Eyeshield 21, released in 2005, follows Sena Kobayakawa, a timid high school student who transforms into a legendary running back on his school’s American football team, hiding his identity behind a visor. The series masterfully blends high-stakes sports action with personal growth, as Sena overcomes bullying and self-doubt to lead his underdog team to glory.
At its core, it explores power systems through exaggerated athletic abilities and strategies, underdog stories of triumph against odds, and subversion of expectations by turning unlikely heroes into stars; these selected anime deserve more attention for their fresh takes on similar elements, often overlooked in favor of mainstream hits, offering engaging narratives that inspire and entertain with innovative storytelling.
1. All Out!! (2016)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Kenji Gion, a short but spirited high schooler, joins a rugby team alongside the tall and timid Sumiaki Iwashimizu, as they build skills and camaraderie to compete in intense matches. Together, they push their underdog squad toward national recognition through grit and teamwork.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Like Eyeshield 21, it features underdog protagonists subverting expectations in a contact sport, with character development focused on overcoming physical and mental weaknesses through strategic “power systems” of team plays and personal growth.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.2/10
- Episode Count: 25
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Directed by Kenichi Shimizu at Madhouse and TMS Entertainment
- Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Best Sports Anime at the 2017 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
2. Yowamushi Pedal (2013)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Sakamichi Onoda, an otaku with exceptional cycling stamina from casual rides, joins his high school’s cycling club and discovers his talent in competitive racing. He evolves from a novice to a key team member in grueling inter-high tournaments.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Shares underdog narratives where a seemingly weak protagonist subverts expectations via hidden “power systems” like endurance techniques, emphasizing character development through rivalry and self-discovery in endurance sports.
- Current MAL Rating: 8.0/10
- Episode Count: 38 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Produced by TMS Entertainment, directed by Osamu Nabeshima
- Awards or Recognition: Won Best Sports Anime at the 2014 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
3. Big Windup! (2007)
- Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Brief Plot Summary: Ren Mihashi, a pitcher haunted by past failures, joins a new high school baseball team where he rebuilds confidence with supportive teammates. They aim for the national Koshien tournament through intense training and matches.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Mirrors underdog stories with protagonists subverting low expectations, using baseball’s strategic “power systems” like pitch variations for character growth and team dynamics.
- Current MAL Rating: 8.0/10
- Episode Count: 25 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Studio A-1 Pictures, directed by Tsutomu Mizushima
- Awards or Recognition: Praised for realistic sports portrayal in Anime Grand Prix 2007
4. Ahiru no Sora (2019)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Short-statured Sora Kurumatani joins a delinquent-filled basketball club, inspiring them to pursue serious competition despite their lack of skills. He drives the team toward improvement through passion and unconventional plays.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Focuses on underdogs subverting height-based expectations in sports, with character development via “power systems” of creative techniques and motivational arcs akin to Sena’s journey.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.3/10
- Episode Count: 50
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Diomedea studio, directed by Keizou Kusakawa
- Awards or Recognition: Highlighted for character depth in 2020 sports anime reviews
5. Prince of Stride: Alternative (2016)
- Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: Nana Sakurai revives her high school’s stride club, a relay race involving parkour, recruiting talented but reluctant runners to compete in national events. The team overcomes personal hurdles to synchronize their unique abilities.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Echoes underdog team revival with subversion of athletic norms, using “power systems” of speed and agility for narrative-driven character development in high-energy competitions.
- Current MAL Rating: 6.9/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Madhouse, directed by Atsuko Ishizuka
- Awards or Recognition: Noted for innovative race animation in 2016 polls
6. Run with the Wind (2018)
- Current Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
- Brief Plot Summary: Kakeru Kurahara, a former track star, is coerced into joining a ragtag university running team aiming for the Hakone Ekiden relay race. Through shared struggles, they build endurance and bonds to chase victory.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Features underdog runners subverting past failures, with character arcs built on “power systems” of pacing strategies and mental fortitude, similar to football’s tactical growth.
- Current MAL Rating: 8.4/10
- Episode Count: 23
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Production I.G, directed by Kazuya Nomura
- Awards or Recognition: Won Best TV Anime at the 2019 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
7. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Current Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Brief Plot Summary: Childhood friends Peco and Smile navigate the competitive world of table tennis, confronting personal demons and rivals in pursuit of excellence. Their journeys highlight growth amid intense rivalries.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Subverts expectations in individual sports with underdog comebacks, using unique animation for “power systems” like spin techniques, focusing on psychological character development.
