Best Sports Anime of 1985

The story centers around Uesugi Kazuya, his older twin brother Tatsuya, and their childhood friend Asakura Minami. Kazuya is adored by his community for his skills, hard work, and position as the ace pitcher on his middle school baseball team. In stark contrast, Tatsuya is seen as a lazy individual who has always taken a backseat, allowing Kazuya to be in the spotlight even though Tatsuya might have more natural talent. Minami, who is treated as a quasi-sibling, views both boys equally. Society, along with Tatsuya himself, anticipates a romantic relationship between Kazuya and Minami. However, Tatsuya's viewpoint evolves over time, leading him to realize that while he is willing to sacrifice anything for his brother, he cannot accept giving Minami up to Kazuya. The narrative delves into Tatsuya's journey to carve out his own identity amidst his brother's fame, examining how this conflict affects their relationships with Minami and their joint pursuit of fulfilling her long-held dreams.

The inaugural Captain Tsubasa movie features a showdown between an "All Europe Boy Soccer Team" and an "All Japan Boy Soccer Team," set after the original TV series concludes. When the Japanese squad arrives in Europe, they encounter exceptional players possessing abilities and intensity they have never dealt with before. Shortly after the match starts, the Tachibana brothers score a goal using their "acrobatic soccer," but the European side boasts superb organization and their legendary captain Karl-Heinz Schneider from Germany appears impossible to beat. With Wakashimazu completely overwhelmed by Schneider, the injured goalkeeper genius Wakabayashi steps in and manages to halt Schneider's "fire shots." Following this, Japan ultimately triumphs 3-2.

This second film centers on the rematch between the All Europe Soccer Team and Japan. Hyuga at first refuses to join because his third consecutive loss to Nankatsu. He throws himself into perfecting the Tiger Shot under Kyra's rigorous training. Misaki is unavailable, and Wakabayashi is barred from playing since he normally represents a German club. These absences, along with the European captain Schneider who has honed his skills, create major obstacles for Tsubasa and the Japanese side. Despite new regulations, Schneider seeks to defeat his rival Wakabayashi with his newly developed "illusion shot." He brutally attacks the substitute goalkeepers Wakashimazu and Murisaki until Wakabayashi is finally allowed to play. As the match goes on, Hyuga completes mastering the Tiger Shot and rejoins the team. Bringing together all the legendary players and Hyuga's new power, they claim a 4-3 victory in the final moments.

Musashi no Ken follows a young boy named Musashi who dreams of becoming the greatest Kendo champion. The narrative shifts back and forth between his childhood and his adult years.

While people around the world watch the Choujin Rugby match on TV, the "Underground Space Emperor" Hydra King commands his Underground Space Supermen to seize Robin Mask. His scheme involves using Robin Mask as bait to lure the Seigi Choujins, then capitalizing on their weaknesses using the Robin Memo, which contains information on every Seigi Choujin's vulnerabilities. After seeing this broadcast, Kinnikuman and the other Seigi Choujins assemble and depart for Planet Hydra.

During a trip to Easter Island with Mari-san's kindergarten group, the young boy Kouichi-kun, who uses a wheelchair, voices his annoyance at being stuck with Kinnikuman—whom he considers a fool—and longs to be with his favorite Seigi Choujin, Buffaloman, instead. At the same time, the rest of the Seigi Choujins are spending their holidays sightseeing at various historic landmarks across the globe.

While a film is being produced at Toei Eigamura, Kinnikuman suddenly vanishes and ends up in feudal Edo Japan. There, the evil Shuten Douji demands that Princess Mari be handed over to him, threatening to destroy the world otherwise. Driven by a desire to impress a woman, Kinnikuman vows to defeat Shuten Douji. He disguises himself as Princess Mari to face the villain, but Shuten Douji and his Big Four see through the ruse and brutally punish him. Learning of Kinnikuman's plight, Terryman, Robin Mask, and the rest of the Seigi Choujins travel to Edo Japan with the aid of Kinkotsu-obaba's magic to help him.

Sarumaru is a wild boy living in the countryside with his mother and his five siblings. Calling himself a "professional golfer," he plays betting golf as an amateur at a nearby golf course, using a driver he made himself. One day, his golf skills catch the attention of Mr. X, the shadowy leader of the golf world, who attempts to bring Sarumaru under his control by sending his underlings to challenge him. This tale chronicles the intense battles between Sarumaru and Mr. X's golfers.