The 16 Best Car Racing Anime Of All Time

When most people think about car racing anime, Initial D is the first one that comes to mind.

Despite being surrounded by car maniacs, Takumi Fujiwara has no interest in the subject. Cars remind him of his burdensome morning job of delivering tofu for his parents' restaurant. But after an encounter with the Akagi Red Suns, two racing aces who come to his town to conquer a nearby race track, he might not be able to avoid the subject much longer. Why? Because he manages to surpass these pro racers by driving an old beat-up Toyota, and the Red Suns aren't about to let that kind of talent go to waste. 

After high school student Akio Asakura is challenged to a race along Tokyo's Shuto Expressway, he loses pitifully. Determined not to be embarrassed again, he searches the local junkyard to find parts to improve his car. Instead, he finds a midnight blue Fairlady Z (S30) in perfect condition.

He buys it on the spot, then learns that it's faster than a car has any right to be because of its unique engine. He also learns that everyone who has ever driven the car has passed away. The car seems to be cursed, but he's going to use it anyway. 

Koya Madoka is a freelance photographer who has been struggling with finding inspiration - That is until he discovers F4 racer Haruka Asahina and his racing talents. The racing prodigy and the Komaki Motors team reignite Koya’s love of photograph, so he decides to help them make it to the top. 

Despite Koya and Haruka's difference in ages and personalities, their goals and lifestyles align with each other and the friendship that develops is part of what makes this a great watch.

Elementary school student Capeta Taira has a rough life. His mother passed away, so he's trying his best to be independent in order to avoid putting additional pressure on his father, who spends most of his time working for low pay. What's more, he has to deal with bullies at school.

Things turn around for Capeta when his dad surprises him with a Go-Kart made from scrap metal. Though it's not perfect and it doesn't have an engine, it's just what Capeta needs to enter the world of Go-Kart racing and lead a more exciting life. 

Even if you're not into racing, you should still watch Redline for its absolutely stellar art and animation - but it's an even better experience for racing fans.

Every five years, a massive, no-holds-barred intergalactic racing event called Redline occurs. Drivers don't have to abide by rules - as long as it's physically possible, anything is allowed. JP is a reckless daredevil who can't wait to participate in this thrilling competition. But this year's race will be more dangerous than usual - it's being held on the planet Roboworld, which is rife with criminal activity. JP isn't going to let that stop him - in fact, it only makes things more exciting. 

eX Driver was written by Kosuke Fujishima of Ah! My Goddess fame. If you're interested in one of his more obscure works, this one may be worth checking out. 

In the future, transportation of all kinds is controlled by AI. While this is enormously useful, it can also cause problems. AI can break down or go rogue. Three high schools who drive non-AI cars have made it their mission to protect the public when things go wrong with AI.