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.

Playlist

Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	Parade of Lifewhale		A gentle tale about a young master living with the spirits of Edo…
2	child of the devilAi Higuchi		Attack on Titan ending, deep lyrics
3	Butter-FlyKoji Wada		Digimon theme song, a masterpiece of hope and courage
4	OrangeSPYAIR		SPYAIR’s theme song that sings of courage and hope
5	Anytime Anywheremilet		Frieren ED, the loving emotions of life and death
6	Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS		Theme song of Weathering With You: the deep meaning of love and life
7	kaiju (giant monster)Sakanaction		Sakanaction’s new song is a big hit.
8	flameLiSA		LiSA’s powerful singing delivers hope.
9	BluestarSayaka Yamamoto		A soul-stirring song sung by Sayaka Yamamoto
10	rainbowMasaki Suda		A moving work featuring a film’s theme song sung by Masaki Suda
11	SignAimer		A moving song by Aimer that portrays hope and bonds
12	signpostMinori Chihara		Minori Chihara’s anime ending theme, a heartwarming parent-and-child song
13	Until the World Ends…WANDS		A popular ending theme from Slam Dunk
14	PlatinumMaaya Sakamoto		The opening theme song of Cardcaptor Sakura
15	Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata		A masterpiece theme song for a film, sung by Motohiro Hata, that resonates with the heart
16	strollJoe Hisaishi		Joe Hisaishi performs Ghibli’s “Sanpo”
17	Miracle soupMindaRyn		The ending theme song of the anime 'Slime'
18	Song of DepartureClass 3-E		A touching graduation song from Assassination Classroom
19	LAGRIMAONEPIXCEL		An emotionally moving song that touches the heart
20	Grand Escape (Movie edit) feat. Toko MiuraRADWIMPS		Weathering With You, a song of hope for the future
21	Tomorrow will come.TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)		Dawn breaks, a message of hope
22	Tomorrow will come.TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)		Dawn breaks, a message of hope
23	Until the world becomes oneYa-Ya-yah		Nintama Rantarō’s ending theme, a song of friendship and hope
24	A bouquet of astersASCA		ASCA’s moving song, feelings for a loved one
25	Over the StarSaki Oshitani		A heartwarming ballad that evokes the cosmos
26	See youDREAMS COME TRUE		A classic that sings of farewells and the hope of reunion
27	See youDREAMS COME TRUE		A classic that sings of farewells and the hope of reunion
28	I want to shout that I love youBAAD		Introduction to the opening theme song of Slam Dunk
29	Unchanging ThingsHanako Oku		The moving insert song from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, a masterpiece by Hanako Oku
30	Type: WildRika Matsumoto		Pokemon theme song, a story of adventure and growth
31	SparkleRADWIMPS		A moving song where time and fate intersect
32	Together with the WindSachiko Kobayashi		Mewtwo’s Song, a classic that encourages the path of life
33	The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell		A classic anime ending theme that feels moving when you listen to it as an adult.
34	OrangeRie Kugimiya, Yui Horie, Eri Kitamura		A touching, heart-stirring song by a voice actor, filled with bittersweet love
35	My greatest treasureLiSA		The moving insert song from Angel Beats!
36	NAKAMAZedd feat. AI		An anime theme song, a moving work of hope and bonds
37	Genesis of AquarionAKINO		The opening theme song of Aquarion is hugely popular.
38	Diamond CrevasseMay’n		Introduction to the moving masterpieces of Macross Frontier
39	A gaze is lightTatsuya Kitani		TV anime theme song, moving/emotional track
40	My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS		The songs featured in “Your Name” became a huge hit.
41	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Ai Kayano, Haruka Tomatsu, Saori Hayami		That famous song from AnoHana is now the ending theme of a popular anime.
