10 best inspirational anime that you should watch

Inspirational anime has an unparalleled ability to tell stories that motivate viewers to pursue their dreams. The animated medium allows creators to depict aspirational themes of determination, resilience, and self-improvement without constraints.

This makes anime the perfect vehicle for portraying ambitious protagonists overcoming inner demons and external obstacles through perseverance. Inspirational anime typically chronicles underdog characters who summoned immense courage and conviction to achieve goals despite disadvantages.

Other inspirational anime address trauma, depression, and redemption sensitively. They ultimately send messages about the human capacity to evolve into better versions of oneself. Any viewers needing inspiration should watch these anime gems featuring some of the most aspirational themes in Japanese animation.

Naruto, Haikyuu!!, and 8 best inspirational anime that fuel ambition

1) My Hero Academia

This inspirational anime centers on Izuku Midoriya, an ordinary boy born without superpowers in a world where 80% of people possess special abilities. However, Izuku refuses to give up his dream of becoming a hero. He catches the attention of the legendary hero All Might and earns his power, One For All.

Despite facing discrimination for originally being Quirkless, Izuku enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School to develop his newfound power. Izuku must summon courage and seize opportunities to improve his control over One For All, which initially breaks his bones if he pushes too hard.

Through dogged determination and seizing mentorship opportunities, Izuku slowly gains better control of his power, plus critical heroic qualities like bravery and quick thinking. My Hero Academia staunchly inspires viewers to follow ambitions despite disadvantages or societal discrimination.

2) Haikyuu!!

This inspirational anime follows the Karasuno High School volleyball team, a formerly powerful squad aiming to return to national prominence. Short protagonist Shoyo Hinata also wants to become strong enough to play at a high level, just like his idol, the Small Giant.

Despite the team's obvious weaknesses, Karasuno improves through grueling practice and complementing each other's strengths. Inspired by Hinata's incredible jumping power and determination, the prodigy setter Kageyama commits to becoming a better teammate and improving the team's coordination.

The duo makes for an invigorating, inspirational narrative about reconciliation and teamwork. Haikyuu!! motivates viewers to commit to self-improvement by portraying characters improving through dedicated training. It's a prime example of an underdog team defeating stronger rivals through hard work and determination.

3) Ping Pong the Animation

Ping Pong the Animation (Image via Tatsunoko Production)

On the surface, Ping Pong the Animation is a unique coming-of-age tale about two friends competing to become champion table tennis players. However, it evolves into a profoundly inspirational anime through creative storytelling and deep character exploration.

Prodigy player Peco seems destined for greatness in table tennis but temporarily loses motivation after a crushing defeat. His friend Smile, meanwhile, has immense natural talent but lacks competitive drive. Their contrasting paths create an intense rivalry as the two friends compete nationally.

More than a typical sports arc, Ping Pong explores ambition, motivation, competition, mentorship, and seeking meaning through allegorical matches. This inspirational anime inspires viewers to find internal purpose in their own journeys rather than focusing on achievements alone.

4) A Place Further Than The Universe

A Place Further Than The Universe (Image via Madhouse)

This inspirational anime manages to be a tear-jerking yet inspirational chronicle of friendship and self-discovery. It follows four high school girls—Mari, Shirase, Hinata, and Yuzuki—who come together to embark on an ambitious expedition to Antarctica, each with their own personal reasons for joining the journey.

Through this impulsive adventure, each girl confronts their fears, insecurities, and personal demons. Their shared journey allows them to gain courage and perseverance while discovering their inner strength.

What makes A Place Further Than The Universe inspirational is its ultimate message—take bold risks to make memories you won't regret. Similar to Space Brothers, it inspires viewers to set ambitious goals and overcome doubts to achieve something extraordinary.

5) Mob Psycho 100

Despite seeming like an average boy, Shigeo Kageyama hides immense psychic power, making him one of the world's strongest espers. However, Mob Psycho 100 chronicles his quest to hone his emotions and spirit better—not his abilities alone.

Mob's inspiring journey shows that genuinely improving yourself requires looking inward rather than chasing outward validation. This inspirational anime delivers an inspirational message about cultivating inner peace by portraying emotional growth as more valuable than gaining power or fame.

