Kuroko’s Basketball captured hearts with its blend of high-energy matches, distinctive “power systems” for each player, and the emotional journeys of underdogs striving for greatness. Its ability to balance intense competition with personal growth — all while subverting the usual sports anime tropes — made it a standout in the genre.
The following 15 underrated anime share similar DNA: unique abilities or tactical systems, team-building arcs, and surprising twists that go beyond the obvious. Some swap basketball for other sports or even non-sport competitions, but all deliver the same competitive thrill with rich character development.
1. Ahiru no Sora (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 7.28
Studio: Diomedéa
Awards: None, but praised for realistic sports depiction
Plot: Sora Kurumatani, a short but determined teenager, joins a struggling high school basketball team, determined to turn them into contenders despite their resistance.
Similarities to Kuroko’s Basketball: Both feature a protagonist underestimated due to physical limitations, with the narrative focusing on determination, team chemistry, and surprising wins against stronger opponents.
2. Bamboo Blade (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.28
Studio: AIC A.S.T.A.
Plot: A high school kendo club struggles to recruit members until a prodigy girl joins, sparking renewed motivation and a shot at tournament success.
Similarities: Like Kuroko’s, it mixes competitive tactics with quirky, endearing characters. The underdog journey and “hidden genius” character type mirror Kuroko’s role in his team.
3. Ginga e Kickoff!! (2012)
Streaming: Unavailable legally (physical media only)
Episodes: 39
MAL Rating: 7.63
Studio: TYO Animations
Plot: A group of kids revives their disbanded soccer team, chasing their dream of becoming national champions.
Similarities: Youthful energy, creative teamwork strategies, and growth arcs feel akin to Seirin’s journey in Kuroko’s. Each member gets a personal development spotlight.
4. Run with the Wind (Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru, 2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 23
MAL Rating: 8.47
Studio: Production I.G
Awards: 2019 Sugoi Japan Award (Anime Category)
Plot: Ten university students with varying athletic ability train for the Hakone Ekiden, one of Japan’s most prestigious long-distance relay races.
Similarities: Strong focus on personal struggles, mentorship, and overcoming physical and psychological limits. Its introspection mirrors the deeper emotional beats of Kuroko’s.
5. Giant Killing (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.56
Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: A former soccer star returns as coach to lead a struggling pro team, using unconventional tactics to topple elite clubs.
Similarities: Tactical mind games reminiscent of the on-court strategy in Kuroko’s Basketball. The “beat the giants” theme matches Seirin’s own underdog battles.
6. Cross Game (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 8.39
Studio: SynergySP
Plot: Following the sudden loss of a childhood friend, a young baseball player finds motivation to aim for Koshien with his team.
Similarities: Balances competition with poignant emotional arcs, just as Kuroko’s blends high-octane matches with deep character drama.
7. Chihayafuru (2011)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 75 (3 seasons)
MAL Rating: 8.22
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A high school girl dreams of becoming Japan’s top competitive karuta player, building a team to compete nationally.
Similarities: Turns a seemingly niche competition into intense, tactical showdowns with well-defined “power styles” for each rival — much like the Generation of Miracles.
8. Yowamushi Pedal (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 112+ (multiple seasons)
MAL Rating: 7.62
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A socially awkward otaku discovers a talent for road racing, joining his school’s competitive cycling team.
Similarities: The blend of unique skill sets, rivalry arcs, and stamina-based “power systems” feels straight out of Kuroko’s Basketball’s playbook.
9. Saki (2009)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 25 + side series
MAL Rating: 7.45
Studio: Gonzo
Plot: A seemingly average girl reveals a natural talent for competitive mahjong, shaking up the high school tournament scene.
Similarities: Sports-like escalation with defined special moves, strategic mind games, and a soft-spoken prodigy protagonist reminiscent of Kuroko.
10. Stars Align (Hoshiai no Sora, 2019)
Streaming: Funimation (now Crunchyroll)
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.56
Studio: 8bit
Plot: A failing soft tennis club recruits a transfer student whose skills and determination push the team toward victory.
Similarities: Focuses on team unity, personal baggage, and a fresh spark of talent that changes the team’s dynamic — much like Kuroko’s entrance at Seirin.
11. Basquash! (2009)
Streaming: Unavailable (DVD/Blu-ray import only)
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.29
Studio: Satelight
Plot: In a futuristic world, basketball is played using giant mecha, and a street player shakes up the professional scene.
Similarities: Creative twists on basketball, flashy “abilities,” and colorful animation reminiscent of Kuroko’s most dynamic matches.
12. Eyeshield 21 (2005)
Streaming: Unavailable legally (DVD only)
Episodes: 145
MAL Rating: 7.91
Studio: Gallop
Plot: A timid boy becomes the secret weapon of his American football team, using incredible speed to outmaneuver rivals.
Similarities: Secret-weapon protagonist, stylized “powers” tied to athletic ability, and a roster of eccentric rivals — pure Kuroko’s energy.
13. Princess Nine (1998)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 7.39
Studio: Phoenix Entertainment
Plot: A talented pitcher joins Japan’s first girls’ baseball team, aiming to prove they can compete with boys’ teams at the highest level.
Similarities: Underdog spirit, gender barrier-breaking, and high-stakes rivalries that mirror Seirin’s against the Generation of Miracles.
14. Iwa Kakeru! Sport Climbing Girls (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.45
Studio: Blade
Plot: A puzzle-loving girl discovers competitive climbing, applying her analytical skills to dominate matches.
Similarities: Skill-as-a-superpower approach, with strategic use of strengths and weaknesses similar to how Kuroko’s players exploit rival gaps.
15. Whistle! (2002)
Streaming: Unavailable legally
Episodes: 39
MAL Rating: 6.94
Studio: Studio Comet
Plot: A passionate but untalented boy moves schools to join a soccer team, determined to grow despite constant setbacks.
Similarities: Pure underdog perseverance, strong mentor figures, and team-based improvement arcs that echo Seirin’s climb.
Why These Anime Work for Kuroko’s Basketball Fans
All 15 of these series tap into the same emotional and narrative currents that make Kuroko’s Basketball so addictive: the thrill of tactical showdowns, the emotional highs of overcoming limitations, and the satisfaction of watching teams evolve into something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether they swap basketball for baseball, cycling, or even karuta, the essence remains — fierce rivalry, unique “abilities,” and heartfelt underdog victories that stick with you long after the credits roll.
