Anime like Haikyuu shows the intense competition, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters of Haikyuu.
These other sports anime are worth checking out. Haikyuu is a popular sports anime that follows the journey of a high school volleyball team as they train and compete against other schools.
These anime all showcase the importance of friendship and teamwork and the need for personal growth and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.
They also feature diverse casts of characters with different strengths and weaknesses who must work hard to improve their skills and overcome obstacles.
Here are some of the anime like Haikyuu in terms of their themes and style:
1. Kuroko no Basket (2012-2015)
Kuroko no Basket follows the story of the Seirin High basketball team and their journey to become the best in Japan.
The team is led by their coach, Riko Aida, who believes in the potential of every player, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Kuroko, the main character, is a former member of the Generation of Miracles, a group of basketball prodigies in middle school.
Despite his lack of presence on the court, Kuroko possesses excellent passing and defensive skills, which he uses to help his team.
Throughout the series, Seirin faces off against many formidable opponents, including the other members of the Generation of Miracles.
The team also learns important lessons about teamwork, friendship, and perseverance as they strive to achieve their goals.
As the series progresses, Kuroko’s past is revealed, and he must confront his former teammates to move forward.
The final season sees Seirin competing in the Winter Cup, where they face off against the best teams in Japan.
Overall, Kuroko no Basket is a story about the power of hard work, determination, and believing in oneself, both on and off the court. This film is one of the best anime like haikyuu.
2. Free! (2013-2018)
Free! follows the story of Haruka Nanase and his friends as they pursue their passion for competitive swimming.
Haruka is a talented swimmer obsessed with water and the freedom it brings him.
He and his friends Makoto, Nagisa, and Rin were part of a swimming team in elementary school but went their separate ways after Rin moved to Australia.
Years later, Rin returns to Japan and challenges Haruka to a race, reigniting their rivalry.
The two eventually reconcile, and Rin joins Haruka’s high school swim team, along with Makoto and Nagisa.
Together, they aim to qualify for the national championships and compete against other top swimmers nationwide.
Along the way, the characters face challenges both in and out of the pool, from overcoming injuries to dealing with personal issues.
The series also explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the importance of teamwork. Free! is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
Overall, Free! is a heartwarming and inspiring anime that celebrates the joys of swimming and the power of friendship to overcome even the toughest challenges.
3. Yuri!!! On Ice (2016)
Yuri on Ice follows the story of Yuri Katsuki, a talented Japanese figure skater struggling with confidence.
After a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Final, Yuri returns home to Japan and considers retiring from skating.
However, he is inspired to continue when he meets Victor Nikiforov, a legendary Russian skater who offers to coach him.
Together, they travel to competitions worldwide and work on perfecting Yuri’s routines.
As Yuri improves, he attracts the attention of other skaters, including his childhood friend, Yuuri Plisetsky, and the rising star, Guang-Hong Ji. This film is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
Overall, Yuri on Ice is a beautiful and inspiring anime that celebrates the artistry and athleticism of figure skating and the power of love and determination to overcome obstacles.
4. Chihayafuru (2011-2020)
Chihayafuru follows the story of a high school girl named Chihaya who is passionate about a traditional Japanese card game called karuta.
She strives to become the Queen of karuta, a title held by the best female player in Japan.
Chihaya forms a karuta club with her childhood friend Taichi and recruits new members, including the talented but aloof player Arata.
As the team participates in various tournaments, they face challenges such as balancing their studies and karuta practice, dealing with injuries, and overcoming personal struggles.
Chihaya’s feelings for Arata deepen, but he deals with his issues related to his grandfather’s death and their strained relationship.
The team competes in the national championship, where Chihaya faces off against the current Queen.
After a thrilling match, Chihaya loses but gains a newfound appreciation for the game and her opponents. Chihayafuru is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
5. Run With The Wind (2018-2019)
Run with the Wind is a sports anime series about ten college students who form a running team.
Haiji, the team captain, convinces reluctant freshman Kakeru to join and sets a goal of qualifying for the Hakone Ekiden, a prestigious university marathon relay race.
As the team members come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of athleticism, they must overcome personal challenges and work together to achieve their goals.
They form strong bonds through grueling training sessions and team bonding activities and improve their running abilities.
The team faces injuries, academic pressure, and competition from other schools. Kakeru’s troubled past and strained relationship with his former teammates also come to light.
Despite these challenges, the team perseveres and qualifies for the Hakone Ekiden. At the race, they face fierce competition and must rely on each other to finish.
The team’s hard work and determination pay off as they exceed expectations and finish in a respectable place. This film is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
6. Ace of Diamond (2013-2016)
Ace of Diamond follows Eijun Sawamura, a high school student with a unique pitching style, as he joins the baseball team of Seidou High School.
Eijun, along with other talented players, works to help the team reach the national tournament known as Koshien.
