The Most Popular Basketball Anime, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the basketball anime you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:29
Fans of basketball and anime often find themselves in heated debates about which series captures the essence of the sport and storytelling best. With a variety of shows depicting everything from realistic game play to more fantastical interpretations of basketball, it can be daunting to decide where to start or which one aligns most closely with personal tastes. A ranked list based on popular opinion helps provide a clear, crowd-sourced guide to what is resonating with audiences today.
By participating in the voting process, users not only help in crafting a list that more accurately reflects the collective preference but also discover new series that might capture their interest. This dynamic ranking changes with every vote, making each visit a new opportunity to see which basketball anime currently stands as the fan favorite. Engaging with this process ensures that all voices are heard and that the ranking remains a true reflection of the community's opinion.
What Is the Most Popular Basketball Anime?
-
1103votes
Slam Dunk
Takehiko InoueConsidered as one of the greatest sports anime of all time, Slam Dunk follows the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who joins his school basketball team to impress a girl. With its realistic depiction of basketball games and relatable characters, Slam Dunk has gained a massive following both in Japan and worldwide.Slam Dunk is a popular basketball anime that follows the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a red-haired delinquent who joins the Shohoku High School basketball team in order to impress a girl. Created by Takehiko Inoue, the series is known for its engaging storyline, intense basketball action, and memorable characters.- Genre: Sports, Drama, Comedy
- Original release: 1993-1996
- Episodes: 101
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Adaptation: Manga
Slam Dunk in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular sports anime
-
237votes
Kuroko's Basketball
Tadatoshi FujimakiKuroko's Basketball is a high-octane anime that follows the story of Seirin High School's basketball team as they strive to become the best in Japan. The series features an ensemble cast of skilled basketball players, each with their unique abilities and personalities. Kuroko's Basketball is popular for its intense matches, stunning animations, and engaging storyline.Kuroko's Basketball, also known as Kuroko no Basuke, is a popular basketball anime series. It tells the story of Tetsuya Kuroko, a former member of the legendary basketball team called the Generation of Miracles. Despite his lack of presence and unremarkable appearance, Kuroko possesses incredible basketball skills, specializing in misdirection and passing. He joins Seirin High School's basketball team alongside the talented player Taiga Kagami, and together they aim to defeat Kuroko's former teammates who now play for different high schools.- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Episodes: 75
- Original run: April 7, 2012 – September 22, 2015
- Studio: Production I.G
- Original network: MBS, Tokyo MX, BS11
-
39votes
Ahiru no Sora
Takeshi HinataAhiru no Sora is a relatively new basketball anime that premiered in 2019. The series follows the story of Sora Kurumatani, a short and scrappy high school student who dreams of playing basketball like his idol, Michael Jordan. Despite its newness, Ahiru no Sora has quickly gained a following for its realistic portrayal of basketball games and its relatable characters.Ahiru no Sora is a popular basketball anime that tells the story of Sora Kurumatani, a short and passionate basketball enthusiast who aims to become a great player despite his height disadvantage. The anime follows Sora's journey as he joins his high school basketball team and works hard to prove himself and lead his team to victory.- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Original run: October 2, 2019 – March 25, 2020
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Licensed by: Sentai Filmworks
-
419votesDear Boys follows the story of the Mizuho High School basketball team as they aim to win the national championship. The series is known for its intense basketball matches, complex characters, and engaging plot. Dear Boys is popular among fans of sports anime for its realistic portrayal of the sport and its emphasis on teamwork and hard work.
-
515votes
Buzzer Beater
Takehiko InoueBuzzer Beater is a science fiction basketball anime that takes place in the distant future. The series follows the story of Hideyoshi, a talented basketball player who is recruited to play for an Earth basketball team in a galaxy-wide tournament. Buzzer Beater is known for its unique blend of science fiction and sports, as well as its fast-paced and exciting basketball games.Buzzer Beater is a popular basketball anime series that revolves around the world of futuristic basketball. The story follows a young street basketball player named Hideyoshi Tanaka, also known as Hideyoshi, who dreams of becoming the greatest basketball player in the universe. In this high-stakes, fast-paced basketball world, Hideyoshi joins the Earth team and goes head-to-head against various extraterrestrial teams in thrilling matches.- Episodes: 13
- Original run: 2 seasons from 2005 to 2007
- Genre: Sports, Sci-fi
- Animation studio: TMS Entertainment
- Music: Tomoe Shinohara
-
62votesBasquash! is a basketball anime that takes place in a fictional world where basketball is played with giant robots. The series follows the story of Dan, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Basquash player to save his hometown from destruction. Basquash! is known for its over-the-top action sequences, unique premise, and fast-paced basketball games.Basquash! is a popular basketball anime series that combines the elements of sports, mecha, and futuristic technology. Set in a world where basketball is played using powerful exoskeleton shoes called Bigfoots, the show follows protagonist Dan JD, a talented young athlete who dreams of becoming a basketball star.
