Hajime no Ippo is more than just a sports anime. It’s a story about growth, perseverance, and chasing your dreams. From Ippo Makunouchi’s first step into the boxing world to his greatest matches, this journey has inspired fans for over two decades.
But with TV seasons, movies, and OVAs spread across different years, finding the correct Hajime no Ippo watch order can be tricky.
You might wonder: Should I follow release order or story order? Are the OVAs important? Do I need to watch everything? This guide will make it easy for everyone — whether you’re new to anime, returning after a break, or a dedicated fan who wants the full experience.
We’ll break down all content (The Fighting!, New Challenger, Rising, specials, OVAs), explain what’s canon, where to watch it in 2025, and help you choose the best order. Let’s get started!
Quick Answer: Best Hajime no Ippo Watch Order (For Most Viewers)
The smoothest experience is the chronological order:
- Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000–2002) – TV Series
- Hajime no Ippo: Boxer no Kobushi (2003) – Special Episode
- Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003) – TV Movie
- Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003) – OVA
- Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009) – TV Series
- Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013–2014) – TV Series
Perfect for:
- New fans starting fresh.
- Returning viewers who want full character development.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to watch Champion Road after Season 1. It covers a major fight before New Challenger starts!
Why Watching Hajime no Ippo Can Feel Confusing
Although there are only three main TV seasons, the confusion comes from:
- Specials and OVAs: Important story pieces are outside the main seasons.
- Long Gaps Between Releases: Years passed between some seasons and specials.
- Naming Issues: New Challenger is the direct sequel to Season 1, but isn’t labeled as “Season 2.”
Without a guide, it’s easy to accidentally miss important matches or story arcs.
Franchise Overview: Everything You Need to Know
Here’s what makes up the Hajime no Ippo anime:
- TV Series:
- The Fighting! (76 episodes)
- New Challenger (26 episodes)
- Rising (25 episodes)
- Specials and OVAs:
- Boxer no Kobushi (1-episode special)
- Champion Road (TV movie)
- Mashiba vs. Kimura (OVA)
Canon vs Non-Canon:
Good news — everything is canon.
There are no fillers. Every episode and special adds something important to the story.
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order (Recommended for Story Flow)
This is the best path to experience Ippo’s growth:
- The Fighting! (TV Series)
- Boxer no Kobushi (Special)
- Champion Road (Movie)
- Mashiba vs. Kimura (OVA)
- New Challenger (TV Series)
- Rising (TV Series)
Best for:
- First-time viewers and anyone who loves clean story progression.
Release Order (Best for Nostalgia)
This order matches how fans originally watched it:
- The Fighting! (2000–2002)
- Boxer no Kobushi (2003)
- Champion Road (2003)
- Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003)
- New Challenger (2009)
- Rising (2013–2014)
Best for:
- Returning fans who want that original release experience.
Creator’s Intended Watch Order
The chronological anime order closely follows the manga’s flow.
There’s no separate “preferred” watch order beyond what’s shown here.
What You Can Skip (Optional)
Technically, everything is important, but if you’re short on time:
- Optional: You could skip Boxer no Kobushi.
It’s a short special that adds depth to Ippo’s character but isn’t essential to the main plot.
However, we recommend watching everything for the richest experience!
Where to Watch Hajime no Ippo in 2025
You can stream the Hajime no Ippo series on:
- Crunchyroll — The Fighting! and Rising available.
- Netflix — The Fighting! in select countries.
- HiDive — Some OVAs and New Challenger appear here.
- Amazon Prime Video — Paid rentals and purchases.
- Pluto TV — Free streaming with ads in the U.S.
Tip: Always double-check your country’s streaming availability because it may change.
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
- Feeling overwhelmed?
Start with Season 1 (The Fighting!). If you love it, move onto the specials and later seasons. - Binge vs. Space Out?
Binge Season 1 for momentum.
Then pace yourself through New Challenger and Rising for full impact. - Recommended Starter Pack:
- The Fighting! (Episodes 1–76)
- Champion Road (TV movie)
- New Challenger (Episodes 1–26)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I skip the specials like Champion Road?
It’s not recommended. Specials like Champion Road and Mashiba vs. Kimura cover major fights and important character developments between seasons. Skipping them would mean missing some critical story moments.
Is New Challenger the second season of Hajime no Ippo?
Yes! Even though it’s not officially labeled “Season 2,” New Challenger continues Ippo’s journey right after Champion Road. Think of it as the natural next season.
What if I don’t have time to watch everything?
If you’re short on time, you should focus on Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! and Champion Road first. If you enjoy them (you probably will!), move on to New Challenger for the full experience.
Is there any filler in Hajime no Ippo?
No! Hajime no Ippo is one of the rare anime that faithfully adapts the manga without filler episodes. Every fight, training session, and character arc is part of the main story.
Where can I stream Hajime no Ippo in 2025?
You can watch parts of the series on Crunchyroll, Netflix (depending on your country), Pluto TV for free with ads, and Amazon Prime Video for rental or purchase.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting Hajime no Ippo in 2025, following the chronological order will give you the most complete and rewarding journey.
You’ll see every win, loss, and personal breakthrough just as it was intended.
If you’re rewatching and want to enjoy the original release experience, release order works perfectly too.
No matter how you start, Hajime no Ippo will inspire you with its story of hard work, resilience, and heart.
Bookmark this guide, and share it with fellow anime fans who are ready to step into the ring!
