Blue Lock has taken the world by storm after becoming one of the most-viewed sports anime in record time.
Released as an anime in 2022, Blue Lock is a football or soccer anime.
Blue Lock tells the story of a program in Japan where high school soccer players from across Japan are gathered for a very controversial project whose primary focus is to create a monster of a striker with the best skills and unmatched ego.
Blue Lock became an instant hit because of the well-written characters, high-end animation, and captivating storyline.
This anime also shows the Japanese national team’s aspiration to win the World Cup.
And a fun fact: Japan’s national team jersey for the 2022 FIFA World Cup had the same design as the one made in the anime.
There are many sports anime, but here are a few interesting ones for you.
If you liked Blue Lock, here are 11 anime similar to Blue Lock that you can try:
11 Similar Anime Like Blue Lock
Captain Tsubasa
You will love this anime if you love Blue Lock for its footballing components.
Captain Tsubasa is a beloved anime that has captivated fans for decades.
This anime tells the story of Tsubasa Ozora, a talented young soccer player who wants to be the best in the world.
The story takes place in Japan and revolves around Tsubasa’s journey through various hardships and hardships.
The anime showcases a highly stylized version of playing soccer with exaggerated moves and techniques not seen in real life.
These moves, called “Tsubasa Techniques,” form the basis of the movie and have become iconic in the anime world.
Animation is also critical to develop the relationship between the character and the players.
As the series progressed, we’ve seen players grow and evolve both on and off the court.
They encounter problems and setbacks but always come together to overcome them.
Another critical aspect of Captain Tsubasa is that it depicts the passion and intensity of the sport.
In addition to the interactive story, this anime has beautiful animation and sound design.
Races that come to life with sharp camera angles and vibrant colours are exciting. The music is very well suited for the show.
Overall, this anime written by Yōichi Takahashi is a timeless classic that has won the hearts of fans worldwide.
Whether you’re a football fan or just a fan, this anime will inspire and entertain.
10. Ace of Diamonds
“Ace of Diamonds” is a popular sports drama that follows the story of Hidetoshi Sawamura, a passionate high school pitcher deeply in love with the game of baseball.
The anime revolves around the journey of Eijun, who joins the Templar High School baseball team and aspires to become the team’s best pitcher.
One of the standout features of “Ace of Diamonds” is its meticulous attention to detail in describing the baseball game.
The anime skillfully showcases various strategies, tactics, and techniques involved in the game at a high level.
The anime also excels in creating tense and dramatic moments during the games.
“Ace of Diamonds” places a strong emphasis on character development. Eijun is one of many characters who undergo significant growth throughout the series.
As they confront challenges on and off the field, characters learn to push their limits, evolving into better players and individuals.
The anime delves into themes of cooperation, friendship, and patience, portraying the Seido baseball team as more than just a group of players—they are a tight-knit circle of friends, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Matches are expertly animated, featuring fluid action that heightens the intensity of decision-making moments.
The sound effects and music further enhance the overall atmosphere, adding to the tension and excitement of the game.
The attention to detail, engaging characters, and overall quality make it one of the best in its category.
9. Clean Freak ! Ayoyama-kun
“Clean Freak Aoyama-kun” is an excellent anime that tells the story of Aoyama-kun, a high school football player known for his intelligence and desire to keep everything clean.
The anime revolves around the daily life of Aoyama-kun, who tries to balance his love of football with his passion for cleanliness.
Aoyama plays for the school soccer team and is a Japanese national U-16 team member.
The anime takes a simple idea, Aoyama’s obsession with cleanliness, and turns it into a captivating show.
The humour arises from Aoyama, who goes to great lengths to avoid falling or touching anything he considers unclean.
The anime also excels at developing Aoyama’s character. Despite his eccentric personality, Aoyama is a cute and relatable character.
Another critical aspect of “Clean Freak Aoyama-kun” is its portrayal of the game of football.
Football is portrayed as fast-paced, fun, and exciting, keeping the audience engaged.
As the story progresses, it explores themes of cooperation and friendship. Aoyama’s friends initially find his behaviour strange and suspicious.
Still, as they learn more about his personality, they accept and admire him.
Working towards a common goal, they form a strong bond beyond just playing football.
Its unique setting, interesting characters, and enjoyable football games make it a great addition to sports anime.
If you enjoyed “Blue Lock,” this soccer anime with great storytelling will surely entertain you.
8. Days
7. Aoki Densetsu Shoot!
“Aoki Densetsu Shoot!” is a sports classic that follows the story of Toshihiko Tanaka, a young boy with dreams of becoming a professional football player.
The anime revolves around Toshihiko’s journey as a freshman or first-year student in his school.
He joins the school’s soccer team and strives to improve as a player.
The anime places a strong emphasis on character development.
Tanaka and his friends encounter numerous challenges on the field, demonstrating resilience and a constant pursuit of improvement.
Their passion and determination to succeed serve as an inspiration, garnering audience support as they work towards achieving their goals.
“Aoki Densetsu Strike!” epitomizes the game of football.
The animation effectively captures the excitement and energy of the game, presenting well-crafted and engaging matches.
The challenges depicted are realistic, enhancing the game’s depth with a focus on strategy and teamwork.
