This was an interesting list to draw up, and I’m pretty happy with it. That said, by its very nature I think some will focus more on its omissions than its inclusions. The reality is, we’re talking about ten shows from all of anime here – that’s just not very many. And as I noted in the intro, it’s not a “10 Best” list – it’s ten of my favorites.
Most notable among the excluded, I imagine, will be Haikyuu!!. And I certainly considered it. In terms of production values it’s probably the best sports anime ever, and I do like the series as a whole – just not quite as much as the ones I chose. Here are some of the other final cuts from the list, in no particular order:
- Yowamushi Pedal (Based on the first two seasons it’d be in for sure)
- Ao Ashi (with multiple seasons it probably gets in)
- Touch/Mix (would I have counted them as one franchise?)
- Ookiku Furikabutte
I also seriously considered Dance Dance Danseur, but in the end I couldn’t quite convince myself it was a sports anime. It would have been hard to leave off if I’d decided differently.
Among those that made the list…
By sport:
- Soccer – 2
- Baseball – 2
- Tennis – 1
- Table Tennis – 1
- Go – 1
- Boxing – 1
- Motor sports – 1
- Karuta – 1
Not surprising that soccer and baseball would head the list, as they’re both the most popular sports in Japan and in manga. If anything I’m surprised they didn’t land even more spots.
By demographic:
- Shounen – 5
- Seinen – 4
- Shoujo – 1
That’s a wrap – thanks again to Nicc for once again making a Bespoke project possible. Of course my shingle remains out for anyone interested in a commissioned work (feel free to suggest a crowdsourced one). I’ll see you soon for the year-end Top 10 list and Anime of the Year. Have a great holiday season!
Stay frosty,
Enzo
Red
December 19, 2023 at 4:53 pmI see no love for basketball/Slam Dunk, I guess. Have you not check it or it’s just not in your ballpark?
Guardian Enzo
December 19, 2023 at 6:18 pmROFL, I knew someone would ask about that.
I love hoops, but never found a basketball anime that really spoke to me. I like Slam Dunk rather than love it, for whatever reason. I appreciate that it’s a legend, but it just doesn’t sing to me.
Nadavu
December 19, 2023 at 8:38 pmAhiru no Sora was pretty good, I’m hoping for a second season one day
Guardian Enzo
December 19, 2023 at 9:29 pmActually it was Hoshiai no Sora that almost made the list.
Nadavu
December 19, 2023 at 8:34 pmYou know Enzo, I’m starting to think you might have a touch of OCD.
Thanks for the list! Haven’t watched Major or Capeta yet; might do so soon
Guardian Enzo
December 19, 2023 at 9:29 pmHuh?
SeijiSensei
December 19, 2023 at 9:49 pmRun With the Wind is the most notable omission for me. It had a lot of “texture” not often found in sports anime. It’s more about the rigors of training than the joys of competition.
Guardian Enzo
December 19, 2023 at 10:05 pmI hate the protagonist like poison.
Abs
December 20, 2023 at 7:31 amGreat breakdown, did you consider Yuri on Ice?
Guardian Enzo
December 20, 2023 at 7:48 amNo, that’s not among my favorites. I like it but don’t find it anything great.
Nicc
December 20, 2023 at 8:41 amThanks again for taking up my commission too and it looks like I’ll be adding a few new shows to my playlist. That includes some shows I’ve been interested in watching, but haven’t pulled the trigger. Whether it’s real life or fiction, sports are fun to watch. I don’t get the appeal of fantasy sports or betting, but maybe that’s just me.
Guardian Enzo
December 20, 2023 at 11:57 amI don’t typically bet on sports but I do like fantasy (American) football. Playoffs started last weekend.
Stöt
December 21, 2023 at 3:46 amIs there a link to the top 10 list somewhere? I don’t see it
Guardian Enzo
December 21, 2023 at 6:20 amHmm. The post is certainly visible for me but I added a link in this one.
Krize
December 21, 2023 at 3:55 pmI have to say Enzo, it takes some cheek to make the cover of this post an extremely popular sports anime that didn’t place on your list.
Guardian Enzo
December 21, 2023 at 4:09 pmI always do that with “wrap-up” posts.