12 Best Anime Sound Tracks That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Best Anime Sound Tracks

Not every anime has a well-known soundtrack, but the scores for these 15 shows are among the best.

An anime’s soundtrack is its essence. One example is One Piece and the arc of the Thriller Bark series. “Bings Sake” erupts into a ferocious ovation as soon as the anime reaches its climax. If the action and graphics of an anime weren’t supported by a compelling music, it would fall flat. A lack of appropriate music may leave even the most well-developed characters in an anime series seeming hollow.

Anime’s soundtrack is perhaps as significant as the art and plot of the show, as well as any other creative element. Any anime’s soundtrack is as diverse as the show’s plot and cast, but it often comes off as more shocking.

Brittanie Maldonado’s latest update was made on December 2nd, 2021.

Often, an anime will only come to life when it is accompanied by music. An anime’s soundtrack can be considered a character in and of itself, and it’s not unusual for this to happen. Anime’s use of music is sometimes overlooked, but when it does, it creates an entirely new level of immersion.

1. FLCL Uses Music To Reflect The Chaotic Nature Of Adolescence

FLCL (2000-2018)

Almost every frame in FLCL is a surprise, as it presents a coming-of-age story in a wholly original way. FLCL Progressive and Alternative, FLCL’s follow-up series, explores the same subjects using other ciphers.

The Pillows’ strong and passionate music wonderfully creates FLCL’s unpredictable and harsh worldview, which changes and tackles different concerns and vulnerabilities. FLCL is a wild ride, but it wouldn’t have the same impact if it weren’t for the upbeat music, which easily elevates it to the ranks of the best anime OSTs.

2. Dragon Ball GT’s Music Is The Sequel Anime’s Secret Weapon

As a stand-alone series, Dragon Ball GT is an easy target for skepticism. While the plot of Dragon Ball GT may be problematic, the anime’s soundtrack by Akihito Tokunaga is a standout. For Dragon Ball GT, Tokunaga’s soundtrack brings back memories of the original series, but also shows a progression of motifs that mesh with the action-packed bouts of Dragon Ball Z.

Because “Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku,” the major opening theme song from Dragon Ball GT, is so good, it’s hard to accept Mark Menza’s hip-hop, nu-metal approach to the American score for Dragon Ball GT.

3. Hiroyuki Sawano’s Score In Attack On Titan Is As Crucial As The Deadly Giants

ATTACK ON TITAN (2013)

One of the most popular animes of this generation is Attack on Titan. Titan’s grandiose tone is helped greatly by the series’ epic and inspirational soundtrack, which goes hand in hand with the show’s superb plot, character development, and animation.

Although Hiroyuki Sawano’s music is integral to why Attack on Titan is so exciting, it is also a testament to the power and community that the series’ soundtrack fosters that there are large events filled with devoted fans performing with his songs. These songs are very stunning in their ability to inspire and excite.

4. Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Music Helps The Anime’s Crippling Subject Matter Resonate

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a must-see for anyone who enjoys psychological dramas and stories that challenge the mind. Evangelion appears to be a mecha show on the surface, yet it delves far deeper and tackles the human condition and sadness with striking precision.

Evangelion’s somber music, composed by Shiro Sagisu, adds to the series’ gloomy, sorrowful, and spiritual tone. Not to mention, Yoko Takahashi’s renowned performance of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the opening theme to Evangelion, is still largely regarded as among the best anime music pieces ever.

5. Music Is Essential To The Conversation In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the tale grows into a huge generational epic that is utterly original. It’s easy to tell that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has a strong connection to music, even in the character names.

Since Stardust Crusaders, most of JoJo’s music has been composed by Yugo Kanno, who brings an air of elegance and intrigue to the series. Also, the opening and closing themes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are taken extremely seriously, and they typically draw from famous American or Western music that complements the season’s themes.

6. Takeshi Abo’s Work On Steins;Gate Brings The Action To Life

Steins;Gated’s soundtrack features a wide range of musical styles, making it a standout among anime soundtracks. It has an opening, an ending, and a theme like any other anime. Takeshi Abo is primarily responsible for the anime’s soundtrack. It’s no secret that Kanako Ito and Chiyomaru Shikura’s “Hacking to the Gate” from Steins;Gate has long been a fan favorite.

However, Abo’s “Gate of Steiner” symphony is the most memorable track in Steins;Gate. In the same vein, “Cycle,” “Explanation,” and “An Assailant” by Abo are all excellent songs. Steins;Gate’s catalog is well represented in this mix, which has no omissions and includes some of the best tracks.

7. The Haunting Music In Death Note Gets To The Root Of The Characters

Death Note

Yoshihisa Hirano composed the music for the original Death Note soundtrack. Even though it’s regarded as one of the best anime OSTs, the music isn’t as complex as some of the others. Hideaki Taniuchi’s “Death Note” comes at the perfect time, and it’s a welcome return to the post-rock genre.

The anime’s “Requiem” is another cult favorite, making it easy to miss L. The song “Domine Kira” is a tribute to the demigod Kira himself. “Alert” will always make the listener’s ears ring with the words, “Dad, no please.” These three tracks, as well as “Light Lights up Light” and the title theme, are among the best in the anime. As a whole, Death Note has a great score that really comes into its own when you watch the show from beginning to end.

