Top 21 BEST Anime Songs of Each Year (2001-2021)
Top 21 Anime Songs of Each Year
Top 23 Anime Ending Songs of Each Year (2000 - 2022)
Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 21 anime songs of each year. For this list, we’ll be listing the most popular anime songs from each year of the 21st century. We won’t be including 2022, as the year isn’t over yet and a new song could overtake our current favorites. If there’s an anime song you think was the best of its year, let us know your favorites in the comments!
2001: “Inner Light”
Top 10 Best Anime Songs of 2021
“Hajime no Ippo” (2000-14) The second opening song to this boxing anime, “Inner Light,” much like the protagonist of “Hajime no Ippo,” has a strong hook. The electric guitar, thumping drums, and powerful vocals hit you immediately and keep you immersed right from the beginning. Like many Western boxing anthems, “Inner Light'' pumps you up and makes you want to keep going, making it a dynamite workout song. No wonder made it to the championships with a track like this backing him up.
2002: “WARRIORS”
Top 10 Women Warriors in Anime
“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” (2000-04) Who knew you could make a show about a children’s card game sound this epic! The show’s fourth opening, “WARRIORS” features a thumping rock beat, with an almost melancholy tone. What really makes you feel ready to duel though is its soulful vocals. Singer Yuichi Ikusawa may sound a bit like an ‘80s lounge singer, but his plaintive voice conjures the image of high stakes drama to an anime about trading cards, which is no small feat! The song may have played during a filler arc, but you don’t want to skip out on Warriors.
2003: “Haruka Kanata”
“Naruto” (2002-07) “Naruto” has some of the most iconic anime openings of the last few decades, but the series really hit it out of the park with its second outing. Performed by the always reliable Asian Kung-Fu Generation, “Haruka Kanata” feels like a Japanese anthem to youthful rebellion. The song pairs fast-paced instrumentals with lyrics that emphasize empathy and moving forward, themes intrinsic to “Naruto.” Plus, the singer goes so dang hard, frequently screaming the words, to the point where you can feel every bit of emotion he puts into his performance. “Haruka Kanata” captured our hearts in 2003 and it still gives us the feels even now.
2004: “Ready Steady Go!”
“Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003-04) No matter how many times we hear it, we’re ironically never ready for how exciting it is to listen to “Ready Steady Go!” After revving up, this song gets going and never lets up until it ends! From its thumping drums to its shredding electric guitar to its longing vocals, “Ready Steady Go!” evokes the feeling of continuous momentum, nostalgia, and adventure. While the original “Fullmetal Alchemist” anime may not have stayed true to its source material, this track” is a true-blue classic that will get your heart racing to catch up to its beat whenever you start an episode.
2005: “Ichirin no Hana”
“Bleach” (2004-12) The third opening of this supernatural action series, “Ichirin no Hana” really stands out among most anime opening songs. Its pacing switches quickly between rapid-fire up-tempo vocals and instrumentals and more sedately paced, almost mournful sections. The song has an overall sound akin J-rock mixed with metal, but the latter aspect gets turned up to eleven with its conclusion. Overall, “Ichirin no Hana” fits Bleach’s vibe very well, balancing intensity and optimism, with an undercurrent of death and danger. It’s an absolute banger that pushes you to nod your head along with it throughout.
2006: “The WORLD”
Top 10 Most Anticipated Anime of 2021
“Death Note” (2006-07) Of course the God of the New World would have such a killer song to herald his glory. Death Note’s first opening theme is a fast-paced rock song with wonderfully over-the-top vocals that are a ton of fun to imitate. The lyrics touch on villainous protagonist Light Yagami’s desire to change the world, no matter the cost. “The WORLD” perfectly captures the exhilarating, yet dark tone of “Death Note” and it has us on the edge of our seats just as much as the show does.
2007: “Daybreak’s Bell”
“Mobile Suit Gundam 00” (2007-09) Another winner from L’arc~en~Ciel, “Daybreak’s Bell” is the first opening theme for what many consider to be one of Gundam’s best outings. The song is a moody, slow paced rock anthem, with touches of hope, and piano, sprinkled throughout the guitar and drums. This mirrors “00”’s themes, which delve into the costs of war and the extremes people will go to in the pursuit of peace. While it may not sound as bold as others within its franchise, it nevertheless rings true, both in its tone and its messaging.
