6.7 / 10 (based on 124 reviews)
Natsusa Yuzuki entered university expecting to be the rugby club’s ace, but he can no longer play rugby due to certain circumstances. Ibuki Ueoka is a senior who also quit playing rugby.
Genre: Animation
Main Cast: Luis Bermudez, Barrett Leddy, Jon Allen, Robb Moreira
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1 season, 12 episodes
Shows Most Like Number 24 (2020)
Bakuten! (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 254 reviews)
The story follows Shoutarou Futaba, a boy who’s fascinated with men’s rhythmic gymnastics and enrolled at the Ao High School to join the school’s team. The story follows a team of unique seniors and Yoshiya Misato, a classmate who’s famous in high school rhythmic gymnastics tournaments, who run together toward one goal.
Genre: Animation, Sport
Main Cast: Daiki Yamashita, Kenichi Suzumura, Tomokazu Sugita, Sôma Saitô
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1 season, 12 episodes
Free! (2013)
7.4 / 10 (based on 3308 reviews)
Free! revolves around members of a high school boy’s swimming team. Four boys-Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa and Rin-all participated in a swimming tournament shortly before graduating elementary school and later parted ways. Years later, they reunite when Rin challenges Haruka to a race and wins. Nagisa decides to get Haruka and Makoto back swimming together and add a new recruit named Rei to form the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Main Cast: Jamie Marchi, Johnny Yong Bosch, Akeno Watanabe, Nobunaga Shimazaki
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3 seasons, 42 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Kono Oto Tomare! (2019)
7.9 / 10 (based on 1032 reviews)
Since the graduation of the senior members of the club, Takezou ends up being the sole member of the “Koto” (traditional Japanese string instrument) club. Now that the new school year has begun, Takezou will have to seek out new members into the club, or the club will become terminated. Out of nowhere, a new member barges into the near-abandoned club room, demanding to join the club. How will Takezou be able to keep his club alive and deal with this rascal of a new member?
Genre: Animation, Drama, Music
Main Cast: Daman Mills, Amber Lee Connors, Alejandro Saab, Anthony Bowling
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1 season, 26 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Ookami shoujo to kuro ouji (2014)
6.9 / 10 (based on 2730 reviews)
About Erika who claims that popular boy, Sata is her boyfriend. She has no choice but to make him her fake boyfriend. Unfortunately,he may look like a sweet person, but he is actually an ultra sadist and treat her like a slave.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Yoshimasa Hosoya, Kanae Itô, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Takahiro Sakurai
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1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Given (2019)
8.3 / 10 (based on 3940 reviews)
The life and loves of the rock band Given, and the romantic relationships that develops between its members.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Music, Romance
Main Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Yuma Uchida, Shogo Yano, Masatomo Nakazawa
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1 season, 11 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Tonari no kaibutsu-kun (2012)
7.2 / 10 (based on 4441 reviews)
Shizuku, a hardworking student who isn’t interested in socializing, finds an unlikely friend, Haru, an emotionally volatile boy at her school.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Haruka Tomatsu, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Atsumi Tanezaki, Ryôta Ôsaka
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1 season, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
SK8 the Infinity (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 3832 reviews)
Reki, a high school sophomore and skater, is addicted to “S,” a highly secret and dangerous downhill skateboarding race that takes place in an abandoned mine. The skaters are especially wild about the “beefs,” or heated battles that erupt in the races. Reki takes Langa, a transfer student returning to Japan after studying abroad, to the mine where the races are held. Langa, who has no skateboarding experience, finds himself pulled into the world of “S”.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Sport
Main Cast: Kimmie Britt, Ciarán Strange, Zeno Robinson, Brianna Roberts
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1 season, 13 episodes
Super Lovers (2016)
6.9 / 10 (based on 1136 reviews)
While spending summer with his mother, Haru meets Ren, a boy newly adopted by his mother. Getting along with Ren isn’t easy as Haru’s goal is to “civilize” him by the time summer ends. Their relationship slowly improves as Haru spends more time with Ren and in return Ren steadily warms up to him. Can they become a “family” at the end of summer?!
