10 Anime You Need to Watch If You Love Music

Anime series filled with music
Anime series filled with music (Image Source: Studio Madhouse, Lerche, and Kyoto Animation)

Anime and music create magic together. Some series go beyond background soundtracks to make music the heart of their storytelling. These shows feature characters who live and breathe musical passion. The world of anime offers incredible series that celebrate musical passion, friendship, and artistic growth.


1. The Golden Symphony: Sound! Euphonium

Kumiko Oumae wants to improve more (Image Source: Kyoto Animation)
Kumiko Oumae wants to improve more (Image Source: Kyoto Animation)

Kumiko Oumae's journey via high school band contest showcases the fidelity needed for musical eminence. This anime paints a heartfelt portrait of young artists striving to master their craft while battling inner turmoil. The series focuses on concert band dynamics and the pressure of regional competitions.

Every episode features lifelike music scenes that resonate with authenticity. The characters evolve in sync with their musical progress.


2. The Anxious Rock Star: BOCCHI THE ROCK!

Kessoku Band in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)
Kessoku Band in the series (Image Source: Studio CloverWorks)

Hitori Gotoh's social anxiety creates unexpected comedy in this refreshing take on band culture. Her guitar skills contrast sharply with her inability to communicate with others. The anime explores how music becomes a bridge for connection despite personal struggles.

The series balances humor with genuine musical passion in surprising ways. BOCCHI THE ROCK! demonstrates that anime can tackle social anxiety themes while celebrating the joy of making music with friends.


3. The Pianist's Farewell: Your Lie in April

Rondo Capriccioso Duet (Image Source: Studio A-1 Pictures)
Rondo Capriccioso Duet (Image Source: Studio A-1 Pictures)

Kousei Arima's musical journey begins with childhood trauma that silences his piano playing. Meeting Kaori Miyazono changes everything as she brings color back into his monochrome world. The show seamlessly blends classical melodies with heartfelt coming-of-age themes that leave a lasting impact.

Classical pieces become storytelling devices that reveal inner thoughts and feelings beautifully. Your Lie in April turns music into an emotional compass, guiding viewers through sorrow, healing, and the return of joy.


4. The Band's Secret: Given

Mafuyu's To The Sea song (Image Source: Studio Lerche)
Mafuyu's To The Sea song (Image Source: Studio Lerche)

Mafuyu Sato's broken guitar strings lead to an unexpected musical partnership with Ritsuka Uenoyama. Their band's formation explores themes of grief, love, and artistic expression through rock music. This anime handles sensitive topics with remarkable care and authenticity.

The original songs created for the series enhance the emotional impact significantly. Each performance unveils deep character layers and builds powerful emotional connections.


5. The Crying Revolution: Girls Band Cry

A still image from Girls Band Cry (Image Source: Toei Animation)
A still image from Girls Band Cry (Image Source: Toei Animation)

Five young women start an indie rock band to challenge the music industry's expectations. Their journey explores the struggles of self-reliant musicians squabbling for recognition and visionary freedom. This anime offers a grounded portrayal of the real-world struggles faced by modern musicians.

The series addresses issues like industry exploitation and artistic integrity with surprising depth. Girls Band Cry demonstrates how anime can examine contemporary music industry problems while celebrating female empowerment.


6. The After-School Melody: K-ON!

Yui has the perfect pitch in the series (Image Source: Kyoto Animation)
Yui has the perfect pitch in the series (Image Source: Kyoto Animation)

The Light Music Club's daily activities focus more on friendship than serious musical practice. Yui Hirasawa and her friends discover that making music together creates bonds that last forever. This anime celebrates the pure joy of musical friendship without competitive pressure.

Their casual approach to music creates surprisingly heartwarming moments throughout the series. The slice-of-life format allows for natural character development and musical growth. K-ON! shows that anime can find profound meaning in simple musical moments shared between friends.


7. The Idol Dream Machine: IDOLiSH7

Riku and Nagi are the ray of sunshine (Image Source: Studio TROYCA)
Riku and Nagi are the ray of sunshine (Image Source: Studio TROYCA)

Tsumugi Takanashi manages a struggling idol group trying to compete with established industry giants. The series explores the entertainment industry's competitive nature and the sacrifices required for stardom. This anime reveals the business side of music while maintaining focus on artistic passion.

Complex character relationships develop as the group faces various challenges and obstacles. The idol industry's demands create both opportunities and conflicts for the characters.


8. The Dream Festival: BanG Dream!

A live concert from BanG Dream! (Image Source: SANZIGEN Animation Studio)
A live concert from BanG Dream! (Image Source: SANZIGEN Animation Studio)

Kasumi Toyama's quest to create the perfect band leads to unexpected friendships and musical discoveries. Multiple bands compete and collaborate in this vibrant musical landscape filled with energy. This series celebrates different musical styles and the unique voices each band brings.

The series expands beyond a single group to showcase various musical genres and approaches. Each band has distinct personalities and musical identities that create interesting dynamics.


9. The Jazz Revolution in Anime: Kids on the Slope

A jamming session in Kids on the Slope (Image Source: MAPPA Tezuka Productions)
A jamming session in Kids on the Slope (Image Source: MAPPA Tezuka Productions)

Kaoru Nishimi's life changes when he discovers jazz music through his friendship with Sentarou Kawabuchi. Set in 1960s Japan, this series explores how American jazz influences Japanese youth culture. The series beautifully reflects the spontaneous and soulful nature of jazz improvisation.

Historical context adds depth to the musical storytelling and character relationships. The animation during jazz performances captures the spontaneous energy of live music perfectly.


10. The Punk Princess: Nana

Nana, the punk rock star (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)
Nana, the punk rock star (Image Source: Studio Madhouse)

Two women named Nana pursue different paths in Tokyo's music scene with contrasting approaches. One seeks rock stardom while the other searches for love and stability. This anime presents mature themes about ambition, relationships, and the price of musical success.

The punk rock aesthetic creates a gritty atmosphere that feels authentic and compelling. Complex adult relationships and music industry realities create dramatic tension throughout the series.

These ten anime series prove that music is also the soul of great storytelling. The shows offer something different, from jazz clubs to rock stages, classical concerts to bedroom recording sessions. Pick one that matches your mood and let the music guide your next binge-watching adventure.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh