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    Home » Reviews

    Best Cycling Anime / Cartoons

    Published: May 26, 2020 · Modified: Jun 2, 2020 by The Bad Cyclist Team

    Cycling anime is typically a subgenre of the shonen sports animes, however it does occasionally feature in other realms of animation. This list is going to showcase some of the best cycling anime (including animated feature length films) from around the world…though, they’re mostly Japanese (because, anime).

    I’ll do my best to include the best and most well-known shows, as well as a few gems you might have missed. In the case of shows that happen to also have feature length animated movies, I’ve included them as one entry, and ignored any non-animated ventures (you don’t need to see Yowamushi Pedal eleven times in one list!).

    If you’re looking for a list of movies, check out the Best Cycling Movies from Around the World. And if you’re after documentaries, check out The Best Documentaries About Cycling.

    Hardcore fans may notice that I’ve not included the fairly popular Idaten Jump. While “cycling” does play a big part in it, I felt like it’s just not right for this list. (Or really any list. I don’t think it’s very good.)

    This post may include affiliates links. This means that if you happen to purchase something using this link, Bad Cyclist may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

    Best Cycling Anime & Cartoons

    A rundown of some of the best cycling anime of all time. This list includes all the best animated features and shows about cycling!

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Yowamushi Pedal

    Original Release Date: 2013

    Length: 113 episodes (4 seasons), 5 animated films

    Genre: Sports Anime - Shonen

    A timid otaku shows some serious climbing ability, and is convinced to join his high school’s cycling team as they train for the upcoming championships – a fairly standard premise, but exciting animation, entertaining characters, and excellent pacing has made this possibly the most popular cycling anime there is.

    Nasu: Summer in Andalusia

    Original Release Date: 2003

    Length: 47 minutes

    Genre: Sports Anime – Seinen

    The story of a Spanish pro competing in the Vuelta, who overhears that he will be fired following the conclusion of the race. This cracker of a film will have you rooting for Pepe as he suffers through the trails of life and road by continuing to pedal just a little bit harder. It spawned a worthy sequel in “Nasu: A Migratory Bird with a Suitcase” which was released in 2007.

    Hill Climb Girl

    Original Release Date: 2014

    Length: 7 minutes

    Genre: Animated Short

    A short but sweet film about a girl that competes against a schoolmate in bike race up a hill. Well animated, and a good way to spend 7 minutes. (Bonus: It has an animated Bradley Wiggins!)

    Over Drive

    Original Release Date: 2007

    Length: 26 episodes

    Genre: Sports Anime - Shonen

    The story of Mikoto Shinozaki who wants to become the best cyclist in the world. This one season show provides a somewhat more realistic depiction of cycling and cycling clubs than Yowamushi Pedal, while still managing to be exciting and entertaining (though, the animation is a bit choppy and the story does occasionally drag).

    Long Riders!

    Original Release Date: 2016

    Length: 12 episodes

    Genre: Slice of Life

    Something away from intense competitive cycling, Long Riders! follows a young girl’s journey into the world of cycling as she aims to form a team and ride a brevet – it’s charming, easy to watch, and seems to be the only show that really addresses how expensive cycling can be (and what a shock that is!).

    Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club 

    Original Release Date: 2017

    Length: 13 episodes

    Genre: Slice of Life

    Honestly, this one takes a couple of episodes to get into. And out of all the entries in this list, I found this to be the least entertaining cycle anime. The story follows a group of girls who form a high school cycling club, the focus is more on scenic touring – it does talk a lot about bikes, which was cool but it doesn’t have the humour, excitement, or depth that any of the other entries on this list do.

    The Triplets of Belleville 

    Original Release Date: 2003

    Length: 78 minutes

    Genre: Animated Film / Comedy

    The story of a Madame Souza trying to rescue her kidnapped grandson, a pro who was competing in the Tour de France. This oddball French comedy as almost no dialogue, but is a must watch for fans of the genre.

    Golden Boy

    Original Release Date: 1995

    Length: 6 episodes

    Genre: Comedy / Ecchi

    This one is a bit of a stretch as its more about the lead character’s exploits, but his bike (the Mikazuki 5) does feature quite a bit as he rides around looking for odd jobs (that’s the whole premise of the show. It gets a little crazy.). Honestly, it’s better than it sounds!

    Aaaand, that’s it for the best cycling anime available at the moment…I think. Have I missed anything? What’s your favourite cycling anime or cartoon? Let me know in the comments below.

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