- Current MAL Rating: 8.6/10
- Episode Count: 11
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Tatsunoko Production, directed by Masaaki Yuasa
- Awards or Recognition: Won Animation of the Year at the 2015 Tokyo Anime Award Festival
8. Chihayafuru (2011)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Chihaya Ayase discovers her passion for karuta, a poetry-based card game, and forms a club to compete nationally with old friends. She hones reflexes and strategy to become a top player.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Shares underdog passion in niche competition, subverting intellectual sport norms with “power systems” of quick-draw tactics and deep character evolution.
- Current MAL Rating: 8.2/10
- Episode Count: 25 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Madhouse, directed by Morio Asaka
- Awards or Recognition: Nominated for Manga Taisho Award in 2012
9. Baby Steps (2014)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Studious Eiichirou Maruo takes up tennis systematically, progressing from beginner to pro-level contender through meticulous analysis and training. He faces emotional and physical challenges in tournaments.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Emphasizes analytical underdogs subverting athletic stereotypes, with “power systems” of data-driven techniques mirroring Sena’s strategic speed development.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.8/10
- Episode Count: 25 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Pierrot, directed by Masami Shimoda
- Awards or Recognition: Praised for realistic progression in sports anime circles
10. Tsurune (2018)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Minato Narumiya returns to kyudo (Japanese archery) after a slump, joining a club to rediscover his form and compete in tournaments. The team confronts inner conflicts through focused practice.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Features underdog recovery arcs subverting performance expectations, with “power systems” of precision techniques and character growth in a meditative sport.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.6/10
- Episode Count: 13 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Kyoto Animation, directed by Takuya Yamamura
- Awards or Recognition: Won Best Animation at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
11. Re-Main (2021)
- Current Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Brief Plot Summary: Amnesiac water polo prodigy Minato Kiyomizu rebuilds his skills and team after a coma, aiming for nationals amid personal rediscovery. His squad overcomes inexperience through determination.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Parallels underdog comebacks with memory-loss subversion, using aquatic “power systems” for tactical development similar to football’s team strategies.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.3/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: MAPPA, directed by Kiyoshi Matsuda
- Awards or Recognition: Noted for emotional depth in 2021 reviews
12. Stars Align (2019)
- Current Streaming Availability: Hulu
- Brief Plot Summary: Toma Shinjou revives a soft tennis club, recruiting Maki Katsuragi to strengthen the team against disbandment threats. They tackle personal issues while competing in matches.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Showcases underdog club revival subverting low expectations, with character-focused narratives and “power systems” of paired techniques.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.6/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Eight Bit, directed by Kazuki Akane
- Awards or Recognition: Praised for social themes at Anime Expo 2019
13. Salaryman’s Club (2022)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Mikoto Shiratori, a former badminton prodigy, joins a corporate team balancing work and sport, rediscovering passion through rivalries. The group aims for league success amid professional pressures.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Explores adult underdogs subverting career expectations, with “power systems” of shuttlecock strategies echoing athletic growth arcs.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.1/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: LIDENFILMS, directed by Aimi Yamauchi
- Awards or Recognition: Highlighted for unique adult perspective in 2022
14. Harukana Receive (2018)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Haruka Oozora moves to Okinawa and teams up with cousin Kanata for beach volleyball, overcoming height disadvantages in tournaments. They build skills through intense practice and bonds.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Features height-based underdogs subverting beach sport norms, with “power systems” of spike techniques and motivational character development.
- Current MAL Rating: 6.8/10
- Episode Count: 12
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: C2C, directed by Toshiyuki Kubooka
- Awards or Recognition: Noted for vibrant animation in summer 2018
15. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story (2022)
- Current Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Brief Plot Summary: Underground golfer Eve competes against prodigy Aoi in high-stakes matches, uncovering secrets while pursuing professional dreams. Their rivalry drives intense, over-the-top golf battles.
- Specific Similarities to Eyeshield 21: Subverts golf’s calm image with underdog rivalries and exaggerated “power systems” like signature shots, focusing on subversive narratives and growth.
- Current MAL Rating: 7.4/10
- Episode Count: 13 (first season)
- Notable Staff/Studio Involvement: Bandai Namco Pictures, directed by Takayuki Inagaki
- Awards or Recognition: Praised for absurdist sports take in 2022
Why These Anime Work for Eyeshield 21 Fans
These series capture the essence of Eyeshield 21 by blending underdog triumphs, clever “power systems” in competitive contexts, and unexpected twists that challenge viewer assumptions, all while fostering deep character arcs. They offer fresh perspectives on growth and teamwork in lesser-explored sports, making them ideal for fans seeking engaging stories that inspire without relying on overexposed tropes.
