Unveiling the Ultimate List: The Top 10 Anime Soundtracks That Redefined Music

Music has the power to greatly enhance or detract from the viewing experience of TV and film lovers, and the same applies to anime. The heart and soul of any great anime experience is music, which is why hundreds of thousands of people attend orchestral Studio Ghibli concerts every year.

Not all anime films and TV series are recognized for their musical scores, but prominent composers like Joe Hisaishi and the Oscar-winning Ryuichi Sakamoto have contributed to the soundtracks of some well-known series. From Studio Ghibli classics to Shonen fantasy series, here is our list of the top 10 anime soundtracks of all time.

Top 10 best anime soundtracks of all time

Featuring captivating orchestral arrangements and the use of traditional Japanese instruments, anime music leaves a lasting impression and offers a truly enjoyable listening experience – whether you are a devoted fan of the original film or series or not. Below, we present our selection of the top 10 best soundtracks.

10. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is known for its stunning animation. But anyone who’s watched the series knows that its soundtrack is just as impressive.

The story of Kimetsu no Yaiba, also known as Demon Slayer, follows the journey of 14-year-old Tanjiro Kamado as he sets out to become a demon slayer, seeking vengeance for his family and a cure for his half-demon sister, Nezuko. With a captivating soundtrack predominantly composed by Go Shiina and Yuki Kaijura, Demon Slayer captivates audiences with its evolving storyline, stunning animation, and remarkable music. The series seamlessly combines emotional moments with intense action sequences, offering a truly immersive experience for viewers.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

9. Made in Abyss

Kevin Penkin's composition for Made in Abyss, created in 2017, is often included in conversations about the greatest anime soundtracks. Fans particularly love tracks such as Old Memories, Gravity, Eyes of Irumyuui, and The Village. The story follows Riko, a young girl, and her robot friend Reg as they embark on a quest into the Abyss, a deep chasm in the Earth, in search of Riko's missing mother.

Australian composer Kevin Penkin is renowned for his work in the anime and gaming industry, with his most notable creation being the Made In Abyss soundtrack. The soundtrack, which incorporates electronic music and gothic influences, effectively amplifies the eerie atmosphere of the series.

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

8. Naruto

Set aside your fond memories of Naruto, if only for a moment. The music from the beloved anime of our youth is distinguished by its enchanting flute tunes, lively guitar compositions, and the resonating background chants deeply rooted in traditional Japanese music.

The series follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with aspirations of becoming his village's leader, known as a Hokage. Witness his growth from pre-teen to adult as he faces formidable foes.

From Naruto to Naruto: Shippuden, it's challenging to determine which has the superior soundtrack. In this list, we're encompassing the entire Naruto franchise. Created by Toshio Masuda, the soundtrack features a unique blend of Western and traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and the shinobue, providing a distinctive vibe that can be enjoyed for hours.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

7. Terror in Resonance

The anime series Terror in Resonance demonstrates how an incredible soundtrack can elevate a remarkable story. Following the story of two teenage boys, Nine and Twelve, who carry out a terrorist act by stealing an atomic bomb, the series becomes even more captivating with its powerful music. After threatening to destroy Tokyo unless a riddle is solved, the series is hailed as an anime masterpiece, with its exceptional soundtrack playing a crucial role.

Yoko Kanno, famous for her work on Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy, crafted the musical score for Terror in Resonance, infusing it with the same depth of character as the series itself. With a thoughtful and poignant presence, the score heightens every emotion throughout the series. Watch it now on Funimation and Crunchyroll.

6. Neon Genesis Evangelion

1995 mecha series Neon Genesis Evangelion was hugely influential for the anime industry. And its soundtrack goes hand-in-hand with its popular status.

Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy, is recruited by his father into the enigmatic organization Nerv to pilot a colossal biomechanical mecha known as an Evangelion. While it may seem like just another battle between man and machine, the series delves much deeper. It serves as a profound exploration of the human experience, with the musical score adding to its impact.

