If you loved the high-energy basketball action and emotional depth of The First Slam Dunk (2022), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same thrilling sports drama, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic animation. Whether you're a fan of intense court battles or character-driven narratives, these picks will keep you hooked.

Slam Dunk (1993)
Description: A classic sports anime centered around basketball, featuring intense matches, character growth, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and perseverance.
Fact: The manga series was so popular in Japan that it significantly increased the popularity of basketball among young people during the 1990s.


Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story (2022)
Description: A sports anime focusing on golf, featuring intense competition, unique characters, and a narrative that blends personal struggles with athletic ambition.
Fact: The series stands out for its unconventional and stylized approach to the typically serene sport of golf.


Chihayafuru (2011)
Description: A sports anime centered on the traditional Japanese card game karuta, combining competitive spirit with deep emotional and character-driven storytelling.
Fact: The series has been praised for its ability to make a niche sport engaging and accessible to a broad audience.


Free! (2013)
Description: Centers around competitive swimming, with a strong focus on friendship, rivalry, and the characters' passion for their sport.
Fact: The anime gained a massive female fanbase due to its attractive character designs and emotional storytelling.


Ahiru no Sora (2019)
Description: Focuses on high school basketball with underdog protagonists striving to prove themselves, blending emotional depth with dynamic game sequences.
Fact: The anime adaptation was highly anticipated due to the manga's long-running serialization, which began in


Yowamushi Pedal (2013)
Description: A sports anime that highlights the journey of an unlikely hero in competitive cycling, showcasing teamwork, rivalry, and personal growth.
Fact: The series is known for its detailed depiction of cycling techniques and strategies, appealing to both casual viewers and cycling enthusiasts.


Tsurune (2018)
Description: Revolves around the art of kyudo (Japanese archery), highlighting the psychological and physical challenges faced by the characters.
Fact: The anime is produced by Kyoto Animation, known for its high-quality animation and attention to detail.


Run with the Wind (2018)
Description: A story about a group of university students forming a track team, emphasizing perseverance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of personal and collective goals.
Fact: The anime is based on a novel by Shion Miura, who also wrote 'The Great Passage,' another critically acclaimed work.


Kuroko's Basketball (2012)
Description: A high-energy basketball anime with a focus on teamwork, rivalries, and the extraordinary skills of its protagonists.
Fact: The anime popularized the concept of 'Generation of Miracles,' a group of prodigiously talented players, which became a trope in sports anime.
