Best Sports Anime of 2025

In the bustling city of Tokyo, elite horse girls and promising young talents dominate the national racing circuit. Aspiring trainer Jou Kitahara begins his journey with ambitious dreams but modest expectations, never anticipating that his breakthrough would come from an unremarkable town like Kasamatsu—until he discovers a girl with ash-gray hair who possesses a raw yet powerful running form. Oguri Cap endured a difficult childhood plagued by weak knees, struggling just to stand upright. Driven by unwavering determination, she overcame her physical limitations and found freedom in running, an activity once thought impossible for her. Unlike her fellow horse girls in Kasamatsu who pursue victory and recognition, Oguri runs purely for the joy of movement, without any particular goal. Fujimasa March, a rising local star, earns admiration through her disciplined approach, exceptional skills, and relentless drive. Running is her passion and source of pride. Yet, during a school-organized race where she competes against Oguri's untamed speed, March's confidence begins to falter. Meanwhile, Oguri undergoes a transformation after facing off against March, as a spark of ambition ignites within her for the first time, inspiring her to strive for more than the limits of her hometown and to reach the grand stages ahead.

Tsukasa Akeuraji had always aspired to be a competitive solo figure skater, but starting late in life kept him from reaching that goal. Now, financial difficulties force him to take on a role as an assistant coach, settling for a future that feels far from his original ambitions. The night before his first day at work, Tsukasa encounters Inori Yuitsuka, a timid fifth-grader practicing on the ice rink without permission. Inori is passionate about figure skating but is held back by her mother's overprotectiveness and her own lack of confidence. She has no support for her dreams until she meets Tsukasa. Despite her shy demeanor, Inori possesses great potential, waiting for the right guidance to flourish. Moved by Inori's determination and remembering his own struggles, Tsukasa decides to train her and help her realize the dream she has been too afraid to voice. The path ahead is long and filled with challenges and rivals, but Inori commits herself fully to the sport, aiming to reach the Olympics and become a medalist one day.

Togashi is known as the fastest runner at his elementary school, especially in the hundred-meter dash during gym class and sports day. But without any real rivals, he feels unchallenged. That changes when Komiya transfers in—a student who loves running but lacks proper technique. Togashi seizes the chance to coach him, and the two quickly bond over their shared passion for speed. Their friendship is cut short when Komiya unexpectedly transfers away. Despite the separation, both continue honing their running skills over the years, each facing their own obstacles. They push their limits, questioning whether Togashi's belief that being the fastest in the hundred-meter dash can solve everything still holds true.

This is the latter part of Umamusume: Cinderella Gray. Coming from a modest rural upbringing, Oguri Cap has completely flipped the racing world upside down. Her relentless surge through the national circuit seemed unstoppable—until it hit a wall. Tamamo Cross, the current pinnacle of racing, has defeated the Beast and named Oguri Cap as her rival. Yet Oguri Cap cannot afford to fix all her attention on Tamamo Cross. Riders from every corner of the globe are arriving in Japan one after another, all eager to prove their own abilities. Up against the world's elite, her ashen racer must push beyond her existing limits to have any hope of succeeding… Keep your eyes open—a Cinderella story packed with unexpected twists and turns awaits!

In "Catch Me at the Ballpark!," Koutarou Murata, a salaryman weighed down by stress, finds relief in visiting his local baseball stadium after work. One evening, he crosses paths with Ruriko, an energetic newcomer selling beer during her first shift. After buying a drink from her, a warm bond forms, built on lighthearted banter and mutual encouragement. As Koutarou grows more invested in the game and Ruriko works to expand her regular customers, they are joined by a range of spectators, each with their own touching stories. The ballpark becomes a place where all find comfort and build connections, brought together through shared experiences.

At Seiwa University High School, a place famous for its top-tier athletes and championship-winning teams, Kouyou Kotesashi enrolls with the goal of becoming a sports doctor. He moves into a caretaker role in one of the school's dormitories. There, he finds the dorm is home to five outstanding female athletes: Aroma Kusunoki, Miyuki Hongou, Izumi Sumiyoshi, Chiyo Sayamagaoka, and Aoba Kitahara. Despite some early doubts, Kotesashi proves his value through his deep understanding of the human body and his exceptional massage skills, which help him pinpoint and address the unique needs of each athlete. Motivated by the chairman's promise of a scholarship in exchange for keeping the girls healthy, Kotesashi dedicates himself to ensuring they stay in top form.

Kaboku "Kabo" Kotani starts at Ichiran High School, wanting to stay unnoticed because of his stutter. While his friends choose basketball, he thinks about joining the dance club. But a humiliating experience from middle school makes him afraid to dance in front of others. Everything changes when Kabo sees his cute classmate, Hikari Wanda, dancing. As they become friends, Wanda tells him she also has trouble with words and finds comfort in dance. This encourages Kabo to face his fears and join the dance club. With Wanda's help and the support of his clubmates, Kabo gets better at dancing, learning to express himself more freely and creating happy memories along the way.

Minami Aoba, a devoted gacha game player, hits a turning point when her favorite game announces it's shutting down. Realizing she has wasted her entire first year of high school, she decides to try out various clubs in search of a new hobby. She soon discovers, however, that she is not suited for most of the school's sports. One day, while assisting an elderly man in setting up his gear at a driving range, Minami encounters Haruka Akane, who introduces her to golf. Even though she lacks natural talent for it, Minami becomes fascinated by the motion of swinging the club. At last, she finds the genuine thrill she had been seeking, and golf becomes her true passion—something she can wholeheartedly devote herself to.

In "Turkey! Time to Strike," Mai Otonashi captains her high school bowling club, joined by members Rina Godai, Nozomi Mitaka, Sayuri Ichinose, and Nanase Nikaidou. Though Mai can bowl a turkey, she finds it difficult to keep her strike streak going. Each club member faces their own challenges with the sport, yet they still find enjoyment in it. Rina, however, grows frustrated with the team's casual attitude toward their failures. After a heated argument, Rina decides to leave the club, but Mai steps in to stop her. During a crucial match where Mai manages to bowl a turkey, a mysterious event sends the club members back in time to a Sengoku period battlefield. To return to their own era, they must recreate the conflict between Mai and Rina. As the others adjust to this new time, Mai must focus on achieving a critical turkey to change the outcome.

Second season of Kinnikuman: Kanpeki Chоujin Shiso-hen.

A crossover between Sora-iro Utility and BIRDIE WING: Golf Girls' Story.

A short directed by loundraw. Made as a collaboration between Z-Kai Group, loundraw, and FLAT STUDIO.

Second season of Sorotani no Keibatchi.

Third season of Sorotani no Keibatchi.

Second season of Bingqiu Xuanfeng.