Hajime no Ippo (2000) chronicles the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high schooler who transforms into a formidable boxer through relentless grit, mentorship, and camaraderie.
Celebrated for its realistic portrayal of sportsmanship, underdog perseverance, and nuanced character growth, the series sets a high bar for sports anime.
These 15 lesser-known titles mirror its themes of resilience, strategic progression, and the emotional highs of competition.
1. Ashita no Joe (1970)
Streaming: RetroCrush, Amazon Prime
Plot: A troubled delinquent channels his rage into boxing, seeking redemption and purpose in a harsh world.
Similarities: Groundbreaking exploration of boxing’s physical and emotional toll, inspiring Hajime no Ippo’s underdog ethos.
Details: 79 episodes | Studio: Mushi Production | MAL: 8.3/10
2. Megalo Box (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot: An underground fighter using mechanical exoskeletons battles for glory in a dystopian boxing league.
Similarities: Raw, futuristic take on boxing with a focus on grit and societal critique.
Details: 26 episodes | Studio: TMS Entertainment | Awards: Crunchyroll Anime Award (2019)
3. Giant Killing (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A disgraced soccer coach returns to Japan to revive a struggling team through unorthodox strategies.
Similarities: Leadership dynamics and team-building parallels Ippo’s growth under Coach Kamogawa.
Details: 26 episodes | Studio: Studio Deen | MAL: 7.8/10
4. One Outs (2008)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: A gambling genius joins a baseball team, using psychological warfare to outwit opponents.
Similarities: High-stakes mind games akin to boxing strategies, with a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Details: 25 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | MAL: 8.1/10
5. Ace of Diamond (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A pitcher with unorthodox skills climbs the ranks in competitive high school baseball.
Similarities: Relentless training arcs and rivalry-driven narrative mirror Ippo’s journey.
Details: 126 episodes | Studio: Madhouse, Production I.G | MAL: 8.0/10
6. Baby Steps (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A methodical student applies analytical rigor to master tennis, challenging natural prodigies.
Similarities: Protagonist’s incremental growth and tactical approach echo Ippo’s disciplined training.
Details: 50 episodes | Studio: Pierrot | MAL: 7.9/10
7. Slam Dunk (1993)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A delinquent joins his school’s basketball team, transforming from novice to key player.
Similarities: Combines humor, teamwork, and intense matches with character-driven storytelling.
Details: 101 episodes | Studio: Toei Animation | MAL: 8.3/10
8. Initial D (1998)
Streaming: Funimation
Plot: A tofu delivery driver becomes a street-racing legend through precision and instinct.
Similarities: Underdog rise in a niche sport, emphasizing skill honing and rivalry.
Details: 74 episodes | Studio: Gallop, Pastel | MAL: 8.2/10
9. Rookies (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A fiery coach reforms a delinquent baseball team, teaching discipline and self-worth.
Similarities: Redemption arcs and team camaraderie akin to Kamogawa Gym’s bonds.
Details: 25 episodes | Studio: Madhouse | MAL: 8.2/10
10. Tiger Mask W (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: A wrestler dons a mask to dismantle a corrupt organization from within.
Similarities: Combines physical combat with personal vendettas and moral conflict.
Details: 38 episodes | Studio: Toei Animation | MAL: 7.2/10
11. Hikaru no Go (2001)
Streaming: Netflix
Plot: A boy haunted by a Go-playing ghost masters the ancient board game.
Similarities: Mentorship and strategic depth mirror Ippo’s relationship with Kamogawa.
Details: 75 episodes | Studio: Pierrot | MAL: 8.2/10
12. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Plot: Two friends with contrasting styles compete in table tennis, grappling with ambition and identity.
Similarities: Artistic storytelling and focus on psychological growth over raw power.
Details: 11 episodes | Studio: Tatsunoko Production | MAL: 8.6/10
13. All Rounder Meguru (2014)
Streaming: Not widely streamed (Check regional platforms)
Plot: An MMA fighter balances school and competitions, striving to prove his worth.
Similarities: Realistic combat sports portrayal and underdog tenacity.
Details: 1 OVA | Studio: Walker Pictures | MAL: 6.5/10
14. Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl (1989)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Plot: A judo prodigy navigates adolescence while resisting her grandfather’s Olympic ambitions.
Similarities: Balancing personal dreams with athletic pressure, akin to Ippo’s dual life.
Details: 124 episodes | Studio: Kitty Films | MAL: 7.7/10
15. Cross Game (2009)
Streaming: HiDive
Plot: A grief-stricken pitcher rekindles his love for baseball to honor a lost friend.
Similarities: Emotional depth and sports-as-healing narrative resonate with Ippo’s themes.
Details: 50 episodes | Studio: SynergySP | MAL: 8.3/10
Why These Anime Work for Hajime no Ippo Fans
These series capture the essence of triumph through perseverance, whether in boxing rings, baseball diamonds, or street races.
From Ashita no Joe’s raw emotional stakes to Megalo Box’s cyberpunk grit, they emphasize that victory isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about heart, strategy, and the bonds forged in pursuit of greatness.
Whether through Ping Pong’s psychological depth or Giant Killing’s tactical brilliance, each proves that underrated stories often pack the hardest punch.
