Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
We’ve put together a collection of anime songs that anyone who grew up in the 2000s will undoubtedly find nostalgic.
Some are original tracks made for the anime, while others are tie-in songs.
Each and every one of them still sounds fresh today.
There are probably people who discovered these artists through anime, grew to love them, and are still following them now.
We hope this article—and the songs themselves—help you remember those wonderful feelings from back then.
It also works great as a go-to karaoke song list.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime from the 2000s to the 2010s
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- [Popular] A compilation of anime songs that were hits in 2020
- [Anime Songs] Anime tracks recommended for men in their 30s to sing at karaoke
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended popular anime from the 2000s
- [Anison × Rock] A compilation of anime songs performed by rock bands
- Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
Anime songs that were hits in the 2000s: A nostalgic collection of god-tier tracks (21–30)
cloudy skyDOES
Douten, sung by DOES, was used as the fifth opening theme for the classic Shonen Jump gag anime Gintama.
If you’re a Gintama fan, it’s probably stuck in your head.
The rough, gritty vocal style matches the somewhat hard-boiled world of the Shinsengumi and the Yorozuya that appear in Gintama.
Nadja!!Minako Honda
This number evokes nostalgia for anime fans of the 2000s.
Sung by Minako Honda, it was released in 2003 as her 25th single.
It’s the opening theme of the anime Ashita no Nadja.
With a bright and powerful tone, the lyrics are filled with dreams, hope, and an uplifting message.
As you listen, you can feel the protagonist Nadja’s adventurous spirit and cheerful personality.
Although time has passed since its release, it remains a timelessly appealing classic among anime songs.
Drawing daysSPLAY
“Drawing days,” which was used as the opening theme for the popular anime “Katekyo Hitman REBORN!” that aired on the TV Tokyo network.
It’s a song by SPLAY, a band from Osaka Prefecture that has since disbanded.
The track has an overall bright tone.
Love CirculationKana Hanazawa
One of Kana Hanazawa’s signature songs, it was used as the opening theme for the 2009 anime Bakemonogatari and released as a single in January 2010.
It captures a maiden in love with a light, upbeat melody, pairing lyrics about pure romantic feelings with a catchy sound in perfect harmony.
It’s an irresistibly charming track that makes your heart float just by listening.
Recommended not only for anime fans but for anyone whose heart thrills at the thought of love!
Fighting Spirits -Song for Beyblade-SYSTEM-B
The opening theme of the anime Beyblade (Bakuten Shoot Beyblade)! A fiery rock track by system-B, released in March 2001.
Its themes are the strength to chase your dreams and the bonds with your friends, and you can feel the passion in both the lyrics and the vocals.
Just listening to it gives you energy—it’s that kind of song.
It’s also great for getting the crowd going at karaoke! It might even bring back those passionate feelings from back in the day!
Crazy RainbowTackey & Tsubasa
It feels like the acceleration is painting a vivid rainbow! The duo Tackey & Tsubasa, formed by Hideaki Takizawa and Tsubasa Imai, released this song as their eighth single in 2007.
It was the opening theme for the beloved anime One Piece.
With a powerful message that makes you feel like you can break through even the reality before your eyes, and an up-tempo sound that signals the start of an adventure, it’s absolutely thrilling! The song reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, and in episode 303 of the anime, the two even make a humorous cameo within the story.
It’s the perfect number for taking a new step with your friends or when you want to lift your spirits.
FOR REALHidenori Tokuyama
This work is characterized by its powerful, catchy melody.
Released in May 2000, it was used as the opening theme for the anime “Gensomaden Saiyuki.” It carries a strong message about overcoming loneliness and sorrow and moving forward, with a powerful vocal performance and a resonant worldview that’s perfect for anyone trying to forge their own path.
The rock-style arrangement is another highlight.
It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke, too!