- Genre: Sports, Mecha, Sci-Fi
- Original run: April 2, 2009 - October 1, 2009
- Number of episodes: 26
- Animation studio: Satelight
- Main characters: Dan JD, Coco JD, Sela D Miranda
-
79votesRo-Kyu-Bu! follows the story of a high school basketball team that is saved by a group of young girls who are passionate about the sport. The series is known for its cute and charming characters, as well as its emphasis on teamwork and hard work. Ro-Kyu-Bu! is popular among fans of sports anime for its heartwarming storyline and engaging basketball games.Ro-Kyu-Bu! is a basketball-themed anime series that follows the story of a high school basketball team composed of five elementary school girls and their coach. It combines elements of sports, comedy, and slice of life genres to create an entertaining and heartwarming narrative.
- Genre: Sports, Comedy, Slice of Life
- Original Run: July 1, 2011 – September 23, 2011
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Project No.9
- Licensed by: Sentai Filmworks
-
88votesI'll/CKBC is a basketball anime that follows the story of two high school students who dream of becoming professional basketball players. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of basketball games and its emphasis on the mental and physical challenges of the sport. I'll/CKBC is popular among fans of sports anime for its engaging characters and intense matches.I'll/CKBC is a popular basketball anime series that follows the journey of two passionate high school basketball players. It showcases the challenges they face, their growth as athletes, and the bonds they form with their teammates.
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Released: 2002-2003
- Episodes: 26
- Animation Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Original Network: TV Tokyo
-
90votesBasquash! is a basketball anime that takes place in a fictional world where basketball is played with giant robots. The series follows the story of Dan, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Basquash player to save his hometown from destruction. Basquash! is known for its over-the-top action sequences, unique premise, and fast-paced basketball games.Basquash! is a popular basketball anime series that combines the elements of sports, mecha, and futuristic technology. Set in a world where basketball is played using powerful exoskeleton shoes called Bigfoots, the show follows protagonist Dan JD, a talented young athlete who dreams of becoming a basketball star.
- Genre: Sports, Mecha, Sci-Fi
- Original run: April 2, 2009 - October 1, 2009
- Number of episodes: 26
- Animation studio: Satelight
- Main characters: Dan JD, Coco JD, Sela D Miranda
-
108votes
Basketball Stories
AnonymousBasketball Stories is a collection of short anime films that explore different aspects of the sport. The series features stories about players, coaches, and fans and is known for its unique storytelling style and engaging characters. Basketball Stories is popular among fans of sports anime for its variety of stories and its emphasis on the human side of basketball.Basketball Stories is a captivating basketball anime that follows the journey of a talented protagonist striving to become a basketball champion. The anime combines thrilling basketball action with heartfelt character development, making it a favorite among sports anime enthusiasts. The story showcases the protagonist's growth as an athlete, their unyielding determination, and the bonds formed within their team. With intense matches, dramatic moments, and inspiring themes, Basketball Stories has captivated audiences worldwide.- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Original run: 2015-2017
- Episodes: 50
- Animation Studio: Studio XYZ
- Main character: Name: Takeshi Nakamura, Position: Shooting Guard
Missing your favorite basketball anime?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular basketball anime
-
Storyline and plotA strong, engaging, and relatable storyline is essential for keeping the audience interested and invested in the anime. It should be well-paced, with a good mix of drama, action, and emotion.
-
Character developmentThe quality and depth of the characters are crucial to making a basketball anime popular. Viewers must be able to empathize with and root for the growth of the characters, both on and off the court.
-
Animation qualityA well-animated basketball anime can effectively draw viewers in, making the games more thrilling, engaging, and impactful. High-quality animation helps bring the characters and teams to life, crucial for the anime's popularity.
-
Basketball actionIt is essential to showcase accurate and exciting basketball plays, strategies, and techniques to engage fans of the sport. Incorporating real basketball knowledge and skill into the anime can make the series more authentic and enjoyable.
-
Soundtrack and voice actingMusic and voice acting play a crucial role in setting the anime's tone and atmosphere. A memorable soundtrack and exceptional voice acting can elevate the overall viewing experience.
-
Popularity and receptionConsidering rankings, reviews, and ratings from experts and audience members can help gauge the anime's overall popularity and success. Additionally, the anime's influence on pop culture, merchandise sales, and social media presence can give insights into its popularity.
-
Emotional depth and impactAn anime that can evoke strong emotions through its storytelling and character relationships is more likely to resonate with viewers. This can drive popularity and create a lasting impression on the audience.
-
OriginalityA basketball anime should possess unique elements and avoid cliches, enabling it to stand out from other series in the same genre. This may include creative storytelling, unique character designs, and innovative basketball techniques.
-
Length and pacingAn optimal episode count should allow the anime to fully explore its storyline without overstaying its welcome.
-
Cultural relevance and adaptationThe ability to adapt to different cultures and capture a diverse audience's interest increases the anime's popularity. This includes language localization, relatability of the content, and cultural references or context.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular basketball anime. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Basketball anime is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2251 views
- 207 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Basketball anime once every 24 hours. The rank of each Basketball anime is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular basketball anime
Basketball anime has gained a significant following over the years, attracting fans of both the sport and anime. The genre combines the excitement of basketball with the emotion and drama of anime, creating a unique viewing experience. From classic titles like Slam Dunk to newer ones such as Kuroko’s Basketball, the popularity of basketball anime continues to grow. Fans are drawn to the intense matches, dynamic characters, and inspiring stories that these anime portray. Whether you're a basketball fan or an anime fan, basketball anime is sure to provide an exciting and thrilling ride.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
