Best Sports Anime of 2016

Following their victory over Aoba Jousai High, Karasuno High School, formerly dismissed as "a fallen powerhouse, a crow that can't fly," now confronts the critical phase of the Spring tournament. To secure a spot in the nationals, Karasuno must overcome the imposing Shiratorizawa Academy. Their greatest challenge lies in Shiratorizawa's ace, Wakatoshi Ushijima, who is hailed as the premier player in Miyagi Prefecture and ranks among the nation's three finest aces. Since only the strongest teams advance to the nationals, this match represents the final opportunity for the third-year players to qualify. Consequently, Karasuno must leverage every lesson from their training camp and previous matches to secure a win. As both teams grapple with a blend of anxiety and anticipation, they remain resolute in their quest to triumph in this pivotal third season of Haikyuu!!.

Following a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Finale, Yuuri Katsuki, formerly Japan's premier figure skating prospect, retreats to his family home to rethink his career path. At twenty-three, with his prospects for skating stardom dwindling, his fondness for tonkatsu and tendency to put on weight only add to his struggles. However, Yuuri's fortune shifts when a clip of him executing a routine made famous by five-time world champion Victor Nikiforov spreads rapidly online. To Yuuri's astonishment, Victor shows up at his residence and proposes to serve as his coach. Thrilled by this opportunity, Yuuri, a devoted fan, agrees and embarks on a quest to reclaim his spot on the global stage. His journey is complicated by the ambitious Russian skater Yuri Plisetsky, who is just as resolved to overtake Yuuri and secure Victor's mentorship.

In Keijo!!!!!!!!, the latest sensation in Japanese sports, participants compete on floating circular platforms called "lands" set over a pool, aiming to knock their opponents off using only their breasts and buttocks. This unique and captivating sport has gained massive popularity across Japan, drawing millions of viewers and offering substantial cash prizes. Athletes from various backgrounds join the competition, driven by the dream of becoming the national champion. Nozomi Kaminashi, an enthusiastic 18-year-old who recently graduated from high school, enters the world of keijo with the goal of helping her financially struggling family. Using her gymnastic skills, Nozomi quickly stands out in her first tournament and earns recognition as a formidable competitor. As she advances through the ranks, she forms bonds with teammates and rivals alike. However, Nozomi soon realizes that achieving fame and success comes with rigorous challenges that test her physical prowess and mental fortitude.

"Stride"—a dynamic fusion of parkour, freerunning, relay racing, and sprinting—captures the interest of first-year high school student Nana Sakurai, inspiring her to enroll at Honan Academy because of its celebrated stride team. Sharing this ambition is fellow freshman Takeru Fujiwara, who is equally enthusiastic about stride. Yet, when they arrive, they find that the stride club has been dormant due to a shortage of members, with its remnants operating under the pretense of the shogi club. Determined to restore the club to its former glory, Nana and Takeru recruit Riku Yagami, a versatile athlete noted for their speed. With this trio, the club aims to compete in the prestigious End of Summer event and bring back the honor of Honan Academy’s stride team.

In an archipelago of four islands located south of Japan, the creation of anti-gravity footwear called Grav-Shoes has transformed everyday life and given rise to a new sport named "Flying Circus." Participants earn points by making contact with floating buoys or their opponents' backs while airborne. Asuka Kurashina, a naive and clumsy transfer student at Kunahama High School, unintentionally pulls off a difficult maneuver in her first Flying Circus match, which prompts her to join the school's Flying Circus club. Under the guidance of coach Masaya Hinata, Asuka practices alongside Misaki Tobisawa, a skilled player, and Misaki's excessively protective friend, Mashiro Arisaka. The story Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm follows this inexperienced team's path as they soar through the skies, chasing their dreams with unwavering passion in spite of the obstacles that lie ahead.

In "Days," the story focuses on two boys, Tsukushi and Jin. Tsukushi is an ordinary boy with no special abilities or outstanding qualities, while Jin is known as a soccer prodigy. On a stormy night, Jin encounters Tsukushi, and from that point, both are pulled into the world of soccer.

