Boxing anime are some of the most intense and action-packed anime you can watch. Whether it’s fighting monsters, surviving in jail, or being faster than light, there’s a lot more going on than just two fighters in the ring. Many boxing shows also feature complex relationships and even love triangles!
We have covered a list of the top 10 best boxing anime that you should watch if you’re a fan of boxing.
Before we start, we should clarify that these anime series are strictly related to boxing, so you won’t find martial arts series like Baki or Kengen Ashura on this list.
Without further ado, let’s dive straight into the list.
10. Ganbare Genki
Ganbare Genki tells us a spectacular yet tragic story of Horiguchi Genki, a child full of energy who is ready to set the world ablaze with his passion. However, he has a sad past, having lost his mother at a young age. He was brought up by his father who could barely make ends meet with his boxing—but he didn’t let that stop his progress.
Horiguchi’s goal in life is to become the World Champion in boxing, a goal that his father failed to attain. This underdog tale is one of the most inspiring boxing anime tales – truly a classic!
9. Ring ni Kakero
Ring ni Kakero is made by the creator of the massively popular manga series Saint Seiya. To say that this is an amazing boxing anime would be an understatement. The art style makes this anime unique.
Ring ni Kakero was designed by Masami Kurumada, who is known to be an artistic genius. This is why the series has some of the coolest-looking characters of any anime.
Aside from the art and animation, Ring ni Kakero has a stellar storyline in which Ryuuji and Kiku Takane, two siblings, decide to work together and make history in the world of boxing.
8. One Pound Gospel
Rumiko Takahashi is the genius behind One Pound Gospel, which means that it is going to be a gem of a title. What sets One Punch Gospel apart from other boxing anime is its likable and well-thought-out characters. Moreover, romance is a big part of this anime, which makes things even better.
But why is it called One Pound Gospel? This show features a character named Sister Angela, who is a nun that teaches boxing to our hero Kosaku Hatanaka.
Kosaku must follow Angela’s guidance to become the strongest boxer and a better person.
7. Nozomi Witches
This is one of the most misunderstood anime, likely because of its title, Nozomi Witches. While it is a boxing anime, many people think that it must be some sort of magical anime for girls due to the name containing “witches.”
The storyline is a bit strange, it’s true (but doesn’t that describe all of the best anime?). It starts with Ryoutaro Shiba, a boy who has zero interest in boxing. However, he begins to pursue boxing once his beautiful new neighbor Nozomi tricks him into joining the school boxing club. Will he win the fight and get the girl?
The anime shows us the struggles of Ryoutaro and what it takes to become a good boxer.
6. Levius
Levius takes place in an alternate fictional world that is set in the 20th and 21st centuries. In this world, technology is different, as it involves steam and not electricity. In other words, Levius is a steampunk boxing anime. With the use of steam technology, fighters can now replace certain body parts and become artificially stronger.
The story incorporates a huge war in Europe where millions have lost their lives. Amidst all this chaos, we meet Levius, a boy who lost his arm and now fights in mechanical boxing matches. There’s a lot of chaos waiting for you in this anime, which makes it one of the best boxing anime of all time.
5. Slow Step
Slow Step is about a young girl and softball player named Minatsu Nakazato. Her friend Shuu has always been in love with her, but one day, when dressed as a boxer, another friend named Naoto falls in love with this boxer persona. Will these good friends survive a tangled love triangle with Minatsu in the middle?
With boxing at the center of this love triangle, this anime is an exciting watch for boxing, romance, and comedy fans alike.
4. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin
Rainbow tells the story of seven teenagers who find themselves in the same jail cell in Shonan. They quickly make a pact and decide to stick with each other through thick and thin to survive the prison.
The anime has great animation and plenty of prison brawls where boxing is given the most emphasis. If you are looking for an anime that features more informal or bare-knuckle boxing, then Rainbow is the anime for you.
3. Ashita no Joe
One of the best anime of all time, Ashita no Joe tells us the story of Joe Yabuki—a scrappy young man who’s always getting into trouble. Joe spent most of his life in an orphanage, and one day, he finally manages to escape to Tokyo. There, he meets Danpei Tange, an old boxer and retired boxing coach whose life is not going well.
At first, they hate each other. But Danpei quickly realizes that Joe possesses a unique talent for boxing and decides to train him to be the best boxer in Tokyo.
2. Megalo Box
Megalo Box gives boxing a fresh new look in a post-modern world. It features Junk Dog, a man infused with a machine, guaranteeing to satisfy your cravings for mech-inspired boxing (also known as Megalo Boxing). Junk Dog enters the Meganolia tournament to become the best Megalo Box boxer.
The anime also shows us the dark side of technology. In Junk Dog’s tech-heavy world, crime is at an all-time high. Will Junk Dog be able to fulfill his dream?
1. Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit)
Hajime no Ippo is the #1 boxing anime by pretty much every standard. It is the epitome of the best boxing in terms of story and animation.
The story follows Ippo, who constantly gets bullied and wants to learn to fight. One day after getting beaten badly, he meets Mamoru Takamura, who discovers that Ippo has great potential as a boxer.
From there, Ippo goes on a journey, encountering many frightful enemies on his path to becoming the world featherweight champion. Can he go all the way?
Final Verdict
The world of boxing is vast but the world of boxing anime is even more diverse. With so many anime to watch, you’ll practically be a boxing pro yourself by the time you finish! In the end, Hajime no Ippo is the best boxing anime, but you may not want to watch the best one first. We recommend starting with number 10 on our list and working your way up!
Looking for more? Check out our article on Tsunade and Sasuke Uchiha.
Jack
Jack is an avid anime enthusiast with a passion for all things Japanese culture. He spends his days watching the latest series, reading manga, and discussing the merits of his favorite characters with his friends. When he's not writing (or debating) about manga and anime, Jack can be found playing video games or practicing Ju-Jitsu. Despite his nerdy interests, Jack is confident and outgoing. He's always eager to share his enthusiasm with others.