10 Best Anime Like Haikyu, Ranked

Fans of Haikyu may be feeling a sense of longing after watching the series. But fear not! There are plenty of fantastic anime out there that can help fill the void. Just like Haikyu, these shows have great characters, meaningful themes, stunning animation, and everything you found in the series.

Haikyu is widely regarded as one of the best sports anime in recent years and shares similarities with other popular shonen anime. It has touched the hearts of many fans and has become a memorable part of the anime world. So, if you're missing Haikyu, here's what you need to watch next.

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10/10 Yuri On Ice

Released in 2016, Yuri!!! On Ice is a popular anime series about figure skating. It follows the story of a Japanese skater named Yuri Katsuki, who experiences a series of losses in competitions. Faced with thoughts of retirement, he returns to his hometown, where he meets two skaters who reignite his passion for the sport.

The anime is praised for its refreshing portrayal of homosexuality, similar to the Yaoi genre. With impressive animation and a captivating soundtrack, the skating scenes are truly mesmerizing, leaving viewers eager to watch them repeatedly.

9/10 Chihayafuru

It is an anime about the competitive world of Karuta, a traditional Japanese card game featuring classical Japanese poets from the Heian period. The story follows Chihaya Ayase, who is inspired by a talented player named Arata Wataya.

She forms a Karuta club with her childhood friend Taichi Mashima, and they worked together to become the top high school Karuta team in Japan. Chihayafuru's depiction of the game has garnered widespread popularity, both in Japan and internationally, due to its beautiful portrayal of competitive Karuta.

8/10 Run With The Wind

In Run With the Wind, a compelling sports anime by Production I.G., a skilled high school runner named Kakeru Kurahara unexpectedly finds himself joining the School Track Club. Encountering Haiji Kiyose's contagious enthusiasm, Kakeru becomes a resident of the team's dedicated dormitory, unaware of its purpose.

Similar to Kageyama, Kakeru initially focuses on his individual goals, displaying a reserved nature. However, as the story unfolds, he learns the true value of teamwork and its transformative power. Run With the Wind offers a captivating narrative and relatable characters, making it a noteworthy addition to the sports anime genre.

7/10 Baby Steps

The series' main character Eiichiro starts playing tennis as a beginner. He wants to get fit and active, so he joins the Southern Tennis Club. Through hard work and clever thinking, Eiichiro gradually becomes a good tennis player. What's great about the show is that it shows the world of tennis in a realistic way.

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The characters don't have special powers or crazy moves. They focus on training and using smart strategies during matches. And if you don't like romantic stuff, don't worry! Baby Steps is mostly about tennis. There is a sweet love story between Eiichiro and Natsu, but it doesn't take away from the tennis part of the show.

6/10 All Out!!

All Outs is one of the best anime like Haikyu, given its storytelling. The main character is small in stature but has a loud and passionate personality. They face challenges in a sport where their size is a disadvantage. They meet a new friend/rival who excels in the sport, and the school team, once great, is now struggling.

A strong coach and an amazing female manager join the team. Throughout the series, both the main character and the team undergo incredible growth and progression. Each episode of All Outs is as exciting as Haikyu.

5/10 Ace Of Diamond

It is produced by the acclaimed studio Madhouse and explores the world of baseball, a popular sport in both Japan and the United States. Similar to Haikyu, the series features a protagonist with exceptional abilities emerging from a disadvantaged high school.

This underrated gem offers vibrant visuals and an engaging storyline that shouldn't be overlooked. Don't pass on Ace of Diamond too quickly—give it the attention it deserves and uncover its hidden brilliance.

4/10 Yowamushi Pedal

This fun anime is about Cycling. Sakamichi Onoda, an anime-loving freshman, joins his high school's bicycle racing club after his anime club disbands. With the help of his friends, he overcomes challenges and develops his cycling skills. The series is crafted in a way that it's even appealing to non-cyclists.

Yowamushi Pedal delivers a lighthearted and uplifting story as the characters work together to overcome personal struggles and endure tough training. It's a great anime to binge-watch for some feel-good entertainment.

3/10 Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk, an influential basketball anime, is a must-watch alongside Haikyu. Despite its age, it holds a significant place in sports anime history. It has even outsold popular series like Bleach, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, and Attack on Titan.

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The anime's captivating visuals and intense high school rivalry mirror the spirit of Haikyu. Its main character, Hanamichi Sakuragi, undergoes rigorous training, just like Shoyo Hinata, showcasing the theme of dedication and determination in sports. Slam Dunk is a timeless classic that shouldn't be missed for its impact and compelling story.

2/10 Free!

Similar to Haikyu, Free! portrays the journey of the main characters, like Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama, as they rebuild their sports team and forge strong relationships. It offers a slice-of-life experience with a vibrant art style that beautifully captures the essence of the story.

The visuals, including the depiction of water, stand out, making it an ideal watch during the summer season. The striking use of colors adds to its appeal, distinguishing it from other anime, such as Haikyu.

1/10 Kuroko's Basketball

Kuroko's Basketball captures the intense and competitive spirit of Haikyu. The anime follows a high school basketball team striving to participate in a national tournament, bringing the excitement of sports anime to life.

What sets it apart from Slam Dunk is its focus on entertainment, incorporating special moves and a touch of silliness that appeals to fans. With its fast-paced action and flashy gameplay, Kuroko's Basketball offers an exhilarating experience for Haikyu enthusiasts.

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