In rugby, the player carrying the ball becomes the focal point as they work their way through opponents, aiming to reach the goal line. The sport allows play to continue even after a tackle, with players able to pass the ball backward or kick it to maintain forward motion. Kenji Gion, an energetic but short freshman at Kanagawa High School, meets Sumiaki Iwashimizu, a tall and calm senior, just after the opening ceremony. Both are encouraged to check out the rugby club. Watching a match, Gion realizes that while larger players have advantages, rugby also provides opportunities for athletes of all sizes. Believing this sport won't limit him because of his height, he decides to join the team, though Iwashimizu chooses not to. Not willing to let Iwashimizu's reasons stop him, Gion convinces his new friend to reconsider. As they dedicate themselves to intense training, their goal is to win at the prestigious Hanazono tournament, Japan's top high school rugby competition.

In "Cheer Boys!!," Haruki Bandou, a shy first-year university student, is relieved to be freed from martial arts after sustaining a shoulder injury, despite coming from a family that runs a dojo—he never truly enjoyed judo. His best friend, Kazuma Hashimoto, surprisingly follows suit and quits the university's judo club. Rather than taking a break, Kazuma suggests forming an all-male cheerleading squad, which catches Haruki off guard. However, with some persuasion, Haruki joins Kazuma in creating this unique group. Alongside their newly recruited teammates, Haruki and Kazuma form the Breakers, becoming the first male cheerleading team at Meishiin University. As they aim to break barriers and challenge preconceptions about cheerleading being a female-dominated activity, they must overcome physical challenges, societal biases, and personal insecurities.

The final installment in the trilogy of compilation films for the Kuroko no Basket franchise. Rakuzan and Shutoku meet in the Winter Cup semi-finals. Although Akashi's Emperor Eye, which can perceive everything, poses a challenge, Midorima and Takao strike back with a string of coordinated plays, and the entire Shutoku squad pushes back against Rakuzan. Before long, however, Akashi dashes every last hope they hold. The finals are set between Seirin and Rakuzan. Kagami enters the Zone the moment the match begins, yet it proves useless against Akashi. Faced with an overwhelming gap in skill when going up against Rakuzan, Seirin's hope is shattered numerous times over the course of the game. Still, Kuroko refuses to give in and keeps battling Akashi with unwavering resolve.

In the isolated town of Nitta, twelve-year-old Takumi Harada, a celebrated baseball pitching prodigy, joins his new school's poorly trained baseball team. Instead of feeling disheartened, Takumi views this as an opportunity to turn the underdog team into a formidable one using his skills. The challenge lies in finding a suitable catcher to handle his powerful pitches. His worries ease when he meets Gou Nagakura, a dedicated fellow student eager to prove his worth as Takumi's catcher. While Takumi works on building a strong partnership with Gou, he also faces conflicts with his teammates due to his disrespectful behavior. Alongside these challenges, Takumi searches for true enjoyment in the sport under the guidance of his grandfather.

In the second year of Seirin High School's basketball club, the team struggles with a shortage of new members. However, the exceptional skills of freshmen Taiga Kagami and Tetsuya Kuroko help make up for the smaller squad. Kagami, a returning prodigy from America, and Kuroko, whose unassuming appearance hides his past as part of Teikou Middle School's renowned "Generation of Miracles," build a strong partnership. After intense training to improve their teamwork, Seirin suffers a crushing defeat to Touou Academy in the Interhigh finals, where they face Daiki Aomine, Kuroko’s former teammate. Aomine easily overwhelms Seirin's "light and shadow" duo, leaving them uncertain about their ability to surpass him. With the Winter Cup approaching, a determined Seirin aims to avenge this loss against Touou. Despite thorough preparation, they must overcome a major challenge as Aomine begins to grasp the strategies behind Kuroko and Kagami's playing style.

