whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama · Sports

The best sports drama anime you can start from the beginning

31 anime that are both drama and sports, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Ping Pong the Animation, Ashita no Joe, Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru.

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The list

1. 1 Ping Pong the Animation TV · 2014 · 11 episodes · Tatsunoko Production · #97 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Ashita no Joe Tomorrow's Joe TV · 1970 · 79 episodes · Mushi Production · #248 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru Run with the Wind TV · 2018 · 23 episodes · Production I.G · #252 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Medalist TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · ENGI · #255 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
5. 5 Cross Game TV · 2009 · 50 episodes · SynergySP · #259 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
6. 6 Hyakuemu. 100 Meters Film · 2025 · Rock'n Roll Mountain · #295 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
7. 7 Chihayafuru TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #500 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
8. 8 Touch TV · 1985 · 101 episodes · Group TAC · #740 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
9. 9 High☆Speed! Movie: Free! Starting Days Free! Starting Days Film · 2015 · Kyoto Animation · #1046 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 Hoshiai no Sora Stars Align TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · 8bit · #1779 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
11. 11 Giant Killing TV · 2010 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #2014 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
12. 12 Tiger Mask TV · 1969 · 105 episodes · Toei Animation · #3007 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
13. 13 Ginban Kaleidoscope TV · 2005 · 12 episodes · Karaku · #3082 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
14. 14 Princess Nine: Kisaragi Joshikou Yakyuubu Princess Nine TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Phoenix Entertainment · #3528 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
15. 15 Mix: Meisei Story MIX TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · OLM · #3581 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
16. 16 Suzuka TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Studio Comet · #4022 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
17. 17 Ace wo Nerae! Aim for the Ace! TV · 1973 · 26 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #4038 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
18. 18 Offside (TV) TV · 2001 · 39 episodes · Ashi Productions · #4251 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
19. 19 Ooi! Tonbo Tonbo! TV · 2024 · 13 episodes · OLM · #4254 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
20. 20 Kyojin no Hoshi TV · 1968 · 182 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #4476 on MyAnimeList 67% would recommend
21. 21 Yakyuukyou no Uta TV · 1978 · 25 episodes · Nippon Animation · #4895 on MyAnimeList 60% would recommend
22. 22 Shin Ace wo Nerae! Shin Aim for the Ace! TV · 1978 · 25 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #4983 on MyAnimeList 65% would recommend
23. 23 Moshidora Drucker in the Dugout TV · 2011 · 10 episodes · Production I.G · #5452 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
24. 24 Attack No.1 TV · 1970 · 104 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #5713 on MyAnimeList 58% would recommend
25. 25 Dear Boys Hoop Days TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · A.C.G.T. · #6099 on MyAnimeList 60% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.