The Most Must-Watch Anime Series About Racing

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Anime expert Megan Blue shares the most iconic anime about cars and racing

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Speed Racer

2 Initial D

3 MF Ghost

4 Redline

5 Future GPX Cyber Formula

6 Capeta

7 Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

8 Wangan Midnight

9 Appare-Ranman!

10 Oban Star-Racers

11 Overtake!

12 IGPX

13 RideBack

14 Yowamushi Pedal

15 Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go

16 eX-Driver

17 Tailenders

18 Two Car

19 Blassreiter

20 Fanfare of Adolescence

21 F

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Co-authored by Megan Blue and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: July 16, 2026 Fact Checked

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Start your engines! Are you looking for a new racing anime? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re into cars, motorcycles, or even horse racing, we’ve compiled a list of the best racing anime you’re sure to enjoy—with exclusive insights from an anime expert! Keep reading to find your next favorite series.

Popular Racing Anime

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Anime expert Megan Blue says Speed Racer is one of the well-known racing anime of all time. Other popular series include Initial D, Redline, Future GPX Cyber Formula, and Wangan Midnight. Some non-vehicle racing anime include Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Fanfare of Adolescence, and Yowamushi Pedal.

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1

Speed Racer

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1. 
   How could we start our list with anything other than the classic Speed Racer? According to Blue, it’s one of the most iconic and famous anime ever made! The story follows the titular Speed Racer as he competes in high-stakes races around the world, all the while thwarting criminals and the masked driver, Racer X. Compared to other racing anime, it can be kind of cheesy at times, but it also explores themes of grief and corruption.

   • Where to watch: Watch Speed Racer for free on YouTube, Tubi, or the CW.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Megan Blue is an anime expert and content creator based in Kingston, OH. She has 25+ years of experience watching anime and nearly 10 years creating content. She is also known as The Fangirl (@TheFangirlWatches) online.
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2

Initial D

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1. 
   Initial D is one of the most popular racing anime series of all time, says Blue. It follows high school student Takumi Fujiwara as he accidentally gets involved in illegal street racing while delivering tofu for his father. The series is a perfect blend of racing and a coming-of-age story, making it a great first watch for those looking to get into racing anime.

   • Where to watch: Watch Initial D with a Crunchyroll subscription.

3

MF Ghost

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1. 
   If you can’t get enough Initial D, check out its sequel, MF Ghost. Set in a future where self-driving cars are the norm, a mysterious organization called MFG organizes legal street races. Kanata Rivington decides to participate in the competitions, all the while searching for his lost father.

   • Where to watch: Watch MF Ghost with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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4

Redline

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1. 
   Redline is a sci-fi anime following racer JP as he enters the universe’s most deadly (and illegal) intergalactic race in an attempt to pay off his debts to the mafia. To make matters even more dangerous, the race is set on Roboworld, and the president threatens to destroy all the racers. It’s highly praised among anime fans, according to Blue.

   • Where to watch: Watch Redline for free on Tubi.

5

Future GPX Cyber Formula

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1. 
   Future GPX Cyber Formula isn’t the most widely known racing anime, but it certainly should be. This series is set in a world where cars are mostly controlled by AI, but still require a human driver. It follows teenager Kazami Hayato, who unintentionally becomes the driver for Team Sugo and competes in the Grand Prix. This is an older anime, but it’s one that stands the test of time. In fact, it’s one of the most highly praised anime series on racing, adds Blue.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Future GPX Cyber Formula isn’t currently on any streaming services in the US.
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6

Capeta

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1. 
   Capeta is an inspirational story that follows Kappeita “Capeta” Taira as he grows from a kid who loves go-karts into a professional racer. At the beginning of the show, he’s a lonely fourth-grader who refurbishes an old go-kart. He ages as the series progresses, so viewers get to watch his full journey.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Capeta isn’t currently available on any streaming services in the US.

7

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

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1. 
   Looking for a more unique take on the racing genre? Uma Musume: Pretty Derby follows real-life racehorses who are reincarnated as “Umamusume,” or horse girls. They attend Tokyo’s Tracen Academy to train to become competitive racers and idols. See? We told you it was unique!

   • Where to watch: Watch Uma Musume: Pretty Derby with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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8

Wangan Midnight

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1. 
   In Wangan Midnight, Akio Asakura is a high school student who comes into possession of a supposedly cursed car whose previous owners have all ended up in fatal car accidents. Rather than being turned away, Akio is intrigued and begins racing on the Wangan expressway, developing rivalries and forming a connection with the former owner’s sister, Reina, along the way.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Wangan Midnight isn’t currently available on any streaming services in the US.

9

Appare-Ranman!

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1. 
   Set in the early Meiji Era, Appare-Ranman follows the main character Appare Sorano and the samurai Kosame Isshiki as they get stranded in Los Angeles, California. They then enter the Trans-America Wild Race, a steam-powered car race across America, in an attempt to win the prize money to get back to Japan. This anime is loved for its gorgeous animation and well-developed characters.

