10 Anime with the Best Theme Songs

Music has always been another world of anime that is not only considered to be worth celebrating when it comes to the story or visuals of the show but also the very thing that makes its story or visually remarkable. When the right theme song is used, a scene can be lifted, the tone of the characters brought out, and the audiences will be left with a lasting impression, even when they are long gone after watching the episode. Indeed, a number of viewers keep humming or repeating these tunes long after the series took place. Whether the songs are led by a complex musical score or a heart-wrenching vocal solo, they will tend to be forever identified with the anime that they are associated with. This is the list of ten anime opening and closing themes that are outstanding with regards to music craft and technical prowess.

However, before making the jump onto the list, it is notable that theme songs in anime are used to do two things: to familiarize the viewer with the mood and tone of a show at hand, and also to be treated as individual musical pieces unto themselves. Technical mastery combined with an emotional appeal is where the best of them excel so that their work can be enjoyed both by casual fans and audiophiles alike. This ranking concentrates on the tone factor, arrangement, the performance quality of the song, and how appropriate it is to the major theme of the anime.

10 – Bleach – “Life is Like a Boat” (Ending) by Rie fu

First on the list comes a calming yet sad theme song, setting the feelings of the reflective scenes of Bleach. The song is characterized by the soft melodic sounding acoustic guitar accompaniment, multiple vocal harmonies, and calm but strong vocals. Musically, it is a song that employs minor chords to lightly remind the person of a longing, understanding simplicity yet richness. It is also set in internationally accessible lyrics with the combination of English and Japanese making it sound unique. Technically, the vocal control and subtle performances of Rie fu makes it an outstanding conclusion in the anime world.

9 – Neon Genesis Evangelion – “Fly Me to the Moon” (Ending) by Various Artists

Evangelion is notable for its final theme song which appears as a gradual sequence of jazz-reminiscent adaptations of the old tune Fly Me to the Moon. The songs are done in varying styles and by different singers and arrangements with each version illustrating a degree of musical versatility uncharacteristic of anime. Its smooth jazz instrumentation and intricate basses as well as its unusual selection of a Western standard to use as an anime theme song helped redefine what can be an ending. The tempo and style changes between episodes also show a massive technical range without ruining the constant tone of the emotions.

8 – One Piece – “We Are!” (Opening) by Hiroshi Kitadani

There are not a lot of opening theme songs as instantly recognizable as the One Piece song, We Are! It is a song that captures the carefree and hopeful attitude of the series and is guided by sunny brass arrangements, the lively rhythm section and the intense singing of Hiroshi Kitadani. It balances the major-key melodies with syncopated percussion musically to maintain some momentum. Technically, the way the song builds up its energy and has an impactful chorus corresponds to the feeling of camaraderie and adventure One Piece is all about. It has timelessness to it, which has positioned it well as an adornment in the history of anime music.

7 – Attack on Titan – “Shinzou wo Sasageyo!” (Opening) by Linked Horizon

There is hardly another opening theme song that has the same powerful atmosphere as this one, Shinzou wo Sasageyo! Its fusion of orchestral rock, harmonic alterations of different choruses, and the marching drums make it technically an arrangement masterpiece. The song itself with its impressive dynamic contrasts between shaky but tense introduction and tremendous chorus is ideally suited to the anime with its epic fights and already strong emotionality. The capability of Linked Horizon to combine elements of symphony and mightiness with rock-like grandeur is one of the reasons why the group can be considered among the most musically successful anime openings.

6 – Samurai Champloo – “Shiki no Uta” (Ending) by Minmi

Bifurcating between lo-fi hip-hop beats and lush R&B vocals, Shiki no Uta is a lesson in atmospheric pieces. It provides an easy listening experience, which is nonetheless emotional, as an outro song, and it harmonizes perfectly with the high-voltage action present in Samurai Champloo. The restrained piano, the soft bass, and the profound vocal of Minmi produce the track that is tranquil and technically driven at the same time. The impact of it continues to be experienced through the contemporary fusion of other genres and anime soundtracks.

5 –Demon Slayer – “Gurenge” (Opening) by LiSA

Being one of the most successful anime opening songs in recent memory, a combination of rock instrumentation and Japanese melodies and rhythms is what makes Gurenge so powerful and culturally appealing. The combination of emotional grandeur of LiSA vocals and the clean guitar playing, as well as energetic percussion, proves a song that is both structurally superior and emotionally powerful. The composition of the song, requiring alternating of the quieter, lyric verses and explosions at the chorus-reflects the dramatic emotional fluctuations of Demon Slayer. Its box office performance as well as its longevity in the hearts of the fandom makes it one of the genre classics.

4 – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – “Again” (Opening) by YUI

YUI works her audience with soulful lyrics and faultless instrumentation that makes her theme song an opening that is both technically well-polished and emotionally moving. The composition provides a balanced usage of acoustic and electric sounds whereas the performative element of music performed by a voice conveys the emotional impact of the series. The gradual increase in tempo represents the progress of the main characters and the slight touch of strings adds to the level of the track without overwhelming the rock ledge of the track.

3 – Your Lie in April – “Kirameki” (Ending) by Wacci

As a closing theme song, a song such as Kirameki glows with rich instrumentation and an emotionally touching song. Wacci uses sparsely mixed acoustic guitar, light percussion, and orchestral embellishments to produce a song that accompanies the anime with the theme of loss of love, and artistic exuberance. Technically the arrangement is very meticulous in apportioning instruments which enables each element room to breathe moreover the warm tone of the voice is very true and emotional. It is a composition that sticks to the memory of the listener even after the credits of the song have ended.

2 – Death Note – “The World” (Opening) by Nightmare

The World is a rock theme song that reveals the dramatic tension of Death Note on a psychological level. With its complex guitar rhythms, fast succession of tempo switches and gloomy tones of its melodic progression, it creates an atmosphere of urgency and danger as soon as the first note sounds. The layers of vocals and the minor key in the track make up the ghostly mood of the song. Technically, it is a perfection in the balance of aggression and precision and therefore one of the best anime openings.

1 – Gurren Lagann – “Sorairo Days” (Opening) by Shoko Nakagawa

At the forefront is the theme song titular track, “Sorairo Days,” which has a mix of pure energy and technical perfection. It has soaring vocals, sharp guitar arrangement and an energetic composition that makes it an instant classic. The song alternates freely between cheery lyrics and resounding choruses, featuring an outstanding range in the level of its performance in terms of vocal and instrumental performance. It reflects the spirit of that show, Gurren Lagann, as bright, motivational, and uncompromising and it marks one of the high watermarks of anime music composition.

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The Legacy of the Anime Theme Song

After time and time again, anime has demonstrated that having a superb theme song is far more than simply being an opener or closer to the story, but rather a vital element to telling that story. The jazzy flair of the Neon Genesis Evangelion theme song, The Real Folk Blues, to the cultural juggernaut Demon Slayer theme, Gurenge, and the tale-like anthem of the One Piece theme song, We Are!; these songs show just how broad and deep the musical art can be within this medium. Not only are each of these songs successful in grasping the tone of the respective series, but they are also successful in technical and compositional excellence. To both the viewers and the artists, these theme songs are considered the hallmark of anime music.