Anime, for many of us, holds a special place in our hearts, whether it’s because of the moving stories, the characters, or the incredible songs. The music score in anime is a big part of what makes these stories deeply moving. For instance, whenever we think of Ghibli, we inadvertently associate every work with its masterful film score, whether it’s My Neighbor Totoro’s theme song that evokes both comfort and mystery, or Spirited Away’s beautiful piano score, which is somewhat melancholic but undeniably hopeful.
So, what are the most popular anime songs for anime and music fans alike? You might be surprised to find that some of the most popular J-pop songs are from anime. We will go over some of the most popular anime songs for you to discover, or perhaps finally reveal the names of the songs you loved hearing from your favorite anime!
If you want to learn Japanese with music, find out about the 15 Best J-Pop Songs to Learn Japanese.
1. A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, Yoko Takahashi (Evangelion)
We couldn’t possibly have a list of the greatest anime songs without mentioning one of the most popular musical works to have ever come from entertainment. A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, sung masterfully by Yoko Takahashi, is immortalized as one of the top songs from anime for a reason. The deep emotional cuts of the lyrics exploring identity, transformation, and existentialism mirror the themes of the anime. Coupled with its dynamic composition of heavy brass instrumentals, creates an unforgettable song that is raw, vulnerable, and truly unforgettable.
Even decades after its 1995 debut, it continues to dominate karaoke rankings in Japan. The song is not just an anime opening theme. It defines an era and continues to resonate emotionally with audiences around the world!
2. On The Way, Aina The End (Dadadan)
Aina The Great, known for her powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics, delivers an introspective yet incredible performance for the opening theme of the Dadandan series, On The Way. Combining rock instrumentals with poetic lyrics centering on the titular character’s love for Momo. The song actually uses his love as a motif for his self-discovery, since after meeting Momo, his life completely changed.
On the Way is not only extremely catchy with intriguing choruses, but it’s also emotionally raw and relatable to so many people. The song went viral, reaching the top 50 on both Spotify and Billboard Japan’s Hot 100.
3. Karasu Aruji o Erabanai, Saucy Dog (Poi)
Saucy Dog’s Karasu Aruji o Erabanai captures that bittersweet, nostalgic emotion often found in slice-of-life anime. With melodic guitar riffs and emotionally earnest vocals, the song feels like a diary entry set to music: fragile, sincere, and beautiful.
4. Aruarian Dance, Nujabes (Samurai Champloo)
Even if you’ve never seen Samurai Champloo, you’ve likely heard Aruarian Dance. Featuring layered jazzy guitar melodies along with smooth beats and laid-back rhythms, the song perfectly captures the duality of the show, traditional Edo-era Japan, and urban hip hop.
This iconic hip-hop jazzy piece by the legendary Nujabes helped define the sound of early lo-fi hip-hop. It’s both nostalgic and timeless, elegantly blending serenity and rhythm that inspired countless remixes around the world. The song creates a meditative atmosphere that is just unforgettable.
5. Method, Kroi (Sakamoto Days)
The funky bass and rhythms immediately take you away and immerse you in a world of soulful energy. The energetic vocals drive the music with lyrics discussing letting go and moving forward. Just like the show, Method is truly an eclectic mix of styles, even featuring elements of hip hop.
The Tokyo-based band is known for blending funk, rock, and neo-soul, creating an addictive groove that perfectly complements Sakamoto Days’ action and humor.
6. Where Our Blue is, Tatsuya Kitani (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Tatsuya Kitani’s Where Our Blue Is became an instant hit thanks to its soaring melody and introspective lyrics that mirror the emotional turmoil of Jujutsu Kaisen. The song is both melancholic and cathartic, a perfect reflection of finding meaning through struggle.
7. Imagination, Spyair (Haikyuu)
Imagination by SPYAIR is the perfect embodiment of Haikyuu!!’s fiery optimism and teamwork. This explosive rock anthem perfectly mirrors the series’ energy, camaraderie, and relentless drive toward self-improvement.
Alluding to the anime’s titular characters and the team’s mascot, a crow, the powerful lyrics and vocals encapsulate the perseverance needed to move forward despite not knowing what the future holds, often using expressions like “flying to the sky” like a crow.
8. Tank!, The Seatbelts (Cowboy Bebop)
Tank! opens with a jazzy double bass solo before hooking you into an energetic horn section that takes you for a ride with its momentous, yet playful swing melodies. This is all backed up with Latin-inspired rhythms featuring a double bass and bongo drums that keep things even more interesting. This song is instantly a hit the second you hear it, and should be recognized as a Jazz standard, if it’s not already.
This iconic hard-bop jazz piece elegantly captures the heart of the show, which is a stylish, admittedly quirky blend of action, noir, and space sci-fi. It is one of many masterpieces composed by Yoko Kanno for Cowboy Bebop, widely recognized for its incredible soundtrack.
9. Blue Bird, Ikimono Gakari (Naruto Shippuden)
By the iconic J-pop duo, Ikimono Gakari, Blue Bird is extremely popular around the world, even outside the Naruto Shippuden fanbase. The strong vocals sing of freedom, perseverance, and hope, using the “blue sky” as a motif for goals to aim for. Its uplifting melody feels like an emotional release, inspiring listeners to chase their dreams despite hardship.
