Top 50 Music Anime of All Time
1. BOCCHI THE ROCK!
Hitori Gotou, “Bocchi-chan,” is a girl who’s so introverted and shy around people that she’d always start her conversations with “Ah...”
During her middle school years, she started playing the guitar, wanting to join a band because she thought it could be an opportunity for even someone shy like her to also shine. But because she had no friends, she ended up practicing guitar for six hours every day all by herself. After becoming a skilled guitar player, she uploaded videos of herself playing the guitar to the internet under the name “Guitar Hero” and fantasized about performing at her school’s cultural festival concert. But not only could she not find any bandmates, before she knew it, she was in high school and still wasn’t able to make a single friend!
She was really close to becoming a shut-in, but one day, Nijika Ijichi, the drummer in Kessoku Band, reached out to her. And because of that, her everyday life started to change little by little...
(Source: Crunchyroll)
2. Revue Starlight: The Movie
The stage emulates life and compresses it, setting free skills learned over lifetimes in brief but dazzling displays for the amusement and judgment of others. For the performers, it is the ultimate risk, and some will rise while others must fall. Nowhere is this truer than at the Seisho Music Academy, where music, dance and real weapons all come into play in the creation of the next great Star. Karen and Hikari’s destinies have been linked since a childhood promise, but their journeys here have taken very different paths. Now, after Hikari leaves, Karen must discover who she is without her opposite, while Hikari must rediscover her own course.
(Source: Sentai Filmworks)
3. Sound! Euphonium 3
The third season of Hibike! Euphonium.
Kumiko's third year finally begins! With the concert band at Kitauji High School over 90 members, Kumiko is now the president and does her best with her final high school club activities to try to win her long-desired gold at nationals.
(Source: Crunchyroll, edited)
4. NANA
Two twenty-somethings seemingly share nothing in common apart from their first name, but a chance meeting on a train bound for Tokyo sets Nana Komatsu and Nana Oosaki on a collision course with destiny. Nana Komatsu, a love-at-first-sight dreamer, aims to find enduring happiness in the big city. Nana Oosaki, neo punk rock vocalist, pursues her burning ambitions of musical stardom and worldwide fame. As their fates increasingly intertwine, they each chase their dreams — until the harsh realities of life in big city Tokyo threaten to tear everything apart.
(Source: Sentai Filmworks)
5. Your lie in April
Piano prodigy Arima Kousei dominated the competition and all child musicians knew his name. But after his mother, who was also his instructor, passed away, he had a mental breakdown while performing at a recital. This resulted in him no longer being able to hear the sound of his piano playing. Two years later, Kousei hasn’t touched the piano and views the world without any flair or color. He was content at living out his life with his good friends Tsubaki and Watari until, one day, a girl changed everything. Miyazono Kaori is a pretty, free spirited violinist whose playing style reflects her personality. Kaori helps Kousei return to the music world and show that it should be free and mold breaking unlike the structured and rigid style Kousei was used to.
6. K-ON!: The Movie
With graduation right around the corner, every member of the Light Music Club except for Azusa will be leaving for good. But the girls aren’t going to let something as silly as graduation tear them apart! For their final hurrah, the girls are going on the ultimate vacation tour— all the way to London! Their overseas journey will lead them on a trip of discovery and friendship as they take the stage one last time for their final encore together.
(Source: Sentai Filmworks)
7. Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life Season 2
The second season of Kono Oto Tomare!
Despite their best efforts during the Kanto Region Music Festival, the Koto Club is hit with the harsh reality of their poor performance. In the face of disappointment, they still decide to hone their skills and set sight on their next target.
8. Sound! Euphonium 2
With another tournament fast approaching, Kumiko's band is doubling down on practice and discipline, leaving little time for sleep or other recreational activities. The redoubled practice schedule brings Kumiko and Reina closer together, but elsewhere in the band, it seems like drama threatens to tear the group's unity apart. The ghost of the prior year's mass band exodus still haunts many of Kumiko's classmates, and with former band member Nozomi Kasaki now asking to return, it seems like the grudges of the past will soon be impossible to ignore.
