Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
May 18, 2022 7:52 AM
#1

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
Edit: thanks I got exactly what I was looking for. feel free to use everyone's suggestions :D

So, I just watched the first episode of this and liked it, it was pretty good.

but it made me wonder, between this and haikyuu and looks of lots of other sport anime it seems like a lot of them boil down into:

passionate main character loves X sport.

they try to become world champion.

And it made me wonder, are there sports anime with stories bigger than just that.

To give you an example megalo box was like that. season 1 i mean, since season 2 was barely a sport anime.

From what I hear I think ping pong the animation is also like that, I'm not sure though, but are there more?

If yes, it would be great if you could suggest me some of the good ones.
APolygons2May 18, 2022 4:04 PM
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
May 18, 2022 7:57 AM
#2

Offline
Jun 2016
13706
The main guy from Ashita no Joe didn't even like the sport until episode 20 or so.
MEA·MENTVLA·INGENS·EST
May 18, 2022 8:01 AM
#3

Offline
Jul 2013
733
One outs is probably what you’re looking for.

Maybe Baby Steps as well, mc decides to pick up tennis to get some exercise done. While the anime itself is pretty much like any other sports anime, this mc is different from the normal mc type.



Thank you to Treeky_ for the forum set~
May 18, 2022 8:01 AM
#4

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
Theo1899 said:
The main guy from Ashita no Joe didn't even like the sport until episode 20 or so.


it is pretty old and pretty long, but I loved megalo box, so I kind of have to watch it at some point
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
May 18, 2022 8:02 AM
#5

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
eirian_j said:
One outs is probably what you’re looking for.

Maybe Baby Steps as well, mc decides to pick up tennis to get some exercise done. While the anime itself is pretty much like any other sports anime, this mc is different from the normal mc type.


oh yeah one outs, heard it's really good, no idea what's even the sport that they play in it.

I'll keep it in mind
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
May 18, 2022 8:16 AM
#6
Offline
Jun 2021
27
Ace of Diamond
Baxkuten
Burning Kabbadi.
Ahiro no Sora.
They are my favorite. Hope you like them.
May 18, 2022 8:22 AM
#7
Offline
Dec 2021
3
Ping pong isn’t rly like that, it shows a competition in two ways. One ist very talented but not passionate and don’t know what losing is like, and on the other hand there is somebody who very passionate but don’t have any talent
May 18, 2022 8:29 AM
#8

Offline
Jul 2013
733
Apolygon2 said:
eirian_j said:
One outs is probably what you’re looking for.

Maybe Baby Steps as well, mc decides to pick up tennis to get some exercise done. While the anime itself is pretty much like any other sports anime, this mc is different from the normal mc type.


oh yeah one outs, heard it's really good, no idea what's even the sport that they play in it.

I'll keep it in mind


It’s baseball for One Outs. Honesty, it’s nothing like a generic sports anime.
Keep in mind that any anime set in high school would probably follow the tropes you mentioned, so don’t expect too much if you see teenagers in the synopsis lol. That’s just how this genre is.



Thank you to Treeky_ for the forum set~
May 18, 2022 8:30 AM
#9

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
Mickomie0606 said:
Ping pong isn’t rly like that, it shows a competition in two ways. One ist very talented but not passionate and don’t know what losing is like, and on the other hand there is somebody who very passionate but don’t have any talent


The passion isn't really the key though. From what I heard ping pong is a lot more mature and I guess "deep"?

Idk how to say it.

I don't have a problem with the passion I'm mostly looking for different stakes, reasons, and stuff like that.
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
May 18, 2022 8:33 AM

Offline
May 2021
1646
This is the meta,meta isnt always bad,unless it ends up being predictable,but if want something avant garde*,then try one outs and hajime no ippo
May 18, 2022 8:39 AM
Offline
Feb 2021
38
Not an anime yet, but Blue Lock is really good. It still has the “main character really likes x sport and wants to be the best” but what I really dig about it is it does away with the whole “but being on a team and making lasting friendships was the real trophy all along” trope.

Everyone in Blue Lock wants to be the greatest striker and get a chance to represent Japan on their national football team, meaning everyone is fighting for the same position and it can get pretty cut-throat. I like that change of pace for a sports anime. Think Aoi’s character—how he calls himself a genius and does his own thing on the pitch—but multiplied by 300 absolutely insane versions of him with their own unique skill sets and over-the-top personalities. It’s gold.

