Inspirational and motivational animes — Chase your dreams!

Anime in Japan covers many themes beyond action, comedy, and ecchi. Many series are genuinely inspiring, showing characters who pour themselves into pursuing their dreams. In this article, we have put together a selection of anime that lift your self-esteem and nudge you to chase your goals.

The titles on this list offer everyday lessons about dedication, and they open windows onto different walks of life — from sports to creative careers. Some are well-known, others are lesser-known; we hope you enjoy the recommendations.

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Everyday inspirational animes

Let's start with a few lighter series that are motivational and entertaining, holding your attention from the first episode to the last.

Uchuu Kyoudai — Space Brothers

Space Brothers is hugely popular in Japan but largely unknown in the West. The series follows two brothers who promise to go to space together; one of them drifts away from the path and only picks the dream back up in his thirties.

The anime depicts the whole process and dedication required to become an astronaut, paired with a great soundtrack and episodes that keep you hooked. This one is a must-watch and is in my personal top 10. Learn more in our Uchuu Kyoudai coverage.

Bakuman

From the same creator as Death Note, this anime follows two friends who devote themselves to becoming famous mangaka and getting their works adapted into TV anime.

The premise may sound unusual, but the storytelling is captivating and pulls anyone in — a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and even action.

NHK ni Youkoso

The series portrays the failed life of a hikikomori and his struggle to leave that lifestyle behind. It is both gripping and inspiring, helping viewers understand the problems involved and the effort needed to overcome them.

Other titles worth mentioning in this category:

• Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
• Kaiji — never give up;
• Great Teacher Onizuka — a chaotic classroom can be turned around;
• Sore ga Seiyuu!
• Chihayafuru
• Nodame Cantabile
• Beck
• Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin
• Higashi no Eden
• Gin no Saji
• Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
• Saiunkoku Monogatari
• Shirobako
• Itazura na Kiss (shojo);
• ReLIFE
• Hyouka
• Akagami no Shirayukihime

Music-themed animes can be especially uplifting; our Music Animes — complete list of the best covers that genre in depth.

Motivational action animes

Most shōnen action series — Naruto, One Piece, Fairy Tail — are designed to be inspiring, since their characters all have goals and dreams to fight for. That said, a handful of action titles deserve special mention:

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

One of the most motivational and inspiring action animes you will come across. It follows the dedication of two brothers who practise alchemy to restore their bodies and prevent a catastrophe. A must-watch!

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

One of the most over-the-top anime ever made: when everything looks impossible, there is always a way. It teaches the viewer to never give up. It is one of my personal favourites; the animation can look dated and the mecha elements are not for everyone, but most viewers count it among their all-time favourites.

Hunter x Hunter

As action-packed as any shōnen series, yet it feels more motivational than most. At its core is a boy searching for his father while training to become a Hunter. You have to watch it to understand the story and the scale of what Yoshihiro Togashi has built — even with his famously slow release schedule.

Other notable action titles:

• No Game No Life
• Code Geass
• Steins;Gate — never give up;
• Erased

Inspirational sports animes

Most sports animes end up being motivational because the team or individual almost always has a clear goal. Below is a list of the most popular sports animes that fit the bill:

• Kuroko no Basuke — basketball, hugely popular;
• Baby Steps — tennis;
• Hajime no Ippo — boxing, with strong action beats;
• Major — baseball;
• Haikyuu!! — volleyball;
• Hikaru no Go — the Japanese board game Go.

It would be remiss not to mention the film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), which moved many people in 2017. And most of the films from Studio Ghibli are quietly motivational as well.

These are the motivational anime I know and love. Has any other anime inspired you or given you a push? We would love to hear your stories in the comments.

Motivational and inspirational manga

To wrap things up, here is a list of manga available on Amazon that are similarly inspiring and motivational. The catalogue below also includes a few related products you might enjoy.