for character growth, much more realistic portrayal of the struggle and pain it takes to improve. There are so many well written characters to fall in love with (stan Mei) and so many episodes to watch (like over 150) and it’s still ongoing! My only bone to pick with this anime is how no one ever appreciates (my sweet baby) Sawamura like they should and it frustrates me so much (I could honestly write an essay on my frustration but I’ll hold myself back lol - but I stg Miyuki if u don’t pull ur head out of ur ass I will find u and hurt u). Overall a great anime that I would definitely recommend!
5. Kuroko’s Basketball (6.5/10)
Pretty good overall I love that their coach is a girl and that she’s a confident well written character. But other then that it isn’t really my favourite (I’m sorry y’all), the games are just way to long and basketball just isn’t that exciting. It’s a decent anime but I couldn’t ever get into no matter how much I tried. It’s also a bit darker the some other sports animes (Haizaki and Hanamiya are a warning in and of themselves). But still worth the watch if you like sports animes!
6. Free 5/10
Honestly I feel like all the issues between the characters for the first 2 seasons could have been solved if they just like talked to each other and weren’t passive aggressive?? Like? Plus why was Sousuke such a prick? (Rhetorical question please don’t come for me Sousuke stans) It’s not my favourite but I still watched most of it because it’s a fun anime with lots of colourful characters!
7. Days (4/10)
I couldn’t even get through the first 4 episodes. I don’t understand how MC took a 3rd years spot on a very good team despite the fact that he can’t play soccer like at all? I just generally didn’t enjoy it, I only watched those episodes for Kazama.
