The Best Basketball Anime of All Time

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Updated January 24, 2025 146.7K views 9 items
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4.0K votes
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Vote up the anime series with the most game.

Lace up your shoes and get ready to ball! This is our list of the best basketball anime, voted on by Ranker's anime community. This may not be the most popular genre of Japanese animation, but all of these shows are worth checking out if you're looking for something new to watch. Casual anime fans will probably only recognize the shows Slam Dunk or Kuroko's Basketball, but there are a few other great basketball anime that are out there as well. These shows have amazing dunks, shots, crossovers and so much more. This poll includes video clips of each show, so if you haven't seen one you can watch it right here on this page. The shows that are listed may have different sub-genres, but they're all about basketball in one way or another.

This list has everything from Ro-Kyu-Bu! to Buzzer Beater. What is the greatest basketball anime of all time? Scroll down and find out for yourself!

  • Kuroko's Basketball

    Tetsuya Kuroko, a former member of the legendary "Generation of Miracles" middle school basketball team, enrolls at Seirin High School and partners with the gifted Taiga Kagami to form a dynamic duo. With Kuroko's unique ability to remain unnoticed on the court and Kagami's exceptional skills, the Seirin team faces formidable opponents, including Kuroko's former teammates, who now consider him their ultimate rival. As they strive to become Japan's top basketball team, Kuroko, Kagami, and their companions overcome overwhelming odds, encounter personal struggles, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and resilience.

    1,013 votes
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  • Slam Dunk

    Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent with a strong athletic background, falls in love with the school's basketball team manager Haruko and consequently decides to join the team. As Hanamichi hones his skills and knowledge of the game, he befriends the team's captain, Takenori Akagi, and their star player, Kaede Rukawa, forming a powerful trio on the court. Amidst intense rivalry and personal growth, the team unites to overcome trials and tribulations in their pursuit of championship glory.

    606 votes
    Is this show enjoyable?
  • Dear Boys

    Aikawa Kazuhiko, a compassionate and motivated student, transfers to Mizuho High School intending to revive its disbanded basketball team alongside his newfound friends and fellow athletes. Facing challenges in recruitment and their limited resources, the group utilizes their unique skills and teamwork in their quest for success. Amidst intense competition and personal struggles, the revitalized Mizuho High School team strives to overcome their underdog status and gain respect in the world of high school basketball.

    190 votes
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  • Buzzer Beater

    In an Earth conquered by advanced alien species known as the Monarchs, a ragtag group of human basketball players called the Buzzer Beaters band together to compete in the prestigious Intergalactic Basketball Championship. Led by talented player Hideyoshi, the team challenges the extraterrestrial dominance on the court, displaying valiance against the imposing odds. The Buzzer Beaters defy expectations and prejudices, demonstrating their determination to reclaim the sport they cherish, while inspiring unity among diverse species.

    142 votes
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  • I'll CKBC

    Hasegawa Takumi and Kurumatani Akane, two talented street basketball players with a longstanding rivalry, confront each other once again in search of victory and honor upon enrolling in the same high school. As they navigate their competitive instincts, they encounter formidable opponents, pushing each other to new heights of skill and understanding. Eventually, the rivals learn the value of mutual respect and teamwork, consolidating their efforts to lead their team to victory in the prestigious high school tournament.

    87 votes
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  • Hoop Days

    High school students Tachibana Kazuhiko and Mizuho High School's basketball team work together to overcome conflicts, personal struggles, and formidable opponents to reach the national championships. Navigating the rigorous demands of high school basketball, the team members confront their weaknesses and learn the importance of sportsmanship and resilience. Through collective effort and growth, they strive to emerge victorious in the ultimate arena of high school basketball.

    85 votes
    Is this show enjoyable?