Going for the Gold! Our Favorite Sports Anime

Anime's Sporting Spirit: More Than Just a Game

As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Italy, let's celebrate the intersection of sports and anime. Anime News Network critics share their favorite sports stories, highlighting protagonists who inspire us to push our limits and rediscover our love for the game.

Robot × Laserbeam: A Grounded Approach to Golf

Lucas DeRuyter champions Tadatoshi Fujimaki's "Robot × Laserbeam" for its authentic portrayal of golf. Unlike typical shonen sports series, this manga remains grounded in reality, capturing the mental and emotional challenges of the sport. Golf is a game of managing mistakes and navigating obstacles, a frustrating pursuit of unattainable perfection. The manga expertly depicts the emotional rollercoaster of competition, resonating with anyone familiar with the sport's highs and lows.

Furthermore, Robato Hatohara, the protagonist, is coded as a high-functioning person on the autism spectrum. His journey of connecting with others through golf highlights the communal aspect of athletics. Robato's reserved demeanor makes his moments of celebration all the more impactful, showcasing the transformative power of sports. While "Robot × Laserbeam" may not be Fujimaki's most famous work, it offers a compelling exploration of golf and its unique appeal.

Run with the Wind: The Family You Make Along the Way

Lauren Orsini praises "Run with the Wind" for its vibrant storytelling and character development. Based on Shion Miura's novel, the anime follows a ragtag team of amateurs as they strive to compete in the Hakone Ekiden, one of the world's most challenging marathons. While the concept of turning any ten college students into competitive runners requires some suspension of disbelief, the show earns its emotional weight through its characters.

Each of the ten team members is well-developed, with their personal struggles adding depth to the narrative. From body image issues to job-hunting woes, each character faces relatable challenges. The story explores themes of loneliness and connection, as the team members bond through shared experiences. "Run with the Wind" showcases the power of teamwork and the importance of having someone waiting for you at the finish line. It's a story about finding a family in the most unexpected of places.

Taishō Baseball Girls.: Baseball as a Vehicle for Social Change

Rebecca Silverman highlights "Taishō Baseball Girls." for its depiction of sports as a means of social change. Set in 1925 Japan, the series follows a group of girls who challenge traditional notions of femininity by forming a baseball team. The story is deceptively simple, as the girls' desire to beat the boys' teams is just the surface of a more meaningful plot.

Akiko Ogasawara, incensed by her fiancé's beliefs about women's roles, decides to prove him wrong through baseball. She and her best friend, Koume, recruit other girls who are tired of being confined by societal expectations. The series blends sports with historical fiction, exploring themes of modernization and female empowerment. "Taishō Baseball Girls." demonstrates that sports can be a powerful tool for challenging social norms and creating change.

Birdie Wing -Golf Girls' Story-: An Epic Golf Anime

Erica Friedman celebrates "Birdie Wing -Golf Girls' Story-" for its over-the-top and entertaining take on golf. The anime follows Eve, an orphan who golfs to survive, and Aoi, a girl from the world of elite golf. Their meeting sparks a rivalry and a connection that transcends the sport. The story is ambitious and manic, with elements of crime, steampunk, and even Gundam.

"Birdie Wing" is a spiritual successor to other anime by Yōsuke Kuroda, known for its strong female characters and action-packed plots. The series takes golf to new heights, making it hilariously bizarre and wildly entertaining. With nods to shoujo sports and mecha franchises, "Birdie Wing" offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.

Stars Align: Finding Solace in Soft Tennis

Kevin Cormack shares his unexpected appreciation for "Stars Align," a series that explores the darker side of adolescence through the lens of soft tennis. Each character in the show suffers from neglect or abuse, finding solace and support in their teammates. Soft tennis becomes a welcome distraction from their troubled home lives.

Despite the heavy themes, "Stars Align" avoids exploitation and focuses on the power of friendship. The series is visually stunning, with dynamic animation that brings the soft tennis matches to life. While the story was cut short due to production issues, "Stars Align" remains a powerful and moving exploration of resilience and camaraderie.

