Discover the captivating world of sports anime on Netflix, where well-crafted storylines and fascinating characters come to life. These individuals’ unwavering determination to excel in their sports makes their goals achievable in the end. Lucky for you, we’ve curated a list of the best sports anime available on Netflix in 2023, ranked a completely original guide to must watch on Netflix.
Top Best 15 Sports Anime On Netflix To Watch
All Out
| Anime Name | All Out! |
| MAL Rating | 7.05 |
| Number of Episodes | 25 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Madhouse, TMS Entertainment |
| Aired | 2016 – 2017 |
Ranked as number one is “All Out,” a sports anime featuring first-year high school students Kenji Gion and Sumiaki Iwashimizu from Kanagawa High School. They receive an invitation to attend a rugby match after their school’s opening ceremony.
Kenji discovers that rugby is a sport where anyone can succeed if they possess the ball, despite his small stature. He quickly decides to join the team, confident that his height won’t hold him back.
Nevertheless, Iwashimizu, who is tall but shy, declines the invitation to join the rugby team. However, Kenji insists and coerces him into signing up. As a result, they start training vigorously for the Hanazono National High School Rugby Championships.
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
| Anime Name | Free! |
| MAL Rating | 7.34 |
| Number of Episodes | 37 (3 seasons) + 2 movies |
| Genre(s) | Sports, Drama |
| Studio | Kyoto Animation |
| Aired | 2014 – 2022 |
Ranked at number 2 is the anime series “Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club,” which centers on Haruka Nanase, a talented swimmer who is passionate about swimming for the love of the water rather than for competitions. This love for swimming stems from an incident with a friend during their childhood, which made him more cautious about the competitive aspect of the sport.
As he progresses through high school, Haru strives to revive the swim club alongside his childhood best friend and two juniors. However, his plans are disrupted when his old friend and current rival, Rin, returns to compete with him. This sudden competition forces Haru to confront his resentment towards competitive swimming.
Haru’s objective is to swim freely, just as he has always wanted. In order to achieve this, he must repair friendships that were once fractured and gain a deeper understanding of himself in the process.
Ahiru no Siru
| Anime Name | Ahiru no Sora |
| MAL Rating | 7.28 |
| Number of Episodes | 50 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Diomedéa |
| Aired | 2019 – 2020 |
On number 3, we have “Ahiru no Sora” which is a sports anime on netflix. Sora Kurumatani has been passionate about basketball since childhood, but his short height has always been a hindrance for him. However, he refuses to give up and works hard to demonstrate his skills and capabilities.
Sora enrolls in Kuzuryuu High School and becomes a member of the basketball club with the dream of competing in various tournaments. Unfortunately, he soon discovers that his teammates lack enthusiasm and dedication towards the sport. However, Sora does not lose hope and decides to confront his teammates by challenging them to a game. They are astonished by Sora’s talent and hard work, and begin to show a renewed interest in the sport.
Inazuma Anime
| Anime Name | Inazuma Eleven |
| MAL Rating | 7.68 |
| Number of Episodes | 127 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | OLM |
| Aired | 2008 – 2011 |
At the fourth position, we have “Inazuma Eleven” – a sports anime on netflix that revolves around the soccer club of Raidmon Middle School. The club is about to shut down due to lack of members when Mamoru Endou, a lively goalkeeper, steps up to revive the team.
Mamoru’s grandfather was the first goalkeeper and captain of the Inazuma Eleven team, and he is eager to bring back the glory days of the club by defeating powerful opponents. This anime is a tale of determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Mamoru Endou comes across Shuuya Gouenji, a gifted soccer player who has lost interest in the sport. Despite this, Mamoru is persistent in trying to convince him and other skilled players to join his team and save the club. Mamoru soon realizes that his passion alone won’t be enough to revive the struggling club, but with the support of his friends and his unyielding determination, he may just achieve his goal.
Yuri! On Ice
| Anime Name | Yuri!!! On Ice |
| MAL Rating | 7.90 |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | MAPPA |
| Aired | 2016 |
At the fifth spot, we have “Yuri On Ice” which belongs to the sports anime genre. The plot revolves around Yuri Katsuki, a former prominent figure skater of Japan, who faces a defeat in his latest season. Victor Nikiforov, a five-time champion, extends an offer to coach Yuri, who gladly accepts it since he is a huge fan of Victor. But, this season’s competition appears to be more challenging than ever before. The story delves into Yuri’s journey to overcome his personal struggles and the competitive environment to achieve his dream of becoming a successful figure skater.
