Fear not if you’re having trouble finding anime similar to Hajime No Ippo! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as Hajime No Ippo. Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time. So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Hajime No Ippo!
Ashita No Joe
Similarities – Boxing & Characters
Ashita No Joe evokes a darker atmosphere than Hajime No Ippo. It tackles boxing from a darker angle and our protagonist airs from a delinquent-like background compared to Ippo. Nonetheless, both boxing anime will leave you stunned by their incredible bouts, engaging storyline, and well-developed cast. In it, we follow Joe, a troubled child that solves his problems by fighting. From local gangs to common thugs, no one is free from getting a beatdown from Joe. One of Joe’s bouts catches the attention of a former boxing coach named Danpei Tange. He offers Danpei Tange an opportunity to become a boxer. While Joe struggles to learn the ropes of the sport, he’s determined to become the best fighter ever. Joe will encounter various mental and physical hurdles on his road to success. The series excellently showcases the darker consequences of boxing, unlike Hajime No Ippo. Nevertheless, both anime offer excellent insight into the sport and will get you invested in it.
Slam Dunk
Similarities – Characters & Action
Slam Dunk is the Hajime No Ippo of basketball anime. Everything about this show screams authenticity and realism. You get to peer into the lives of our cast inside and outside the court. The obstacles in their path will hit home with some folks and will bring people back to a simple time when issues weren’t so complex. While it may not have any supernatural qualities, the show offers a smidge of comedy to balance things out. Some of the anime’s basketball events may drag on and its animation may not be on par with Hajime No Ippo’s. However, if you can overlook those slight inconveniences, you’re in for a fabulous time with this show.
Megalo Box
Similarities – Boxing & Characters
Megalo Box captures the raw energy of shows like Hajime No Ippo and Ashita No Joe. It’s an overlooked gem that offers a futuristic take on the sport with a jazzy finish. The art style and animation are immaculate and the fights will get you excited. Our tale takes place in a futuristic world where underground fight rings thrive. One form of entertainment is Megalo Box, a boxing event where fighters use mechanical limbs called Gear to fight. At the helm of this narrative is Junk Dog, who chooses to fight his battles without equipment. Unfortunately, he finds himself throwing matches to generate moderate revenue for himself. He puts this routine to bed when he meets the Megalo Box champion, Yuuri. Filled with determination, Junk Dog takes on the alias “Gearless Joe” and enters Megalonia. It’s a tournament that will decide the world’s greatest Megalo Boxer ever. Like Ippo, you’ll get to see Joe fight many powerful foes and establish new rivalries for the better and worse. This series is backed up by a catchy soundtrack that’ll boost your adrenaline. Viewers looking for another remarkable boxing anime should give this one a shot.
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Similarities – Characters & Action
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple isn’t a cliché martial arts anime. It delivers an engrossing narrative with great character development and charming scenery. Each episode plays a vital role in shaping the show’s plot. The fights have enough variety to keep things refreshing for the viewer as they progress too. In it, we follow Kenichi Shirahama, whose tired of being his karate club’s punching bag. After seeing a girl named Miu Furiniji beat some thugs, Kenichi vows to become stronger. He meets Miu and she directs him to a dojo that can help him sharpen his craft. With numerous foes aiming to challenge him, Kenichi’s determined to walk away a skilled fighter. Kenichi will train under multiple masters to become a formidable warrior. Like Ippo, he comes from a terrible upbringing and works effortlessly to earn the respect of those around him. The series loves to raise the stakes for Kenichi to help him grow and fans will adore seeing the multiple personalities Kenichi meets during his quest for strength.
Eyeshield 21
Similarities – Characters & Action
Eyeshield 21 is a fun American football-themed anime. It’s not to be taken too seriously. The anime doesn’t feature a complex storyline and contains some cliches that may not bode well for most audiences. It’s riddled with many shonen tropes that’ll appeal to most audiences and has a boatload of comedic interactions and antics that’ll get you laughing. In it, we follow Sena, a boy prone to getting bullied because of his non-intimidating demeanor. Despite his petite build, Sena is an agile boy who can dodge many people. His school’s American football captain notices his skills and offers Sena a chance to join the team. To avoid people discovering Sena’s recruitment, he has him wear a visored helmet and gives him the alias Eyeshield 21. That said, the show focuses on Sena’s self-improvement as he helps his high school attain multiple victories. Like Hajime No Ippo, this is another weak boy turned idolized hero tale. It offers slight development for its side characters but chooses to highlight Sena’s growth from start to finish. If you’re okay with sports shows with simple premises, then you’ll enjoy Eyeshield 21.
