17 Boxing Anime to Add to Your Watchlist

Get ready to witness an all-out brawl in Japan’s underground martial arts world, with Baki Hanma leading the charge. This anime is a high-stakes showdown between two martial arts worlds, colliding in a war that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Baki is a total badass with a seemingly unstoppable power that will have you cheering for him every step of the way.

However, even his immense strength pales compared to his father, making for an epic father-son battle that you won’t want to miss.

Get ready to see some of the most intense and thrilling martial arts fights in anime history as these powerful fighters go head-to-head in a battle for dominance.

Megalobox is an anime renowned in the community for its unique and refreshing take on boxing. First released in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the classic manga series “Ashita no Joe,” Megalobox is set in a dystopian future where licensed citizens live comfortably inside a city, while the unlicensed live in the slums outside.

The protagonist, Junk Dog (JD), a.k.a “Gearless Joe,” is a boxer who participates in illegal, fixed boxing matches to make ends meet. What sets Megalobox apart is the concept of ‘Gear’ – mechanical limbs used by boxers to increase their speed and power.

Regarding boxing anime, one name stands out: Ashita no Joe. This genre-defining series is the anime equivalent of the iconic Rocky films, and that’s no exaggeration.

The story is simple but powerful, following the journey of the young and troubled Joe Yabuki as he discovers his true calling as a boxer. Joe’s tough upbringing as an orphan has led to his delinquent tendencies and frequent brawls, but all that changes when he meets Danpei Tange.

This ex-boxer becomes Joe’s trainer and mentor, unlocking his hidden potential and guiding him toward greatness in the boxing world.

Another boxing anime on our list is Rainbow: Nishakubou no shichinin.

Rokurouta Sakuragi, one of the main characters, is a talented boxer, and his journey in the sport is a significant part of the narrative. Boxing becomes a symbol of hope and a path towards a better life for Sakuragi, providing an escape from the harsh realities he and his friends endure at the Shounan Special Reform School.

The depiction of boxing in “Rainbow” is not just about the sport itself but also serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggle, determination, and growth. The boxing scenes in the anime are intense and realistically portrayed, reflecting the broader themes of resilience and fighting spirit that resonates throughout the series.

“Ganbare Genki” is a classic boxing anime that many consider one of the best in the genre. The series, created by Yu Koyama, was originally a manga series from 1976 to 1983. The anime adaptation aired from 1980 to 1981.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Genki Horiguchi, who aspires to be a professional boxer like his father, who was a former world champion. Tragically, Genki’s father dies from injuries sustained during a match, which only further drives Genki’s resolve to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Hatanaka Kosaku has a powerful punch but a voracious appetite that might be his downfall. This foodie is so obsessed with his favorite dishes that he often eats right before stepping into the ring, leading to him ending up in the heavyweight category.

But when he meets Sister Angela, a nun-in-training, everything changes. She helps to train him for the boxing world, and he helps her find her place in the world. Despite their differences, the two develop an exciting and unlikely relationship.

Things get even more enjoyable with the three main characters forming a love triangle. The intense romantic tension between them will leave you wondering who will come out on top – not just in the boxing ring.

Could there be a knockout in the name of love? You’ll have to watch to find out! This anime perfectly blends sports, romance, and drama, making for an unforgettable and engaging story.

Get ready to root for your favorite character and experience the ups and downs of their journey, both in and out of the ring. With stunning visuals and an incredible soundtrack, Slow Step is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Meet Ryoutaro Shiba – a young boy with a hidden talent for boxing that he doesn’t even know he has. That is until his family moves to a new town, and his neighbor, Nozomi Egawa, decides to charm him into taking up the sport.

Nozomi has big plans for Ryoutaro and even submits a resume for him so he can join the local boxing team. Despite his initial reluctance, Ryoutaro soon discovers that he has a special gift for boxing and finds himself in the ring, determined to fulfill Nozomi’s wishes.

With his natural talent and a supportive mentor, Ryoutaro quickly becomes a rising star in the boxing world.

In this epic tale, the main character, Noboru Takizawa, finds himself thrust into the world of Jakuniku Gakuen school, where conflicts are settled through athletics and wrestling.

But things get even more complicated when Takizawa has a run-in with the fiery student, Koichi Jenouchi. As the headmaster requires, the school attendant decides to discipline Jenouchi for being late. Luckily, Takizawa’s new classmate, Yukari, saves the day.

But the drama doesn’t end there. Things start to heat up when Zenouchi and Saburo Ibuki, a school employee, get into a brawl about who gets to date Yukari. And all the while, Yukari sparks Takizawa’s romantic interest, making this a wild ride of athletic battles and high school crushes.