2008: “WORLD END”
Top 10 Anime Characters Who Could Destroy The World
“Code Geass” (2006-08) The band FLOW and “Code Geass” go together like chocolate and peanut butter! The series’ final opening theme, “WORLD END” is a song with an optimistic feeling, with soaring rock instrumentals and vocals throughout. However, despite the lyrics proclaiming that “everything is bright,” “WORLD END” is tinged with sadness and desperation. And given how the show ends, well let’s just say…it’s appropriate. Still, even if you haven’t seen the anime or know how it ends, “WORLD END” is sure to tug on your heartstrings in good times and in bad ones.
2009: “Again”
Top 20 Anime of 2021
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10) The title of the first opening song for this reboot can be interpreted several ways. For one, it acknowledges the series’ status as a revitalization. But personally, it’s what we say immediately after we’ve finished watching it – “AGAIN!” Singer YUI’s wistful vocals pull you in, and then she and the music hit you over the head with the change in tempo and lyrics sung so fast you might get whiplash! “Again” is a spectacular blend of poignant reflection and thrilling adventure that helps make it the best anime theme of its year, and possibly one of the most memorable ever made.
2010: “Uragiri no Yuuyake”
“Durarara!!” (2010-16) This eclectic urban fantasy series has an opening as diverse and entertaining as it deserves. Dripping with attitude and coolness, “Uragiri no Yuuyake” or “Treacherous Sunset” may have lyrics that belt out the line “blow up louder,” but its volume is perfect as it is. Simultaneously an upbeat, exciting song and a chill tune you can vibe to, this theme captures the delightful mix of action and slice-of-life that has “Durarara!!” fans are still praying for a sequel all these years later. “Treacherous Sunset”’s only betrayal is that eventually it’s over.
2011: “Hacking to the Gate”
“Steins;Gate” (2011) The first opening song to this stellar time travel series, “Hacking to the Gate” wouldn’t feel out of place in a dance club, with its distorted opening and electronic beat. Its quick pace, catchy rhythm, and sorrowful vocals by Kanako Itō will keep you riveted from beginning to end, as it conjures mystery, tragedy, and thrills – just like the show itself. There’s no need for a time machine to listen to it repeatedly though. It’s much easier to just replay it repeatedly like we’ve been doing for the last decade.
2012: “Sono Chi no Sadame”
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-) Every “JoJo” song is amazing, and that tradition began with the series’ first opening. With a title that means “the fate of that blood,” and lyrics that touch on destined rivals, courage, and ambition, this ballad feels epic enough in concept. But the delivery helps it enter the realm of legendary anime music. The powerful vocals, intense guitarwork, and the blaring trumpets are so exquisite it could have only been conjured up by someone like Dio. Fun note, it’s physically impossible to not yell out that all important final JoJo at the chorus’ climax.
2013: “Guren no Yumiya”
“Attack on Titan” (2013-) While we’re on the subject of hype, it was hard for any other anime music in 2013 to eclipse Attack on Titan’s colossal first opening. Using a bombastic choir of voices to impress immediately upon the listener the scale and scope of the show, the lyrics contain some impressive foreshadowing and touch on hunters escaping their cage. Meanwhile, the choir is backed up by some great lead vocals, building and building towards that triumphant ending note. As ambitious and impressive as the show it opens, “Guren no Yumiya” means “crimson bow and arrow,” and it never fails to strike us right in the feels!
2014: “Silhouette”
“Naruto Shippuden” (2007-17) Shippuden has a ton of fantastic opening themes, and not only was “Silhouette” the best anime song of 2014, in our opinion, it’s the best one in its franchise! It has an infectiously catchy beat, with lyrics that are quintessential shonen, in that they stress moving forward and protecting what’s important to you. The singer has a great call and response style, while the instrumentals manage to convey sorrow, intensity, and hope in rapid succession. It’s a beautiful, auditory portrait of a song that will stay outlined in your mind long after you’ve finished listening to it.
