Diving into the anime verse doesn’t seem to be a bad gamble if you’re searching for a certain genre or sub-genre to watch. Anime as a medium has touched nearly every kind of story, including the highly emphasized racing car anime. The pickings might be slim, but there are still a few great series out there to give an adrenaline rush.

Like every other genre, racing car anime doesn’t find itself limited by what can be done with racing in general. Whether it’s high-speed chases, intense competitions, or just a good story, the genre offers a variety of racing anime. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

10. F (Formula 1 – Engines On The Track)

F is a classic car anime featuring a strong cast of characters who are all passionate about racing. The story follows Gunma Akagi as he goes from a boy living in the countryside to moving to Tokyo to train with the best drivers in the world and become the next Formula One racing star.

Along the way, Gunma realizes that it will take more than just talent to achieve his dream as he learns to deal with the pressures of competition, the challenges of being away from home, and the heartbreak of losing against his fellow rivals.

9. Speed Racer

Speed Racer, also known as “Mach GoGoGo”, is a multimedia automobile racing anime franchise. Originally released in 1967, the series follows Go Mifune, a young car driver who dreams of breaking into the world of professional racing by piloting a high-tech race car built by his father.

However, Go soon learns that being a professional racer is not easy. From the underhanded plots of corrupt businessmen to stiff competition in the form of his rival, Go faces many obstacles on the road to becoming the greatest racer of all time.

8. Appare-Ranman!

Appare-Ranman is carrying the racing car anime genre in the modern era with its steampunk, Western, and satire elements. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows eccentric inventor Appare Sorano and samurai Kosame Isshiki who find themselves stranded in the United States after their steamship is destroyed in a storm.

With no money and no easy way to return to their homeland, they decide to enter the “Trans-America Wild Race” that pits determined racers from all across the globe against each other for an epic prize. The two of them will have to work together while fighting off other challengers as they try to win the race.

7. Tailenders

A film-centered car racing anime, Tailenders explores the themes of action and sci-fi in a post-apocalyptic setting. Taking place on a dystopian planet where terraformers have ravaged the environment, the film follows promising young racer Tomoe Shiro who is horribly injured in a stampede.

He survives, but his heart is replaced with the engine of his own racing car. This makes him ineligible to race in official competitions however, he’s offered a chance to race again. To prove himself, Shiro sets off to win the “Planet Redevelopment Race”, a prestigious race held in a giant wheeled city.

6. Future GPX Cyber Formula

Future GPX Cyber Formula is a futuristic racing car anime series applauded for its realistic depiction of racing and motorsports in totality. The series is set in the year 2010 when racing has evolved into a high-tech sport with cars equipped with advanced computer systems.

The protagonist Kazami Hayato is a 14-year-old passionate racer who dreams of becoming a Cyber Formula champion. With the help of his team and his cyber-navigation system “Asurada”, Hayato sets out to prove that he has what it takes to be a champion.

5. éX-Driver

Setting forth a very uncommon take in the street racing anime genre, the series follows the adventures of “éX-Drivers” as they race against time to prevent accidents and save lives! The anime takes place in a future where humans have forgotten how to drive since every vehicle is easily controlled by AI.

However, these AI-controlled vehicles can sometimes malfunction or be hacked, leading to accidents. To prevent these catastrophes, a special group of teenagers called éX-Drivers are tasked with stopping rogue AI when things go haywire.

4. Capeta

Kart racing isn’t glamorized as much as the formula one driving however, it also has its fair share of challenges and rewards. Through its underdog story, Capeta effectively taps into that energy with a very heartwarming tale and follows a lonely and insecure fourth grader who aspires to become a professional kart racer.

As he trains and competes in karting races all while dealing with the pressures of being a young athlete, Kappeita Taira overcomes many challenges on his journey to the top! Capeta serves as a perfect example of perseverance and determination in a sports anime.

3. Wangan Midnight

Featuring a variety of exclusive cars, Wangan Midnight gives a sneak peek into the real fun of street racing. The story begins with high school student Akio Asakura encountering a black Porsche 911 Turbo nicknamed “Blackbird” on the highways of Tokyo.

Determined to drive a faster car, Akio soon finds himself drawn to the world of street racing and eventually gets his hands on a Nissan Fairlady Z (S30). With his newfound car, Akio trails the roads of Tokyo aiming to become the fastest racer on the Wangan.

2. Redline

Redline is an aesthetically breathtaking racing car anime film by Madhouse lauded for its use of hand-drawn frames and cel animation which is a rarity in modern anime. Set in the distant future, the film follows daredevil driver JP who is hell-bent on winning the titular underground race.

Relying solely on his vehicle’s speed, JP prepares for the universe’s most exhilarating race called Redline which is held every five years. In a competition where racers are pushed to their absolute limit, JP battles against the other highly skilled drivers to take first place in the biggest race of his life.

1. Initial D

Initial D is by far the best street racing anime the genre has to offer. Spawning into multiple seasons, the series initially follows Takumi Fujiwara who unknowingly develops a natural talent for drifting while working as a tofu delivery driver for his father.

One day, after coming across a local racing team, Takumi becomes known throughout the racing scene and he soon finds himself competing against some of the best drivers in Japan in an attempt to prove himself as a true racing champion.

Which one of the following racing car anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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