Delinquents – love ’em or hate ’em, they’re certainly enigmatic. On the one hand, they’re a total nightmare – cussing, fighting, and generally causing chaos wherever they go.

But on the other hand, they’ve got a certain sense of honor and justice that can’t help but make you root for them. Enter Rokudenashi Blues – the ultimate trip to the wild side as we follow the daily shenanigans of Taison Maeda.

This early ’90s cult boxing anime is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story. The big question is – will Taison be able to keep his short temper in check, or will he end up punching another teacher?

Meet the dynamic duo of Takane Kiku and Takane Ryuji – two siblings with one goal: to make Ryuji the arena champion and fulfill their late father’s wishes.

But this anime isn’t just about boxing – it’s a journey of growth and maturity for Ryuji as he takes on countless rivals and faces challenges in and out of the ring.

This high school boxing anime has everything from junior high pressure to the boxing arena’s thrill. Get ready for some epic battles, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable characters.

Ryuji’s journey toward the top is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he learns valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and the true meaning of family. And with arch-rivals around every corner, there’s never a dull moment in this action-packed anime.

So, whether you’re a fan of sports anime, coming-of-age stories, or just looking for a thrilling and engaging show, this anime has something for everyone.

Meet Kenichi – a young boy who is hilariously weak and spends his time reading self-help books to improve himself.

He goes to Miu, the new badass girl in class, to learn how to fight when he gets fed up with his weakness. And boy, does she deliver!

Taking Kenichi to her grandfather’s dojo, Miu promises to teach him everything he needs to know about self-defense – as long as he can survive the brutal training.

From there, it’s one hilarious training montage after another as Kenichi struggles to keep up with the other students and master the art of fighting.

With the introduction of mechanical martial arts, Levius raises the stakes in the ring and keeps you on the edge of your seat with every fight.

Set in a cyberpunk world still reeling from the aftermath of war, Levius is a thrilling tale of bionic fighters battling it out for their fortunes. And at the heart of it is the enigmatic Levius Cromwell – a main character with a silent archetype that intrigues the show’s mystery.

You’ll be hooked from the first episode as you follow Levius on his journey toward greatness, facing incredible challenges both in and out of the ring. With stunning visuals and a captivating storyline, Levius is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports anime, cyberpunk, or an all-around engaging and thrilling story.

Taison Maeda, a rebellious student from Teiken High School, takes center stage in our story, harboring dreams of becoming the world boxing champion. The manga charts Maeda’s journey with his friends and rivals as he navigates the challenges of three high school years. Throughout this period, he emerges as one of Tokyo’s most formidable and famous high school fighters.

But Rokudenashi Blues isn’t simply an action-packed manga; it also weaves in elements of humor and meticulously crafted story arcs revolving around honor, friendship, and the struggles of living as a delinquent student in Japan.

Another boxing anime fans fell in love with is Burning Blood.

On the brink of achieving fame with his band, Ryo Takagi plays the trumpet. He also possesses a natural knack for fighting, and his blood catches fire when he engages in serious battles. This distinct attribute earns him the nickname B.B., short for “Burning Blood.”

However, a crushing defeat against a young man named Jin Moriyama prompts a drastic change in Ryo’s path. He swaps his trumpet for a pair of boxing gloves, committed to challenging Moriyama again, but this time, according to Moriyama’s preference – in the boxing ring.

“Kengan Ashura” is an action-packed martial arts anime series based on the manga series written by Sandrovich Yabako and illustrated by Daromeon. The anime adaptation was released by Netflix in two parts, with the first part premiering in July 2019 and the second in October of the same year.

The series is set in a universe where business disputes are not settled through traditional means like lawsuits or negotiations but through brutal, gladiatorial combat. Wealthy corporations and business owners hire fighters to represent them in the Kengan matches, a series of underground, one-on-one martial arts fights.

“Fighting Spirit,” also known as “Hajime no Ippo” in Japan, is widely recognized as one of the finest boxing anime ever produced. Adapted from the manga series written by George Morikawa, “Fighting Spirit” offers an exceptional combination of thrilling sporting action, deep character development, and compelling storytelling.

The anime tells the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a shy, introverted high school student who’s often the target of bullies. His life takes a dramatic turn when he’s rescued from bullies by a professional boxer named Mamoru Takamura. Intrigued by boxing, Ippo dedicates himself to the sport and trains under Takamura at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym.

One aspect that sets “Fighting Spirit” apart from other boxing anime is its detailed and realistic portrayal of the sport.

The series dives into the nitty-gritty of boxing, providing in-depth looks at training regimens, match strategies, and the physical and psychological hardships boxers undergo. This deep respect for the nuances of boxing is a major contributor to the series’ popularity among fans of the sport and anime in general.

Best Boxing Anime