   • Where to watch: Watch Appare-Ranman! with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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10

Oban Star-Racers

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1. 
   Set in 2082, Oban Star-Racers follows teenage Eva Wei as she runs away from boarding school to find her estranged father, who is the manager of the Great Race. In an attempt to connect with him, she joins his team in the interstellar race and competes to win a wish-granting prize. You’ll love this show if you’re looking for a unique premise, a fascinating setting, and well-developed characters.

   • Where to watch: Watch Oban Star-Racers with a Roku subscription.

11

Overtake!

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1. 
   Overtake! follows Kōya Madoka, a freelance photographer whose personal setbacks have prevented him from taking new photos. When he attends a Formula 4 race, he is inspired by the underdog Haruka Asahina and decides to document Asahina’s journey in the world of competitive motorsport.!

   • Where to watch: Watch Overtake! with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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12

IGPX

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1. 
   IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix is set in 2049 and follows Team Satomi, a group of 3 rookie pilots who drive humanoid mechs and compete in a race called the Immortal Grand Prix. The series features both racing and combat as the team learns to work together to beat more experienced racers.

   • Where to watch: Watch IGPX for free on Sling.

13

RideBack

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1. 
   In RideBack, Rin Ogata is a ballet dancer who is forced to quit after a severe foot injury. In college, she takes an interest in Ridebacks, robotic motorcycles, and discovers her ballet skills make her an excellent driver. Little does she know, her skills will lead her right into the middle of a dangerous political conflict.

   • Where to watch: Watch RideBack with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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14

Yowamushi Pedal

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1. 
   Car racing not your thing? Then try Yowamushi Pedal, a cycling anime. The story centers on high schooler Sakamichi Onoda, who is disheartened when his school’s anime club disbands due to a lack of interest. In an attempt to gain new members, he challenges fellow student Shunsuke Imaizumi to a bike race and, in turn, gets recruited for high school bicycle racing.

   • Where to watch: Watch Yowamushi Pedal with a Crunchyroll subscription.

15

Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go

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1. 
   This series follows brothers Retsu and Go Seiba as they form a team to compete in Mini 4WD car races. Throughout the series, they strengthen their bond as brothers, upgrade their cars, and compete in national tournaments. The show is fun and inspiring for viewers of all ages.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go is not currently available on any streaming services in the US.
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16

eX-Driver

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1. 
   This series is set in a future where humans no longer know how to drive because all vehicles are controlled by AI. The only people who do know how to drive are eX-Drivers, the people who are responsible for stopping out-of-control vehicles from wreaking havoc. The series isn’t technically a racing anime, but it includes action-packed driving scenes that will get your heart pumping.

   • Where to watch: Watch eX-Driver for free on Tubi.

17

Tailenders

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1. 
   Set on Terulus, a planet devastated by earthquakes, Tailenders follows Tomoe Shiro, a racer who has his heart replaced with his car’s engine following a near-fatal accident. Now disqualified from racing, he travels to a lawless planet where he competes against other disqualified racers. Though the anime is short, the surprises it offers keep readers on the edge of their seats.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Tailenders is not currently available on any streaming services in the US.
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18

Two Car

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1. 
   In Two Car, Yuri Miyata and Megumi Meguro are total opposites who team up to compete in motorcycle sidecar races. Yuri drives, while Megumi helps maintain speed and balance from the sidecar. The story follows their journey as they learn to work together, even while competing for their coach’s affections.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, Two Car is not currently available on any streaming services in the US.

19

Blassreiter

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1. 
   Blassreiter puts a paranormal spin on the racing genre. In this world, Germany is dealing with an outbreak of Demoniacs, zombie-like creatures who can merge with vehicles to gain control of them. The XAT, or Xenogenesis Assault Team, are a group of people who try to keep the Demoniacs under control.

   • Where to watch: Watch Blassreiter with a Crunchyroll subscription.
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20

Fanfare of Adolescence

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1. 
   Fanfare of Adolescence is a unique racing anime, as it focuses on horse racing rather than car or motorcycle racing. The story follows 3 teenage boys as they train at a prestigious horse racing academy in an attempt to become professional jockeys. Over the course of 3 years, they overcome personal struggles, academics, and injuries.

   • Where to watch: Watch Fanfare of Adolescence with a Crunchyroll subscription.

21

F

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1. F is another highly praised anime series on racing, according to Blue. It follows Gunma Akagi, a reckless teenager from the countryside who rises from poverty to achieve his dream of racing in Formula One, despite pushback from his father. While it’s deeply rooted in racing, it’s also a coming-of-age drama about family trauma, social status, and the characters' relationships.

   • Where to watch: Unfortunately, F is not currently available on any streaming services in the US.
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