(Source: Anime News Network, edited)
Note: The first episode aired with a runtime of ~48 minutes as opposed to the standard 24 minute long episode.
9. Liz and the Blue Bird
Students and best friends Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki prepare to play a complex musical duet, Liz and the Blue Bird, for oboe and flute. Though they play beautifully together and have been friends since childhood, Mizore and Nozomi find that with graduation looming and the duet proving difficult, their friendship begins to buckle under the pressure. Interspersed with their story is the fantasy tale of Liz, drawn like a storybook, contrasting with the crisp realism of the school.
(Source: Shout! Factory)
10. Girls Band Cry
The main character drops out of high school in her second year, and aims at entering a university while working alone in Tokyo. A girl is betrayed by her friends and doesn't know what to do. Another girl is abandoned by her parents, and tries to survive in the city by doing part-time jobs.
This world lets us down all the time. Nothing goes as planned. But we want something that we can continue to like. We believe there's a place where we belong. That's why we sing.
(Source: Official YouTube Channel)
11. given
Tightly clutching his Gibson guitar, Mafuyu Satou steps out of his dark apartment to begin another day of his high school life. While taking a nap in a quiet spot on the gymnasium staircase, he has a chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who berates him for letting his guitar's strings rust and break. Noticing Uenoyama's knowledge of the instrument, Satou pleads for him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Uenoyama eventually agrees and invites him to sit in on a jam session with his two band mates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
Satou's voice is strikingly beautiful, filling Uenoyama with the determination to make Satou the lead singer of the band. Though reticent at first, Satou takes the offer after an emotional meeting with an old friend. With the support of his new friends, Satou must not only learn how to play guitar, but also come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to be its owner.
(Source: MAL Rewrite)
12. Blue Giant
Dai Miyamoto's life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his hometown Sendai for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences. But what does it take to truly be great?
(Source: GKIDS)
13. K-ON! Season 2
It is the new year, which means that the senior members of the Light Music Club are now third-years, with Azusa Nakano being the only second-year. The seniors soon realize that Azusa will be the only member left once they graduate and decide to recruit new members. Despite trying many methods of attracting underclassmen—handing out fliers, bringing people into the clubroom, and performing at the welcoming ceremony—there are no signs of anyone that plans to join.
While heading to the clubroom, Azusa overhears Yui Hirasawa say that the club is fine with only five people and that they can do many fun things together. Changing her mind, she decides that they do not need to recruit any members for the time being.
K-On!! revolves around the members of the Light Music Club as they experience their daily high school life. From rehearsing for concerts to just messing around, they are ready to make their last year together an exciting one!
(Source: MAL Rewrite)
14. Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song-
An AI named Matsumoto appears before Vivy, the world’s first autonomous humanoid AI. Matsumoto’s mission is to rewrite history together with Vivy, in order to stop the war between AI and humans that will happen one century later.
(Source: Funimation)
15. IDOLiSH7 Third BEAT! Part 2
The second cour of the third season of IDOLiSH7.
16. Symphogear XV
The fifth season of Senki Zesshou Symphogear.
Humanity is finally confronted with the threat of the Custodians—the ancient, sentient species held responsible for cursing humanity to speak different languages thousands of years ago. The Symphogear wielders—Hibiki Tachibana, Tsubasa Kazanari, Chris Yukine, Maria Cadenzavna Eve, Kirika Akatsuki, and Shirabe Tsukuyomi—are sent to the Antarctic in order to retrieve an ancient relic. After securing it and rescuing the scientific staff present there from a Coffin, the automated defense mechanism protecting it, the relic is given to American researchers due to international agreements.