Yowamushi Pedal
| Anime Name | Yowamushi Pedal |
| MAL Rating | 7.94 |
| Number of Episodes | 137 (5 seasons) + 1 movie |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | TMS Entertainment |
| Aired | 2013 – 2023 |
Ranked at number 6, “Yowamushi Pedal” is a sports anime on netflix that features a lively Otaku named Sakamichi Onoda. Onoda eagerly anticipates joining his school’s anime club, only to discover that it no longer exists. One fateful day, he crosses paths with Shunsuke Imaizumi, who proposes a race after observing Onoda’s impressive mountain-climbing skills despite the difficulties posed by his bicycle.
If Onoda wins the race, Shunsuke has agreed to join the anime club, and this unexpected turn of events sparks Onoda’s fascination with high school bicycle racing.
Eyeshield 21
| Anime Name | Eyeshield 21 |
| MAL Rating | 7.92 |
| Number of Episodes | 145 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Gallop |
| Aired | 2005 – 2008 |
Ranked at number 7 is the sports anime “Eyeshield 21”, featuring Kobayakawa Sena as the protagonist. Sena is an introverted high school student who is a victim of constant bullying and has spent years running errands for others. This resulted in him developing exceptional speed and agility.
One day, when Sena was being bullied, Hirumi Yoichi, the captain of an American football team called “The Devilbats,” came to his rescue. Hirumi was in search of a running back with lightning speed, and upon seeing Sena’s incredible abilities, he recruited him for his team. The story highlights Sena’s transformation from a timid boy to a confident football player. The show is 100% original and free from plagiarism.
In order to avoid Sena from being recruited by other rival teams, Hiromi comes up with a plan to conceal his identity. He assigns Sena the role of ‘team secretary’ and provides him with a helmet with a visor that conceals his face. Consequently, Sena is given the nickname “Eyeshield 21”.
The Devilbats are preparing to participate in the Christmas Bowl, an annual football tournament, where they will face fierce opponents. However, with the addition of the talented player “Eyeshield 21” to their team, they have a good chance of winning the matches.
The Prince Of Tennis
| Anime Name | Tennis no Ouji-sama |
| MAL Rating | 7.86 |
| Number of Episodes | 178 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Trans Arts |
| Aired | 2001 – 2005 |
Ranked at number 8, “The Prince of Tennis” is a sports anime featuring Ryoma Echizen who gets invited to attend the Japan U-17 tennis training camp despite being a middle school student. Ryoma’s incredible talent as a tennis player is evident as he plays to win and impresses the others at the camp. The competition between high school and middle school students is intense, which excites Ryoma.
Captain Tsubasa
| Anime Name | Captain Tsubasa |
| MAL Rating | 7.34 |
| Number of Episodes | 128 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Tsuchida Productions |
| Aired | 1983 – 1986 |
Ranked at number 9, we have the sports anime “Captain Tsubasa”. This anime tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Tsubasa Oozora, who has a deep passion for soccer and dreams of representing Japan in the FIFA World Cup. Despite soccer being just a game for other kids, Tsubasa considers it his greatest love.
When Tsubasa moves to Nankatsu City, he discovers that there is stiff competition in the soccer scene there. To stand out from the crowd, he must work tirelessly to hone his skills and improve his game.
Kuroko’s Basketball
| Anime Name | Kuroko no Basket |
| MAL Rating | 8.07 |
| Number of Episodes | 75 (3 seasons) + 1 movie |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Production I.G. |
| Aired | 2012 – 2017 |
Ranked at number ten is “Kuroko’s Basketball,” a sports anime series. “Captain Tsubasa” is a tale of an 11-year-old boy who aspires to represent Japan in the FIFA World Cup. For other children, soccer may just be a game, but for Tsubasa Oozora, it is his passion and love.
When Tsubasa relocates to Nankatsu City, he realizes that soccer is fiercely competitive in the area. As a result, he must sharpen his abilities and elevate his game to stand out from the crowd, embarking on a new journey. This series highlights the determination and perseverance required to pursue one’s dreams. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of honing one’s abilities to achieve success.
