
2. Firefly - Soundtrack of Firefly Forest
Firefly is the theme song of the renowned anime, Firefly Forest, performed by Fujita Maiko. With her mellifluous voice, this song resonates deeply, becoming one of the most touching and beloved anime tracks of all time. It narrates the fleeting encounter between a young girl named Hotaru and a spirit named Gin. Despite their profound connection, Hotaru can't touch Gin as he is not human; any contact would cause Gin to dissipate forever.
3. Ocean Embracing Love - Soundtrack of Rose Hill
Ocean Embracing Love is a poignant melody from the popular anime Rose Hill, sung by Teshima Aoi. Rose Hill is a timeless masterpiece from the renowned Ghibli studio, portraying the lives of Japanese teenagers in the 1960s. It encapsulates their struggles with idealism and the bittersweetness of youthful innocence and heartbreak.
4. Snowflake Blossom - Soundtrack of Grave of the Fireflies
Snowflake Blossom is the haunting melody from the iconic film, Grave of the Fireflies. Through its scenes, viewers are deeply moved by the impact of war on innocent civilians, where hunger reigns supreme and humanity dwindles. Yet, amidst this despair, the sibling bond between two orphaned children shines brightly, evoking both sorrow and hope in the audience. With its poignant narrative and emotionally charged soundtrack, the film has brought many tears to its viewers.
5. It's Nothing - Soundtrack of Your Name
It's Nothing is the anthem of the wildly popular anime, Your Name, which has captivated audiences in Japan and around the world. Composed and performed by the band RADWIMPS, the song clinched the runner-up position for 'Best Film Music' at the 2016 Anime Newtype Awards. Its music video became the second most-watched video on YouTube in Japan in 2016.
6. Radiance - Soundtrack of Your Name
Radiance is one of the timeless hits from the enchanting anime Your Name, a phenomenon in Japanese animation history. The OSTs of the film have become iconic among fans. The film is a harmonious masterpiece, meticulously crafted in its storyline, visuals, and music, evoking a myriad of emotions in its viewers. Sparkle, composed and performed by the band Radwimps, stands as one of the classic anthems that captivate the heart and soul.
7. Sunset - Soundtrack of Your Lie in April
Sunset is the melodic essence of the renowned anime Your Lie in April, narrating the story of a prodigious piano prodigy, deeply traumatized by his mother's death, rendering him unable to hear any sound. His seemingly shattered career finds a new dawn two years later when he encounters Miyazono. The poignant lyrics of Orange, sung by Masaru Yokoyama, serve as an encouragement for brave souls to keep moving forward, regardless of the changing seasons, always striving towards their dreams and a brighter future.
8. Dream and Cherry Blossoms - Soundtrack of Silhouette of Sound
Dream and Cherry Blossoms, performed by Kurenai, translates to 'Dream of White Cherry Blossoms' or 'Ancient Dreams and Cherry Blossom Trees'. With its gentle and poignant lyrics, it leaves unforgettable emotions in the hearts of its audience. It captures the feelings of a young girl about a past love, lingering memories, and relentless longing.
9. Citrus - Soundtrack of Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden tells the story of a war veteran transitioning into understanding emotions and thoughts, both of others and herself. Citrus, a renowned track performed by Kenshi Yonezu, intricately weaves into each scene. Every lyric resonates deeply with Violet's journey. 'Even now, you appear in my dreams' and 'Even in those sorrowful days, I still love everything about you' reflect Violet's lingering longing for someone she considers her whole world, despite not yet grasping the true meaning of those emotions.
10. Crimson Bow and Arrow - Soundtrack of Attack on Titan
Crimson Bow and Arrow is one of the influential elements in an anime, particularly its soundtrack. Without it, you'd feel submerged in silence, an uninteresting void. Attack on Titan is known for its captivating and eerie soundtrack, fluctuating seamlessly from solemn to intense, mirroring the pace of action in the series. Guren no Yumiya, with its heroic aura, stands as a prime example of this.
