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Top 10 Best Basketball Anime You Should Watch
I love watching sports anime, and while this article won’t be about sports anime in general, you can expect one of those in the future. Today, we’re diving into the best basketball anime. Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of them, but I’ve managed to compile a list of the top 10. One of the shows is yet to be released, but there is a manga, so I’ll base the ranking on that. Once the anime adaptation drops, I’ll update the article if necessary.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the list and see which basketball anime truly stand out.
Disclaimer: I know that some of you might find certain anime on this list boring or not to your taste. If that’s the case, I recommend skipping those and moving on to the others. The reason I’ve included a variety of options is to make it easier for you to find something that suits your interests. After all, everyone has different tastes—what one person loves, another might dislike. So, explore, and find the one that hooks you!
10. Mitsu x Mitsu Drops
Score: 6.1/10
Mitsu x Mitsu Drops is a short 2-episode OVA that blends basketball with shoujo and romance. The plot follows a high school girl who is torn between her passion for basketball and her developing feelings for a classmate. The anime is light-hearted and focuses more on the relationship dynamics than on intense basketball action.
While it’s certainly not a standout in the sports genre, it’s an interesting pick for those who enjoy a mix of romance and sports. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many basketball anime that truly make an impact, so I felt this OVA deserved a spot on the list. If you’re looking for an easy watch with a slice-of-life vibe and don’t mind a bit of romance, Mitsu x Mitsu Drops may appeal to you. However, if you’re looking for serious basketball action, you might want to skip it.
Overall, this OVA might be enjoyable for fans of shoujo romance, but it’s not a game-changer in the basketball anime category. If more basketball anime are released in the future, I’ll be sure to update this list accordingly.
09. I’ll/CKBC
Score: 6.4/10
Another OVA series, I’ll/CKBC features 30 episodes and offers a deeper dive into the story of two rival basketball players, Tachibana and Hiiragi, who find themselves on the same high school team. Their evolving relationship and basketball skills are at the heart of the story. While the OVA showcases some solid basketball action, it only scratches the surface of the much larger story that is told in the manga.
The anime is entertaining, but it leaves several plot points unresolved, which makes it feel incomplete. For those interested in following the full story, the manga is a must-read as the anime doesn’t wrap up everything. While I haven’t read the manga myself, the anime’s portrayal of the characters and their interactions is engaging enough to make me hope for a proper adaptation in the future.
If you enjoy basketball anime and are okay with unfinished stories, I’ll/CKBC is worth watching. However, if you prefer a fully fleshed-out series, you might want to look elsewhere.
Set in a futuristic world where humans and aliens compete in the Space Basketball League, Buzzer Beater stands out for its unique setting and concept. The protagonist, Yoshimune, recruits Hideyoshi, a streetball player from New York, to help lead the human team to victory in the intergalactic basketball league. The premise of basketball in space with alien teams adds an exciting twist to the genre, making it an interesting watch.
However, the animation during the basketball games is a bit of a letdown. The action scenes often feel repetitive, and the animation quality isn’t up to par with other basketball anime. Despite these shortcomings, the anime’s characters and story are still compelling enough to keep you hooked.
If you’re willing to overlook the animation flaws, Buzzer Beater offers a fresh take on the genre with a fun, futuristic setting and engaging characters. It’s not the best in terms of animation, but its unique storyline makes it a worthwhile watch.
07. Ro-Kyu-Bu!
Score: 6.9/10
Ro-Kyu-Bu! is a basketball anime that takes a unique approach by focusing on a group of five young girls, or “lolis,” who form a basketball team. While the premise might sound appealing to those who are fans of cute and quirky anime, it’s not as much about basketball as it is about the characters’ personalities and interactions.
The anime’s primary focus is on the dynamic between the girls and their coach, who is a high school student. Their relationships evolve as they practice basketball, but the sport itself takes a backseat to the character-driven storylines. If you’re looking for fast-paced basketball action, this is not the anime for you. However, if you’re a fan of light-hearted anime with a touch of ecchi and comedy, Ro-Kyu-Bu! will likely be entertaining.
This anime is definitely aimed at a niche audience, and while it does have basketball elements, they don’t take center stage. If you’re into the “cute girls doing cute things” trope with a sports backdrop, give it a try.
06. Dear Boys
Score: 6.9/10
Dear Boys follows the story of Aikawa Kazuhiko, a former basketball captain who transfers to a new school and joins the Mizuho High basketball team. The team is disorganized and lacking motivation, but Aikawa takes it upon himself to whip them into shape and help them pursue their goal of competing in the nationals.
While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it does a solid job of portraying the challenges a basketball team faces in terms of chemistry, discipline, and perseverance. Aikawa’s leadership and determination help turn the team around, and the anime gives us a glimpse of their growth both as athletes and as individuals.