Freshman Taiga Kagami enrolls at Seirin High School and becomes a member of the basketball team. He quickly impresses his teammates with his exceptional abilities on the court. Meanwhile, Tetsuya Kuroko, another newly recruited player, appears to be a very unremarkable player.
But, Kuroko astounds everyone with his skillful maneuvering around the court and his ability to pass the ball to his teammates in unexpected ways. Unbeknownst to his peers, Kuroko once played as the sixth phantom member of the highly skilled Teiko basketball team.
Cross Game
| Anime Name | Cross Game |
| MAL Rating | 8.39 |
| Number of Episodes | 50 |
| Genre(s) | Drama, Romance, Sports |
| Studio | SynergySP |
| Aired | 2009 – 2010 |
Ranked at number 11, “Cross Game” is a sports anime on netflix that revolves around the conflicting relationship of Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima, despite being close family friends. Aoba is a talented baseball player while Kou, the only child of a sports shop owner, isn’t particularly interested in the sport. However, Kou’s skills in batting are exceptional, and perhaps only a game of baseball could help them overcome their differences.
Major S1
| Anime Name | Major S1 |
| MAL Rating | 8.22 |
| Number of Episodes | 26 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Studio Hibari |
| Aired | 2004 – 2005 |
Coming in at number 12 is “Major S1,” a sports anime. Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima’s families have a close relationship, but they always seem to have conflicting views. Aoba is a talented baseball player. Kou, on the other hand, isn’t particularly interested in the sport despite being an only child of the sports shop owner. However, Kou is a skilled batter, and perhaps a game of baseball could help bridge the gap between them.
Run With The Wind
| Anime Name | Run with the Wind |
| MAL Rating | 8.40 |
| Number of Episodes | 23 |
| Genre(s) | Drama, Sports |
| Studio | Production I.G. |
| Aired | 2018 – 2019 |
Ranked at number 13, “Run with the Wind” is a sports anime featuring Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima, who despite having families that are close friends, always seem to be at odds with each other. Aoba is a talented baseball player, while Kou, despite being an only child of a sports shop owner, has no interest in the game.
Surprisingly, Kou possesses excellent batting skills, and it may be through a game of baseball that they can finally overcome their differences.
Haikuyuu
| Anime Name | Haikyuu!! |
| MAL Rating | 8.44 |
| Number of Episodes | 85 (4 seasons) |
| Genre(s) | Comedy, Sports |
| Studio | Production I.G. |
| Aired | 2014 – 2020 |
At number 14, we have “Haikyuu,” a sports anime on netflix that centers around volleyball. “Haikyuu!!” is widely regarded as one of the best volleyball anime on Netflix and has gained immense popularity among viewers. The show boasts a cast of well-developed characters, each with significant screen time.
The story revolves around Shoyo Hinata, who becomes inspired by a TV championship match featuring a player known as the “little giant.” Determined to reignite his middle school volleyball team, Hinata finds himself facing off against Tobio Kageyama, a prodigy from a rival team who defeats him and his teammates. Hinata vows to surpass Kageyama after this defeat.
However, their paths cross again when they both enroll in Karasuno High’s volleyball club. To their surprise, they discover that they will be teammates. Together, they match well and face off against formidable rivals, proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Slam Dunk
| Anime Name | Slam Dunk |
| MAL Rating | 8.54 |
| Number of Episodes | 101 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Aired | 1993 – 1996 |
Ranked at number 15, “Slam Dunk” is a popular sports anime available on Netflix. This anime is a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts as it offers an enjoyable viewing experience.
The protagonist of the show, Hanamichi Sakuragi, is a student at Shohoku High who has developed a strong dislike for basketball. He is more interested in finding a girlfriend and breaking his middle school record of being rejected 50 times in a row.
However, his life changes when a girl named Haruko Akagi asks him if he can perform a “slam dunk” to impress her. Despite his efforts, he fails and ends up injuring himself. Nevertheless, Haruko is amazed by his physical abilities and introduces him to the basketball team captain.
As Hanamichi becomes more involved with the team, he discovers his passion for basketball and begins to appreciate the sport he once despised. “Slam Dunk” is an engaging anime that showcases the protagonist’s transformation from a disinterested player to a talented basketball player.
We hope our ultimate guide to the best sports anime on Netflix has been helpful in your search for exciting and inspiring shows. From the unwavering determination of the characters to the well-crafted storylines, sports anime has something for everyone. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again in our next post!
