The core strengths of anime are the story, character design, art, and sound. Among these, sound does more than distinguish anime from manga, it breathes life into it. Looking past the intrigues of voice acting, anime soundtracks are one of the best and most important elements of anime that connect it to viewers.

From the emotion-evoking German vocals and choral in Attack on Titan to the thrilling tune of "Kamado Tanjiro no Uta" resonating in the background when Tanjiro used Hinokami Kagura for the first time, these soundtracks have become a global phenomenon. Sometimes, the music is the trigger for the success of the anime series they’re used in.

So, which anime has the best soundtrack and music out there? Which anime series offers more than catchy intros and outros that fans vibe to? Which ones accentuate certain scenes with music that’ll blow your mind away? Let’s look at the list of the top 20 anime series with the best soundtracks.

20. Fairy Tail

Looking at the character designs alone, one would agree with those who say that Fairy Tail is pretty much a copy of One Piece. But, just like its alleged inspiration, Fairy Tail’s biggest quality is the choice of soundtracks used in it, all thanks to Yasuharu Takanashi.

The soundtracks give a multifaceted aura that captivates you. “Main Theme’s” great, daring energy is ideal for Natsu’s crazy fights. Then, there are gentler songs like “Fairy Tail – Slow Version” which uplifts one’s soul for moments when you feel down. It’s amazing how these sounds cover every mood and range from soft piano to hard rock.

19. FLCL

The Pillows are quite recognized, primarily due to their contribution to the soundtrack of FLCL. This is characterized by prominent rock riffs, featuring English vocals at certain moments, and a distinct whiny flair reminiscent of Weezer and similar bands from that period. While this was quite appropriate for the first episode, or perhaps the first two, it quickly became rather stale afterward.

Both the opening and closing themes featured rock music, all of which gave varying vibes and experiences. On a rather disappointing note, the music was a bit too loud and featured for a significant amount of time, making it impossible to ignore. But was it good? Absolutely!

18. Your Name

This is another of Shinkai Makoto’s award-winning animated drama movies that has been argued to be his greatest work yet. With Radwimps (the famous Japanese rock band) providing the score, the rock soundtracks greatly contributed to the naivety of the characters and story.
With just about 15 songs in total, Kimi no Na wa is no ordinary listen in the ranks of anime movies that end up getting the viewers teary. It tells a perfect story of youngsters in a distant and doomed love. The stunning countryside and symbolic use of trains truly pull you into it on an emotional level.

17. Made In Abyss

This is one of the well-acclaimed, fun, light-hearted adventure stories that also presents an incredible chemistry between its characters. The opening theme song of the first episode alone got lots of fans going to preorder the album. It has a very daring pulse and sounds like it was taken directly from a game. Thanks to Kevin Penkin, the soundtracks greatly accentuated the work of the voice actors, all of which contributed to the success and reception of this short anime series.

16. Princess Mononoke

For those acquainted with Seirei no Moribito (Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit), Joe Hisaishi’s compositions in Princess Mononoke evoke a strikingly similar atmosphere. The majority of the 33 tracks used seem to have been drawn straight from the time period in which the anime is set in and each is expertly placed. “The Legend of Ashitaka”, “The Journey to The West”, “Kodamas”, “The Forest of the Gods”, and “The Furies”, among others, serve as a choral narration to the story, significantly enhancing the epic and natural vibe that the forest gives.

15. Bleach

Produced by studio Pierrot, Bleach has steadily been making waves since the Autumn of 2004, especially with the reputation that its character’s Bankai techniques and forms have been gaining. However, its soundtracks aren’t exactly making the same waves as the anime itself. One might even say it’s a bit of a drag on the series, especially Ichigo’s theme, “Number 1”.

Shiro Sagisu’s “Clavar La Espada” on the other hand, is a whole lot better than the aforementioned soundtrack. It is a flamenco-infused gem with rapid violins and guitar. In the anime’s quiet moments, you’d hear the soft solemn tunes of “Never Meant To Belong”. Its periodic strings are plucked to keep you afloat just as you're about to drown in its sweet melody.

14. One Piece

With over a thousand episodes already released, and no end in sight, One Piece has been met with varying criticisms. However, one fact that no one can deny is that its sound quality and choice of soundtracks is one of its defining qualities, especially the apt usage of these soundtracks and themes. With each character having more than one theme song to themselves, true fans of the series always know which character is in the limelight whenever they hear any tune or music.

However, some of the best soundtracks used in One Piece include “We Are!”, which was performed by Hiroshi Kitadani and the Cast of the Straw Hat Pirates; “Brand New World” by D-51; “DREAMIN’ ON” by Da-iCE; and “Kokoro no Chizu” by BOYSTYLE.

