Whenever we watch anime, it’s easy to get lost in all those amazing visuals and storylines. But there’s an often-overlooked element, the soundtrack. Even if we don’t always consciously notice it, music is the secret ingredient that makes every scene resonate. Some anime series are still remembered for their iconic soundtracks, as their music made every dramatic moment more intense and made us fall in love with our favorite characters.
For instance, the jazz themes of Cowboy Bebop for every member of the Cowboys, or the intense, heart-pounding scores of Attack On Titan in the background whenever there’s a shocking reveal are unforgettable. These soundtracks aren’t just background noise, but are the connection we have with these epic anime series.
10Neon Genesis Evangelion
Depressive Soundtrack Inspired By Classical Music
The philosophical mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelionhas long held a special place in fans' hearts. Its posters often adorned rooms of 90s kids, and references to it appeared in movies and TV shows, since it was at the time one of the most influential anime ever.
At its core, Neon Genesis Evangelion explores mature themes like loneliness and depression, and its eerie music helps maintain a consistent, gloomy atmosphere throughout. Shirō Sagisu, the composer behind Evangelion’s music, drew heavily on classical music influences, incorporating symphonies from renowned composers such as Beethoven and Verdi.
9Demon Slayer
The Music Is Just As Impressive As The Animation
Demon Slayer is probably the most visually impressive and artistically superior series in the anime industry for the past few years. While its visuals are flawless, the series’ music is just as impressive, an element that impresses us every season.
The best soundtracks often tell a story through the music itself, and Demon Slayer’s score does this exceptionally well. It takes you on a journey that matches the mood of each scene. So, whether it’s the emotional scenesabout the Demon Slayer corps or the powerful Hashira, the series’ soundtrack always hits the mark.
8JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The Piano Intro Is Enough To Pump You Up
It’s no wonderJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has one of the best soundtracks ever to accompany the unique Stands, given that its manga creator, Hirohiko Araki, was a fan of rock music. His love for the genre shines through, as many of the series’ characters were inspired by famous musicians and bands.
Primarily composed by Yûgo Kanno, the series has plenty of hard-hitting tracks. But the one everyone remembers the most is the Golden Wind OST, Giorno’s theme. The piano is absolutely iconic and became a meme for a bit too.
7One Piece
Unforgettable Music For The Pirates’ Adventures
Japanese composers Kohei Tanaka and Shirō Hamaguchi havebuilt an impressive discography over the years as One Piece continues to go strong, and are constantly praised for the iconic soundtrack of this anime.
While a good deal of anime has impressive soundtracks, very few can elevate every character and every battle, making it feel like some unforgettable adventure, and that is all thanks to the creators’ thoughtful choice of music. The show’s music is so legendary that it has garnered widespread acclaim, with the theme song “We Are” winning the Year 2000 Anime Theme Song award.
6Naruto Franchise
A Perfect Blend Of Traditional And Modern Sounds
The Naruto franchise is popular because of its huge global fan base and memorable opening songs that have long stuck with anime enthusiasts. Naruto’s soundtrack often comes up in conversation due to the way the composers blend traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary sounds.
Whether it’s the melancholic tracks like Scene of a Disaster or the action-packed pieces from the Great Ninja Wars, each song in the series is so legendary that it feels like it brings the Ninja era to life, giving you a nostalgic connection to the world of Naruto.
5Death Note
Dramatic Orchestras Enough To Elevate Even An Ordinary Scene
The psychological horror anime Death Note has amassed a huge fanbase over the past decade. Its popularity has led some creators to try remaking it for Western audiences with live-action adaptations and movies, yet these efforts have fallen short of the original’s impact.
Aside from the conviction that the original Japanese series brought, one of the reasons Death Note remains so beloved is its hauntingly memorable soundtrack. Created by Hideki Taniuchi and Yoshihisa Hirano, Death Note’s soundtrack is famous for its dramatic orchestral tracks with over-the-top instrumental pieces that can elevate even the most mundane moments to something exciting.
4Cowboy Bebop
Jazz-Infused Soundtrack For A Futuristic Noir Series
When Cowboy Bebop first came out, it didn’t receive much recognitionuntil it was introduced to Western audiences in the 2000s, when it became a huge success. Much of that credit goes to its soundtrack, created by the music composer Yoko Kanno and her very own band, The Seatbelts.
The creators understood that the aesthetic of this Western space-noir series, Cowboy Bebop, deserved a soundtrack that matched its unique style. Therefore, they blended 1940s musical styles with jazz, creating a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the show’s space western sci-fi setting that remains beloved by many.
3Your Name
Your Name’s Themes Are Enough To Make One Cry
When Kimi No Na Wa, also known as Your Name, was released in 2016, it struck a chord with audiences thanks to its powerful storytelling and mesmerizing music, making it an unprecedented hit. Your Name begins with Mitsuha Miyamizu, a 17-year-old girl, who wishes to be Tokyo’s most handsome boy in her next life as a way to ease her burdens.
The story then shifts to Taki Tachibana, a 17-year-old boy from Tokyo, setting up one of the most romantic alternate tales ever. Composed by Yojiro Noda, the film’s theme uplifts its melancholic feel and is so moving that it can make even grown men cry.
2Attack On Titan
AOT’s Music Captures Its Themes Of Survival And Helplessness
Attack on Titan’s soundtrack is nothing short of epic. You can see this in the massive orchestras held worldwide, where thousands of fans join in to sing along. Many composers associated with the serieshave created haunting orchestral pieces for the best episodes in the animeand opening tracks that convey the series' themes of survival.
But the ones composed by Linked Horizon stand out, as they are extremely patriotic and pump you up a lot. For instance, Shinzo Sasagayo is an intro that you can never bring yourself to skip.
1Studio Ghibli
Music So Touching It Sounds Like Being Homesick
Studio Ghibli often introduces newcomers to anime and helps them discover all the incredible music that exists in them. The soundtrack of Ghibli films gives the listener a feeling of nostalgia and, at times, a sweet sense of sadness.
That’s because the director of Ghibli films, Hayao Miyazaki, uses dialogue sparinglyand leaves plenty of gaps between them. This is where music comes in to fit perfectly. Especially Joe Hisaishi’s compositions, who is the main composer for iconic films like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, whose scores guide you to the emotional heart of each scene, just as the director intended.