The team faces tough competition from other schools and must overcome various obstacles such as injuries, rivalries, and intense training.
Eijun’s friendly rivalry with fellow pitcher Furuya and his growing bond with catcher Miyuki are central themes.
The team’s journey to Koshien is filled with highs and lows, including losses and close victories.
Eijun and his teammates constantly work to improve their skills and strategies, often experimenting with new techniques and tactics.
The series features intense game scenes that showcase the players’ skills and the strategic nature of baseball.
Eijun’s perseverance and passion for the sport inspire his teammates and earn him respect from opponents.
The series ends with the team facing off against rival school Inashiro in the Koshien tournament, with Eijun and his teammates determined to emerge victorious.
The series emphasizes the importance of hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship in achieving success. This film is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
7. Yowamushi Pedal (2013-2018)
Yowamushi Pedal follows Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku and avid cyclist who joins his high school’s cycling club.
Sakamichi discovers that his skills, developed through cycling to Akihabara to purchase anime merchandise, make him a vigorous climber.
He and his teammates work to compete in the Inter-High cycling tournament, facing challenges such as team dynamics, training, and rival schools.
The team’s captain, Shunsuke, is a talented cyclist who needs help to balance his leadership responsibilities with his ambitions.
The team faces off against influential schools such as Hakone Academy and Kyoto Fushimi, showcasing their skills and determination.
Sakamichi’s friendship with fellow cyclist and otaku Imaizumi is central to the story, as they push each other to improve.
The series ends with the team competing in the Inter-High tournament, with Sakamichi determined to prove his strength as a cyclist. Yowamushi Pedal is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
8. Slam Dunk (1993)
Slam Dunk follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent high school student who joins his basketball team to impress a girl.
Despite having no prior experience, Sakuragi shows natural athleticism and a fierce determination to win.
He and his teammates work to compete in the national tournament, facing challenges such as rival schools and internal conflicts.
The team’s captain, Akagi, is a skilled player with a no-nonsense attitude but struggles to control Sakuragi’s impulsive behavior.
Sakuragi’s rivalry with his former gang member Rukawa adds to the tension on the team.
The series features intense game scenes, showcasing the players’ skills and basketball’s strategy and physical demands.
Sakuragi’s relationship with Haruko, the girl who inspired him to join the team, develops throughout the series.
The series ends with the team facing off against their strongest opponent, the Shohoku High alumni team.
Sakuragi’s growth as a player and a person is a central theme as he learns to work with his teammates and control his emotions. Slam Dunk is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
9. Baby Steps (2014-2015)
Baby Steps follows Eiichiro Maruo, an academic high school student who discovers a passion for tennis.
Eiichiro’s analytical mind and attention to detail make him a strategic player, but he needs more physical abilities.
He and his coach, Natsu Takasaki, work to improve his skills and help him reach his goal of becoming a professional tennis player.
Eiichiro faces challenges such as injuries, tough opponents, and balancing academics and training.
His growing relationship with fellow player Natsu and his rivalries with other players add depth to the story.
The series features intense match scenes that showcase tennis’s strategy and physical demands.
Eiichiro’s dedication to his goals inspires his teammates and earns him respect from opponents.
The series ends with Eiichiro competing in a major tournament, determined to be a top player.
The series emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a love for the sport in achieving success. Baby Steps is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
10. Hanebado! (2018)
Hanebado is a sports anime that follows the story of Ayano Hanesaki, a highly talented but emotionally troubled badminton player.
After quitting the sport due to her mother’s harsh training, Ayano is persuaded to join her high school’s badminton club by her new friend, Nagisa Aragaki.
Ayano’s return to the court, however, is not smooth sailing.
She faces challenges on and off the court, including her strained relationship with her mother and intense rivalry with another talented player, Kaoruko Serigaya.
As the badminton club prepares for the national championship, tensions rise between Ayano and her teammates.
Meanwhile, Ayano’s emotional instability threatens to jeopardize their chances of success.
Throughout the series, we see Ayano struggle with her demons and come to terms with her passion for the sport.
Intense matches, emotional revelations, and robust character development mark her journey.
Ultimately, Hanebado is a story about the struggles of pursuing greatness and the importance of balancing ambition and emotional well-being. Hanebado is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
11. Dive! (2017)
Dive! is an anime series that follows the story of Tomoki Sakai, a young boy who dreams of becoming an Olympic diver.
Tomoki is inspired by Yoichi Fujitani, a talented diver who once trained at his local pool.
With the help of his friends and teammates, Tomoki joins the Mizuki Diving Club and begins training under the guidance of Coach Kayoko Asaki.
He quickly realizes diving is about physical strength, mental toughness, and perseverance.
As Tomoki and his teammates prepare for competitions, they face many challenges, including injuries, rivalries, and personal struggles.