Crafted by Shiro Sagisu, the soundtrack has received numerous accolades. The iconic opening theme, "A Cruel Angel’s Thesis", performed by Yoko Takahashi, is still hailed as one of the greatest anime series scores of all time.

Available to watch on: Netflix

5. Princess Mononoke

One anime soundtrack that must be included in any list of the best of all time is from Studio Ghibli, and our first pick is Princess Mononoke. But don't worry, it's definitely not the last one.

Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, released in 1997, takes place in the 14th century at a time when the harmony between humans, animals, and gods is beginning to crumble. The story follows the protagonist Ashitaka, who seeks a cure for an illness caused by the deer-like god Shishigami. As he travels the world, he witnesses humans destroying the Earth. The film uses Shinto themes and provides insightful commentary on how humans exploit the Earth's resources, making it ahead of its time.

Princess Mononoke features an orchestral soundtrack composed by the renowned Japanese composer and music director, Joe Hisaishi, who has won multiple Japanese Academy Awards. It is widely recognized as one of the greatest anime soundtracks ever created. The film is available for streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ (US).

4. Fairy Tail

The fantasy anime series Fairy Tail has gained recognition for its remarkable opening themes and overall musical score. It comes as no surprise that Fairy Tail has secured a spot on our list of the top anime soundtracks of all time.

The setting of the story takes place in a fantasy Earth, different from our own, inhabited by magical guilds. The storyline revolves around Natsu Dragneel, a Dragon Slayer wizard, on a quest to find his father in the Kingdom of Fiore. The soundtrack for the anime "Fairy Tail," composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, artfully combines orchestral instruments, somber percussion, and captivating vocals to bring to life the poignant moments cherished by anime enthusiasts.

Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll

3. One Piece

Don't be surprised to find One Piece on this list. In addition to its well-loved opening themes, the series has always had a powerful soundtrack that complements its captivating storylines. In brief, this long-running series follows the adventures of pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy as he searches for the world's greatest treasure, known as the One Piece. Upon finding it, he will be crowned the King of the Pirates.

The timeless music of One Piece, composed by Kohei Tanaka and Shiro Hamaguchi, features a range of instruments from brass to strings, allowing viewers to enjoy the signature themes of the Straw Hats repeatedly. Catch the series on Crunchyroll.

2. Attack on Titan

Coming in at number two we have Attack on Titan. Which is the biggest anime series of this generation and also easily has the best music score in the last decade.

Eren Yeager’s story is captivating on its own, but the music enhances Attack on Titan’s winning formula, making it one of the most thrilling series of all time. Fans frequently attend concerts just to hear composer Hiroyuki Sawano’s compositions, solidifying Attack on Titan’s reputation for having one of the greatest soundtracks of all time.

The score for Attack on Titan can be described as epic, orchestral, and memorable. To truly grasp its greatness, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

1. Spirited Away

Taking the top spot is Joe Hisaishi’s acclaimed soundtrack for Spirited Away, a highly successful anime film released in 2001. The film, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, follows the story of 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents as they find themselves trapped in an abandoned theme park. With its outstanding soundtrack, Spirited Away has solidified its place as one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.

The soundtrack comes from Hisaishi's Golden Age of anime music, capturing his famous melancholic sound. It has been described as an audio adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video and Netflix (outside the US)

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the recognition given to anime soundtracks in this article. Anime music has always held a special place in my heart, and it's amazing to see how it has evolved and gained mainstream popularity. The soundtracks mentioned in the article, such as Demon Slayer, Made in Abyss, Naruto, and Terror in Resonance, are all exceptional and truly elevate the respective anime series.

The article highlights the power of music to enhance the viewing experience, and I couldn't agree more. Anime soundtracks have a unique ability to capture the emotions and atmosphere of the series, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience. From the haunting melodies of Demon Slayer to the adrenaline-pumping beats of Attack on Titan, each soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals and storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on fans.