The criminal organization Noble Red, a remnant of the previously fought Bavarian Illuminati, starts targeting the relic. Will the Symphogear wielders and their supporting organization S.O.N.G. be able to foil the plans of the organizations conspiring against them?
(Source: MAL Rewrite)
17. BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!
The best way to fit in at a new school? Start a band! Anon has just transferred to Haneoka Girls’ Academy where girl bands are all the rage. But she started school late, so there aren’t many girls left to recruit. Then she meets her first friend and Haneoka’s misfit, Tomori, who’s hesitant to join. Still, Anon is determined to persuade Tomori and experience the true power of friendship and music.
(Source: Crunchyroll)
18. Doukyuusei -Classmates-
Sajou is an honor student with perfect scores in every subject on his high school entrance exam. Kusakabe plays guitar in his band that performs at live events and is popular among the girls. These boys would have never crossed paths. But one day Kusakabe offers to help Sajou prepare for their upcoming chorus festival and the two begin to talk. As the two meet after school, they bond through songs and begin to harmonize as their hearts beat together.
It starts out slowly but soon their feelings for one another grow and suddenly they both realize that they are in love. Kusakabe's emotions are frivolous, pure and direct causing Sajou to hesitate at first, but he gradually opens his heart. The boys learn about each other, as well as themselves, as they support one another during this difficult time in their youth.
As the time to start thinking about their futures approaches, what do these young men find as they try to move forward...
(Source: Aniplex of America)
19. given: on the other hand
OVA bundled with the Given manga's seventh volume, as a limited edition bonus.
20. IDOLiSH7 Third BEAT!
The third season of IDOLiSH7.
Note: The first three episodes received an early web premiere on June 13, 2021. The regular TV broadcast started on July 4, 2021.
21. Given The Movie
The film centers on the love relationship among the band's bassist Haruki Nakayama, drummer Akihiko Kaji, and Akihiko's roommate and ex-boyfriend Ugetsu Murata.
(Source: Crunchyroll)
22. IDOLiSH7 Second BEAT!
The second season of IDOLiSH7.
Note: The first episode received a special screening at "Idolish 7 Fan Thanksgiving Day vol.5" on December 14, 2019 and it was distributed on various streaming websites on January 7, 2020. The regular TV broadcast started on April 5, 2020.
23. Kids on the Slope
The beginning of summer, 1966.
Because of his father's job situation, freshman high school student Kaoru Nishimi moves by himself from Yokosuka to Kyushu to live with relatives. Until then, Kaoru was an honor roll student who tended to keep to himself, but meeting notorious bad boy Sentaro Kawabuchi starts to change him. Through his devil-may-care classmate, Kaoru learns the attractions of jazz and finds the first person he can call a "friend". He also discovers how much fun it is to play music with a pal.
Other characters include Sentaro's kind childhood chum, Ritsuko, who is the daughter of a record shop owner; the mysterious upperclassman, Yurika; and Brother Jun, the much-admired leader among their peers. Set against the backdrop of a seaside town with a scent of American culture, this series is a drama about young people coming into their own, crossing each other's paths, and finding friendship, love, and music!
(Source: Official Website)
24. Ya Boy Kongming!
Fate and reincarnation deliver brilliant military strategist, Kongming, from warring, ancient China to Japan’s modern party hot spot in Shibuya City, Tokyo. After a lifetime of battles and military skirmishes, Kongming wished with his last breath to be reborn in a world of peace and prosperity. It’s nearly two millennia later and he’s finding his way in a very different world than that of his past life. When he meets Eiko, an amateur musician with big dreams, the unlikely duo strikes up an even unlikelier friendship. Eiko has street smarts to help Kongming navigate this strange new world, and Kongming will use his strategic mind to help Eiko achieve stardom!
(Source: Sentai Filmworks)
An advanced online screening of the first episode was held on March 31, 2022, but the weekly TV release began on April 5, 2022.
25. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
Tanaka Yukio, better known by his nickname Koyuki is a 14 year old who feels disconnected from life in general. Through the act of saving a mismatched dog, he meets guitarist Minami Ryuusuke, and becomes involved in Ryuusuke's new band BECK. Koyuki's life starts to change as the band struggles towards fame.
26. Nodame Cantabile Finale
The series continues the relationship between two aspiring classical musicians, Megumi "Nodame" Noda and Shinichi Chiaki, as students and after graduation.
27. Sound! Euphonium
Spring in the first year of high school. Kumiko, a member of the brass band in junior high school, visits the high school brass band club with classmates Hazuki and Sapphire. There, she comes across Reina, her former classmate from junior high. Hazuki and Sapphire decide to join the club, but Kumiko can’t make up her mind. She recollects her experience with Reina at a competition in junior high school.
(Source: Pony Canyon USA)
28. Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night
"I want to find what I enjoy."
Shibuya is a city full of identity. It is here on Shibuya’s late night streets that illustrator Mahiru Kozuki, former idol Kano Yamanouchi, Vtuber Kiui Watase and composer Mei Kim Anouk Takanashi — four young women who are slightly outside the world — join together and form an anonymous artist group called JELEE. “I” also want to shine like someone else. If it's not me but “we” then we might be able to shine.
(Source: Crunchyroll News, HIDIVE, edited)
29. Nodame Cantabile
Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist; not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Chiaki from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan.
During his 4th year at Japan's top music university, Chiaki happens to meet Noda Megumi; or as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Chiaki hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe at the kind of music she plays. To Chiaki's dismay, Nodame moves into the apartment next to his and finds out that she is head over heels in love with him.
Nodame Cantabile tells the story of Chiaki and Nodame, as they not only learn to deal with each other, but learn lessons from one another as they strive for the top of the musical world.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
30. ZOMBIE LAND SAGA REVENGE
The second season of Zombie Land Saga.
From throughout the ages, a group of legendary girls have become zombie idols to save Saga Prefecture. It's the return of the cutting-edge zombie idol anime! One day, Minamoto Sakura lost her life in an unfortunate accident. Then, ten years later… After Sakura wakes up in a strange mansion, mysterious idol producer Tatsumi Kotaro tells her that she will be joining a group of legendary girls to form an idol unit. The seven girls are charged with a quest to save the fading Saga Prefecture and adopt the group name Franchouchou. After overcoming the difficulties stemming from their different ages and different periods of history, their undead zombie bodies allow them to defy expectations of what idols can be. During the final winter of the Heisei era they performed their first featured concert at Karatsu's Furusato Exhibition Hall, Arpino, taking another step towards becoming a legend. Now, in the modern Reiwa Era… The curtain rises on a new chapter in the story of Franchouchou, as they march towards a bright future full of hope.
(Source: Crunchyroll)
31. Inu-Oh
Musical fantasy film based on Hideo Furukawa's Heike Monogatari: Inu-Ou no Maki (Tales of the Heike: Inu-Ou) novel.
Inu-Oh is born with unique physical characteristics. His parents cover every inch of his body with garments, including a mask on his face. One day, Inu-Oh meets a blind boy named Tomona, a biwa player. As Tomona starts to sing and play, Inu-Oh is amazed to discover he has an incredible ability to dance. The two become inseparable. Tomona and Inu-Oh start sharing their talent with audiences. Their performances quickly gain acclaim and draw crowds. But why is Tomona blind? Why was Inu-Oh born looking like he does? A story about a legendary artist from 14th-century Japan, who defied fate to forge his own destiny. An anime in the form of a rock operetta with spectacular music and dance sequences.
(Source: Warsaw Film Festival)
Note: The film received an early premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 9, 2021.
32. Tokubetsu-hen Hibike! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest
Along with the summer brass band competition, the ensemble contest, commonly known as "Ancon," is a place where exciting performances are held. The performance of several people in one group has a charm different from that of a competition.
