Music has long been a part ofanime. Every genre has melodies that transport us to new worlds and intensify our connection with the characters and the plot. Whether subtly anchoring the emotional scenes or powerfully driving the action, anime composers understand the importance of a soundtrack in enhancing any story.
For music lovers seeking their next auditory and visual adventure, anime offers a treasure trove just waiting to be dug into. Several series focus on the diverse styles of music —from classical to jazz to pop— showcasing characters with musical talents that are both vibrant and heartfelt.
We’ve all felt it — that moment while watching an anime when you’re completely swept away by the music. Maybe it is a character pouring their heart into a piano recital, like inYour Lie in April, or a band’s live show charged with energy, like inBeck: Mongolian Chop Squad. Either way, anime has documented almost every type of narrative imaginable within the scope of music.
In this list, we’ll take a look at some transformative anime series that are perfect for music lovers. While some titles may already be well-recognized fortheir incredible soundtracks, others may just surprise you with their delicate melodies. One notable anime that isn’t featured here isCowboy Bebopwhich, while having an incredible jazzy soundtrack, isn’t a show specifically about music. Without any further delay, let’s fall in love with the medium all over again — but this time, with great music ringing in your ears.
20Piano no Mori (2018)
Set deep within a lush forest, a young boy named Kai finds an abandoned piano in the interesting showPiano no Mori. When Kai Ichinose discovers the majestic piano, he immediately starts playing it. But then Amamiya Shuhei, a master pianist belonging to a family of artists, hears Kai and insists he begin honing his skills by receiving proper training.
What initially draws you inis the whimsical worldof music blossoming against the backdrop of nature. Kai’s emotional journey is showcased with the help of the delicate melodies he plays, and through him, we experience that catharsis of having music heal all wounds. The anime is an adaptation of a Madhouse film of the same name that was released in 2007, and despite the film’s widespread acclaim, the series remains criminally underseen.
StreamPiano no Morion Netflix
19Mashiro no Oto (2021)
A coming-of-age tale disguised as a musical drama,Mashiro no Otofollows Setsu Sawamura, who loses his ability to play music following the death of his grandfather, who was a legendary shamisen master. Desperate to change things, Setso runs away to Tokyo and meets Shuri Maeda, a young girl with a passion for Tsugaru shamisen. She starts a shamisen appreciation club and insists Setso perform, and this begins a new journey.
Mashiro no Otofeels refreshingly realistic in the way it portrays teenage insecurities and the need to break free, embrace independence, and discover art. With nuanced performances of classical and rock songs, the anime also taps into the universal feelings of getting past the hardest days to find joy and youth in the most unlikely places.
StreamMashiro no Otoon Crunchyroll
18Senki Zesshou Symphogear (2012)
For fans who love a little genre-blend,Senki Zesshou Symphogearis the perfect anime, because it dabbles in action, science fiction, comedy, and of course, music. In a world dominated and threatened by Noise, a deadly alien race, a group of young women are tasked with preventing disasters using their mysterious power of Song, known as the Symphogear. Tsubasa Kazanari and Kanade Amou are the main protagonists, and the anime follows their journey through space.
Related:The 10 Most Enchanting Fantasy Anime Shows of All Time, Ranked
What makes the anime stand out is how it transforms the very concept of music and song into a graphic, physics-defying, and combative narrative. The devastating attacks from the Noise are pure sensory delights, but at the same time, the anime also entertains because its characters are bold and adventurous, and somehow end up being both awe-inspiring and downright hilarious.
StreamSenki Zesshou Symphogearon Crunchyroll
17Full Moon wo Sagashite (2002)
Based on the manga serieswritten and illustrated by Arina Tanemura,Full Moon wo Sagashitecenters around 12-year-old Mitsuki Koyama, who dreams of becoming a famous singer but harbors a dark secret — she’s been diagnosed with throat cancer and is at the risk of losing her voice altogether. One day, she meets two shinigami, Meroko Yui and Takuto Kira, who announce that Mitsuki only has a year to live.
Full Moon wo Sagashiteis a sincere and beautiful anime. After Mitsuki learns about the time she has left, she begins competing, navigating friendships and her medical struggles, which is clearly a lot of suffering for a little girl. But it is her enthusiasm for music and her courage against all odds that moves us.
