Ice skating is a beautiful and graceful sport that has captured the hearts of many people worldwide. Whether you’re a professional skater or just a fan, there’s no denying the beauty and artistry of ice skating. In recent years, ice skating has become a popular theme in anime, with many series featuring ice skating as a central focus or as a fun activity for the characters.
If you’re a fan of Yuri!!! On Ice is a popular anime series that follows the story of a Japanese figure skater Yuuri and his coach Victor; then you’ll love these 15 ice skating anime series. Each anime features ice skating in some form, whether as a central focus or as a fun activity for the characters.
From the intense and dramatic sports anime like Yuri!!! on Ice and Welcome to the Ballroom, to the lighthearted and fun moments in Toradora! and Love Live! Sunshine!!, there’s something for every ice skating fan in these anime series.
You’ll be transported to the world of competitive figure skating, ice dancing, and more as you follow the stories of these characters and their love for the ice. You’ll be amazed by the stunning choreography and artistry of the ice skating scenes, as well as the heartfelt and emotional moments that are sure to tug at your heartstrings.
So, whether you’re a fan of sports anime, romance anime, or just looking for something fun and lighthearted to watch, these 15 ice skating anime series are sure to delight you. Get ready to lace up your skates and hit the ice with these incredible anime series.
Best 15 Ice Skating Anime
Get ready to lace up your skates and join us as we explore the best 15 ice skating anime series that will satisfy your craving for thrilling performances on the ice. From heartwarming romances to intense competitions, these anime will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)
Yuri!!! on Ice is a beloved anime series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The series follows the story of Yuri Katsuki, a talented but struggling ice skater who is given a second chance at success when he meets his idol, Viktor Nikiforov.
Directed by Sayo Yamamoto and produced by MAPPA, Yuri!!! on Ice is known for its stunning animation, intricate skating choreography, and heartfelt storytelling. The series focuses heavily on ice skating, with the characters competing in various competitions and working to perfect their skills.
What sets Yuri!!! on Ice, apart from other sports anime, is its strong focus on relationships and personal growth. The series explores the friendships and romantic connections between the characters, adding depth and emotion to the show.
The ice skating scenes in Yuri!!! on Ice are particularly impressive, with each performance showcasing the characters’ styles and personalities. The animation is fluid and dynamic, capturing the sport’s grace and athleticism beautifully and thrillingly.
Overall, Yuri!!! on Ice is a must-watch for fans of ice skating and sports anime. Its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling make it a standout series in the genre. At the same time, its focus on relationships and personal growth adds a layer of emotional depth that will resonate with viewers.
A Silent Voice (2016)
Directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation, this anime is a poignant story about a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya and her former classmate, Shoya Ishida, who tries to make amends for bullying her in the past. In one scene, the two characters go ice skating together, despite Shoko’s challenges due to her disability. The scene is a powerful representation of the characters’ connection and mutual understanding.
Princess Tutu (2002)
Princess Tutu is a unique and captivating anime series blends fairy tales, ballet, and magical girl anime elements. The series follows the story of Ahiru, a duck transformed into a human girl who becomes the magical ballerina Princess Tutu.
In episode 16 of the series, titled “Giselle, Kapitel des Eies,” the characters find themselves amid a winter festival. The episode features a stunning ice skating scene, with Ahiru and her friends performing a beautiful group routine on the ice.
The skating scene is a feast for the eyes, with intricate choreography and stunning animation bringing the winter wonderland to life. The characters glide gracefully across the ice, synchronizing perfectly with the music.
What makes the ice skating scene in Princess Tutu particularly noteworthy is its emotional resonance. The skating routine serves as a way for the characters to unite and overcome their differences, with their shared love of skating uniting them beautifully and powerfully.
InuYasha (2000-2004)
Sunrise Studio produces, and Masashi Ikeda directs this classic adventure anime, which follows the story of a time-traveling girl named Kagome and a half-demon named InuYasha. Together they embark on a quest to collect the shards of a powerful jewel that can grant any wish. In episode 127, the characters go ice skating on a frozen lake. The scene is a brief but fun moment that adds a bit of levity to the otherwise action-packed series.
K-On! (2009)
Directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation. K-On! is a beloved anime series that follows the adventures of four high school girls who start a band in their music club. In episode 24, titled “Winter Days!” the girls take a break from their musical pursuits and head to an ice skating rink for winter fun. The episode captures the season’s festive spirit with colorful decorations and twinkling lights adorning the rink.
The ice skating scene in the episode is brief but memorable. The girls skate around the rink, showing off their skills and enjoying the winter atmosphere. The scene is filled with laughter and good-natured fun, highlighting the close bond between the characters. The animation is also noteworthy, with the ice rink and surrounding winter scenery rendered in stunning detail.
Sailor Moon (1992)
Toei Animation produced and Junichi Sato directed this classic magical girl anime about teenage girls who become powerful warriors to save the world from evil. In episode 38, the characters go ice skating at a winter resort. The scene is a fun and romantic moment between the main characters, Usagi and Mamoru, as they skate together under the moonlight.
Kimi ni Todoke (2009)
From Me to You/ Kimi ni Todoke is a heartwarming romance anime that tells the story of Sawako, a shy and misunderstood high school girl, and her efforts to connect with her classmates and make friends.
In episode 14 of the series, titled “New Year,” Sawako and her friends head to an ice skating rink to celebrate the start of the new year. The scene is filled with the cheerful sounds of traditional Japanese New Year’s music, and the characters skate around the rink, laughing and having fun.