Some others I like that maybe aren’t your typical sports anime:
- Bakuten (about male rhythmic gymnastics, mc is a novice and knows it but it’s just so pure)
- Sk♾️ (dudes just want to have fun skateboarding)
- Run with the Wind (man wants to run in a prestigious marathon)
- Sound!euphonium (it’s about concert band and yes I’m counting it)
- Hikaru no go (it’s an oldie but a goodie; about a go board possessed by an ancient go playing spirit)
- March comes in like a Lion (shogi player down on his luck getting back on his feet)
May 18, 2022 8:46 AM

Offline
Dec 2016
4882
Taisou Zamurai has a larger goal than just the finish line.

MC really loves his sport
MC was the best at his sport
MC's injury caused him to lose that top spot
MC wants to be the best again
Story is about overcoming that major set-back (and still raise a daughter)
⭑・゚゚・*:༅。.。༅:*゚:*:✼✿  Umehara is my daily dopamine  ✿✼:*゚:༅。.。༅:*・゚゚・⭑
May 18, 2022 9:40 AM

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
54bubbles said:
Taisou Zamurai has a larger goal than just the finish line.

MC really loves his sport
MC was the best at his sport
MC's injury caused him to lose that top spot
MC wants to be the best again
Story is about overcoming that major set-back (and still raise a daughter)


Alright this one is both short and I have never heard of it, thanks

I might watch it pretty soon
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
May 18, 2022 10:25 AM
Offline
Mar 2022
88
Among sport anime I’d recommend
Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru (run with the wind)

it’s about a college team trying to run in a high profile race where most of the characters don’t have a previous connection to running but they all join with their own motivations and they all grow from the experience
May 18, 2022 11:16 AM

Offline
Apr 2020
127
Apolygon2 said:
So, I just watched the first episode of this and liked it, it was pretty good.

but it made me wonder, between this and haikyuu and looks of lots of other sport anime it seems like a lot of them boil down into:

passionate main character loves X sport.

they try to become world champion.

And it made me wonder, are there sports anime with stories bigger than just that.

To give you an example megalo box was like that. season 1 i mean, since season 2 was barely a sport anime.

From what I hear I think ping pong the animation is also like that, I'm not sure though, but are there more?

If yes, it would be great if you could suggest me some of the good ones.


Try out Major. Its a baseball anime that has 6 seasons. It starts off with the main character as a child, but he also ages throughout the show until he becomes an adult (doesn't stop at the high school stage). I thought it was really good.
May 18, 2022 11:32 AM
Offline
May 2011
1164
Hanebado. Winning is more of a by-product of her true goal: crushing her opponents and proving herself to her mother
May 18, 2022 11:37 AM
Offline
Jul 2020
656
daibakusasshin said:
Not an anime yet, but Blue Lock is really good. It still has the “main character really likes x sport and wants to be the best” but what I really dig about it is it does away with the whole “but being on a team and making lasting friendships was the real trophy all along” trope.

Everyone in Blue Lock wants to be the greatest striker and get a chance to represent Japan on their national football team, meaning everyone is fighting for the same position and it can get pretty cut-throat. I like that change of pace for a sports anime. Think Aoi’s character—how he calls himself a genius and does his own thing on the pitch—but multiplied by 300 absolutely insane versions of him with their own unique skill sets and over-the-top personalities. It’s gold.

Some others I like that maybe aren’t your typical sports anime:
- Bakuten (about male rhythmic gymnastics, mc is a novice and knows it but it’s just so pure)
- Sk♾️ (dudes just want to have fun skateboarding)
- Run with the Wind (man wants to run in a prestigious marathon)
- Sound!euphonium (it’s about concert band and yes I’m counting it)
- Hikaru no go (it’s an oldie but a goodie; about a go board possessed by an ancient go playing spirit)
- March comes in like a Lion (shogi player down on his luck getting back on his feet)

Sound Euphonium absolutely is a sports anime and a top tier one at that
May 18, 2022 11:48 AM
Offline
Aug 2020
15
i think Re-Main is an example of the main character not trying to be the best in a sport. It’s about a main character who was in a crash and forgot all of his memories from the past 3 years and he forgets how to play water polo, so instead he just focuses on playing again with a new team. Towards the end the main character does begin to care about being the best, so i’m confused whether it’s an example or not.
May 18, 2022 3:24 PM
Offline
Jan 2022
14
Apolygon2 said:
So, I just watched the first episode of this and liked it, it was pretty good.

but it made me wonder, between this and haikyuu and looks of lots of other sport anime it seems like a lot of them boil down into:

passionate main character loves X sport.

they try to become world champion.