In order to participate in the Kyoto prefectural tournament of Ancon, a representative team is selected in the school's preliminary round. However, with over 50 members, the Kitauji High School brass band is facing a variety of problems! Will Kumiko, the newly appointed head of the club, be able to make it through the preliminary rounds?
The days of struggle begin.
(Source: Official Site, translated)
33. Bocchi the Rock! Re:
Compilation film of Bocchi the Rock! The first of the Bocchi compilation movie duology.
34. Thunderbolt Fantasy - Bewitching Melody of the West
Lang Wu Yao is a boy born with a supernatural singing voice. Secluded in the snowy mountains, he is put through severe training by his blind mother. Her wish is for her son's voice to be unrivaled, so that it will be heard by the imperial court. But the intense training results in a tragic accident, where she dies. Left an orphan as a result, Lang wanders the land. His voice is used as a tool by the wicked and greedy, with his heart being ground down in the process. Eventually his strange singing catches the ear of the princess of Xi You, and Lang is elevated to the stage his mother had dreamt of. But what awaits him is a life or death battle performance against other musicians for the amusement of the members of the court. Until one day, Lang learns of the rumors of the Sword Plundering Nemesis, an infamous bandit known through all of Xi You for stealing magical weapons. What he doesn't know is that the next weapon in the sights of this thief has been hidden by the emperor in the same castle Lang has been performing in.
(Source: Crunchyroll)
35. Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen
Having been given the opportunity to study in Paris, Noda accompanies Chiaki to Europe as he strives to become the accomplished conductor he always dreamt to be.
(Source: Anime News Network)
36. One Piece Film: Red
An almighty voice. With fiery red locks.
The story takes place on an island where Uta, the world’s favorite diva, performs for the first time in public. Uta’s singing voice, which she sings with while concealing her true identity, has been described as “otherworldly,” and while the venue is filled with the Straw Hats led by Luffy, pirates, navy, and fans from all over the world who have come to enjoy her voice, Uta’s voice is heard in a new light. The curtain rises on the story with the shocking revelation that she is “Shanks’ daughter!“
(Source: ONE PIECE FILM RED Website)
37. BanG Dream! Episode of Roselia II: Song I am
After overcoming numerous tribulations, the members of Roselia promised to appear on FUTURE WORLD FES.
It is now Autumn...
Through writing the lyrics of "Promise," Lisa has matured. Watching the change of color in the autumn leaves, Yukina and Sayo expressed their resolve in a picture letter to their future selves. Driven by the wish to do something for Roselia, Rinko has started to compose a new song. "The remaining quests are the contest, the tournament, and FUTURE WORLD FES..." Reflecting on their goals, Ako starts to feel anxious.
What view will the five of them see beyond FUTURE WORLD FES?
(Source: Bang Dream Official Site)
38. BanG Dream! 3rd Season
The third season of BanG Dream!
The girls of Poppin'Party have come a long way, but the competition coming up is the biggest yet - the BanG Dream! Girls Band challenge at the legendary Budokan! Slots to compete are limited and the usual competitors will be vying for the chance, but the band to beat is the new RAISE A SUILEN, whose founder, Chiyu, has sworn to destroy both Roselia and Poppin'Party!
Indeed, Chiyu's main goal is to make Roselia's lead Yukina pay for denying Chiyu a spot as a producer, and the musical prodigy has the connections and resources to push the competition up to the next level! Can Poppin'Party keep up with the increased tempo and meet challenges like producing their own music video? They'll have to if they want to make it to the big show!
(Source: Sentai Filmworks)
39. K-ON!
Hirasawa Yui, a young, carefree girl entering high school, has her imagination instantly captured when she sees a poster advertising the ‘Light Music Club’. Being the carefree girl that she is, she quickly signs up. However, Yui has a problem, she is unable to play an instrument.