What makes the ice skating scene in Kimi ni Todoke so unique is how it highlights the characters’ growing relationships. Sawako shares a touching moment with her love interest, Kazehaya, as they skate together. The scene is filled with warmth and camaraderie as the characters enjoy each other’s company.
Hyouka (2012)
Yasuhiro Takemoto directs, and Kyoto Animation produces this anime about a high school student named Oreki and his friends who solve mysteries. The story follows Oreki as he reluctantly joins the school’s Classic Literature Club and finds himself involved in solving various mysteries around the school. Through their investigations, Oreki and his friends uncover hidden secrets and learn more about themselves and their relationships with each other.
In episode 18, the characters go ice skating as part of a cultural festival. The scene is a fun and festive moment that showcases the characters’ personalities and adds fun to the series.
Nana (2006-2007)
This anime is about two young women named Nana who move to Tokyo to pursue their dreams. The story explores their lives’ ups and downs as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, relationships, and the entertainment industry. Through their journey, the two Nanas develop a strong friendship that helps them overcome obstacles. With a mix of drama, romance, and music, this anime offers a captivating portrayal of the struggles and joys of young adulthood. In episode 22, the characters go ice skating together, providing a fun and playful moment between the two friends. The scene also highlights the characters’ growth and development throughout the series.
Toradora! (2008)
Tatsuyuki Nagai directs, and J.C. Staff Studio produces this romantic comedy anime about two high school students, Ryuji and Taiga. The story follows the two as they develop a close bond and help each other pursue their crushes while navigating the ups and downs of high school life. In episode 19, the characters go ice skating together, providing a sweet and romantic moment between the two main characters. The scene also showcases their growing feelings for each other.
Free! (2013)
Hiroko Utsumi directs, and Kyoto Animation produces this sports anime series that follows a high school swim team. The story revolves around a group of boys passionate about swimming and striving to become champions in the sport. In episode 8, the characters go ice skating as part of a team bonding activity. The scene is a fun and playful moment that showcases the characters’ friendship, sense of fun, and athletic abilities.
Love Live! Sunshine!! (2016)
Love Live! Sunshine!! is an anime series that follows the adventures of a group of high school girls who form a school idol group, Aqours, to save their school from closing down.
In episode 9 of the series, titled “A Solitary New Year,” the members of Aqours head to an ice skating rink to celebrate the new year. The scene is filled with festive cheer as the characters skate around the rink, dressed in colorful winter outfits and enjoying each other’s company.
The ice skating scene in Love Live! Sunshine!! is notable for its beautiful animation and lively energy. The characters skate gracefully around the rink, performing impressive spins and jumping to the upbeat music. The scene also captures the close bond between the members of Aqours, who support and encourage each other as they skate.
Chihayafuru (2011)
Directed by Morio Asaka and produced by Madhouse studio, this anime is a sports series that follows a high school student named Chihaya as she pursues her passion for a traditional Japanese card game called karuta. In episode 9, the characters go ice skating as part of a training camp. The scene is fun and playful, adding levity to the otherwise intense series.
Welcome to the Ballroom (2017)
Welcome to the Ballroom is a sports anime. This anime follows Tatara Fujita, a high school student without direction, until he discovers his passion for ballroom dancing.
The anime is directed by Yoshimi Itazu and produced by Production I.G. The story revolves around Tatara as he enters the world of competitive ballroom dancing and strives to become a skilled dancer. Tatara meets various characters along the way, including the talented dancer Shizuku Hanaoka and the confident dancer Kiyoharu Hyodo.
Although ballroom dancing is the primary focus of the anime, ice skating is featured in a few episodes. In episode 12, the characters participate in an ice skating party, where Tatara has a chance to skate with his partner, Chinatsu. The episode showcases the characters’ skills on the ice and provides a nice change of pace from the usual ballroom dancing scenes.
Overall, Welcome to the Ballroom is a thrilling anime highlighting the dedication and hard work required to excel in a competitive sport. With its impressive animation and captivating characters, it’s a must-watch for any sports anime fan, including those who enjoy ice skating.
SK8 the Infinity (2021)
SK8 the Infinity is a popular anime series that follows the story of Reki, a high school student who is obsessed with a dangerous and illegal form of skateboarding known as “S.” While not strictly focused on ice skating, the series does feature several thrilling and intense skating scenes that are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
What makes SK8 the Infinity unique is its blend of skating and action, as the characters race through challenging courses and perform death-defying stunts while trying to outdo one another. While the skating in the series is not always on ice, the high-speed and adrenaline-fueled action of the show is sure to appeal to fans of ice skating and extreme sports.
But it’s not all about the action in SK8 the Infinity. The series also explores the relationships and friendships that form between the characters as they compete and train together. This adds emotional depth to the show, setting it apart from other action-focused anime series.
Overall, SK8 the Infinity is a thrilling and exciting anime series with a unique blend of action and skating. While not focused solely on ice skating, the skating scenes in the show are still a significant highlight and are sure to impress fans of the sport.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ice skating anime is a great genre that offers a unique and beautiful perspective on ice skating. Each anime listed here features ice skating in some form. It may be a central focus or a fun activity for the characters. From intense and dramatic sports anime to lighthearted and romantic stories. There’s something for every fan of ice skating anime to enjoy.
The stunning choreography and artistry of the ice skating scenes are a treat for the eyes. While the heartfelt and emotional stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings. Ice skating anime has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. So whether you’re a fan of sports anime or just looking for something new to watch, these ice skating anime will surely leave you inspired and entertained.
