Welcome back to the definitive exploration of the Best Anime Songs of All Time! In Part 1, we established the legendary foundation of anime music. Now, we dive deeper into the tracks that defined entire decades, showcase the power of best sad anime songs, and spotlight the famous anime OST pieces that prove the emotional complexity of the medium.
This section highlights the powerful emotional depth found in ending themes, the innovative sound of the modern era, and the essential tracks that make us feel everything from heartbreak to revolutionary zeal.
A Decade of Sound: The 2010s and 2020s
12. “U” — millennium parade × Kaho Nakamura (BELLE, 2021)
A new classic that defines the best anime songs 2020s. “U” is a full-blown sci-fi anthem. Millennium Parade’s slick electronic production combined with Kaho Nakamura’s soaring vocals creates a track that captures the duality of living both IRL and in a digital world. It’s a powerful reflection of the main character’s journey, blending pop accessibility with profound thematic depth.
-
Genre: Electronic/Pop
-
Impact: Showcases the potential for cinematic, high-budget anime film music.
-
Highlight: Nakamura’s ethereal, wide-ranging vocal performance.
13. “ODDTAXI” — スカート & PUNPEE (Odd Taxi, 2021)
This chill, jazzy hip-hop track is a prime example of why modern anime music is so highly respected. Skirt and PUNPEE created a smooth, subtly haunting opening that perfectly complements the show’s psychological noir atmosphere. It’s one of those rare themes that is genuinely perfect for a night drive, proving that not all great anime music has to be loud or explosive.
-
Genre: Jazz-Hop/Hip-Hop
-
Impact: Defined the mood for one of the most critically praised mystery series of the decade.
-
Highlight: The subtle, atmospheric groove and sophisticated production.
14. “more than words” — Hitsujibungaku (Jujutsu Kaisen, 2023)
Serving as an ending theme for a chaotic battle series, this track is a masterclass in quiet vulnerability. Hitsujibungaku’s “more than words” is soft yet sharp, shimmering with the fragile emotions of the characters after brutal encounters. It fits perfectly under the umbrella of best emotional anime songs, offering a beautiful, melancholic comedown from the constant action.
-
Genre: Indie Rock/Shoegaze
-
Impact: Offers rare emotional depth as an ED for a blockbuster shonen series.
-
Highlight: The achingly sincere vocals and atmospheric guitar work.
The Power of the OST and Battle Anthems
15. “Plazma” — Kenshi Yonezu (Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, 2025)
Kenshi Yonezu, one of the most prolific modern composers, delivers a track that is futuristic, soaring, and deeply existential. “Plazma” captures the high-stakes hope and dread that define the Gundam universe. It highlights how the famous anime OST pieces aren’t just background noise; they are philosophical statements set to music, questioning what it means to be human in times of war.
-
Genre: Electronic/Art Pop
-
Impact: A modern theme that captures the existential scope of classic sci-fi.
-
Highlight: The complex layering of electronic and vocal elements.
16. “Kaiju” — SAKANACTION (Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, 2025)
This track by SAKANACTION is a powerful, evolving electronic anthem. It blends electronic pulse with organic sounds, creating a sensation that truly feels like “tectonic plates shifting.” Serving as the opening to a surreal sci-fi series, “Kaiju” demonstrates the current high level of innovation, where music is used to build a complete, immersive atmosphere.
You may also like:
- 10 Amazing Anime That Are Safe to Suggest to Anyone
- 10 Upcoming Anime Releases Fans Are Hyped For in 2026
- These 10 Anime Are So Perfect, No One Dares to Criticize Them
The Endings: Emotional Resonance and Sadness
17. “Fly Me to the Moon” — Various Artists (Neon Genesis Evangelion, 1995–2007)
This lounge-style cover is one of the What are the best anime ending songs ever made? answers. It provides a hauntingly calm, melancholic aftertaste to each episode of Evangelion. The fact that different character voice actors sing various versions adds layers to the show’s psychological depth, turning a classic standard into one of the most iconic and strange best sad anime songs.
-
Genre: Jazz/Vocal Standard
-
Impact: Revolutionized the use of music in the closing credits; deeply melancholic.
-
Highlight: The subtle emotional shifts delivered by the rotating vocalists.
18 “One Last Kiss” — Hikaru Utada (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, 2021)
Utada delivers a soft, controlled, and heartbreakingly sincere final bow for the Evangelion film series. “One Last Kiss” doesn’t just wrap up the movie; it concludes 26 years of trauma, confusion, and love for the iconic franchise. It is a defining example of a contemporary best emotional anime songs entry, providing ultimate emotional closure.
19. “時計台の鐘” (The Clocktower Bell) — eastern youth (Golden Kamuy, 2018)
One of the most underappreciated best anime songs 2010s. This track carries the immense emotional weight of a historical war epic with the raw energy of a post-punk ballad. eastern youth pours grit and grief into this song, making it sound like a desolate winter landscape and the persistent fight for something you might never win.
20. “Ride on Shooting Star” — the pillows (FLCL, 2000)
This is peak alt-anime energy. The pillows’ grungy, lo-fi track perfectly matches FLCL’s chaotic, experimental nature. It’s moody, messy, and nonsensical in the best possible way, capturing the disoriented feeling of adolescence and cementing its place as an early best anime songs 2000s cult classic.
The Final Word
The list of the Best Anime Songs of All Time is a testament to the sheer creative power of Japanese music artists. From the complex jazz of “Tank!” to the haunting digital hymns of “U,” these songs are the emotional core of their respective series, allowing us to carry the stories with us long after the credits have rolled.
Related Posts