The music adds to the overall mood of the anime, enhancing the viewing experience.
It is worth watching, focusing on character development, coordination, and stamina, setting it apart from others in its category.
6. Kuroko’s Basketball
“Kuroko’s Basketball” is a popular sports drama that narrates the story of the basketball team at Seirin High School and their aspirations to become the number one team in Japan.
The anime centers around a group of basketball prodigies, notably Tetsuya Kuroko, a former “Generation of Miracles” high school basketball team member.
A significant highlight of “Kuroko’s Basketball” is its focus on character development.
Tetsuya Kuroko, in particular, stands out as a compelling character known for his stealthy playstyle and the unique ability to seemingly disappear on the court.
The challenges portrayed in the series are realistic, adding depth to the game and emphasizing the importance of strategy and teamwork.
The anime is lauded for its exceptional animation quality.
The characters are meticulously designed, and their fluid movements contribute to a lifelike depiction of basketball.
Whether or not you’re a basketball enthusiast, this anime promises to inspire and entertain with its engaging storyline and well-executed animation.
5. Hajime No Ippo
“Hajime no Ippo” is a sports drama anime that follows the story of a high school student named Kazupo Makinouchi, who is initially bullied by his peers until he is rescued by professional boxer Mamoru Komura.
Inspired by Takamura, Ippo embarks on becoming a professional boxer.
Ippo is a charming and relatable main character who, initially lacking confidence, finds inspiration in Takamura’s dedication to boxing.
Immersing in the sport, he learns to overcome insecurities and develops his unique boxing style.
The animation delves into themes of hard work, perseverance, and determination as Ippo faces numerous challenges on his path to becoming a professional boxer.
His passion and unwavering commitment are inspiring, garnering audience support as he pursues his goals.
An essential element of “Hajime no Ippo” is its portrayal of martial arts.
The anime effectively captures the intensity and brutality of the sport, presenting engaging and well-animated sequences.
The competition depicted emphasizes strategy and technique, adding depth to the narrative in a realistic manner.
In conclusion, “Hajime no Ippo” is a noteworthy anime with a compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and impressive animation and sound design.
4. Food Wars
“Food Wars” is an anime that combines cooking and fighting elements, following the journey of Yukihira Soma, an aspiring chef at the prestigious Totsuki Saryo Culinary Academy.
The story revolves around cooking competitions with other talented chefs.
One standout feature of “Food Wars” is its keen focus on the art of cooking.
The anime skillfully portrays various cooking techniques, ingredients, and dishes worldwide.
The cooking battles are dramatic, accompanied by detailed dish preparation and presentation explanations.
The anime’s emphasis on culinary innovation is a key highlight. Chefs in the show strive to create new and unique dishes that push the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
This adds excitement and unpredictability, keeping the audience guessing about the next culinary creation.
Soma and his friends face numerous challenges to become the Ultimate Cook.
Penned by Yuto Tsukuda, “Food Wars” incorporates some fan service, particularly when characters indulge in delicious food.
While this may not suit everyone’s taste, it’s a minor aspect that doesn’t overshadow the anime’s excellence.
3. Hungry Heart: Wild Striker
2. Haikyu!!
“Haikyuu!!” is an anime centered around volleyball, not basketball.
The story follows Shoyo Hinata, a passionate volleyball player with a short stature and excellent jumping ability.
Despite facing defeat in middle school against the team led by Tobio Kageyama, known as the “King of the Court,” they become teammates in high school, learning to work together to lead their team to victory.
The anime is celebrated for its detailed animation and storytelling in volleyball.
It delves into the personal struggles and development of its characters, such as Hinata’s determination to prove himself, Kageyama’s effort to break through his pride, and the collective challenges faced by the team.
Throughout the series, Haikyuu emphasizes the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
Characters confront formidable rivals and setbacks, permanently uniting to overcome challenges.
In addition to its compelling story and characters, the anime boasts excellent animation and music.
The animation vividly portrays the intensity and athleticism of volleyball with sharp camera angles and fluid movements.
1. Ao Ashi
“Ao Ashi” is a football anime that follows the journey of a high school soccer team that becomes the top team in Japan.
The story centers around Ashito Aoi, a talented football player who has faced challenges from his selfish behavior since elementary school.
A high school soccer team scout recognizes Aoi’s potential and encourages him to focus on teamwork.
Upon joining the team, Aoi needs help to adapt to a style of play that prioritizes teamwork and strategy over individual talent.
Through conflicts with friends and teachers, he gradually learns the significance of collaboration for a shared goal.
An outstanding aspect of “Ao Ashi” is its attention to detail in football.
The show incorporates real-life football tactics and strategies, allowing the audience to deeply engage with the matches and creating an exciting and tense atmosphere.
The anime also delves into personal struggles and character development, portraying Aoi’s journey to overcome selfishness and the team’s collective effort to rebound from setbacks.
The animation brings football matches to life with sharp camera angles and dynamic sequences, showcasing the intensity and athleticism of the game.
The music enhances the storytelling, using uplifting and powerful compositions during matches and conveying emotion during quieter moments.
The meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in depicting football and its message of determination and unity make it a must-watch for anime and football enthusiasts.
