Boxing is a sport that has captured the hearts of many, and anime is a medium that can transport viewers to fantastical worlds. What happens when these two worlds collide? You get a list of the top 20 must-see boxing animes that will have you on the edge of your seat.
From the intense training regimens to the epic fights, these animes showcase the best of both worlds, providing a thrilling viewing experience for fans of both sports and anime. Get ready to enter the ring and experience the adrenaline rush of boxing from the comfort of your own home.
Boxing Animes
This list has compiled a list of the top 20 must-see boxing animes you shouldn’t miss. No matter your taste in anime, there’s something on this list for you. So, get ready to enter the ring and experience the thrill of the fight!
1. Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo is a classic boxing anime that follows the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a young man who starts boxing to become stronger. Ippo is an underdog with little natural talent, but he works hard and perseveres through every challenge. He eventually became one of the greatest boxers in Japan.
This anime is inspiring because it shows that hard work and determination can overcome obstacles. It’s also one of the most realistic portrayals of boxing in any anime.
The fights are intense and thrilling, and you really get a sense of the physicality and strategy involved in the sport. If you’re a fan of boxing or just looking for a great sports anime, Hajime no Ippo is a must-watch.
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2. Ashita no Joe
Ashita no Joe is one of the most popular boxing animes ever. It tells the story of Joe Yabuki, a young man from the slums who becomes a professional boxer. The anime is full of intense boxing matches and deals with some serious themes, such as poverty and crime.
3. Kengan Ashura
Kengan Ashura is a highly anticipated boxing anime set to air in 2019. The anime will follow the story of Tokita Ohma, a gladiator who fights for the sake of others in underground matches.
He quickly rises to the top of the Kengan matches with his powerful punches. However, when he is pitted against the current champion, Kaneda Suekichi, Ohma may be in for the fight of his life.
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4. Ring ni Kakero
Ring ni Kakero is a boxing anime that follows the story of two brothers, Kazuma and Ryūji, who inherit the art of boxing from their father. As they grow up and begin to box professionally, they face many challenges in and out of the ring.
This anime is not only about the sport of boxing but also about the brotherhood between Kazuma and Ryūji. It shows how their bond is tested repeatedly, but they always remain strong. If you’re a boxing fan or just looking for a good sports anime, Ring ni Kakero is worth checking out.
5. Levius
Levius is a top-notch boxing anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows the story of Levius, a young boy who is determined to become the best boxer in the world. The anime is full of intense fights and amazing animations, making it a must-watch for any genre fan.
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6. Slow Step
Slow Step is a boxing anime that follows the story of a young boxer named Ryoma. Ryoma is a talented boxer with the potential to be a great fighter, but his lack of confidence holds him back.
He is often scared to take risks in the ring, leading to losing many matches. However, when he meets a girl named A.I., who is also a boxer, Ryoma begins to change.
With AI’s help, Ryoma starts to believe in himself and his ability to become a great boxer. Slowly but surely, Ryoma starts to win more matches and gain the respect of those around him.
While Slow Step may not be the most action-packed or exciting boxing anime out there, it is one of the most heartwarming and inspiring. If you’re looking for an anime that will make you cheer for the underdog, then Slow Step is worth checking out.
7. Sakigake!! Otokojuku
Otokojuku is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The story follows the adventures of Jotaro Honma, the founder, and headmaster of Otokojuku, an all-male private school for delinquents.
The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1986 and was collected into six tankōbon volumes. The series was adapted into an anime television series by Toei Animation, which aired on T.V. Asahi from 1988 to 1989.
Sakigake!! Otokojuku is one of the best boxing animes of all time. The story follows the adventures of Jotaro Honma, the founder, and headmaster of Otokojuku, an all-male private school for delinquents.
The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1986 and was collected into six tankōbon volumes. The series was adapted into an anime television series by Toei Animation, which aired on T.V. Asahi from 1988 to 1989. Related: Top 30 Most Overrated Anime
8. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is an anime series based on the manga series of the same name written by Syun Matsuena. The story follows Kenichi Shirahama, a high school student who joins a martial arts dojo to learn how to defend himself from bullies.
