whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Sports

The best combat sports anime you can start from the beginning

28 anime that are both sports and combat sports, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Hajime no Ippo, Ashita no Joe, Megalo Box.

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The list

1. 1 Hajime no Ippo Fighting Spirit TV · 2000 · 75 episodes · Madhouse · #41 on MyAnimeList 96% would recommend
2. 2 Ashita no Joe Tomorrow's Joe TV · 1970 · 79 episodes · Mushi Production · #248 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 Megalo Box Megalobox TV · 2018 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #1012 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
4. 4 Yawara! TV · 1989 · 124 episodes · Madhouse · #2085 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
5. 5 Hinomaruzumou Hinomaru Sumo TV · 2018 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #2104 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
6. 6 Grappler Baki (TV) Baki the Grappler TV · 2001 · 24 episodes · Group TAC · #2452 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
7. 7 Ganbare Genki TV · 1980 · 35 episodes · Toei Animation · #2500 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
8. 8 Kinnikuman TV · 1983 · 137 episodes · Toei Animation · #2982 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
9. 9 Tiger Mask TV · 1969 · 105 episodes · Toei Animation · #3007 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
10. 10 Bamboo Blade TV · 2007 · 26 episodes · AIC ASTA · #3127 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
11. 11 Musashi no Ken TV · 1985 · 72 episodes · Eiken · #3637 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
12. 12 Red Baron TV · 1994 · 49 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #4077 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
13. 13 Levius ONA · 2019 · 12 episodes · Polygon Pictures · #4242 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
14. 14 Mou Ippon! "Ippon" again! TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Bakken Record · #4299 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
15. 15 Karate Baka Ichidai Karate Master TV · 1973 · 47 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #4963 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
16. 16 Keijo!!!!!!!! TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Xebec · #5370 on MyAnimeList 62% would recommend
17. 17 Grappler Baki OVA · 1994 · 1 episode · Knack Productions · #5857 on MyAnimeList 61% would recommend
18. 18 Ore wa Teppei My Name Is Teppei TV · 1977 · 28 episodes · Nippon Animation · #6197 on MyAnimeList 61% would recommend
19. 19 Chuuzumou A Sumo Wrestler's Tail Film · 2010 · Studio Ghibli · #7252 on MyAnimeList 55% would recommend
20. 20 Honoo no Tenkousei OVA · 1991 · 2 episodes · Gainax · #7325 on MyAnimeList 56% would recommend
21. 21 Nozomi Witches OVA · 1992 · 3 episodes · Group TAC · #7801 on MyAnimeList 52% would recommend
22. 22 Kizuna Ichigeki Film · 2011 · Ascension · #7856 on MyAnimeList 54% would recommend
23. 23 Ring ni Kakero 1 TV · 2004 · 12 episodes · Toei Animation · #8128 on MyAnimeList 51% would recommend
24. 24 Aa Harimanada TV · 1992 · 23 episodes · E&G Films · #8223 on MyAnimeList 50% would recommend
25. 25 Kick-Heart Film · 2013 · Production I.G · #8443 on MyAnimeList 53% 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.