10 Shows Like Umamusume: Cinderella Gray (2025)

Description: SK8 the Infinity shares with Umamusume: Cinderella Gray a focus on an unconventional and high-energy sport—skateboarding. Both series highlight the passion and creativity of their characters, with a mix of intense competition and personal drama. The visual style is vibrant and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on movement and action.

Fact: SK8 the Infinity was directed by Hiroko Utsumi, known for her work on Free!. The series features a diverse international cast of characters. It has been praised for its stylish animation and engaging storyline.

Description: Like Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, Chihayafuru is a sports anime that focuses on the passion and dedication of its characters to their craft, in this case, the traditional Japanese card game karuta. Both series highlight the emotional and competitive aspects of their respective sports, with strong character development and a mix of personal and professional challenges.

Fact: Chihayafuru is based on a manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. The anime has been praised for its ability to make a traditional game exciting and accessible to modern audiences. It has won several awards, including the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga in

Description: Free! is similar to Umamusume: Cinderella Gray in its focus on competitive swimming and the camaraderie among teammates. Both series emphasize the physical and emotional challenges of sports, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and personal ambition. The visual aesthetics of both shows are vibrant and dynamic, capturing the intensity of their respective sports.

Fact: Free! is produced by Kyoto Animation, known for its high-quality animation and detailed character designs. The series was inspired by the light novel High Speed! by Kōji Ōji. It has spawned multiple sequels, movies, and even a stage play.

Description: Yuri!!! on Ice shares with Umamusume: Cinderella Gray a focus on competitive sports and the personal growth of its athletes. Both series explore themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the bonds formed through competition. The emotional depth and dynamic character relationships are central to both shows.

Fact: Yuri!!! on Ice was directed by Sayo Yamamoto, known for her work on Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine. The series was highly praised for its realistic depiction of figure skating and its inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships. It won the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Anime of the Year in

Description: Ahiru no Sora, like Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, is a sports anime that focuses on the underdog story of its protagonist. Both series emphasize the challenges and triumphs of competitive sports, with a strong focus on character development and teamwork. The emotional tone is uplifting and inspirational.

Fact: Ahiru no Sora is based on a manga series by Takeshi Hinata that has been running since 200The anime adaptation covers a significant portion of the manga's storyline. It features a realistic depiction of high school basketball and the struggles of its players.

Description: Stars Align, like Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, explores the lives of young athletes striving to excel in their sport, in this case, tennis. Both series delve into the personal struggles and relationships of their characters, with a focus on overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world. The storytelling is poignant and character-driven.

Fact: Stars Align was directed by Kazuki Akane, known for his work on The Vision of Escaflowne. The series addresses serious themes such as family issues and identity. It was originally planned to have 24 episodes but was cut short to 12 due to production issues.

Description: Girls und Panzer shares with Umamusume: Cinderella Gray a unique blend of competitive sports and unconventional themes—tank warfare in this case. Both series feature strong female leads and emphasize teamwork, strategy, and the thrill of competition. The visual style is energetic and engaging, with a mix of action and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Girls und Panzer is set in a world where tankery is a traditional martial art for women. The series has been praised for its accurate depiction of historical tanks and tactics. It has inspired real-life tank museums to host special exhibitions featuring the anime.

Description: Tsurune and Umamusume: Cinderella Gray both focus on traditional Japanese sports—archery and horse racing, respectively. Both series emphasize the spiritual and emotional aspects of their sports, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and teamwork. The visual aesthetics are serene and beautiful, capturing the grace and intensity of the sports.

Fact: Tsurune is produced by Kyoto Animation, known for their high-quality animation. The series is based on a novel by Kotoko Ayano. It features a soundtrack composed by Harumi Fuuki, known for her work on Sound! Euphonium.

Description: Run with the Wind and Umamusume: Cinderella Gray both center around running and the personal journeys of their characters. Both series highlight the physical and mental challenges of the sport, as well as the importance of teamwork and perseverance. The emotional tone is uplifting and inspirational, with a focus on overcoming obstacles.

Fact: Run with the Wind is based on a novel by Shion Miura. The anime was produced by Production I.G, known for their work on sports anime like Haikyuu!!. It features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations.

Description: A Place Further Than the Universe shares with Umamusume: Cinderella Gray a focus on personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. While not a sports anime, it captures the same spirit of determination and camaraderie. Both series are emotionally resonant and visually stunning, with a strong emphasis on character relationships.

Fact: A Place Further Than the Universe was produced by Madhouse, known for their work on Death Note and One Punch Man. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of Antarctica and the challenges of expedition life. It won several awards, including the Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Drama in