Blue Box might seem like an ordinary anime story at first, but once you start watching, you’ll find yourself completely captivated by its plot, characters, and especially the breathtaking animation. To be honest, I paused multiple times while watching because the characters looked so good in the animation—it truly mesmerized me. If you loved Blue Box, then I’m sure you definitely have a thirst for more romantic sports anime, and this post is here to satisfy that thirst with some of the best anime like Blue Box that you won’t want to miss.
The Knight in the Area
The Knight in the Area is about two brothers, Kakeru and Suguru, who both love soccer. Suguru is a star in Japan’s youth soccer system, while Kakeru struggles and decides to become a team manager instead of a player. But after a life-changing event, Kakeru decides to chase his dream of playing soccer and joining the national team. With the support of his talented childhood friend Nana, who already plays for the Japanese women’s team, Kakeru works harder than ever to reach his goal.
If you want to watch anime like Blue Box, this show has a similar mix of sports, personal growth, and relationships. Both focus on young athletes striving for their dreams while leaning on the support of those close to them, creating an inspiring and heartfelt story.
Cross Game
Cross Game is about Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima, two childhood neighbors who don’t get along even though their families are close friends. Kou isn’t very interested in baseball but has great batting skills from practicing at the Tsukishima family’s batting center. Aoba, on the other hand, loves baseball and is a talented pitcher. They both care deeply about Wakaba, Aoba’s older sister and Kou’s first love. As they deal with their struggles, baseball brings them closer and helps them grow.
If you want to watch anime like Blue Box, Cross Game has a similar mix of sports, personal growth, and subtle romance. Both shows focus on young athletes chasing their dreams while building meaningful relationships along the way.
Chihayafuru
Chihayafuru is about Chihaya Ayase, a girl who has always supported her sister’s modeling career. Everything changes when she meets Arata Wataya, a talented karuta player, who encourages her to follow her dream of becoming the best karuta player in Japan. After a separation from her friends, Chihaya reunites with her childhood friend Taichi Mashima in high school. Together, they start the Mizusawa Karuta Club. With the help of her friends, Chihaya works hard to become the best and hopes to one day be with Arata again.
If you want to watch anime like Blue Box, Chihayafuru is a great pick. Both shows focus on characters chasing their dreams while facing challenges and growing as individuals. They also explore the relationships between friends and rivals, making them both inspiring and full of heart.
Welcome to the Ballroom
Welcome to the Ballroom follows Tatara Fujita, a shy middle schooler with no clear direction in life. He tries to stay under the radar to avoid trouble, but after being harassed by bullies, he’s saved by a man named Kaname Sengoku. Kaname takes Tatara to his dance studio, and although Tatara isn’t sure about dancing, he’s drawn to Sengoku’s strong presence. When he gets the chance to dance with his classmate Shizuku Hanaoka, Tatara starts to feel the excitement of dancing in front of others. With a new passion and determination to improve, Tatara begins his journey into the world of competitive ballroom dancing.
If you’re looking for anime like Blue Box, Welcome to the Ballroom shares similar themes of personal growth, overcoming doubts, and working hard to reach a goal. Both anime focus on characters who start off unsure of themselves but find the motivation to pursue their dreams with the help of others, building meaningful relationships along the way.
Suzuka
Suzuka is about Yamato Akitsuki, a teenager who moves from the countryside to Tokyo to start high school and help his aunt and cousin run their bathhouse and girls-only dorm. While on his way to meet his relatives, Yamato is amazed by Suzuka Asahina, a talented high jumper practicing at a local track. He soon learns that Suzuka is not only his neighbor but also a top athlete at his school. Despite her cold attitude toward him, Yamato joins the track team to impress her. As he discovers his own talent for sprinting, Yamato pushes himself to improve both as an athlete and a person to become someone Suzuka can rely on.
For those who enjoy anime like Blue Box, Suzuka has similar themes of sports, love, and personal growth. Both anime focus on characters who are passionate about their sports and work hard to improve, all while dealing with emotional challenges and building relationships along the way.
Captain Tsubasa (2018)
Captain Tsubasa tells the passionate story of 11-year-old Tsubasa Oozora, a boy whose love for soccer has turned into an obsession. After moving to Nankatsu city with his mother to join its renowned elementary school soccer teams, Tsubasa faces fierce competition and must rely on his talent and determination to stand out. Along the way, he makes new friends like Sanae Nakazawa and goalkeeper Genzo Wakabayashi, who share his love for the sport and help him chase his dream of representing Japan in the FIFA World Cup.
If you’re looking for anime like Blue Box, Captain Tsubasa shares similar themes of passion, ambition, and personal growth. Both anime focus on young athletes working hard to reach their dreams, facing challenges along the way, and building meaningful friendships that support their journey.
Ao Ashi
Ao Ashi is set in a quiet town where Ashito Aoi, a talented but hot-headed soccer player, is the star of his school’s team. During an important tournament, Ashito’s temper leads to his removal from the game, causing his team to lose. Just when Ashito thinks everything is over, a coach named Tatsuya Fukuda sees his potential and invites him to try out for a team in Tokyo. In the big city, Ashito faces a new world of talented players and must work hard to prove himself and take the first step toward a future in soccer.
If you’re interested in anime like Blue Box, Ao Ashi shares themes of personal growth, determination, and working hard to achieve dreams. Both anime focus on young characters who are passionate about their sport and overcome challenges, with the support of others, to chase their goals.
Baby Steps
Baby Steps is about Eiichiro Maruo, a hardworking student who decides to exercise more because he’s worried about his health. After seeing a flyer, he joins the Southern Tennis Club in his first year of high school. There, he meets Natsu Takasaki, a determined student who wants to become a professional tennis player. Unlike Natsu, Eiichiro studies because he feels it’s what he has to do, not because he enjoys it. But as he plays more tennis, he becomes fascinated by the sport. With his dedication and careful approach, Eiichiro starts to improve and dreams of competing with the best.
If you’re looking for anime like Blue Box, Baby Steps has a similar focus on working hard, improving, and following your dreams. Both anime show characters who start with little skill but work hard to get better, forming strong relationships along the way. These stories are all about pushing through challenges and growing both in sports and life.
Major
Major follows Gorou Honda, a young boy who loves baseball and dreams of becoming a professional player like his father, Shigeharu. Shigeharu, who played for the Blue Ocean team, faces challenges after an elbow injury forces him off the team. However, after a conversation with an old friend, he decides to keep playing and switches from being a pitcher to a batter. Seeing his father’s determination, Gorou is inspired and works hard to make his own mark in the Japanese Little League.
If you want to watch anime like Blue Box, Major has similar themes of determination and personal growth. Both anime follow young characters who work hard to get better at their sport while dealing with challenges in their personal lives. The strong relationships they build along the way and their drive to reach their goals make both shows inspiring and relatable.
I hope you enjoyed this list of anime like Blue Box and found some new shows to watch. If you loved Blue Box, I’m sure these anime will give you the same mix of sports and romance that you’re looking for. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any other romantic sports anime you recommend. I’d love to hear from you!