Lovely anime song

Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks

Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks

Last updated:2025/10/22

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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.

Hit anime songs from the 2000s: A nostalgic collection of masterpieces (1–10)

sailing dayNEW!BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「sailing day」

sailing dayNEW!BUMP OF CHICKEN

Released in March 2003 by BUMP OF CHICKEN as a double A-side single with “Lost Man,” this track was selected as the ending theme for the film “ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: Dead End no Bōken” (Dead End Adventure).

As fans of the series themselves, the band crafted a high-velocity rock tune infused with motifs of adventure and setting sail.

The lyrics, which sing of the will to face destiny and the resolve to keep chasing one’s dreams, deeply resonated with young listeners at the time.

Peaking at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and later included on the album “Yggdrasil,” it has become one of their signature songs and a staple that unites fans at live shows.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone about to take a new step forward.

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Hare Hare YukaiAya Hirano, Minori Chihara, Yuko Goto

Hare Hare Yukai

Hare Hare Yukai - Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, Yuko Goto

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is an anime based on a light novel by Nagaru Tanigawa, with its first season airing in 2006.

The ending theme, Hare Hare Yukai, sung by the voice cast, reached as high as No.

2 on the Oricon daily chart.

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scarlet skyMami Kawada

Mami Kawada “Hishoku no Sora” Official MV (Full ver.)

Scarlet Sky — Mami Kawada

A signature song by Mami Kawada, chosen as the opening theme for the anime Shakugan no Shana.

It was released in November 2005 as her second single.

The powerful vocals and lyrics that evoke a crimson-dyed evening sky leave a strong impression.

The song expresses hidden wishes and a determination to fulfill one’s mission, making your heart burn as you listen.

Mami Kawada’s distinctive vibrato is also captivating.

Although time has passed since its release, it remains a highly popular classic among anime song fans.

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MelissaPorno Graffitti

PORNOGRAFFITTI 'Melissa (Short ver.)' / PORNOGRAFFITTI 'Melissa (Short Ver.)'

Melissa Porno Graffitti

Melissa, which was used as the first opening theme for the classic dark fantasy anime Fullmetal Alchemist, is a very famous song that many people may recognize even if they haven’t seen the anime.

Its dramatic melody, characteristic of Porno Graffitti, is particularly striking.

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COLORSFLOW

FLOW 『COLORS』(Music Video Short Ver.)

COLORSFLOW

“COLORS,” which was used as the first opening theme for the popular sci-fi robot anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, features a quintessentially FLOW-style, classic pop melody.

Composed with the image of a rock orchestra, it boasts an extremely grand and majestic sound.

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HUSTLE MUSCLEYogo Kono

[FULL] Kinnikuman Nisei Opening: “HUSTLE MUSCLE”

Yogo Kono of Hustle Muscle

Kinnikuman Nisei is a work that depicts the generation of the son of the classic, popular manga Kinnikuman, and its TV anime began airing in 2002.

The opening theme is HUSTLE MUSCLE, sung by Yogo Kono, and it’s known as a fiery, iconic song.

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When They Cry: HigurashiEiko Shimamiya

TV Anime “Higurashi When They Cry” Opening Video (Eiko Shimamiya / Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) [NBCUniversal Anime✕Music 30th Anniversary Daily OP/ED Posting Project]

Higurashi When They Cry, Eiko Shimamiya

Introducing a classic that represents the 2000s.

This track was used as the opening theme for the anime Higurashi When They Cry.

Created by Eiko Shimamiya, it was released in October 2006 as her second single.

The unsettling lyrics and Shimamiya’s clear, transparent vocals are a perfect match.

It brilliantly captures the anime’s worldview and became a major topic among fans at the time of its release.

It’s also a popular choice for karaoke.

Highly recommended for dusk, when you want to bask in a wistful mood.

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