42	Song that Marks TimeLia		The CLANNAD anime opening theme is a moving masterpiece that brings tears to your eyes.
43	KanadeAmamiya Sora		A poignant song of the heart covered by Sora Amamiya
44	peace signKenshi Yonezu		Kenshi Yonezu’s powerful hero-boosting anthem
45	Ojamajo Carnival!!MAHO-do		Opening theme song of Ojamajo Doremi
46	XY＆ZRika Matsumoto		Pokémon XY&Z: Moved by the protagonist’s song
47	One more time,One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki		Masayoshi Yamazaki’s soul-stirring masterpiece in perfect harmony with the film
48	If I’m wrapped in kindnessYumi Matsutoya		The heartwarming theme song of Kiki's Delivery Service
49	ChronostasisBUMP OF CHICKEN		BUMP OF CHICKEN’s moving movie theme song
50	Last StardustAimer		Many tears for UBW’s moving insert song
51	And yet, tomorrow will come.Yume Suzuki		An inspiring song that gives you the courage to keep going
52	ConnectClariS		The Madoka Magica opening theme is a moving song.
53	happily ever afterShoko Nakagawa		The moving insert song from Gurren Lagann
54	Get WildTM NETWORK		City Hunter’s classic hit, an eternal standard
55	It’s nothing.RADWIMPS		A soul-stirring masterpiece: RADWIMPS’s classic song
56	Two sides of the same coinyuzu		Ending theme song of the anime “HUNTER×HUNTER”
57	Life is Like a BoatRie fu		An inspiring song that embraces hope and overcomes hardships
58	GarnetHanako Oku		Hanako Oku’s heartrending theme song, memories of youth
59	We are!Hiroshi Kitadani		Let's listen to the first One Piece opening song again
60	memoriesMaki Otsuki		The early One Piece ending theme is a moving masterpiece.
61	For YouSuara		The moving song from the final episode of Utawarerumono
62	Small palmriya		An emotional and heartrending masterpiece from CLANNAD's soundtrack
63	Lapis-Lazuli EarthNazuna Oikawa (CV: Suzu Hirose)		A song that resonates on a summer night, filled with hope
64	frecklesJUDY AND MARY		Anime theme song, a classic hit by JUDY AND MARY
65	youHealing Moon		The background music from Higurashi Kai has become popular and spawned many different versions.
66	Melody of the HeartShirahamazaka High School Choir Club		My mother's song, a heartrendingly beautiful melody.
67	God knows…Haruhi Suzumiya (Aya Hirano)		The theme song of the anime “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”
68	only my railgunfripSide		Anime OP lyrics get me hyped
69	RIVERTatsuya Ishii		An inspiring song that expresses the feelings of facing difficulties
70	The world that was transparentMotohiro Hata		Hata Motohiro’s heartwarming NARUTO theme song
71	single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu		A love song where fierce passion and aching longing intertwine
72	Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez		Signature songs of Aqua Timez and the trajectory of their musical activities
73	Stars swimMacaroni Enpitsu		A masterpiece that portrays the sense of loss and hope of summer
74	It’s like a small light.Sayuri		A heartwarming song that finds a ray of hope
75	Winding RoadMAN WITH A MISSION		A passionate message forging ahead powerfully through the twists and turns
76	BOW AND ARROWKenshi Yonezu		The theme song for Kenshi Yonezu’s “Medalist” is hot.
77	For Fruits BasketRitsuko Okazaki		The Fruits Basket opening has a gentle singing voice that soothes the heart.
78	Snow RainKana Ueda		A masterpiece whose song by Hayate Yagami resonates in the heart
79	cloudy skyDOES		A legendary song from the Gintama anime: DOES’s fiery theme track.
80	silhouetteKANA-BOON		Popular opening songs of the Naruto anime
81	Just one feelingKOKIA		KOKIA song from the GUNSLINGER GIRL opening
82	Captured in a shimmering momentMANISH		Slam Dunk / MANISH’s youth hit songs
83	Welcome back.Renge Miyauchi, Hotaru Ichijo, Natsumi Koshigaya, Komari Koshigaya		A heartwarming ending theme of a countryside anime
84	If I’m wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai		The moving theme song of Kiki's Delivery Service
85	MEMORIAEir Aoi		The ending theme of Fate/Zero is an emotional and elegant masterpiece.
86	Song of Steel JeegIchiro Mizuki		The valiant spirit of robot anime theme songs
87	Hero: Poem of FateEGOIST		The opening theme of Fate/Apocrypha—a serious and moving song.
88	My friendZARD		The ending theme of Slam Dunk is a masterpiece.
89	FIND THE WAYMika Nakashima		A moving ED remembered for how its singing voice drew me in
90	Rondo – revolutionMasami Okui		A masterpiece that portrays the courage for self-transformation and growth
91	Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi		The ending theme of Yu Yu Hakusho expresses a bittersweet love.