Even to this day, it is one of the most recognizable anime openings of all time. The song captures the essence of Naruto Shippuden. The song made it to Billboard Japan’s Hot 100. It is considered a must-listen for anime and music fans alike.
Find out how to learn Japanese by watching Naruto!
10. Again, YUI (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
A powerful rock anthem by J-pop/rock star Yui, Again marked the end of her long hiatus as one of the greatest comebacks in music history. It’s no wonder it was chosen to be the theme song for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s an emotionally charged masterpiece starting off with a steady rhythm with introspective lyrics about walking on a winding road and reflecting on the past before building up into an explosion of rock instrumentals with powerful vocals about pursuing truth while not really knowing what that is.
“Again” perfectly mirrors Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s themes of loss, truth, and redemption. YUI’s raw delivery captures the pain of looking back while continuing to push forward: the very struggle the Elric brothers face on their journey.
11. Gurenge, Lisa (Demon Slayer)
Instantly recognizable from the heartfelt intro about finding a reason to become stronger before blasting into an energetic rock instrumental that fills us up with overwhelming fervor, as if we can do anything in the world. Lisa brings a powerful vocal performance that speaks of becoming stronger in order to protect others.
Mirroring the award-winning anime, Demon Slayer, the song resonates with audiences around the world with its motivating lyrics about how we should try our best for those we love.
12. Rose, BLACK STONES (Nana)
Sung by Anna Tsuchiya as the fictional punk vocalist Nana Osaki, Rose is raw, rebellious, and vulnerable all at once. It’s the perfect anthem for NANA, a story that dives deep into love, fame, and heartbreak in Tokyo’s music scene.
With its gritty guitar riffs and Tsuchiya’s raspy, emotional vocals, Rose channels both power and fragility: a cry for freedom wrapped in punk energy. The lyrics, which repeat “I need your love, I’m a broken rose,” cry of desperation and emotional scars, echoing the anime’s central theme of chasing dreams and love even when they destroy you.
This song is deeply relatable due to how it dives into experiences that are universal, how our love and our dreams can harm us. That is why this is one of the most iconic anime theme songs of all time.
13. Idol, Yoasobi (Oshi no Ko)
Idol by YOASOBI exploded in global popularity with the opening of Oshi no Ko. Its fast-paced, complex structure and layered vocals mirror the duality of idol culture: dazzling on the surface, but dark and lonely underneath. In the lyrics, she often describes how being a perfect idol means being a perfect liar, not just to the fans but even to people she loves. But, in the end, she hopes her lies will just be true one day.
Musically, it’s a whirlwind: rapid tempo changes, shifting keys, and vocal gymnastics that match the anime’s themes of fame, identity, and illusion. The song encapsulates chaos while still being insanely catchy. This is certainly one of the greatest songs, not just in anime but music overall.
14. Namae no Nai Kaibutsu, EGOIST (Psycho-Pass)
EGOIST’s Namae no Nai Kaibutsu (“The Nameless Monster”) is dark, cinematic, and emotionally charged, which is the perfect fit for Psycho-Pass. The song opens with a haunting piano before diving into heavy synths and soaring vocals that evoke chaos and despair.
The lyrics explore themes of identity, guilt, and control — asking what it means to be human in a world governed by systems. The song’s title alludes to the monster within each person, reflecting the psychological conflict that defines the series.
15. Cha-La Head-Cha-La, Hironobu Kageyama (Dragon Ball Z)
Now finishing off this list with a familiar classic, Chala-Head-Chala perfectly captures the musical energy of the late 80s and early 90s. A rock classic with its prominent synth keyboards, an upbeat tempo, and electrifying guitar riffs is instantly recognizable.
The song’s title itself is a playful, nonsensical phrase, almost like saying “no worries” or “it’s all good!” Kageyama’s soaring vocals perfectly match the anime’s explosive battles and unshakable spirit, making it one of the most beloved and enduring openings in anime history.
Beyond nostalgia, the lyrics express resilience and an unbreakable positive attitude: even when facing overwhelming odds, you just keep flying forward. It’s pure shonen energy distilled into music.
Conclusion: Why You Should Listen to the Top Anime Songs
The incredible artistry that goes into the music is undoubtedly part of what makes anime resonate with us so deeply. Give this list of top anime songs a try and add them to your playlists or use it as a starting point to discover the amazing music featured in our favorite stories.
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FAQ
What are the most iconic anime songs of all time?
Some of the most universally recognized include A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (Evangelion), Tank! (Cowboy Bebop), Blue Bird (Naruto Shippuden), Again (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), and Gurenge (Demon Slayer).
Why are anime songs so popular?
Anime songs tend to be well-received, like the anime they come from or are used in. It’s very common for famous J-pop artists to write and perform songs for different anime titles. They often top music charts and become cultural symbols beyond the anime itself.
Where can I listen to anime songs?
You can find official anime soundtracks and singles on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Many anime studios also release high-quality versions on official YouTube channels.
Who are the most famous anime song artists?
Legends like Yoko Takahashi, Hironobu Kageyama, and LiSA have become synonymous with anime music. More recently, artists like YOASOBI, Aimer, and Tatsuya Kitani have gained international acclaim
Why do anime openings change throughout a series?
Many long-running anime rotate openings to reflect new arcs, emotional shifts, or character developments. It also keeps the series musically fresh and gives fans new songs to connect with.
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