The series focuses on teamwork, overcoming personal struggles, and pushing beyond one’s limits—all important themes in sports anime. It may not be as memorable as other entries on this list, but it’s a solid watch for fans who enjoy the underdog story of a high school basketball team fighting to be the best.
05. Dash! Kappei
Score: 7.3/10
Dash! Kappei isn’t your typical basketball anime. It’s a comedic and ecchi series that focuses more on humor and antics than on sports action. The story follows Kappei, a short but skilled athlete who excels in various sports, especially basketball. Kappei is also infatuated with a girl named Akane, and his perverse, often inappropriate behavior toward her becomes a key aspect of the anime’s comedic tone.
While basketball plays a role in the story, it’s the ecchi humor, Kappei’s mischievous antics, and his romantic pursuits that take center stage. If you’re looking for a lighthearted series that doesn’t take itself seriously, this could be an enjoyable pick. However, don’t expect much in terms of real basketball action or a deep story—it’s all about the laughs and the quirky characters. Fans of more mature, comedic series might find this one appealing, but it’s certainly not for those seeking an intense sports anime.
04. Basquash!
Score: 7.3/10
Basquash! is an unconventional and unique basketball anime that blends mecha and sports into an exciting futuristic world. Set in a society where basketball is played using giant robots, the anime follows Dan, a rebellious young man who becomes involved in robot basketball. The robots are controlled by human pilots, and the sport is played in an ultra-competitive environment with fast-paced action.
The series combines the thrill of basketball with the spectacle of mecha action, offering something different from traditional sports anime. The animation is high-energy, and the concept of robot basketball adds an interesting layer of sci-fi fantasy to the mix. If you’re a fan of both mecha and sports, Basquash! offers a unique and entertaining experience. However, it may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional basketball anime, as the focus is more on futuristic technology and action than on the actual sport.
03. Ahiru no Sora
Score: 7.5/10
Ahiru no Sora is a well-loved basketball anime based on a popular manga, and it delivers a compelling story about overcoming adversity. The series follows Kurumatani Sora, a short but exceptionally talented basketball player who compensates for his height with incredible skills and determination. Sora’s dream is to lead his high school basketball team to victory, despite facing numerous challenges, both from his team’s lack of discipline and from his own self-doubts.
The anime has been highly anticipated due to the success of the manga, and it’s expected to be a standout in the basketball genre. Ahiru no Sora features a blend of drama, sports action, and personal growth, making it a well-rounded series for fans of both basketball and coming-of-age stories. The character development is solid, and the basketball action is intense and engaging. If the anime adaptation lives up to the manga’s reputation, it will undoubtedly become one of the best basketball anime out there.
02. Kuroko no Basket
Score: 8.4/10
Kuroko no Basket is often considered one of the best basketball anime ever created, and it has earned a massive fanbase worldwide. The series follows the story of Kagami Taiga, a talented but brash high school basketball player, and Kuroko Tetsuya, a seemingly invisible player with extraordinary passing skills. Kuroko was once part of the “Generation of Miracles,” a group of legendary players, but now he plays as a support player, helping Kagami and the rest of his team through his unique abilities.
The anime is packed with exciting basketball games, intense rivalries, and impressive teamwork. The thrilling matches and the contrast between Kagami’s raw power and Kuroko’s subtle influence create a dynamic and exciting team. The character development is strong, especially as the team members evolve throughout the series. Kuroko no Basket is a must-watch for any fan of basketball, featuring heart-pounding games, emotional moments, and an inspiring story of teamwork and perseverance.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it—it’s a basketball anime that not only excites but also inspires, making it a standout in the genre.
01. Slam Dunk
Score: 8.5/10
Slam Dunk is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports anime of all time and a foundational series for the basketball genre. The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who joins the basketball team to impress a girl named Haruko Akagi. Although he initially has no interest in basketball and lacks the skills, he quickly becomes fascinated by the sport and grows into a key player for his high school team.
What sets Slam Dunk apart is its mix of humor, character development, and thrilling basketball action. Sakuragi’s journey from a clueless troublemaker to a valuable team member is both funny and inspiring. The show balances intense basketball matches with character moments, making it both a comedy and a sports drama. The chemistry between the characters and the growth of the team makes the series highly enjoyable, and the action on the court is exhilarating.
Slam Dunk has had a lasting impact on the sports anime genre, influencing countless series that followed. If you’re a fan of sports anime, this is a must-watch—it’s not just about basketball, but about personal growth, teamwork, and the love of the game.
These basketball anime may vary in style, but each brings something unique to the table. From intense team dynamics to futuristic takes on the sport, there’s something here for every basketball anime fan. Hopefully, this list helps you discover your next favorite series!
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