92	Yumejinano.RIPE		An inspiring song that feels like a new beginning
93	againYUI		A moving anime theme song sung by YUI
94	Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks		Lyrics from a Gintama opening song that give you a push on the back (i.e., are encouraging)
95	I’ll find it before the stars do.Hiroko Moriguchi		The cactus song, with captivating vocal prowess.
96	paradise lostMinori Chihara		Ga-Rei: Zero OP, a powerful song performed by the voice actors
97	sakuraNIRGILIS		An anime’s moving opening theme sets the heart free.
98	Let It Go ~As I Am~Takako Matsu		The moving theme song of Frozen
99	paper airplanesuis from Yorushika × Evan Call		A moving song that gently colors the feelings of a letter
100	Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad		Theme song of the film, depicting the bonds with family and a new departure
101	IllusionMY FIRST STORY × HYDE		Demon Slayer theme song: the powerful intensity of passionate rock
102	Fight! PolymerIsao Sasaki		A powerful theme song from a 1970s hero anime
103	Peerless BlossomAina the End		A soul-stirring movie theme song, the emotions of love and loss
104	Oak Wood MocKumiko Onogi		The heartwarming appeal of songs that reach children
105	Gamba’s SongHiromasa Kawahara		A classic 1970s anime song that sings of adventure and friendship
106	Hill of the Rainbow and the Suncheep cheep		The ending of Ranma 1/2 really resonates with me.
107	A prank by the godsMegumi Nakajima		The moving ending theme of Tamayura
108	YOUTHFUL99RadioService		The opening theme of Chihayafuru, a song about friendship
109	Poem of TruthDo As Infinity		The ending theme song of the anime Inuyasha
110	Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc		Opening theme of Black Jack
111	far awayRita		An emotional insert song that makes you cry even if you know the ending
112	Two Shadowsriya		An emotional insert song from CLANNAD
113	Passing down through storytellingChitose Moto		The ending theme of Blood+ is Chitose Hajime’s soothing singing voice.
114	A chorus of voicesShuhei Kita		The opening theme of Natsume’s Book of Friends, a heartwarming masterpiece.
115	ninaMaaya Sakamoto		Anime theme song, a track of hope and courage
116	YUME WeatherHitomi Shimatani		The heartwarming theme song of the Doraemon movie
117	Teru’s SongAoi Teshima		The beautiful insert song from the Studio Ghibli film 'Tales from Earthsea'
118	I touched an angel!After School Tea Time		The touching graduation song from K-On!!
119	And nowAsami Seto		A heartfelt song that portrays youthful farewells and growth
120	Come meet me through the secret doorYukari Tamura		Yukari Tamura, the cute Nōrin theme song
121	Even if you break tomorrowWANDS		A moving and heartrending masterpiece from a Yu-Gi-Oh! ending theme
122	Galaxy Express 999Godiego		An upbeat theme song from Galaxy Express 999
123	Unwavering WishNaomi Tamura		Naomi Tamura’s Magic Knight theme, an uplifting classic
124	secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Meiko Honma (Ai Kayano), Naruko Anjou (Haruka Tomatsu), Chiriko Tsurumi (Saori Hayami)		The ending song of Anohana is bittersweet.
