Boxing anime delivers hard-hitting entertainment, combining the grit and determination of the sport. From a broken fighter clawing his way back to the top to a main character finding his purpose in the ring, here are the best boxing anime of all time.
Baki the Grappler
Starting our list is Baki the Grappler, an absolute top-class sports anime showcasing the world of boxing.
A young and determined fighter named Baki Hanma aspires to emulate his father, Yujiro, and rise as the strongest fighter in the world.
He dedicates himself relentlessly, engaging in countless training and battles, refining his abilities, and sculpting his body in pursuit of his aspirations.
Baki the Grappler is an incredibly inspiring anime that can teach a thing or two about surmounting obstacles in life.
Rainbow - Nisha Rokubo no Shichinin
The year is 1955 and seven teenagers find themselves confined to the Shio reformatory, forced to coexist in the same dark dormitory.
Enduring daily humiliation and suffering, they cling to the hope of a brighter future amid the darkness.
The story chronicles their shared struggles and their journey toward moving on after their time together in this harsh environment.
Rainbow is an underrated anime that deserves more hype because of its gut-wrenching plot and remarkable characters.
Levius
Levius is a futuristic combat anime set in an era where steam powers the world. In this world, technology combines bodies with machinery, resulting in cyber-boxing battles becoming popular.
A young man named Levius is drawn into these battles by fate, but it is his unique talents that shape his future.
Levius is a must-watch if you are a fan of futuristic fights with intense boxing.
ALSO READ: Best Mecha Anime on Netflix You Should Be Watching
Megalobox
Megalobox is another boxing anime set in the future where the combat sport is revolutionized by Gear, exoskeletons that enhance a boxer’s strength and reach.
The main protagonist is Junk Dog, a young Megaloboxer, who struggles to gain recognition in underground fights and feels dissatisfied with his life.
When the Shirato Group announces a global Megaloboxing tournament, Junk Dog initially feels it is out of his reach and not worth the effort.
However, after an encounter with Yuri, the current champion, he starts to reconsider his stance.
Ayane’s High Kick
Ayane is a high schooler with a single goal: to become a professional wrestler. However, her plan takes an unexpected turn when a trainer deceives her into pursuing kickboxing, a sport she despises.
Despite her initial reluctance, she decides to stick with it once she uncovers the truth.
The animation of Ayane’s High Kick might be old school, which is not a bad thing, but the story is remarkably good.
Rokudenashi Blues
Rokudenashi Blues revolves around Taison Maeda who is rough around the edges and dreams of becoming a pro boxer.
His compassionate nature and intimidating demeanor often land him in trouble, earning him a reputation as a hot-headed guy.
When his classmate, Koheiji Nakata, finds himself at odds with students from a rival institution, the Boxing Club and Cheer Squad are drawn into the fray.
Now, it is all up to Taison to step up and resolve the conflict, aided by Chiaki, the girl who holds a special place in his heart.
This anime movie has spectacular fight scenes, making it a great combat boxing watch.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Adrenaline-Pumping Fights in Wind Breaker, from Togame vs Haruka to Hiragi vs Sako
Kengan Ashura
If you're into brutal fights, then Kengan Ashura is just the anime for you.
In this martial arts anime, merchants and businesses invest substantial amounts of money to hire fighters for hand-to-hand combat in Kengan competitions.
Kengan Ashura features an interesting plot with great characters. While it may not be realistic at all times, it promises an exciting and blood-pumping viewing experience.
Ashita no Joe
Fifteen-year-old orphan Joe Yabuki wanders into the slums of Tokyo, where he meets Tange, a former boxer.
Tange wants to train him after seeing Joe easily defeat some yakuza. Joe initially dismisses Tange, but after they both end up in jail for fighting the yakuza, Joe reluctantly agrees to live with him.
Joe then scams the neighborhood children to fake an orphanage fund, but when exposed, he is sentenced to 13 months in juvenile detention.
There, he encounters Rikiishi Tooru, a boxer imprisoned for assault, during an escape attempt.
Rikiishi stops him, sparking a rivalry that inspires Joe to take boxing seriously, not for revenge, but as a path to reform his life and pursue a career.
Ashita no Joe is a masterpiece that beautifully chronicles Joe's story and his growing love for boxing.
Ganbare Genki
Ganbare Genki follows the life of Genki whose boxer father passed away due to injuries sustained in a match against world champion Kenji Seki.
Driven by a desire to confront Kenji and uncover the truth, Genki follows in his father’s footsteps.
Along the way, he discovers that Kenji is a sensitive man tormented by the guilt of having inadvertently caused his father’s death.
Ganbare Genki is a classic 35-episode anime based on the strong bond between father and son.
DISCOVER: Best Sports Manga of All Time
Hajime no Ippo
A top-tier sports anime, Hajime no Ippo revolves around a timid high school student named Ippo. He is rescued by Takamura, a skilled boxer.
Inspired by Takamura’s stature as a boxer, Ippo sets out on a journey into the world of boxing, discovering a deep passion for the sport and a burning desire to conquer its challenges.
What is your favorite boxing anime? Let us know your picks in the comments section below.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Anime