As he trains under various masters of different martial arts styles, Kenichi becomes stronger and more skilled, eventually becoming the mightiest disciple of the dojo.
The anime series was produced by Studio Deen and aired in Japan from 2006 to 2007. It consists of 50 episodes. The English dub of the series was licensed by Funimation and aired on the Funimation Channel in 2009.
Critics have praised the anime series for its action scenes and humorous moments. They have also praised the character development of Kenichi as he grows from a weakling into a strong fighter.
If you are a boxing or martial arts fan, then you will definitely enjoy Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple.
9. Nozomi Witches
The Nozomi Witches are a special group of young women with powerful magic abilities. They use their powers to protect the people of their hometown from evil forces. The witches are led by their headmistress, Nozomi Takamura. Together, they stand up to anyone who threatens the peace of their community.
The Nozomi Witches are a force to be reckoned with. They have defeated powerful monsters and villains and saved countless lives. They are brave, strong, and kind-hearted. They are also very cute!
If you’re looking for an anime with strong female characters and plenty of action, then you should definitely check out the Nozomi Witches. Related: Top 30 Most Popular Old Anime
10. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki. It was originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1987 to 2004 and was transferred to the monthly seinen magazine Ultra Jump in 2005.
The story follows the adventures of the Joestar family members across different timelines. The story’s first half focuses on Jonathan Joestar and his battle against the evil vampire Dio Brando. The second half focuses on Jotaro Kujo and his fight against the evil spirit Dio, who has taken over Jonathan’s body.
The third part follows Jotaro’s daughter, Josuke Higashikata, as he deals with the evil Stand users in Morioh Town. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is known for its eccentric characters, imaginative plots, and wild artwork. The series has been praised by critics and sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most popular boxing anime ever. The series features some of the most intense and exciting boxing matches ever put into animation. If you are a fan of boxing or anime, then Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a must-watch!
11. Honō no Tenkōsei
Honō no Tenkōsei, or “Burning Through The Ranks”, is one of the most famous boxing anime ever. The story follows Makunouchi Ippo, a high school student and amateur boxer who works his way up the ranks to become a professional.
The anime is highly praised for its realistic portrayal of boxing, and its characters are some of the most memorable in the genre. If you’re a boxing fan or just looking for a great anime to watch, Honō no Tenkōsei is a must-see. Related: Top 30 Best Football/Soccer Anime
12. Baki the Grappler
Baki the Grappler is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Keisuke Itagaki. It was originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1991 to 1999, with the individual chapters collected into 42 tankōbon volumes by Akita Shoten.
The story follows teenager Baki Hanma, who trains and fights in various martial arts competitions. In terms of its plot, Baki the Grappler is very simplistic. It’s essentially just a string of fights with little connective tissue between them.
This isn’t necessarily bad, as the fights are well-choreographed and exciting to read about/watch, but don’t expect much in terms of narrative depth. The characters are also not particularly complex or fleshed out. Baki is your typical shounen protagonist – tough, determined, and ever-improving.
The supporting cast is mostly made up of fellow fighters who each have their own unique style and personality. Again, this isn’t necessarily bad – it just means that the character interactions aren’t going to be particularly deep or meaningful.
Overall, if you’re looking for an exciting and well-executed martial arts story, Baki the Grappler is worth checking out. Just don’t go in expecting anything too intellectually stimulating.
13. Megalobox
Megalobox is a boxing anime that follows the story of “Gearless” Joe, a boxer from the slums who dreams of becoming the champion of Megalobox, a fictional boxing tournament. Despite his lack of gear and training, Joe’s natural talent and determination help him climb the ranks and earn a spot in the tournament.
While Megalobox is ostensibly about boxing, it’s also a commentary on society and how class affects one’s opportunities in life. Joe’s underdog story is inspiring, and his journey to the top is filled with excitement, drama, and heart.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating sports anime with a bit more depth than your average shounen show, then Megalobox is definitely worth checking out.