Despite these obstacles, they learn to work together as a team and support each other through their ups and downs.
Throughout the series, Tomoki and his teammates grow and develop as divers and individuals.
They learn the value of hard work, discipline, and determination and discover the true meaning of friendship and teamwork.
Ultimately, Dive! is a story about chasing your dreams, overcoming obstacles, and the power of camaraderie.
The series celebrates the joy of sports and the importance of pursuing your passions with heart and dedication. Dive is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
12. Food Wars! (2015)
Food Wars! is an anime series that revolves around Yukihira Soma, a teenage chef who dreams of surpassing his father’s culinary skills.
Soma enrolls in Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute, a prestigious culinary school known for its rigorous curriculum and highly competitive environment.
Soma quickly finds himself challenged by his classmates, who are all vying for the top spot in the school.
To survive, he must navigate intense culinary battles, where contestants must create dishes that meet strict criteria set by the judges.
Soma and his friends face increasingly complex challenges as the series progresses, including cooking for renowned chefs and participating in large-scale culinary competitions. Food Wars is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
Throughout the series, Soma grows and develops as a chef, learning new techniques and flavors from his friends and rivals.
He also confronts personal challenges, such as dealing with his father’s legacy and learning to work with others.
13. My Hero Academia (2016)
My Hero Academia is an anime series in a world where almost everyone has superpowers called Quirks.
The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without a Quirk.
After being scouted by the world’s number one hero, All Might, Izuku can attend U.A. High School, a prestigious school for aspiring heroes.
He meets other students with powerful Quirks there, including his rival, Katsuki Bakugo, and his crush, Ochaco Uraraka.
As the series progresses, Izuku and his classmates face off against villains who seek to destroy the peace and security of their society.
They also undergo intense training, honing their skills and discovering the true nature of heroism.
Throughout the series, Izuku struggles with his limitations and insecurities and discovers his strength and potential.
He forms deep bonds with his friends and mentors, who help him overcome his challenges and become a true hero.
Ultimately, My Hero, Academia is a story about the power of determination, courage, and self-discovery. This film is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
14. Welcome to the Ballroom (2007)
This anime tells a story about a young boy named Tatara who discovers a passion for ballroom dancing.
Tatara initially lacks confidence but is taken under the wing of a skilled dancer named Sengoku, who teaches him the basics.
As Tatara’s skills improve, he becomes more involved in the competitive world of ballroom dancing, where he meets other talented dancers such as Shizuku and Hyodo.
Tatara also forms a close bond with his dance partner, a talented and driven girl named Mako.
However, Tatara’s journey to becoming a top dancer has its challenges.
He faces tough competition from skilled rivals and needs help with the pressure of performing well in competitions.
Additionally, his dedication to dancing takes a toll on his relationships with his family and friends. This film is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
Despite these obstacles, Tatara continues to push himself to improve and pursue his passion for dancing.
Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s dreams.
15. Burning Kabaddi (2021)
Burning Kabaddi is an anime about a former soccer player, Tatsuya Yoigoshi, who his high school’s Kabaddi club recruits.
Initially skeptical of the sport, Tatsuya is introduced to the game by his enthusiastic teammates and coach.
Kabaddi is a physical contact sport where two teams take turns sending a raider to the other team’s half to tag as many defenders as possible before returning to their side.
The defenders must try to stop the raider by tackling them, and the raider must hold their breath and continuously chant Kabaddi while tagging opponents.
As Tatsuya learns more about Kabaddi and improves his skills, he becomes more invested in the sport and begins seeing parallels between it and soccer.
He also forms close bonds with his teammates and gains a newfound sense of purpose and confidence.
However, the team faces tough competition from other high schools and must work hard to improve their strategies and teamwork.
Additionally, Tatsuya must confront his past failures as a soccer player and overcome his insecurities.
16. Cheer Boys!! (2016)
Cheer Boys is an anime about a group of college students who form a cheerleading club.
Haruki Bandou, a former judo athlete, is inspired to start the club after seeing a cheerleading performance and realizing the potential for male cheerleaders.
Initially facing resistance from their families and peers, Haruki and his friends work hard to recruit members and train for competitions.
Along the way, they learn about the physical demands and intricacies of cheerleading and the importance of teamwork and communication.
The team faces injuries, disagreements, and intense competition from other cheerleading clubs, but they persevere and continue to improve their skills and routines.
They also develop close bonds with each other and gain a sense of camaraderie and support.
The characters grapple with their struggles and insecurities, such as Haruki’s fear of failure and Kazu’s pressure to live up to his family’s expectations.
However, they learn to overcome these obstacles and find strength in themselves and each other.
Overall, Cheer Boys is an inspiring and heartwarming anime that showcases the athleticism and artistry of cheerleading while exploring themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. Cheer Boys is one of the best anime like Haikyuu.
