My Favorite Sports Anime

Welcome to day 8! I did a 30-day anime challenge last year and had a blast with it. It would be fun to do it again this year. Let’s see if my tastes have changed at all in a year.

Here is day 7 and the start of my new weekly recap series in case you missed it.

The purpose of these challenges is to post a picture, but I, being the extra person I am, will write a blog about each topic.

This differs from what I am used to blogging, which excites me to test my creativity and go back to find the answers to these writing prompts.

Feel free to join me in the comments below! I’d love to hear your answers too!!

I am going to be honest: I don’t watch sports anime. I thought I had seen at least a couple; however, going through all of my anime lists, I have only watched two. I am not a fan of sports in general, but with all of the random anime I have watched, I assumed I had seen more than two.

This day is going to be pretty short. I am going to talk about the two I have seen and list some I have been meaning to watch so you can tell me if they are worth watching.

Free! Iwatobi Swim Club

Storyline: Free! revolves around members of a high school boy’s swimming team. Four boys-Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, and Rin, all participated in a swimming tournament shortly before graduating from elementary school and later parted ways. Years later, they reunite when Rin challenges Haruka to a race and wins. Nagisa decides to get Haruka and Makoto back swimming together and add a recruit named Rei to form the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club.

Info: Free! Iwatobi Swim Club has 12 episodes, Free! Eternal Summer has 13 episodes, Free! Dive into the Future has 12 episodes and 2 movies as well.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports

My Review: Did I watch this show as a joke, yes. Did I actually enjoy it, also yes. This show honestly surprised me, and I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t this just a bunch of shirtless guys having man-crushes on each other” Well maybe yeah. But it is also very funny and shockingly entertaining. It definitely gives summer vibes and makes me want to swim, and maybe also just watch men who swim. No shame.

Side note — If you need a laugh watch 50% off on YouTube. You will laugh so hard you will crack a rib! I think most of my fondness for this anime is because of 50% off. As I am writing this I am rewatching it on YouTube and cracking up.

SK8 the Infinity

Storyline: High school students Reki and Langa are hooked on one thing — a dangerous, top-secret, no-holds-barred downhill skateboarding race called “S.” When Reki takes Langa, a transfer student, to the mountain where “S” is held, Langa finds himself sucked in. These colorful skaters will take you through a thrilling story of skateboard battles and unlimited possibilities!

Info: 12 Episodes

Genre: Comedy, Sport

My Review: I did not even realize this was a sports anime until writing this list. I am ashamed to admit how much I love this show. In my opinion, it was just a fun, light-hearted anime. I know nothing about skating so it was interesting to learn the basics. I have to give this anime a 10/10 for character creativity and humor. I laughed so hard in some scenes that I thought my rip was going to crack. It doesn’t have the most complex story, but it was entertaining.

Haikyu!!

Storyline: After losing his first and last volleyball match against Tobio Kageyama, “the King of the Court,” Shoyo Hinata swears to become his rival after graduating from middle school. But what happens when the guy he wants to defeat ends up being his teammate?!

Info: 89 Episodes and a Movie

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports

My Review: I watched season one back in 2023 and loved it. It has an engaging storyline, with characters you can’t help but fall in love with, and it inspires you to work hard for your dreams. Why I didn’t watch season 2 right away I have no idea, However this past week I thought I should watch it and almost binged through season 2 in a day.

I know nothing about volleyball and can’t even say I have watched a game, which is why I thought I wouldn't like Haikyu!! But I have come to find out there is so much more to this story.

This show is also hilarious and has so many out-of-pocket random funny moments.

I don’t feel like I can write fully understanding this anime, as I am only halfway in. This will be one that I will finish sooner rather than later and might even get me into the sports anime genre.

I am sorry if this is a shortlist, but this topic made me realize there is another anime genre that I have barely tapped into and get to enjoy.

Now I need your help. I have some sports anime that have been on my watch list for a while, and I need to know if they are worth watching or if you have another sports anime recommendation.

Blue Lock

Tsurune

Kuroko no Basket

Hajime no Ippo

Bamboo Blade

What are your thoughts on sports anime? Do you enjoy this genre?

Thanks for reading!!

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See you later!!