Ping Pong: Elevating Table Tennis to an Art Form

Reuben Baron praises "Ping Pong" for its unique style and philosophical approach to sports drama. Masaaki Yuasa's adaptation of Taiyo Matsumoto's manga makes table tennis look and feel incredibly cool. The series uses cinematic techniques to create a visceral and intense viewing experience.

"Ping Pong" explores themes of purpose, failure, and joy. The characters are all struggling with their own questions about the game and their place in it. The series emphasizes personal growth over winning, making it a compelling and thought-provoking sports anime. The friendship between Peco and Smile is the heart of the story, with each character embarking on their own journey of self-discovery.

SK8 the Infinity: Accepting Plateaus and Embracing Fun

Kennedy appreciates "SK8 the Infinity" for its exploration of jealousy and the acceptance of reaching a plateau in skill. The anime follows Reki and Langa as they navigate the world of underground skateboarding. While the series is full of style and flair, it also delves into the realistic challenges that athletes face.

"SK8 the Infinity" acknowledges that not everyone can be the best and that infinite growth is unsustainable. The anime encourages viewers to embrace the joy of sports, even if they are not god-tier. It's a refreshing perspective in a genre that often focuses on achieving greatness at all costs.

Yuri!!! on Ice: A Love Story on Ice

Caitlin Moore reflects on the impact of "Yuri!!! on Ice," a series that captured the hearts of fans with its realistic depiction of figure skating and its groundbreaking portrayal of a same-sex relationship. The series follows Yuri Katsuki, a skater at a crossroads, and Victor Nikiforov, his coach and lover.

"Yuri!!! on Ice" is a passion project that celebrates the sport of figure skating and the tight-knit community of athletes. The series features compelling characters, a mature love story, and stunning animation. Despite the cancellation of the prequel movie, "Yuri!!! on Ice" remains a beloved and influential anime.

Yowamushi Pedal: Pushing Past Your Limits

Coop Bicknell champions "Yowamushi Pedal" for its motivational tale of self-improvement through cycling. The series follows Sakamichi Onoda as he discovers his passion for cycling and joins the Sohoku High School cycling team. Onoda's journey is filled with challenges, but he consistently pushes past his limits and inspires his teammates.

"Yowamushi Pedal" is a classic underdog story that encourages viewers to believe in themselves. The series is filled with memorable characters, heated rivalries, and plenty of humor. With its engaging plot and relatable themes, "Yowamushi Pedal" is a must-watch for any sports anime fan.

Medalist: The Importance of Believing in Yourself

Jairus Taylor highlights "Medalist" for its uplifting story of a young figure skater and her coach. The series follows Inori, a fifth-grader who dreams of becoming an Olympian, and Tsukasa, a former skater who failed to reach his own goals. Together, they work to overcome their doubts and achieve their dreams.

"Medalist" explores themes of self-doubt, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship. The series emphasizes the need for adults to support children and give them the space to find their own sense of independence. With its charming characters and heartwarming story, "Medalist" is a sports anime for the whole family.

Haikyu!!: The Appeal of Volleyball

Christopher Farris praises "Haikyu!!" for its ability to convince viewers of the appeal of volleyball. The series follows Hinata, a short but enthusiastic player, and Kageyama, a talented but demanding setter, as they join the Karasuno High volleyball team. Through their rivalry and teamwork, they learn to overcome their weaknesses and achieve their goals.

"Haikyu!!" is a dynamic and engaging sports anime that effectively communicates the rules and strategies of volleyball. The series is filled with memorable characters, intense matches, and plenty of humor. "Haikyu!!" is the gold standard for sports anime, capturing the excitement and camaraderie of the game.

100 Meters: Showing Up For Yourself

I wasn't expecting to be as moved as I was by "100 Meters," but it offers a mature and compelling perspective. It's not about being the best runner; it's about showing up for yourself, refusing complacency, and setting your own benchmarks, even after your prime. It shows that passion and joy don't have to dissipate as adulthood sets in.