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa, Ayumu Murase, Takuma Terashima
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2 seasons, 22 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Re-Main (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 408 reviews)
The story centers on Minato Kiyoumizu, a boy who quit playing water polo after an incident during the winter of his third year of junior high school. After entering high school, he makes a promise and decides to try water polo again and join the school’s team with his friends. However, the new team will run into problems along the way…
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Main Cast: Alicyn Packard, David Matranga, Caleb Yen, Brianna Roberts
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1 season, 12 episodes
The Millionaire Detective: Balance – Unlimited (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1974 reviews)
A rich but eccentric detective and a middle-class cop team up to solve cases in Tokyo.
Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Yûsuke Ohnuki, Maaya Sakamoto, Kazuyuki Okitsu
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1 season, 11 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the realm of sports anime, a genre celebrated for its intense matches, underdog stories, and dynamic team relationships, “Number 24” emerges as a unique contender. This series, which debuted in 2020, ventures into the world of college rugby, offering viewers a blend of sports action, personal growth, and camaraderie. Unlike the typical sports anime narrative, “Number 24” doesn’t just focus on the adrenaline of the game but dives deeper into the lives and relationships of its characters, making it a standout series.
The Premise
At the heart of “Number 24” is Natsusa Yuzuki, a promising rugby player whose aspirations are put on hold due to an unforeseen accident that leaves him unable to play. Instead of stepping away from the sport he loves, Natsusa chooses to remain involved by supporting his team in a different capacity. The series follows his journey and the dynamics of his team, both on and off the field, as they navigate challenges, forge bonds, and pursue their passion for rugby.
Characters and Relationships
What sets “Number 24” apart are its well-developed characters and the intricate relationships between them. The series does an excellent job of balancing a large cast, ensuring each member gets their moment in the spotlight. From the fiercely loyal Ibuki Ueoka to the cheerful and optimistic Seiichirou Shingyouji, every character brings something unique to the table. Their interactions are a mix of heartfelt, humorous, and sometimes poignant moments, reflecting the complexities of friendship and rivalry.
Natsusa Yuzuki and Seiichirou Shingyouji
The relationship between Natsusa and Seiichirou serves as a central pillar of the series. Despite Natsusa’s injury and subsequent shift in role within the team, Seiichirou’s unwavering support and optimism play a crucial role in keeping Natsusa’s spirits high. Their bond is a testament to the power of friendship and how it can transcend the challenges life throws at us.
The Team Dynamics
“Number 24” excels in showcasing the dynamics of a sports team. The series illustrates how individuals with different backgrounds, personalities, and skills come together to pursue a common goal. The interactions among team members, from rigorous training sessions to lighthearted banter, are portrayed realistically, providing viewers with a comprehensive look into the life of a sports team.
The Rugby Aspect
For fans of the sport, “Number 24” offers an engaging portrayal of rugby. While it may not dive into the technicalities as deeply as other sports anime, it captures the essence and spirit of rugby. The matches are animated with vigor, emphasizing the physicality and strategy of the game. The series also highlights the importance of teamwork and perseverance, core tenets of sportsmanship.
Themes and Messages
Beyond the sports action, “Number 24” delves into themes that resonate on a personal level. It explores the concept of overcoming adversity, not just through Natsusa’s journey, but also through the challenges faced by other characters. The series encourages viewers to find strength in their passions and the people around them.
Another significant theme is the idea of finding one’s place. Many characters in the series struggle with issues of identity and belonging, both within the team and in their personal lives. “Number 24” addresses these concerns with sensitivity, showing how acceptance and understanding can foster a sense of community.
Why It Stands Out
In a genre where the emphasis is often placed on the thrill of the game, “Number 24” takes a different approach by focusing on the human element. It’s a series that understands the sport is as much about the people playing it as it is about the game itself. This human-centric narrative, combined with its unique setting in college rugby, makes “Number 24” a refreshing addition to the sports anime lineup.
The Animation and Music
The animation in “Number 24” deserves a mention. It strikes a balance between detailed character designs and dynamic sports sequences, creating a visually appealing experience. The music, too, complements the series well, enhancing both the emotional and action-packed scenes.
Conclusion
“Number 24” is more than just a sports anime. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, and the journey to find one’s place in the world. With its engaging characters, meaningful themes, and spirited portrayal of rugby, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or someone who appreciates character-driven narratives, “Number 24” is a series that’s worth checking out.