16Love Live! Superstar!! (2021)
As part of one of the longest running and beloved idol franchises,Love Live! Superstar!!lives up to its reputation by focusing on a new group, Liella, who come together at a high school in Tokyo, hoping to form their own choir. Coming from different backgrounds, the five members, including Kanon Shibuya, must work as a team and win the Yoyogi School Idol Festival.
The anime createsa perfect balance of music, humor, and feel-good momentsthat tug at your heartstrings. The series also has a vibrant pop and rock aesthetic that is hard not to love. Watching the five girls learn to accept and trust one another is comforting to watch. But most of all, the anime champions a person’s potential to pursue their passions.
StreamLove Live! Superstar!!on Crunchyroll
15Kono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Life (2019)
In a time where classical music is fading, Chika, the grandson of a koto maker, tries to honor the legacy his elders left behind, despite his disinterest in the art. He tries to get into the Tokise High School Koto Club, but the club leader rejects his application. Nonetheless, because the club is facing elimination, Takezou takes Chika and his three friends in, and together they strive to qualify for a prestigious competition.
Heartwarming in its attention to detail of musical disciplines as well as enthusiastic about honoring tradition,Kono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Lifedevelops its characters quite skillfully, and the main focus is on their relationship with sound. The touching music immerses you in the soulfulness of Koto. Overall, the series isa tender coming-of-age gemthat preserves culture and our capacity for expression through it.
StreamKono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Lifeon Hulu
14Bocchi the Rock! (2022)
A simple yet extremely enjoyable anime about a bunch of girls who form a band andconstantly improving as musicians,Bocchi the Rock!follows shy guitarist Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou who desires friends but struggles to talk to others. Enter the outgoing drummer Nijika Ijichi, who dreams of forming Japan’s greatest all-female band and recruits Hitori, and together they scout other quirky bandmates.
Providing a never-ending stream of cute, awkward girls being weird as they stumble into rehearsals,Bocchi the Rock!is a must-watch for music lovers. Despite bombing a couple of performances, it is their enthusiasm towards playing songs that makes the show so appealing. With signature humor and offbeat antics, the anime is a surefire comfort watch.
StreamBocchi the Rock!on Crunchyroll
13Zombieland Saga (2018)
Don’t be fooled by the name,Zombieland Sagais actually an anime about an idol group. In a bizarre twist of fate, Sakura Minamoto finds herself dead in a truck accident, her dreams of becoming an idol shattered. Years later, she is incarnated with several young women as zombies by Koutarou Tatsumi, a man who plans to form an idol band named Franchouchou.
Related:10 Anime Series to Check Out if You Love Zombie Movies
By fusing lighthearted gore and wacky humor with infectious pop performances,Zombieland Sagatransforms into an unpredictable joyride. The world created by MAPPA is nothing like you’d imagine if you know what idol group anime looks like. From the top-tier animation to Koutarou’s weird management skills, every aspect will catch you off-guard.
StreamZombieland Sagaon Crunchyroll
12Sound! Euphonium (2015)
Kumiko Oumae plays euphonium, but she’s lost her passion because of a past incident. That changes when she enters Kitauji High School and is dragged into the concert band club. At their current state, they’re pretty subpar according to the standards of national competitions, and yet, along with her friends and the band’s new advisor, Noboru Taki, they embark on a quest for excellence.
Right from the opening sequence,Sound! Euphoniumreverberates with an emotional and appealing sound design. Whether it is the drama between friendships or the rigorous rehearsals, this anime brings nuance into every scene and portrays the competitive spirit brilliantly. Moreover, the themes of joy, sorrow, and triumph within the musical pieces makes every episode a pure delight to watch.
StreamSound! Euphoniumon Crunchyroll
11Nodame Cantabile (2006)
Nodame Cantabileis a beautiful musical drama about Shinichi Chiaki, an excellent violin player. Despite being a perfectionist, his dream of playing among the elites in Europe is hindered due to his fear of flying. In comes an eccentric and unkempt piano student named Megumi Noda, or Nodame, who happens to be Shinichi’s neighbor, and also falls in love with him.
One thing you won’t see coming inthis anime are the constant laughs. Because of its overall approach towards the plot, it balances the characterization, pacing, animation, as well as the relationships. But beyond being a cutesy romantic drama,Nodame Cantabilealso excels at bringing the world of classical music alive. Its authentic passion for various instruments and use of thematic tracks makes it stand out.