The dominance of Japanese table tennis has been shattered. A surprising team has ended Oudou Academy's nine-year reign at the top, transforming the competitive landscape and motivating other squads to chase national tournament berths. At Suzumegahara Middle School, a small group of players strives to make their mark. Among them are Hanabi Tenka, known for her blazing fast offensive style; Hokuto Itsumo, who excels at predicting where the ball will go; Agari Kamiya, famous for her distinctive backhand smash; vice-captain Mune Oomune, who plays with a bold, aggressive approach; and captain Kiruka Ushirode, whose defense is impenetrable. Despite their skill, they have only competed at the city level. Their fortunes change when transfer student Koyori Tsumujikaze joins them. Driven by a deep passion for the game, Koyori quickly becomes a vital member of the team. Her spirited love for ping pong ignites a competitive fire in her teammates, uniting them in their quest for national tournament victory.

In the Winter Cup quarterfinals, Seirin High School faces Yousen High School, whose formidable "Shield of Aegis" defense is anchored by Atsushi Murasakibara—a member of Tetsuya Kuroko's former "Generation of Miracles"—alongside Tatsuya Himuro, a skilled player with a shared past with Taiga Kagami. Kagami and Himuro, still carrying unresolved rivalry from their previous encounter, aim to settle their conflict in this pivotal match. Meanwhile, Kuroko's lingering issues with his ex-teammate add further tension to the game. If Seirin can overcome Yousen, they will meet their longtime rivals, Kaijou High, in the semifinals, where Ryouta Kise—another former teammate of Kuroko's—awaits. To secure victory, Seirin must find a way to counter Kise's "Perfect Copy." However, this challenge grows even more daunting when they discover that Kaijou's star player has mastered the techniques of the other "Miracles."

A group of passionate Bladers chase their dreams on an unforgettable journey to the top. Valt Aoi is obsessed with Beyblade. His childhood best friend, Shu Kurenai, is known as a Beyblade prodigy and has already earned a spot among the Final Four of the National Beyblade Tournament. Inspired by Shu's success, Valt aims to compete in this year's national tournament. To reach that level, he first has to win the district tournament—a tough challenge with many strong opponents standing in his way. Determined to prevail, Valt strives to make it to the championship, where he hopes to face Shu and advance to the nationals. Through his battles, Valt expands his circle of friends and climbs to new heights. Without realizing it, he begins to dream of becoming the greatest Blader in the world.

In "Long Riders!", university freshman Ami Kurata becomes instantly captivated by a folding bicycle she notices near the station and impulsively spends all her savings to buy it. She then spends her weekends cycling with her childhood friend, Aoi, and Hinako, a senior at her university. Motivated by the idea that owning a road bike can completely transform one's perspective, Ami purchases a road bicycle and is amazed by its performance. As soon as she starts pedaling, she experiences the remarkable lightness, speed, and acceleration that distinguish this bike from anything she has ridden before. With her new road bike by her side, Ami's passion for cycling truly begins to develop.

Tied by a mysterious link, five of the world's deadliest prisoners escape from their respective jails and converge at Mitsunari Tokugawa's arena, driven by a shared craving for defeat. To satisfy this urge, Mitsunari pits them against Baki Hanma, a 17-year-old fighter hailed as the victor of "the most historic tournament ever," along with four other specially selected combatants. An immediate five-on-five match is organized with no limitations, allowing battles to occur anytime and anywhere. Each contestant is eager to measure their power against formidable adversaries, leading to an unconventional, unrestricted competition that spills beyond the arena into the heart of Tokyo.

The revived underground wrestling league Tiger's Lair, which once annihilated their shared dojo, now sets two young wrestlers against each other. One takes command of Naoto Date's training facility at the foot of Mount Fuji and inherits his mask. The other, after infiltrating the Tiger's Lair and emerging victorious from a brutal contest, obtains a jet-black tiger mask. These two tigers walk distinct routes—one bathed in light, the other shrouded in darkness—yet remain unaware of each other's true identities. Although they are rivals inside the ring, they join forces with a single purpose: to bring down the Tiger's Lair.

This sequel to Anitore! EX adds a newcomer, Sakura Izumi, to the group of five aspiring idols from the previous season. A lively second-year middle school student, Sakura is recognized for her constant bright smile.