13. Death Note

Death Note has its flaws and charms, but the music is of its most outstanding features. The anime definitely wouldn’t be where it is if it weren’t for the music. As the characters try to read one another, those quiet, calculated moments are rendered much more dramatic, as are all of those fast, decisive moments with lives at stake.

The opera significantly enhances Light's character and his ambition of establishing a crimeless world.  The only imperfection lies in the second opening, which might initially seem unappealing. However, as one progresses through the series, you'll observe how perfectly it aligns with Light's twisted psyche and how all of his accomplishments begin to crumble beneath him.

12. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo’s soundtrack presents a sonic journey. It is versatile, fresh, and irresistibly great, and it redefines anime music with every beat. These songs blend hip-hop with Japanese Edo-era vibes and are danceable tunes crafted by Nujabes, Fat Jon, and Tsutchie. Tracks like “Battlecry” blend funky beats with shamisen twangs, creating a groove that’s hard to resist. The soothing vibe of “Shiki no Uta” encourages a gentle head-bob while “Aruarian Dance” combines jazzy samples with traditional sounds.

This fluid combination helps the show ensure that its entire presentation is exceptional, making the whole package a standout series.

11. Your Lie In April

At first glance, Your Lie in April seems like a fun and colorful series, but it is actually a deceptively brilliant one. The soundtrack skillfully reflects the emotions meant to be conveyed in each moment and the sound is spot on.  Everything, from the opening and closing tracks to the real classical music, fits together like a jigsaw puzzle to create a complete, fulfilling whole.

Using Masaru Yokohama’s score combined with gems like “Ballade No. 1”, it weaves a great tapestry in the series. If the story itself doesn’t make you teary, then surely the soundtrack would bend your will to theirs. Simply put, Your Lie in April evokes feelings in viewers both visually and audibly.

10. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure boasts a soundtrack that matches the audacity of its characters. With openings like “Sono Chi no Sadame” by Hiroaki Tominaga and “Bloody Stream” by Coda which resonate with a distinct energy, they perfectly align Parts 1 and 2 through catchy lyrics and slick CG animation. The ending, “Roundabout” by Yes, reflecting Araki’s preferences, seamlessly adapts snippets to align with the mood of each episode, giving it a brilliant touch.

Also, Part 1’s orchestral sweep by Hayato Matsuo captures a sense of Victorian grandeur, while Taku Iwasaki’s eclectic mix in Part 2 which features rap, dubstep, and Middle Eastern flutes perfectly complements the chaos of the Pillar Men. Although there are a few notable sound direction hiccups, the OST’s flair shines through. 

9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist tells one of the best stories of alchemy and sacrifice while crafting a compelling narrative of brotherhood and redemption that is beautifully complemented by Akira Senju’s exceptional soundtrack.  The music enhances the show's emotional essence without overshadowing the story’s subtle intensity. “The Intrepid,” with its soaring strings and steadfast tempo, reflects the protagonists’ unwavering determination, gently stirring crucial battles with a heroic rhythm. 

Meanwhile, “Trisha’s Lullaby” employs gentle piano melodies to embrace poignant, emotional moments, enriching the familial connections at the core of the narrative.  These tracks perfectly play their part, each with different vibes, rising and falling tempos, coming up at the perfect moments, all to hold and shape the experience of viewers.

8. Hunter X Hunter

Hunter x Hunter features a collection of impressive soundtracks that started on a good level but improved significantly as the series progressed. One amazing feat about this anime is that the opening theme, “Departure,” is used throughout the whole anime, even though it alternates between two distinct renditions of the song and changes the animation flow each time. 

Hunter x Hunter has one of the best OSTs that anime has to offer, among which “A Kingdom of Predators” has become a fan favorite. It also has a wide range of orchestral music, especially in its Chimera Ant arc, as well as a lot of violin and piano. However, some of these soundtracks are played at imperfect moments, but this doesn’t affect its general vibe.

7. Kimetsu no Yaiba – Demon Slayer

Produced by Ufotable, the Demon Slayer anime series brings forth some great soundtracks by Yuji Kajiura and Go Shiina. These tracks can turn its fight scenes into visceral spectacles, especially the Tenzen Uzui vs. Gyutaro fight. In this fight that took place in the Entertainment District, the theme song used pulses with rapid strings and percussion, syncing with Tengen’s techniques, moves, and the tempo of the fight.

