Anime has had a major impact on my life. As a young kid, it was anime that drove me to perform the best I can no matter what the task. It was anime that taught me never to give up, to always place your principles and values first, and to always believe in myself. This list is a tribute to the anime's that have made an impact in my life. When life gets tough, here are your go-to anime!
#5 Black Clover - Ongoing
Let's take Naruto's intensity, add Deku from Boku No Hero's lack of superpowers from birth, add Rock Lee's work ethic...mix it all together and you get Asta!!!
Asta is a young orphan born in a world where everyone...and just about EVERYONE can use magic powers. Having magic powers in the Black Clover world is equivalent to being able to walk. However, Asta was born with zero...absolute ZERO magic power but his goal to become the Wizard King is something admirable no matter how impossible it looks.
He trains and trains and trains to the point where you can't help but respect him. This anime will have chills down your spine. Though Asta can get overbearing at times, this newer anime is definitely one to check out if you need a motivational kick!
#4 Boku No Hero (My Hero Academia) - Ongoing
Boku No Hero has completed 2 seasons already and going onto the 3rd. The story starts off with Deku who has no super powers in a world where super powers are everything and just about every average joe on the street has one no matter how miniscule they are.
Deku is the perfect example of an underdog, very soft spoken but very ambitious and hard working. There is a reason why this is one of the top anime of 2017.
#3 Haikyuu!! - Ongoing
I am not going to lie, I first had my doubts this being a volleyball anime. It wasn't until I heard a couple of the OST (music soundtracks) on youtube as study music that got me curious. The music being composed by none other than the famous Yuki Hayashi is even said to rival Hollywood sound tracks.
This is a story about a young boy named Hinata, he has tall dreams for Volleyball...but Hinata has one problem....he is not tall. In a game where height is crucial, Hinata has a huge crush before him. However his drive and his ability to jump out the gym (you'll see a LOT of flying references in the anime) set him in a whole nother category.
The thing I appreciate the most about this anime is that the moves and the actual players are all genuine. This is not a Prince of Tennis (not hating on the anime, I actually enjoy it myself!) where if you try and copy the moves into real life, you will fail almost miserably (personal experience 😂 ).
The show will literally leave you in tears at certain points and then leave you inspired...inspired and hopeful, no matter what situation you are going through in life. Though this anime revolves around volleyball, the entire anime can reflect into one's life. Watch the first episode and before you even realize it, you will be binging through the entire season.
#2 Dragonball Z/Dragonball Super - Ongoing
Ah the original godfather of today's animes. Almost every anime on this list has been inspired by the Dragonball series. I can remember countless times as a child where I am sitting on the couch watching Dragonball Z and just silent in amazement. Whether it was weightlifting, track, or even school...this show inspired me to do better.
No matter how tough the odds looked, you could ALWAYS turn the tide of life's battles. Battles of Teen Gohan, Future Trunks, and of course Goku's epic transformations time and time again will always leave imprints in the hearts of anime fans around the globe...if you haven't seen the Dragonball series yes, this is a MUST for any anime fan.
#1 Naruto - Completed (Boruto is now the new continuation of the series)
Now, for the #1 most motivational anime on the planet...Naruto. This anime has so many memories and so many moments and quotes that apply anywhere in life. Most anime fans know the story of Naruto so I will not go too far into it but we all know Naruto's ambitious goals of becoming Hokage.
Though the story revolves around Naruto, I love how the anime goes into each character's backstory. Each character has their own battles, their own struggles, that make each of them unique and no matter who you are or what sort of personality you have, you will definitely be able to relate to atleast one character.
This anime will go down in history as one of the greatest anime of all time. Many will hate, but this anime has a special place in the hearts of every anime fan.
Credits go to Pinterest for all images
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is very motivational, especially Part 2 and Part 3.
You should watch Hunter x Hunter (2011). It's the best battle shounen and a lot more consistent than the other shows you mentioned.
Hunter X Hunter is good but the Chimera Ants arc was disappointing :(. Such a great anime, the Spider Arc was my favorite!
The Chimera Ant arc was slower than the others, but it had higher stakes, a much broader scope, and the best villain in battle shounen to date.
Anime is life.
Seeing as how Haikyuu is on the list, there could be an entire list for sports anime. Others on the list could namely be Kuroko no Basket, Ace of Diamond, Inazuma Eleven, Days, that one boxing anime, the American football ones too (Eyeshield 21 and All out).
Another not sports one, which could fit the list, would be Hunter x Hunter.
Kuroko no Basket is a more over the top Haikyuu and pushes the limits of a sport anime. It's focused on the action and shafts characterisation to do it. I found Ping Pong the Animation to be the most inspirational sports anime.
I like KNB in a motivational way if you think of it as learning what your skills can bring to a team, and that you don't have to be like others to have an impact. In a way that's like Hinata in Haikyuu, but Hinata strives to be the ace whereas Kuroko is more comfortable playing from the shadows.
I haven't watched Ping Pong so I can't say much about that one :p
Ping Pong is great because it shows the different types of players and follows through to the end on their arcs.
That's pretty cool, I'll put it on my to-watch list!