Unlike typical battle shounen fare, it focuses on Mob's struggles to suppress destructive emotions caused by his powers. His inspirational self-improvement quest thus holds more relatable lessons than power fantasy tropes.

6) Space Brothers

Space Brothers depicts the inspirational journey of Mutta Nanba towards his dream of becoming an astronaut—a dream he shared with his younger brother Hibito during their childhood.

After losing his job, the story chronicles Mutta's path through rigorous JAXA training toward getting into space while highlighting his relationship with his already successful astronaut brother, Hibito. Despite setbacks, Mutta is determined to overcome physical and academic challenges.

His perseverance and hard work toward fulfilling a childhood dream make for a motivational story. Space Brothers beautifully balances scientific accuracy and emotional weight across its 99 episodes. The intricate attention to detail depicting real astronaut training regimens boosts the inspirational effect.

7) One Piece

The epic adventure anime One Piece shows how pursuing grand ambitions can inspire others. It chronicles a pirate crew seeking the ultimate treasure, One Piece, with Luffy aiming to become the Pirate King. Despite tragic losses and tough enemies, they persevere thanks to loyalty and faith in their captain Luffy's dreams.

Luffy's uncompromising chase after ambitions like becoming the Pirate King rallies allies to his side. His tenacious spirit during arduous voyages or battles motivates his crew to fight. This aspirational theme resonates with viewers, too, inspiring them to pursue goals staunchly.

Luffy's headstrong leadership and bold risk-taking give his crew the courage to continue towards seemingly impossible goals. His innate charisma also attracts outsiders to their quest, making One Piece a truly inspirational anime.

8) March Comes in Like a Lion

March Comes in Like a Lion (Image via Shaft)

This inspirational anime follows Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player plagued by depression and insecurity from a traumatic childhood. He considers abandoning his shogi career until he gains inspiration from the warm Kawamoto family.

Seeing Rei slowly overcome psychological issues provides a motivational narrative. Viewers gain resilience by witnessing him gain the courage to face trauma by nurturing support systems. March Comes in Like a Lion inspires by showing that humans prevail through inner strength despite hardships.

While tackling issues like isolation sensitively, sends an uplifting message about overcoming struggles. Viewers take comfort from Rei, gradually combating personal demons once they establish meaningful rapport.

9) Naruto

Naruto has stood the test of time as an inspirational underdog anime. It chronicles Naruto Uzumaki, a rambunctious young ninja striving to become Hokage leader and earn his village's respect. Naruto perseveres through ostracization due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him.

He relies on determination plus allies to master complex skills. Naruto's relentless optimism and seizing mentorship from figures like Iruka, Kakashi, and Jiraiya make him an inspirational protagonist.

Despite disadvantages, he earns acknowledgment through tireless training, boosting viewers' motivation too. Many young viewers found Naruto's unwavering resolve toward ambitious goals despite early failures highly inspirational, cementing Naruto's place among the top inspirational anime.

10) A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice (Image via Kyoto Animation)

This inspirational anime film delivers inspiration by sensitively tackling heavy themes like bullying, suicide, and social isolation. It focuses on Shoya bullying deaf student Shoko in elementary school but later seeking redemption years later due to immense guilt.

Despite others discouraging his efforts, Shoya persists in befriending Shoko, who has withdrawn due to her difficult experiences. Through perseverance and courage, he confronts past sins while giving hope to someone suffering intense loneliness. It thus inspires viewers to make amends for misdeeds bravely.

Shoya's story inspires taking accountability and sincerely rectifying past wrongdoing. The film thus compels introspection about past transgressions.

Conclusion

The inspirational anime on this list showcases inspirational themes in diverse, unique ways. While fictional, the ambition, determination, and perseverance of characters in these anime motivate viewers. They showcase protagonists committing towards self-improvement by confronting weaknesses and fears.

These inspirational anime feature timeless messages about chasing dreams. While often emotionally heavy, they ultimately leave watchers feeling uplifted by depicting ambition and unrelenting effort being rewarded. Anyone needing motivation should consider watching these inspirational anime gems.