And it made me wonder, are there sports anime with stories bigger than just that.

To give you an example megalo box was like that. season 1 i mean, since season 2 was barely a sport anime.

From what I hear I think ping pong the animation is also like that, I'm not sure though, but are there more?

If yes, it would be great if you could suggest me some of the good ones.

Sayonara Watashi no Cramer
May 18, 2022 6:10 PM
Offline
Jun 2019
12
There's Giant Killing, about Football Manager who tries to save the J-League Team ETU from degradation. It relies on team building, strategy, also on supporter side.

May 18, 2022 6:18 PM
Offline
Apr 2020
447
Apolygon2 said:
Edit: thanks I got exactly what I was looking for. feel free to use everyone's suggestions :D

So, I just watched the first episode of this and liked it, it was pretty good.

but it made me wonder, between this and haikyuu and looks of lots of other sport anime it seems like a lot of them boil down into:

passionate main character loves X sport.

they try to become world champion.

And it made me wonder, are there sports anime with stories bigger than just that.

To give you an example megalo box was like that. season 1 i mean, since season 2 was barely a sport anime.

From what I hear I think ping pong the animation is also like that, I'm not sure though, but are there more?

If yes, it would be great if you could suggest me some of the good ones.

watch hajime no ippo.
its the peak of sports anime for me
May 18, 2022 8:42 PM
Offline
Dec 2021
1
not a good anime, but perfect manga: Eyeshield21, guy good at running becomes legendary football player, plus the artist is Murata who do Onepunchman.

Hinomaru zumou, a small boy wants to be the next Yokozuna, from school to the pro sumo life

Hajime no ippo it's cool...
May 18, 2022 11:57 PM
Offline
Apr 2019
244
Apolygon2 said:
Edit: thanks I got exactly what I was looking for. feel free to use everyone's suggestions :D

So, I just watched the first episode of this and liked it, it was pretty good.

but it made me wonder, between this and haikyuu and looks of lots of other sport anime it seems like a lot of them boil down into:

passionate main character loves X sport.

they try to become world champion.

And it made me wonder, are there sports anime with stories bigger than just that.

To give you an example megalo box was like that. season 1 i mean, since season 2 was barely a sport anime.

From what I hear I think ping pong the animation is also like that, I'm not sure though, but are there more?

If yes, it would be great if you could suggest me some of the good ones.

tbh Ao Ashi is much more than that imo. It covers a lot of realistic stuff as well, like family drama, romance, professionalism, etc. It's because Ao Ashi isn't a mere school sports, but a real professional career sports. It's not just repetitive hype sports action over and over. Just keep watching or just read the manga since S1 is mostly set up.
May 19, 2022 2:00 AM

Offline
Jun 2020
271
What you mentioned is definitely a common trope but not all sports anime have it.

For example Sakuragi in Slam Dunk doesn't know shit about basketball in the beginning and only starts playing it to impress a girl he has a crush on.

Another example can be Giant Killing where the main character isn't even a player, instead he's the coach of the team.

These are just some examples off the top of my head.


I'm level on MAL-Badges. View my badges.
Jun 12, 2022 11:30 AM
Offline
Feb 2016
11
Slam Dunk
Giant killing
hajime no ippo
one puts
these manga's/anime are uniquie or probably difined the genere itself or at least are the best of sports (alongside haikyuu although it follows the formula you mentioned)
Jun 12, 2022 5:59 PM
Offline
Nov 2021
69
My top 5 sports series are:

Hajime no Ippo
Slam Dunk
Ao Ashi
Haikyuu
Diamond no Ace

They are the best that I've watched and read so far. Give them all a try because they are really good. Great plot/storyline, dialogues and character development.

MC's have different personalities and stories have different approach which is very entertaining and refreshing. They are very serious in the sports they represents and very inspiring. You just need to have patience and be open minded because everything and everyone has their own time to shine.