2015: “The Hero!! ~Ikareru Ken ni Honō o Tsukero~”
Top 20 Most Popular Anime Songs of All Time
“One-Punch Man” (2015-) All it took was two words for this track to become a household name. “The Hero!!” is just a ton of fun! A hot-blooded rock song, “One-Punch Man”’s first opening theme packs in a lot of exposition on its oft-overlooked protagonist, detailing his invincibility and how he fights on, despite his anonymity. It’s got intense drums and guitar, as well as wailing, over-the-top vocals that match the excitement and hilarity of the anime itself. This really was lightning in a bottle, and while it bounced off Saitama’s head, it still resonates in our ears!
2016: “THE DAY”
Top 10 Anime of 2021
“My Hero Academia” (2016-) The premiere theme song for this superhero school series, “THE DAY” is the starting bell on a great show. The song captures the mindset of protagonist Izuku Midoriya, and his fellow classmates to some degree, as he finds himself suddenly able to make his daydreams a reality. While the lyrics capture this well, the music also wavers at times, but pushes forward with fast paced instrumentals and vocals. Like they say during the song, “THE DAY has come” and it’s a bright one indeed. And speaking of “My Hero”…
2017: “My Hero”
Top 10 Anime Songs of 2022
“Inuyashiki” (2017) This criminally overlooked series has one banger of an opening! Unlike most anime songs, “My Hero” is sung mostly in English. Its lyrics touch on the protagonist becoming a cyborg, as well as tapping into the themes of doing the right thing, in spite of anonymity. Plus, the music is a strange, yet beautiful mix of hard rock guitar and drums, as well as lilting strings. Like “Inuyashiki” itself, “My Hero” is an unlikely standout, but that only makes its triumph that much more satisfying. It’ll “hit you on the ground” and anywhere else you are.
2018: “Black Rover“
Top 10 Black Clover Moments
“Black Clover” (2017-21) This fantasy series has some truly magical opening songs, but there’s nothing supernatural about why its third one rose to the top of 2018 – it’s fantastic! “Black Rover” features judicious use of piano in its music, which takes its overall rock vibe to both mellow and euphoric heights. The alternatively dueling and harmonizing vocals are a joy to listen to throughout, blending together the lucid singing with fiery guitarwork that seamlessly gel together. All in all, “Black Rover” may “wander” all over the place, but the places it goes are beautiful!
2019: “Inferno”
“Fire Force” (2019-) 2019 had some real bangers, but none of them burned quite as brightly as “Inferno.” The first opening of “Fire Force,” this song sets a blazing pace, with its passionate vocals carrying you through. It’s hard to believe that the band Mrs. GREEN APPLE only has 3 members, because this song feels like it has so much going on! Brimming with positivity and excitement, “Inferno” feels like one part pop and one part rock, but it’s all awesome! The song’s popularity spread like wildfire and it’s easy to see why!
2020: “Kaikai Kitan”
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-) It’s only been a few years, but “Kaikai Kitan” is already a certified classic! Eve’s occasionally distorted vocals give the song a unique sound, which is complimented by the instrumentals, which veer wildly between tones and styles. “Kaikai Kitan”’s versatility is its strength, as it can be a great song to vibe or rock out to, depending on your mood. Additionally, the song’s upbeat attitude, despite some dark and depressing lyrics, perfectly mirrors Itadori’s approach to the horrors he often encounters.
2021: “Rakuen”
“Dr. Stone” (2019-) Playing during “Dr. Stone”’s second season, “Stone Wars,” “Rakuen,” much like the show’s wily scientist protagonist, subverts expectations with its tone. Instead of going for intensity, “Rakuen,” is a smooth, jazzy number. With lyrics that emphasize the pursuit of a better world, and a slow build on the speed of the vocals, “Rakuen” is as relaxing a theme as you could ask for in a war arc. Even so, it has a sense of momentousness to it that feels appropriate, not only for “Stone Wars,” but also for its status as the best anime song of 2021.
