Top 10 Best Music Anime of All Time -

Anime has a unique ability to transport viewers into captivating worlds filled with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding stories. But what about those anime that not only tell a compelling narrative but also deliver an auditory feast? Music anime has a special place in the hearts of fans, combining stunning visuals with unforgettable soundtracks.

Now, let’s discover the top 10 best music anime of all time that have left an enduring impact on the industry and the souls of their audiences.

1/ Long Live! School Idol Project

Love Live! School Idol Project offers a quintessentially J-Pop musical experience that caters to fans of sugary girl groups with coordinated outfits and intricately choreographed dance routines. Honoka Kosaka and her friends unite to form an idol group in a bid to save their school from closure due to low enrollment.

The group, known as μ’s (pronounced “Muse”), stands out as a powerhouse in the realm of J-Pop, with their music in Love Live! proving to be incredibly catchy. Once listeners are exposed to hits like “No brand girls,” the chorus is sure to linger in their minds indefinitely.

2/ Detroit Metal City

Soichi Negishi, the frontman of Detroit Metal City, grapples with the dichotomy between his on-stage persona and his true self. Despite his band’s aggressive and hateful lyrics, Negishi is actually a gentle college student who enjoys listening to Swedish pop music. This internal conflict adds depth and intensity to the narrative of Detroit Metal City. While fans idolize his demonic alter ego, Negishi struggles with the career that sustains him financially. Although the anime’s theme song may not be the most memorable, it sets the stage for the entertaining story that follows.

3/ Sound Of The Sky

In a world devastated by war and reverted to early to mid-1900s technology, Kanata Sorami is inspired to join the Helvetian Army as a bugler after witnessing a mysterious trumpeter perform “Amazing Grace.” Sound of the Sky’s main appeal lies in its intricately crafted setting of Seize and Helvetia, with Sergeant Major Rio Kazumiya and Kanata’s fellow soldiers pushing her in both expected and unexpected ways, propelling the story forward at a rapid pace. The opening theme “Hikari no Senritsu” by Kalafina is lively and dynamic while maintaining a sense of gravity, and the rest of the show’s music consistently meets the high standard set by the opening. With only 12 episodes, Sound of the Sky is one of the top 10 best music anime of all time for binge-watching.

4/ Kids On The Slope

Shinichiro Watanabe, renowned for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, is the creator and director of Kids on the Slope, a series that comes close to perfection. The synergy between its ambiance and characterization is exceptional, and the animations of its musicians are truly remarkable. The Episode Seven medley in Kids on the Slope is considered one of the top 10 best music anime of all time and is reason enough to give the series a watch.

5/ The Idolmaster

The Idolmaster franchise encompasses various forms of media, including life simulation and rhythm video games, along with anime and movies. While the alternate universe adaptation Idolmaster: Xenoglossia takes a unique approach by portraying the idols as mecha pilots, the A-1 Pictures series stays true to the original concept. It centers around 765 Productions, following the journey of pop idol hopefuls and their producer.

Following the story of aspiring singer Haruka Amami, the series explores the sacrifices required to achieve music stardom, earning it a place among the top idol anime. Despite its melodramatic moments, the show effectively portrays the challenges and joys of teenage friendships, as well as the thrill of pursuing one’s aspirations.

6/ NANA

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Ai Yazawa’s Nana follows the serendipitous encounter of two women sharing the same name, Nana, leading to a harmonious musical partnership when they decide to live together. Nana Komatsu, following her boyfriend to Tokyo after his acceptance into art school, and Nana Osaki, aiming to transition from a popular punk band to a renowned star, embark on a journey of friendship and pursuit of their musical aspirations throughout the 47 episodes of the 2006-2007 series.

The series’ inaugural theme, “Rose” by Anna Tsuchiya, establishes a powerful and captivating atmosphere that captivates viewers from the start. With its distinctive art style, well-developed characters, and captivating music at its core, Nana stands out as the top 10 best music anime of all time that you shouldn’t miss.

7/ Hibike! Euphonium

Hibike! Euphonium stands out from Love Live! with its focus on classical music performed by a full orchestra, centering around euphonium player Kumiko Ouma and her high school concert band. The series showcases a deep appreciation for music through intricate instrument details and the fluid movements of the musicians during performances. Fingers effortlessly move across strings and keys, while the powerful sound of the drums reverberates throughout each scene. This meticulous attention to detail, paired with skillful editing and direction, results in orchestral performances that are as intense and captivating as any shonen battle.

8/ K-On!

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K-On! stands out as a renowned music anime due to its captivating songs featuring fast guitars and powerful vocals that contrast with the band’s typically soft lyrics. Blending elements of J-Pop and pop-punk, Ho-kago Tea Time’s music is undeniably captivating. The opening theme of the second season, “Go! Go! Maniac,” is particularly catchy and energetic, setting the tone for the entire series. Despite its somewhat cliché premise of high school girls bonding over music, along with its generic art style and predictable plot, K-On! excels as a slice-of-life anime. Its music remains a highlight, making it a go-to choice for those seeking delightful tunes.

9/ Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

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Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is a must-watch for its exceptional music, stunning art, and the lovable Beck, a legendary misfit of a dog. The rainy cover of the Beatles’ “I’ve Got a Feeling” alone makes it worth watching. Based on Harold Sakuishi’s 1999-2008 manga, Beck follows the story of Yukio “Koyuki” Tanaka and his friends as they form a rock band with guitar prodigy Ryusuke Minami. Despite its familiar premise, Beck defies anime tropes and refuses to rely on cliches. It captures the gritty, lo-fi club atmosphere of struggling musicians on the road like no other anime.

10/ Carole And Tuesday

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Carole and Tuesday, the second series by Shinichiro Watanabe, stands out as the best music anime of all time. Set on a terraformed Mars, the show follows the unlikely friendship between working-class orphan Carole and runaway rich girl Tuesday.

The animation is stunning, character designs are vibrant, and the representation of a black lead character is both realistic and humanizing. Songs like “The Loneliest Girl” contribute to making this anime one of the standout series of the 2010s, while the musical laundry scene is a highlight best experienced firsthand. The depiction of female friendship in the show feels authentic and genuine, allowing the characters to simply be themselves and showcase their musical talents.