Oh, and Run with the wind, Giant killing, be blues, megalo box, one outs and kuroko no basket is also good.
Jun 12, 2022 6:03 PM
Offline
Aug 2021
10436
umm i'm not into sports either
Jun 13, 2022 6:50 PM

Offline
Aug 2018
879
Apolygon2 said:
Theo1899 said:
The main guy from Ashita no Joe didn't even like the sport until episode 20 or so.


it is pretty old and pretty long, but I loved megalo box, so I kind of have to watch it at some point
megalo box isnt a sport anime i have no idea what it is more like cock fighting the anime
Oct 10, 2022 11:17 PM

Offline
Oct 2008
8611
Here's my favourite sports anime, if it seems like something you might like, try it out. It's short and sweet:

Hoshiai no Sora
Oct 13, 2022 9:56 AM

Offline
Dec 2020
215
If you want a sports anime that breaks the norms
•Ashita no joe( As others said this anime is absolutely fantastic. if you like megalo box then you'd enjoy this even more.
•One outs(you won't see any sports anime like this)
•March comes in like a lion
•Kaiji( don't mind the art style, just a few episodes in you'll love this masterpiece)
• Dance Dance Danseur (it is a ballet show but not about ballet kinda fits your description)
Jan 13, 2023 4:09 PM
Offline
Nov 2013
43
Not sports, but music: Nodame Cantabile.

I adore it. Main character is just a piano student that loves piano. That's it. She gets dragged up by hee peers and teachers and almost gives it up. She doesn't have grand dreams and only wants to be a kindergarten teacher.

Yuri on ice: people often see it as just a BL but really, it's about a character with relatable anxiety who has no confidence or big aspirations, learning to love himself and the sport (ice skating).

And agree with other suggestions here:

Ashita no Joe - old but a must watch.
Run with the wind.
Major
Taisou Zamurai
Jan 15, 2023 10:32 AM

Offline
Oct 2019
6831
tumbleriscanopy said:
ping pong and run with the wind! both compact stories told in 11 and 23 episodes respectively. I love sports action as much as the next guy but character drama and development is really what makes them memorable for years to come. :)


knew both, but still thanks.

and i will probably have to agree, although i do really care about the sport also being good, the drama and reasoning behind those matches is what will make it truly memorable.
Also available at:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8spdL1M_J-z0vO2C7jPLw
Second Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshPolygonsDo/videos
Why You Should Watch Akudama Drive: https://youtu.be/Yw0r52wRjgA
A Love Letter To Anime「AMV」: https://youtu.be/YQyqxFM2m9Q

My referral code to a website/app that gives you free money (a few cents a day) by using a few megabytes of your internet for file sharing. We both get a bonus if you use my link: https://r.honeygain.me/ARSHIA7942
Jan 16, 2023 4:41 AM
Offline
Jul 2021
42
suprised very less people mentioned slam dunk
Feb 14, 2023 9:28 AM
Offline
Dec 2021
856
ctrl + f "cross game"
>no results

forum is full of noobs

Cross Game is a Sports Anime where the actual sport is the 2nd or 3rd genre in order of importance
Cross Game is mainly a Romance-Drama that blows Ao Ashi out of the water.
Feb 14, 2023 9:29 AM
Offline
Dec 2021
856
SofiaBulga said:
Here's my favourite sports anime, if it seems like something you might like, try it out. It's short and sweet:

Hoshiai no Sora
This one is quite good too.
It's a drama with a little bit of tennis.

More topics from this board

Poll: » Ao Ashi Episode 24 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 )

KANLen09 - Sep 24, 2022

239 by Failly »»
Jun 8, 7:42 PM

Poll: » Ao Ashi Episode 23 Discussion ( 1 2 )

KANLen09 - Sep 17, 2022

76 by PrimeX »»
May 31, 11:55 PM

Poll: » Ao Ashi Episode 22 Discussion ( 1 2 )

KANLen09 - Sep 10, 2022

59 by PrimeX »»
May 30, 6:22 PM

Poll: » Ao Ashi Episode 21 Discussion ( 1 2 )

KANLen09 - Sep 3, 2022

81 by PrimeX »»
May 29, 7:01 AM

Poll: » Ao Ashi Episode 20 Discussion ( 1 2 )

KANLen09 - Aug 27, 2022

87 by PrimeX »»
May 29, 3:18 AM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login