Ayako Suzuki, Kinako Tanaka, Nishi Nishiaraidaishi, and Kurumi Satou each have their own unique personalities, but they are all members of the tennis club at Usakame High School. Through their shared experiences and intense training, these girls often find themselves in a variety of comedic situations.

A collection of memories from a group of cyclists who poured everything into their bicycles. With a focus on the third-year students who are the foundation of their teams, new tales that expose their backgrounds are ready to be told.

OVAs bundled with 4th and 5th manga volumes of Diamond no Ace Act II. An epilogue of the Diamond no Ace series.

Set in the Inazuma Eleven soccer anime universe, this spin-off series opens with an episode focusing on the Fubuki brothers, followed by a second episode highlighting the Ohisama En team.

In this special installment, Osomatsu-san teams up with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to deliver a collection of brief, comedic sketches centered around horse racing.

The story takes place in a port town in Miyagi Prefecture, where 13-year-old Hina Satou, an avid figure skater, lives with her father in temporary housing after losing her mother in the 2011 earthquake. Despite being burdened by painful memories of the disaster and precious recollections of her kind mother, the optimistic Hina continues to chase her dreams.

Unaired specials included in the Blu-ray and DVD release.

Unaired specials included in the Blu-ray and DVD release.

Extra episodes included as bonuses with the Blu-ray release of Anitore! EX. They are: Jigoku no Training: 100 Situps (with Asami), Jigoku no Training: 100 Pushups (with Eri), Jigoku no Training: 100 Back extensions (with Shizuno), Jigoku no Training: 100 Squats (with Akiko), and Jigoku no Training: 100 Back kicks (with Yuu).

Kinako Tanaka decides to help her classmate Miyako Baba when Miyako begins hiccupping in the tennis club. Kinako tries out various methods to stop Miyako's hiccups.

These previously unaired OVAs are included with the fourth Blu-ray and DVD volume. The first OVA, titled "Iroiro Danshi!!" (Various Boys!!), lasts four minutes and focuses on Wataru Mizoguchi proposing that the Breakers cheerleading team members quit and transform into different kinds of boys. The second OVA, "Kantan!! Cheer Danshi to Issho ni Up Dance" (Simple!! Up Dance Together with Cheer Boys), has a runtime of 19 minutes.

An anime collaboration between Osomatsu-san and the Japan Racing Association.

The special episode was bundled with the complete series DVD set and focuses on a school sports festival.

This short film was produced by the Kariya City Tourist Association of Aichi Prefecture as a tourism promotion. It follows a high school ekiden (long-distance road relay) club as they work toward competing in the ward tournament. Since the story is set in Kariya, viewers can get a sense of the city through the background scenery.

In Athlon Tobot 2, Team Typhoon is captained by the gifted but impulsive Taren Swift, who upholds his family's legacy in the Robot Dodgeball League—a sport his grandfather, Mr. Swift, co-founded. The team works alongside Team Athlon to uncover a hidden enemy operating within the league. The mission proves challenging, but the young pilots eventually learn to cooperate and harness their unique abilities. Their Athlon robots also combine, thanks to Dr. Hughes' cutting-edge integration technology: when joined, Alpha, Beta, and Theta form the mighty Champion. Additionally, Dr. Hughes pushes the limits further by creating a six-part integration system for Kyle and Taren’s Athlons, merging them into the colossal and powerful Magma 6!

Set within the Tobot universe, this sports-focused spin-off follows Kyle Hughes, a young elementary school student and passionate Robot Racing fan. He joins the League with three Athlon units—Alpha, Beta, and Theta—built by his mother, Dr. Hughes. Kyle soon uncovers that Mavrik Stone, his former idol and the celebrated Robot Racing Champion, is actually a supervillain behind the rigged and sabotaged races that have beset the competition. Determined to safeguard the integrity of the sport he loves, Kyle teams up with his family and his friend Tori Wade to root out and eliminate the corruption in the League, revealing Mavrik as a cheater. To achieve this goal, Team Athlon must push deep into the racing tournament.