What’s more? The vivid reds and golds of the animation helped enhance the music’s intensity, causing each move and strike to become more evident and felt. Also, tracks like “Set Your Heart Ablaze” from Rengoku’s Mugen Train battle combine intense orchestration with his flames, while “Nezuko’s Theme” introduces gentle woodwinds to her subtle yet powerful fight scenes, especially the one against Daki. 

6. Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex

The eerie opening theme of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, “Inner Universe”, which was written by Yoko Kanno and performed by Origa, evokes a wide range of feelings.  It arouses feelings of existential desire and cosmic wonder with its fusion of soaring Latin chants, throbbing techno beats, and dreamy Russian vocals.

The track's fast speed and complex orchestration reflect the immense, computerized vastness of the anime's universe, transporting listeners and leaving them feeling both awed and nostalgic. It is both uplifting and meditative, and it'll ground you in a futuristic, soul-searching quiet. 

5. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden

Pain is one of the most iconic characters in the Naruto anime series and his theme song, “Girei”, has become the backing track in many anime motivational quote reels. Alongside Shippuden, both series have earned their spot on this list with Toshio Masuda and Yasuharu Takanashi’s evocative scores, which are soundtracks that give a relaxing, opera, deep-thought immersive vibe.

Blending traditional Japanese instruments with epic orchestral and rock elements, tracks like “Sadness and Sorrow” always take the forefront in amplifying the series’ emotional moments and ninja battles. Also, its versatility, involving tender flutes to intense chants, completely sinks the viewer into the moment. 

4. Spirited Away

Among composers, Joe Hisaishi truly does know his onions and his reputation precedes him. This is why it’s no surprise to find out that Spirited Away’s top OST, “One Summer’s Day”, was composed by him. Moving past the movie’s already incredible voice acting, Joe’s composition helped take home Chihiro’s journey with haunting grace.

Bringing his notably simple yet natural and graceful notes here, “One Summer’s Day” is the type that needs a careful ear for it to be recognized and appreciated for the masterpiece that it is. Unlike other upbeat soundtracks that are often present in other similar anime, the beauty of this opening soundtrack lies in its simplicity.

3. Neon Genesis Evangelion 

Ever since it graced screens in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion has kept popping up on different radars, under different discussions and topics, including soundtracks. While its visuals aren’t the series’ best quality, its soundtracks, some of which are composed by Shiro Sagisu remain among the best despite its retro roots because of its timeless emotional and artistic impact.

Takahashi Yoko’s “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is one of the perfect blends of J-pop with existential energy, that perfectly hooks and captures the show’s tone. Other tracks like “Rei I” and “Thanatos” use haunting strings and choral elements to strengthen the show’s psychological themes and moments. The influence of these soundtracks and a few others persist in modern anime, proving that cutting-edge graphics aren’t required when a soundtrack resonates so profoundly with listeners decades later.

2. Cowboy Bebop

The soundtrack of Cowboy Bebop, created by Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts, rightfully claims its place among the best anime OSTs due to its exceptional blend of jazz, blues, rock, and funk.  The iconic opener “Tank!” establishes a vibrant atmosphere with its big-band flair, seamlessly aligning with the show’s space-western aesthetic.

Tracks such as “Blue” evoke a sense of soulful melancholy, enriched by profound emotional beats, while “Space Lion” seamlessly combines saxophone and percussion to create a cosmic atmosphere.  This remarkable versatility not only elevates Shinichiro Watanabe’s storytelling but also transcends the anime, emerging as a standalone musical achievement. 

1. Shingeki no Kyojin – Attack on Titan

Few anime soundtracks have established a legacy as impactful and memorable as that of Attack on Titan. This achievement is largely attributed to Hiroyuki Sawano, known for his work on Aldnoah.Zero and Kill la Kill. Combining majestic orchestration with dynamic electronica and intense hard rock, Sawano created a soundscape that resonates with the power of the Titans. From the thunderous intensity of “E.M.A” and the series’ main theme to the emotionally charged insert songs like “Doa” and “The Reluctant Heroes”, every track resonates with precision and feeling.

Also, Linked Horizon’s openings like “Guren no Yumiya” and “Jiyuu no Tsubasa” burst forth with vibrant brass and uplifting choirs, seamlessly aligning with the anime’s epic scale. Meanwhile, the ending themes sprung a surprising contrast, wherein Yoko Hikasa’s “Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai” delivers a haunting ballad, while Cinema Staff’s “Great Escape” crashes in with raw rock energy. All of these tracks, especially “Shinzou wo Sasageyo” have graduated from being regular soundtracks to anthems and ringtones, almost standing at the forefront of the series’ reputation.