Haikyu!
Similarities – Sports & Themes
Haikyu is a fun volleyball anime with ambitious characters, lighthearted themes, and a gripping narrative. This is another sports anime that’ll appeal to anyone regardless of your interest in the sport itself. It contains motivational dialogue and has its characters endure struggles that’ll help them grow as people and players. Viewers will enjoy the chemistry shared between its protagonist Hinata and his teammates. The teams he and his pals encounter along the way will challenge them mentally and physically. Each game knows how to build anticipation for the next one and leaves a lasting impact on folks. Along with its stunning animation and compelling cast, Haikyu’s a volleyball anime no one should skip.
Great Teacher Onizuka
Similarities – Slice of Life & Comedy
Need some more comedy in your life? You should check out Great Teacher Onizuka. This anime is filled with clever jokes and fun gags. Its humor may not appeal to everyone though. Like Hajime No Ippo, this series isn’t afraid to offer raunchy jokes. Underneath its raunchy exterior, lies a show with some lighthearted themes that’ll resonate with anyone. In it, viewers follow Eikichi Onizuka. He’s an ex-biker gang leader with a desire to wed an attractive woman. He takes a job as a high-school teacher to achieve this goal. Although he’s deadset on getting roped into a sparking romance, he’ll walk away from the series earning something far greater in return. Viewers who enjoyed seeing Ippo’s chemistry with Takamura and the others will love seeing Onizuka’s bond grow with his students. He’ll get sucked into many hilarious antics with them. Some of his decisions will surprise while others won’t. While it doesn’t offer much action, the show features some fun slapstick humor.
Initial D
Similarities – Story & Characters
Initial D and Hajime No Ippo share a lot of aspects. Both anime feature characters getting involved in challenging competitions and have them enduring obstacles that will make them stronger people. Although the narrative may seem ordinary at first, Initial D provides enough tension and fast-paced speed to keep viewers entertained. In it, we follow Takumi. He has grand knowledge of cars and street racers. Despite his fascination with car racing, he spends his time delivering tofu to his boss’s customers. However, when an infamous street racing team arrives in town, Takumi’s latent desires for the sport rise and this is where we focus on Takumi’s journey of being a racing legend. This series provides stellar visuals that evoke a retro aesthetic. Some scenes may appear jarring because of the CGI the animation team uses. However, if you can overlook its animation’s faults, you’ll find yourself enjoying what it offers.
Kuroko’s Basketball
Similarities – Sports & Characters
Kuroko’s Basketball is a fun sports anime with supernatural aspects. Like Hajime No Ippo, some characters are given otherworldly powers that allow them to perform incredible moves on the court. Many of these abilities lean toward tactics you’d use on the court from scoring successful three-pointers to passing basketballs at insane speeds. Therefore, fans can expect each basketball game to feel intense and varied. There will be many times when the show’s protagonists Kagami and Tetsuya undergo severe pressure because of the opposing team’s strengths. However, witnessing how these characters overcome these otherworldly hurdles is what makes Kuroko’s Basketball a fun time. With its motivational cast, epic games, and great tension, Kuroko’s Basketball is a must-watch for anyone who adores shonen anime.
Hikaru no Go
Similarities – Characters & Comedy
Hikaru no Go invites viewers into the world where the Chinese board game Go is the focus. In it, we follow Hikaru, who discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Connecting with the board allows an ancient Go expert named Sai to appear in front of him. Sai notices Hikaru and plans to use him to develop a new godly technique through his eyes. While Hikaru isn’t a fan of the sport, his passion for it awakens when he meets a Go prodigy named Akira. Therefore, we examine Hikaru’s quest to become a formidable Go player. Despite being centered around a board game, Hikaru no Go knows how to build tension well with each bout. This show loves to shower viewers with several cliffhangers that’ll get them to continue watching. It’s a great binging experience with a fun play-off. The chemistry between Sai and Hikaru is rich and you’ll enjoy seeing their bond grow over time. Give this a shot if you’re looking for something familiar and slightly different. So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Hajime No Ippo! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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