125	catch the momentLiSA		The Appeal of Heart-Stirring Anime Theme Songs
126	Renaselle SerenadeMomoiro Clover Z		Momoclo’s song is a hopeful track that cheers on life.
127	Because you are hereMiho Komatsu		Mr. Komatsu’s moving Conan theme
128	One-Winged BirdAkiko Shikata		The opening theme of Umineko: When They Cry is grand and mysterious.
129	SymphonyYui Makino		Conveying everyday wonders with a gentle singing voice
130	UninstallChiaki Ishikawa		Abstract and beautiful lyrics depicting death and escape
131	StoriesHitomi Kuroishi		I was moved by the insert song in Code Geass.
132	Ephemeral Fireworkssupercell		A timeless song that sings of a bittersweet summer-festival romance
133	Premium Kuroge Wagyu Salted Tongue (grilled) 680 yenAi Otsuka		Love song: the charming melody of salted tongue (tan-shio)
134	RPGSEKAI NO OWARI		Movie theme song, full of adventure and playfulness
135	TouchYoshimi Iwasaki		The theme song of “Touch,” a moving masterpiece
136	Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto		Pokemon theme songs move people across generations
137	Blue waterMiho Morikawa		A sea-themed song of hope and courage
138	Beautiful WorldHikaru Utada		The moving theme song of the Evangelion Rebuild films
139	aimlesslyAimer		With songs that stay close to the heart, bring courage and hope
140	If it shinesGoose house		A moving masterpiece that colors our youth, delivering hope and encouragement.
141	Growing UpMachico		Convey courage for the future with positive lyrics
142	In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez		An inspiring song that sings about the courage to face forward and move on.
143	karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN		An introduction to the moving theme songs of classic anime openings
144	Knight’s Marchangela		A military anthem-style opening theme for Knights of Sidonia
145	HeroD.O.A.		The theme song of Ultraman that gives me courage
146	Reflectiaeufonius		The opening theme of True Tears, a song that resonates in the heart
147	My NoteSukima Switch		A heartwarming song by Sukima Switch that portrays self-growth and hope
148	wrap (as in: wrap up filming)Ikusaburo Yamazaki		The sound of a film camera and the bittersweet lyrics resonate in my heart.
149	To my best friendHiromi Iwasaki		Pokémon theme: a famous song of friendship and moving emotions
150	Share The WorldTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)		A powerful ONE PIECE anthem that resonates in the heart
151	ioliteInori Minase		A song by Inori Minase that sings of the courage to live
152	Love je t’aimeMahiru Koda		A classic song that portrays the bittersweet emotions of youthful love.
153	Embraced by the stars again tonight…Ayaka		Ayaka’s heartwarming ballad, a song that conveys her feelings.
154	ParadiseCAVE		A famous Yu-Gi-Oh! song that encourages a positive mindset
155	treasureKomuro Yui		A soothing ballad that sings of familial love
156	Ame-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi – SKYBREAKER –Takanori Nishikawa		An epic wuxia fantasy song performed by Takanori Nishikawa
157	Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon		The popular opening song of Attack on Titan
158	mysteryMiho Komatsu		Detective Conan opening theme, Miho Komatsu’s debut single
159	Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Naniwa Danshi		Naniwa Danshi’s Ninja Kids movie theme song, a song of gratitude
160	High High HighKasarintyu		An inspiring song that sings about ordinary happiness
161	Sacred Girl DomainALI PROJECT		Rozen Maiden OP, the divine song by Arika Takarano
162	every heat – Everyone’s Feelings –BoA		Inuyasha ED, BoA’s moving ballad
163	Bacchi DancerDOES		Hit Songs and Famous Episodes from Gintama: Benizakura Arc
164	deep forestDo As Infinity		Inuyasha ending song, a masterpiece that sings of hope in life
