10 anime that every music lover should watch

In the world of anime, music has played a huge role. Sometimes in a series, music is used to set the tone, and sometimes it is used to reflect themes.

That is why when a series focuses solely on the musical aspect, we can expect a symphony of story being soulfully combined with the world of music. In this list, we’ll take a closer look at 10 anime that every music lover should experience.

List of 10 anime that every music lover should watch

1) Your Lie in April

Arima and Kaori as seen in Your Lie in April (Image credit: A-1 Pictures)

This anime series is acclaimed by critics and the fandom as it has delivered an emotional story with a musical background. Arima Kousei is the protagonist who was once a piano genius but after his mother passed away and he was heavily traumatized. This led him to become tone deaf.

One day, he encountered Kaori, who was an amazing violinist, and she encouraged him to help her out. The music in Your Lie in April consists of classical music, but because of an emotional story backing it up, even those who never were interested in this genre would be hooked.

2) Bocchi the Rock!

Visual from the anime (Image credit: CloverWorks)

Bocchi the Rock! is about Bocchi, a shy yet incredibly talented girl, and her journey in the world of music. For most of the time, she is an introvert because of having social anxiety. The only way she used to pass the time was to play her Guitar for hours.

Her life takes a turn when Nijika Ijichi makes an entrance. Suddenly, Bocchi is thrust into a whirlwind of social chaos, awkward interactions, and public performances that push her way out of her comfort zone.

3) K-On!

Visual from K-On! (Image credit: Kyoto Animation)

K-on! is a wholesome anime about music. The protagonist is Yui Hirasawa, and her story of joining a music band impulsively makes her spiral about her choice. While she did join the school club, Yui Hirasawa did not know how to play an instrument. But just as she’s about to quit, the passion and charm of her clubmates inspire her to stay.

The story of K-on! is different than other anime as it focuses more on the aspect of enjoying music with friends. If you’ve ever dreamed of forming a band, K-On! captures that pure teenage desire and transforms it into a melody of comfort, laughter, and coming-of-age moments.

4) Zombieland Saga

Sakura Minamoto and others in Zombieland Saga (Image credit: MAPPA)

The story starts with the female lead, Sakura Minamoto. She had started her day enthusiastically; her dream was to become an idol. Unfortunately, Sakura Minamoto was not aware of her surroundings and was hit by a truck, and lost her life.

She wakes up to find herself as a zombie. Along with several other resurrected girls from different eras, she’s coerced by the eccentric (and loud) Koutarou Tatsumi into joining a new idol group called Franchouchou to save the Saga prefecture. It’s an idol anime like no other, and that’s exactly why it works.

5) Nana

Both the Nanas as seen in anime (Image credit: Madhouse)

Nana is one series that has its fandom in a chokehold. The story is about two women, both of whose names are Nana. Despite their opposing personalities, they build a bond stronger than any romance they’ve ever known. More than just a music drama, Nana celebrates female strength in all its contradictions.

The series leaves a lasting impression with its raw honesty, especially as the two Nanas face adult life head-on, with each other to lean on when the spotlight fades and the heartaches pile up.

6) Aggretsuko

Retsuko, as seen in Aggretsuko (Image credit: Fanworks)

Aggretsuko is about a character who looks like a normal corporate employee, but she has a secret. Whenever she feels frustrated and pushed to her limits, she would break out her mic and drop an aggressively heavy metal song. While most of the time she looks extremely cute, this metal side of her ends up being surprising. Retsuko uses singing as a way to process her emotions.

7) Given

Key visual from the series (Image credit: Lerche)

The story begins when quiet and introverted Mafuyu Satou meets Ritsuka Uenoyama, a fellow student and guitarist. Mafuyu, clutching a broken guitar and an even more broken heart, pleads with Ritsuka to teach him how to play.

When the band starts their performance, they are not just focused on playing music but rather want their emotions to be translated with it. Finally, this anime can be binged watched as it only has 11 episodes and is a must-watch for those who believe music can be salvation.

8) Forest of Piano

Key visual from the series (Image credit: Gaina)

Unlike the hyper-competitive tone found in many music anime, Forest of Piano feels organic and deeply human. Forest of Piano is a hidden gem that plays like a gentle sonata composed in the heart of the woods. It follows Kai Ichinose, a spirited boy who finds an abandoned piano deep within a forest.

Without formal training, Kai begins playing instinctively, only to attract the attention of Shuhei Amamiya, a prodigy from a prestigious music family. Their fateful meeting marks the beginning of Kai’s journey from natural genius to disciplined artist.

9) Nodame Cantabile

Shinichi Chiaki as seen in Nodame Cantabile (Image credit: J.C. Staff)

Few anime blend classical music with romantic comedy as effortlessly as Nodame Cantabile. The series follows Shinichi Chiaki, an elite music student with dreams of becoming a world-class conductor, but with one debilitating flaw: he’s terrified of flying. For classical music fans, it’s a treasure trove; for newcomers, it’s a gateway that makes orchestral music feel fresh, funny, and wildly engaging.

10) Mashiro no Oto

Setsu Sawamura, as seen in Mashiro no Oto (Image credit: Shin-Ei Animation)

The story is about Setsu Sawamura, who was once a gifted player of the shamisen. But after his grandfather passed away, he became grief-stricken and stopped playing his instrument. Unable to manage his feelings, the protagonist decided to leave his home and go to Tokyo.

He wanted to run away from music, but life had other plans. Setsu met Shuri Maeda, and she encouraged him to join her high school’s shamisen club. This is where he slowly overcame his trauma and started to heal.

Edited by Nimisha

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