Top 10 Anime Songs Everyone Should Listen To

“Berserk” (2016-17)

Yes, the anime itself is widely derided for being a poor adaptation. But the first opening theme to the 2016 version of “Berserk” hits as good as a blow from Guts. Performed by 9mm Parabellum Bullet, “Inferno” has expressive, passionate vocals and fast-paced, fiery rock to back them up. The guitar shreds fast and the drums go absolutely nuts throughout. “Inferno” has a great balance of melancholy and excitement that makes it the perfect representation of “Berserk” – you’re gonna’ feel sad, but there’s also going to be a lot of HYPE!

“Yuri on Ice” (2016)

Very few anime songs are sung in English, but “History Maker” feels like it would be momentous regardless of the language. Even its slow, trumpeting, orchestral opening feels like a build towards triumph. The song gloriously builds on its foundations, until it finally explodes in a wonderfully catchy mix of traditional instruments and electronic sounds. And the lyrics touching on destiny and chasing one’s goals never fail to inspire. Ultimately, “History Maker” feels like the perfect anthem, not just for “Yuri!!! on Ice,” but also for any story about pursuing a dream – or any person, for that matter. We were all born to make history – how we do it, is up to us.

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

The “Naruto” franchise has more music than you can throw a kunai at, so picking just one from the franchise is always tough. But “Blue Bird” just hits different! Performed by the band Ikimonogakari, “Blue Bird” is like an eruption of folk, rock, and pop in one song. Singer Kiyoe Yoshioka absolutely belts her lines, and the instruments go completely crazy as well. When’s the last time you heard a harmonica go that hard?! “Blue Bird” will have you feeling like you’re soaring yourself every time you listen to it.

“Eureka Seven” (2005-06)

A lot of anime songs go for bombast and excitement. “Shounen Heart” takes a different approach and keeps things chill. An upbeat hip-hop song by Home Made Kazoku, “Shonen Heart” may have quick-paced and often rapped vocals, but it’s also incredibly relaxing, with brassy horns and smooth keyboard. It oozes nostalgia, both in its tone and its lyrics, which touch on not only remembering the passions of youth, but also recapturing them. Whether it’s a track you reminisce fondly about or you’re just discovering it, “Shounen Heart” is a fantastic anime song to vibe to.

“Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight” (1998)

“Kiseki no Umi” or “Sea of Miracles” is borderline miraculous in how stunning it is. Singer Maaya Sakamoto’s plaintive vocals play over music composed by the renowned Yoko Kanno, yes that Yoko Kanno. The thrumming instruments and haunting, chanting chorus help give “Kiseki no Umi” an otherworldly beauty that perfectly evokes the fantasy setting of “Record of Lodoss War.” Listening to this song will transport the listener to a timeless place of breathtaking splendor and incredible adventure. It’s an incredible classic of an anime song that just isn’t talked about enough.

“Goblin Slayer” (2018-)

This anime may have drawn some controversy with its first episode, but there’s no debate on how great its first opening theme is. Starting out with classical orchestration, “Rightfully” features spectacular singing by singer momocashew (yes, really). The tempo then increases and the tone of the song changes to rock, though still retaining that orchestral feel. The feverish pace and variety of instruments propels the listener and the song forward with each note. And did we mention that it’s another song sung entirely in English? “Rightfully” is “just right” for “Goblin Slayer,” because it totally “slays.”

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

“FMA: B” is another anime that doesn’t miss on opening songs. While they’re all bangers, its fourth opening is our pick. Performed by J-Pop duo Chemistry, “Period” features a wistful, yet energetic tone, like that of a setting sun. “Period” may sound like the end of a long journey, but it feels even more meaningful for it, with powerful vocals and spirited guitar and drum work that get our toes tapping and spines tingling without fail. The two singers harmonize and alternate between each other so seamlessly that you’d think they were just one person. The Elric brothers would be proud of their teamwork!

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)

While we’ve discussed some sleeper hits, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is as mainstream as they come for anime songs. It is to Japan what “Bohemian Rhapsody” is to other parts of the world. But it’s a beloved classic for good reason! The beat is fast-paced and incredibly catchy, while the vocals by Yoko Takahashi are equally quick. However, the passion she evokes throughout is positively heavenly and will have you singing along in no time to its lyrics evocative of theological imagery. In that way it’s the ideal song for “Evangelion,” possessing incredible charm in spite, or because of, its religious overtones.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

From a traditional favorite, we turn to a recent breakout hit. “The Rumbling” has “shaken” anime song fans to their cores. This English sung track by SiM is a deft mixture of hard rock and death metal. Along with the impressive drumline, the vocals switch seamlessly between a passionate rock and screaming metal to create an ominous tone throughout. “The Rumbling” feels full of both regret and hype in equal measure, which is fitting for “Attack on Titan”’s final season. It may forever be “coming” in its lyrics, but “The Rumbling” has arrived at the top of the anime songs you’ve gotta’ hear. Well, nearly.

“Serial Experiments Lain” (1998)

A song by a British alternative rock band may not sound like something that would lend well to anime, much less to the top spot on our list. But that preconception is exactly why you need to give “Duvet” a chance! Performed by the now defunct band Bôa, “Duvet” is a melancholy tune that touches on the breakdown of communication in relationships, a theme that remains as relevant now as when the anime was released. Plus, singer Jasmine Rodgers’ goes all out with her performance and hits more notes than seem physically possible! “Duvet” is fantastic, whether you’ve got the blues or not, and it’s definitely worth your time.