8. Ghost In The Shell Embraces Experimental Sound To Unpack Its Complex Themes

Another one of the greatest works of music ever composed is the score of the filmGhost in the Shell. Kenji Kawai’s orchestrations for “Ghost in the Shell” have garnered widespread acclaim. Kawai’s work here should be appreciated by anyone who value drums. With his Ghost in the Shellcompositions, Kawai departs from the standard and displays some experimental ideas.

While Kawai claimed to have used Indian drums into Ghost in the Shell, he apparently struggled with drums that could be scaled. “M02 Ghosthack” and “M08 Floating Museum” are two of the most well-known tracks. The music is best described as a blend of tribal ambient and ebullient female vocals.

9. Tatsuya Kato’s Music In Free! Iwatobi Swim Club Drives The Characters To Work Harder

Free! If it weren’t for Tatsuya Kato’s soundtrack, Iwatobi SwimClub would not have the same impact. Electronic music dominates the soundtrack, which is among the best in the genre. For music lovers, listening to this album should be like taking an injection of adrenaline.

The anime’s soundtracks are meticulously matched to the story’s beats. Songs like “LADDERLESS” and “Serious Game” are timeless classics that never get old. The music to Free!, released by Lantis, is a terrific way to get people pumped up and ready to take action.

10. Pokémon 2.B.A. Master Features Uplifting Tracks To Inspire Its Audience

Pokémon 2.B.A. Maste

The Pokémon 2.B.A. Master album was released twenty years ago. The record, which was produced by John Loeffler, was the first to be aimed at a global audience. Hundreds of millions of copies of Pokémon2.B.A. Master were sold globally, making it a massive success. The opening theme, “I want to be the very greatest, like no one ever was…” by Jason Paige, still resonates today.

“Gotta capture ’em all” still has a powerful effect on gamers. A generation of ’90s kids was weaned on the song and its accompanying soundtrack, and they will never forget it. PokéRAP by James D-Train Williams, My Best Friends by Ray Green, and You Can Do It, by John Loeffler, are also among the favorites.

11. Bombastic Music Powers Up Gundam Build Fighters For Combat

Yûki Hayashi, a Japanese composer known for his work on My Hero Academia: Two Heroes and Gundam Build Fighters, is behind the score.

The soundtrack for Gundam Build Fighters, composed by Hayashi, is among the best in the composer’s discography.

Synthesized sounds and traditional instruments are used to create an interesting soundtrack. There are 55 tracks on the soundtrack, and they’re all top-notch examples of anime music. From “Nibun no Ichi,” the opening theme, to “Imagination > Reality,” the closing theme, and finally “Chase Me,” the soundtrack to Gundam Build Fighters dominates the program.

12. Log Horizon Leans Into RPG Staples To Create An Incredible Soundtrack

Based on Mamare Touno’s Log Horizon series of novels. Musical score written by Yasuharu Takanashi. Immediately, the anime’s opening tune establishesTakanashi as a musical prodigy. There are 35 songs on the Log Horizon original soundtrack, with the sound of electric guitars resonating throughout the action.

It’s hard to deny that Log Horizon’s fast-paced fight music is the game’s most memorable feature. Traditional RPG music has the effect of elevating the plot. In Log Horizon, each and every track has been meticulously constructed to serve its specific function.

13. Naruto’s Soundtrack Crafts The Perfect Sound To This Exciting Adventure

Naruto Shippuuden

An album by Musashi and Toshio Masuda served as the soundtrack of the original Naruto film. In 2003, songs like “Rocks” and “Go GO Naruto” were instantly popular. Sakura and Naruto’s themes are among of the best anime music included in the album.

I’m Naruto, Victory, and Turn Over! are just a few of the other songs that are impossible to ignore.

Musashi & Masuda’s soundtrack is a major component in Naruto’s widespread success.

14. The Music In Cowboy Bebop Is Just As Much Of A Character As The Crew

The genius of Yoko Kanno should be listened to by every anime enthusiast. This is some of her best work, and it immediately establishes the anime’s voice in the must-see Cowboy Bebop. They are the Seatbelts, a well-known blues/jazz band founded by Kanno.

Cowboy Bebop’s opening track, “TANK,” is unquestionably contagious, but the elegiac “Real Folk Blues” is no less potent. Emotional songs from Cowboy Bebop illustrate the multiple extremes of this foundational anime series, but the soundtrack offers a wide range of musical styles that represent the flexibility of this groundbreaking series.

15. The Epic Journey In One Piece Is Not The Same Without Its Iconic Soundtrack

One Piece

There are a lot of anime soundtracks that are enjoyable, but One Piece stands out above the others. Critics and fans alike have lauded the One Piece soundtrack, with the song “We Are” winning anime theme song of the year in 2000.

Music in One Piece has only gotten better, as it often serves as a fitting homage to pirates, the sea, and wealth. “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven and the “New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak are two of the best anime soundtracks out there.