When Yui goes to the clubroom to explain, she's greeted by the other members: Ritsu, Mio and Tsumugi. Although disheartened at Yui’s lack of musical know-how, they still try to convince her to stay to prevent the club’s disbandment. After playing Yui a short piece which re-ignites her imagination, they succeed in keeping their new member and guitarist.
Along with the tasks of school and homework, Yui begins to learn the guitar with the help of the other band members, experiencing many mishaps along the way. However, with the school-festival drawing near and Yui getting stuck with her practice, will the Light Music Club be ready in time for their debut?
(Source: MAL Rewrite)
40. Aikatsu! Movie
Aiming to be a Top Idol is what Ichigo Hoshimiya does, and a big chance for it comes!
Somehow, Ichigo will lead a special live!
The title of the live Ichigo will be "Great Ichigo Starmiya Festival" and the venue is the place where Ichigo watched for the first time the top idol "Mizuki Kanzaki"s live, "Star Rise Stadium".
If this live is a big success, Ichigo might genuinely become a Top Idol!
What kind of stage will this movie end up with?
Songs, drama, laughs, and tears! The biggest and hottest stage of Aikatsu! finally begins!
41. Love Live! Superstar!!
Tokyo’s brand-new Yuigaoka Girls’ High School has no history, no upperclassmen, and no reputation—its first students are starting from scratch! A team of five girls led by Kanon Shibuya discover school idols, and their hopes to do something with singing begin to grow. They begin the “School Idol Project” with a blank slate and infinite potential. It’s time for their Love Live to take flight!
(Source: Funimation)
42. Yuri on Ice Side Story: Welcome to The Madness
At the GPF exhibition event, Yuri P. performs a skating routine with Otabek.
Note: Short special included in the 6th BD/DVD volume.
43. Aikatsu! 10th STORY: Mirai e no STARWAY (2023)
A new Aikatsu! film set for 2023 following Aikatsu! 10th STORY ~Mirai e no STARWAY~.
44. Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life
In the story, Takezou is the last remaining member of the koto club, a club dedicated to the traditional Japanese string instrument. If he doesn't find new members, the koto club will be terminated. One day, Takezou is alone in the club room when a student barges in and demands to join. The student is delinquent Chika Kudou, a guy who even scares delinquent upperclassmen at other schools.
(Source: Anime News Network)
45. BanG Dream! Poppin' Dream!
After performing at the Budokan Live, the stage of their dreams, a mysterious woman appears before Kasumi and the others.
Poppin'Party's next stage will be... overseas?!
46. IDOLiSH7 Vibrato
A spin-off series of the IDOLiSH7 TV series streamed exclusively on YouTube.
47. Love Live! The School Idol Movie
Although μ's, the defending champions of the school idol tournament, plans to dissolve their group after the graduation of their senior members, they receive news that leads them to holding a concert event! The 9 girls continue to learn and grow in this new and unfamiliar world. What is the last thing that these girls can do as school idols? With the clock ticking, what kind of meaning will the μ's members find in performing the most exciting live performance?
(Source: NIS America)
48. K-ON! Season 2: Plan!
A special episode of K-ON!! released in the ninth volume of Blu-ray and DVD. The girls plan a trip abroad and go to the passport office to apply for passports.
49. K-ON!: Live House!
Ritsu's middle school friend invites the band to perform live on New Year's Eve. The girls get acquainted with other bands, and become a little nervous as the performance approaches. When the time comes, will they be able to rock the house?
(Source: Hidive)
50. Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell
The sequel film to Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime.
Picking up from where the previous movie left off, Ranka's star career flourishes while Sheryl's health rapidly deteriorates after collapsing during a live performance. At the same time, separate factions are maneuvering behind the scenes seeking to control the Vajra horde by utilizing the singing abilities of the two songstresses. As the entire Macross Frontier fleet begins to wage the final war on the Vajra, Alto finally makes a choice between Ranka and Sheryl.
(Source: Anime News Network)