14. B.B.
Ryō Takagi is a trumpet player in a jazz club, but one night he’s attacked by the biker gang that frequents the club. Ryō eventually gives up on his music career and turns to underground boxing to help him with his anger.
15. Rokudenashi Blues
Rokudenashi Blues is a boxing manga series written and illustrated by Toshiyuki Itagaki. The story follows the life of high school student Maeda, who has a natural talent for boxing but doesn’t take it seriously.
However, he takes the sport more seriously when he meets the beautiful and talented boxer Ryoko. The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1991 to 1999 and was collected into 27 tankōbon volumes.
The series was adapted into an anime television series by Studio Pierrot and aired on T.V. Tokyo from 1992 to 1993. Rokudenashi Blues is a classic manga series often considered one of the best boxing manga ever created. The story is engaging, and the characters are likable and relatable.
The artwork is fantastic, and the action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting. If you’re a boxing or martial arts fan, this series is a must-read!
16. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin
Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin, or “Rainbow: Seven Colors in the Sky”, is a gripping boxing anime that follows the story of seven young men sent to a juvenile detention center after being accused of a crime they didn’t commit.
The seven friends, nicknamed the “Rainbow 7”, must learn to work together and fight for their lives as they battle against corrupt officials, violent inmates, and their own personal demons.
With its realistic portrayal of the harsh realities of life in a juvenile detention center, Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin is an unforgettable boxing anime that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
17. Shoot Fighter Tekken
17-year-old Kibô is the inheritor of a very famous fighting style known as Nadashinkageryu, which he practices to be successful. He can be somewhat esoteric, but he’s hermetic and immeasurably effective.
Kibô’s favorite pastime is challenging talented fighters and trying his hardest to win each fight. As time passes, he’ll meet opponents who are increasingly strong but also very different from one another, all with one goal in mind–to be chosen as the rightful successor of Nadashinkageryu.
18. Ayane’s High Kick
“Ayane’s High Kick” is one of the best boxing anime ever. It tells the story of Ayane, a young girl who dreams of becoming a professional boxer.
When she finally gets her chance to fight in the ring, she faces off against some of the best boxers in the world. The anime is full of intense boxing matches and explores the characters’ backstories and motivations.
Ayane is a likable protagonist, and the supporting cast is also well-developed. The overall plot is exciting and engaging. If you’re a fan of boxing or anime, then you should check out “Ayane’s High Kick.” It’s an enjoyable and well-made series that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
19. Ganbare Genki
Ganbare Genki (ガンバレ！ 元気 Ganbare! Genki) is a 1999 Japanese boxing manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuru Adachi. It was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday from February 1999 to January 2002, and its chapters were collected into eight tankōbon volumes.
The story follows the career of Genki Yagami, a high school student who enters the world of professional boxing.
Ganbare Genki was adapted into an anime television series directed by Hiroshi Sasagawa and produced by T.V. Tokyo and Studio Deen. The series aired on T.V. Tokyo from October 1999 to March 2000, lasting 26 episodes.
The manga was licensed for release in North America by Viz Media, and Geneon Entertainment licensed the anime series. The manga and anime have been well received by critics, winning the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 2000.
20. One-pound Gospel
The One-pound Gospel is one of the best boxing anime of all time. It tells the story of a young girl named Kodama Himegami who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. When she finally gets her chance, she quickly realizes that the boxing world is not as easy as she thought.
The One-pound Gospel is an inspiring story that will motivate you to pursue your dreams no matter how difficult they may seem. It is also a great introduction to boxing for those unfamiliar with the sport. You should check out The One-pound Gospel if you want a great boxing anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of boxing animes offers a thrilling combination of intense fights, complex characters, and heartwarming stories. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a casual anime viewer, there’s something for everyone in our list of the top 20 must-see boxing animes.
From classic titles to modern favorites, these shows will surely leave you on the edge of your seat and cheering for your favorite boxers. So why wait? Get ready to enter the ring and experience the excitement of these amazing boxing animes for yourself!
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