Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
From the latest anime songs to nostalgic national favorites everyone knows—opening themes, insert songs, ending themes—we present a selection of tear-jerking anime tracks, featuring classic and popular picks recommended by our editorial staff.
Some parts that were cut in the TV broadcast versions are included here—why not listen to the full-length versions from this list?
You’ll surely get chills when you discover deeper lyrics or keywords that tie directly into the anime’s scenes.
Moving anime song masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Parade of LifeNEW!whale
This is a song by Kujira that graced the opening of a gentle story about a young master living alongside Edo’s spirits.
Written specifically for the anime “Shabake,” it was released in 0/2025.
Centered on the themes of the cycle of life and its fragility, it conveys the strength of caring for someone and the tenderness of living with unseen presences, all expressed through a lyrical melody.
A stylish pop track recommended for fans of yokai.
child of the devilAi Higuchi
This is a song by Ai Higuchi, written specifically as the ending theme for the anime Attack on Titan.
The lyrics, filled with the struggles of the protagonist Eren, express his resolve to become a devil in order to protect those he loves.
Singing of the world’s cruelty and the opposing emotion of love, the piece sharply portrays the contradictions within the human heart.
It was released in January 2022 as a digital-only single and was later included on the album “Saiaku SAI-AI,” released in March of the same year.
With its profound message, it’s recommended for those who wish to reflect on the essence of humanity.
Butter-FlyKoji Wada
This is a famous anime song by Koji Wada, used as the theme song for the TV anime Digimon Adventure.
Sadly, Koji Wada passed away after a battle with illness, but this song will continue to inspire many people as a timeless classic.
OrangeSPYAIR
A song marked by a stirring melody and powerful lyrics! It’s the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (the feature film), brought to you by SPYAIR.
Centered on encounters, bonds, and farewells within limited time, it sings of the courage and hope you find at life’s crossroads.
Released in February 2024, this track marks the fourth collaboration between the Haikyu!! series and SPYAIR.
It’s a song that will be by your side when you want to think of someone dear, or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
Anytime Anywheremilet
This is a song by milet that gained attention as the ending theme for the TV anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.” Centered on themes of past and present, life and death, it expresses a longing to always feel the presence of a loved one, no matter the circumstances.
Released in September 2023, the track is characterized by milet’s richly expressive vocals and a dramatic musical arrangement.
Closely tied to the anime’s narrative, it skillfully conveys the emotions of the protagonist, Frieren.
With lyrics that resonate deeply and a composition filled with hope, it’s recommended for those who have experienced parting with someone important or are about to take a new step forward.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
This song was created as the theme for director Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering with You.
With a profound exploration of the power of love and the meaning of life, it resonates deeply with listeners.
The lyrics by RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda delve into feelings for those we’ve lost and what we can do for ourselves and others through love.
Released in July 2019, the track sparked a social phenomenon alongside the film.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the intangible power of love or reflect on life’s meaning.
Listening to this work may help you rediscover the importance of loving and the value of human bonds.
kaiju (giant monster)NEW!Sakanaction
This track, which also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime “Chi: About the Movement of the Earth,” marks Sakanakution’s first new song in about three years.
Released in February 2025, it has captured many hearts, topping Billboard JAPAN’s Rising Songs chart, among other achievements.
From the lyrics, you can feel a powerful will—like that of a solitary “kaiju”—to pursue the truth even if it means defying common sense.
The interplay between a pure passion to explore precisely because the world is unfinished, and the poignant helplessness that the cry may never reach anyone, tightens the listener’s chest.
For those struggling toward a big goal or trying to stay true to their convictions, this is surely a song that will become a source of strength.