11. Radiant Song - Soundtrack of Your Lie in April
Radiant Song, performed by Goose House, serves as the opening theme for Your Lie in April. It encapsulates the essence of the series, portraying Kousei, a musical prodigy who abandoned the piano after his mother's death. One spring day, he encounters Kaori, who reignites his passion for music and the piano. The song narrates the memories of Kousei and Kaori, as well as their emotions towards each other.
12. Tears of the Sky - Soundtrack of Garden of Words
Tears of the Sky, a film redefining the meaning of love, soaked in rain and sorrow. As raindrops fall, young Takao Akizuki encounters his teacher Yukari. Two lonely souls converse in a secret garden, sharing a deep bond that matures with time, parting ways as the rain ceases and the sun rises. The song Rain, sung by Hata Motohiro, echoes at the film's end, a message from Takao to Yukari - he waits for her, in the garden of words.
13. Greetings and Farewells - Soundtrack of Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Greetings and Farewells is the main track in the 2011 film Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Composed by Shimizu Shu'ya and performed by Kumaki Anri, the film follows Asuna, a child who lost her father at a young age, leading a solitary life. Every day, Asuna listens to strange songs through her late father's crystal radio. From there, she embarks on a journey into a completely unfamiliar world to discover the true meaning of separation, a harsh yet beautiful aspect of life.
14. Two Hearts' Melody - Soundtrack of Inuyasha
Two Hearts' Melody is the background music in the anime Inuyasha, performed by Kaoru Wada. With its gentle, soulful melody, starting with the crisp sound of a piano, the music vividly portrays the love filled with melancholy and sorrow of the characters in Inuyasha, offering solace amidst life's hustle and bustle, helping you find peace within your soul.
15. Untangle - Theme Song of Tokyo Ghoul
Untangle is the theme song of the renowned anime Tokyo Ghoul, performed by Tk. Untangle evokes a different feeling compared to the aforementioned songs, carrying a sense of sadness, loneliness, and relentless torment. With its unique vocals, the song conveys a powerful wave of emotions to the listeners. Hence, it has garnered immense popularity among the anime community, especially Tokyo Ghoul fans.
16. Shadow - Theme Song of Naruto
If you're a big fan of the iconic anime Naruto, you surely know about the song Shadow. It's the 16th opening theme in Naruto Shippuuden, performed by Kana-Boon. The show has garnered love from around the world, with its characters becoming a part of many people's childhoods.
17. Homeward Trails - Soundtrack of Whisper of the Heart
The song Homeward Trails, performed by Olivia Newton-John, sets the stage for the heartfelt romance in Whisper of the Heart. It follows the innocent love story between book-loving Shizuku and violin-making Seiji. A dreamy, pure love filled with sweet sensations.
18. Melody of Life - Soundtrack of Spirited Away
Spirited Away, produced by Studio Ghibli, stands as one of Japan's most successful cinematic masterpieces. Undoubtedly, the film's soundtrack plays a crucial role - the song Day of the River, composed and conducted by Hisaishi Joe. The story follows the journey of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl trapped in a world of spirits and demons, with her parents turned into pigs under a curse. To break the curse and rescue her parents, Chihiro must work at Yubaba's bathhouse.
19. Eternal Beat - Soundtrack of Inuyasha
The song Eternal Beat, performed by BoA, marks the conclusion of the widely acclaimed anime Inuyasha. The series follows the half-demon Inuyasha's quest for the Shikon Jewel. Amidst its historical backdrop and intense battles, intertwined with mystical creatures, lies this exceptional musical piece. Its enchanting lyrics and sweet melodies have captivated both domestic and international fan communities.
20. Hidden Treasure - Soundtrack of The Flower We Saw That Day
Hidden Treasure is a song performed by Kimi Ga Kureta Mono and used as the main soundtrack in the anime The Flower We Saw That Day. The series tells a touching story of friendship, revolving around childhood friends who were separated due to unforeseen circumstances. As time passes, their feelings begin to change. Then, that summer comes again, bringing back an old friend and their noble wish, reconnecting those individuals once more.
This concludes the Top 20 list of the best Anime songs of all time. However, the rankings above are subjective. We encourage you to enjoy these anime series and listen to the proposed songs to evaluate them based on your own perceptions. Wishing you joyful moments listening to music.