165	Odoru Pompoko RinE-girls		Anime songs become cross-generational hits with E-girls
166	GOFLOW		FLOW's classic opening song from Naruto
167	forgotten bloomGARNET CROW		Conan theme song, a heartwarming masterpiece
168	Good morningKeno		Keno’s classic with a powerful melody that resonates in the heart
169	Cyborg Kuro-chanLADY Q		A moving song that sings of courage and hope
170	Where happiness liesLOCAL CONNECT		Expressing bonds through lyrics brimming with freshness
171	A Second to GloryMAGIC OF LiFE		Face difficulties and move forward with courage
172	asteriskORANGE RANGE		ORANGE RANGE song from the first BLEACH opening
173	When the seasons goSPEED		A moving classic by SPEED, echoing with bittersweet feelings
174	I♥UTHE★SCANTY		Poignant lyrics depicting a crush and the emotion they evoke
175	Trace OrionUNISON SQUARE GARDEN		Opening theme song of the anime TIGER & BUNNY
176	FriendKetsumeishi		A heartwarming classic that sings of the power of friendship
177	Golden Time LoverSukima Switch		An opening theme from Fullmetal Alchemist that makes you feel positive
178	From Me to YouTomofumi Tanizawa		A heartwarming theme song from a shoujo manga anime
179	AgapeMelocure		A masterpiece with uplifting lyrics and a clear, transparent singing voice.
180	The city where the wind blowsLuck Life		An inspiring song by Luck Life that sings about the meaning of life.
181	Kokoro-eRoad of Major		A classic song from a baseball anime that portrays the challenge of pursuing a dream
182	Moonlight LegendShoko Nakagawa		An iconic 90s masterpiece, a love song
183	Carrying YouAzumi Inoue		The grand main theme song of the Ghibli film 'Laputa'
184	Time after time ~In the town where flowers dance~Mai Kuraki		Detective Conan theme song set in Kyoto, beautiful
185	Moon Flower -tsukihana-Nana Kitade		Jigoku Shoujo’s opening theme, a heartrending love song
186	Wind Climbing ~Played by the Wind~Aki Okui		The encouraging masterpiece from Magical Circle Guru Guru resonates in the heart.
187	HOW CLOSE YOU AREMamoru Miyano		A moving ballad that portrays human connections
188	Flower of Condemnation ~Guilty Sky~Riyu Kosaka		The ending theme of Claymore is noble and proud.
189	Love is thrill, shock, and suspenseRina Aiuchi		An iconic song notable for Conan’s parapara dance
190	Fragment of a rainbowNatsumi Kon		A heart-touching song from the anime One Week Friends
191	Rival!Rika Matsumoto		A Pokémon opening theme, a masterpiece that evokes fiery friendship
192	A Maiden’s PolicyYoko Ishida		An energetic song from the opening of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
193	Sailor Star SongKae Hanazawa		The bright opening theme song of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
194	HeyMaiko Fujita		Singing the theme song of Hiiro no Kakera, Koi-Gokoro
195	A Cruel Angel’s ThesisYoko Takahashi		The original Evangelion opening theme, an unforgettable classic
196	Fantastic TimeHey! Say! JUMP		A song that sings of hope for the future and a spirit of adventure
197	PIECE OF LOVESHAZNA		A captivating masterpiece that portrays the thrill of love
198	A Bouquet of Kisses in the RainMiki Imai		A song composed by KAN for the anime “YAWARA.”
199	Izayoi TearsAyaka Yoshioka		Hakuouki OP, deep bass and a heartrending singing voice
200	I’m only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro		A classic song that portrays the bittersweet emotions of youthful love.
201	Yamazaki is number one!Kunimasa Yamazaki		A song of courage and hope toward our dreams
202	Always With MeYumi Kimura		The moving theme song of Spirited Away
203	Fantasy in My PocketSachi & Juri		Youth and Sentimentality of the Pokémon Theme Song
204	Forget-me-notGReeeeN		A moving song that portrays the emotion of encounters and coexistence with AI
205	Get OverDream		The opening song of 'Hikaru no Go' is moving.
206	CORE PRIDEUVERworld		UVERworld’s Blue Exorcist opening song
207	moon prideMomoiro Clover Z		The grand cheer song of Sailor Moon
208	futureKobukuro		Kobukuro’s poignant coming-of-age song
209	Thank youSun Set Swish		Moved by the poignant melody and visuals
210	Let It GoTakako Matsu		The moving theme song of Frozen
211	Where We’re HeadedHitomi Takahashi		The opening theme song of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY