Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
In the past, anime songs were often closely tied to the content of their shows and felt somewhat distinct from mainstream J-pop.
In the Heisei era, however, famous artists’ tracks began to be used, and songs written specifically for anime by those artists even became massive hits.
As a result, the nature and reputation of anime songs changed significantly.
This time, we’re introducing anime songs recommended for Gen Z—those who likely spent their childhood or teen years during that era.
From nostalgic tunes to global mega-hits, enjoy the selection!
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- [2025] Recommended Anime Songs for Middle School Students: Theme Songs and Insert Songs from Popular Anime
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- [Popular] A compilation of anime songs that were hits in 2020
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Great anime songs that colored the Heisei era
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- [Cute] A Collection of Popular and Famous Anime-Style Songs [J-Pop]
Including global smash hits! Anime songs Gen Z should check out (31–40)
ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA
An unconventional collaboration that fuses a powerful rock sound with electronic elements.
LiSA’s soaring vocals and Stray Kids’ Felix’s weighty rap blend in exquisite balance, weaving an epic story themed around rebirth and defying fate.
The dynamic sound crafted by Hiroyuki Sawano makes this a track that gives listeners a strong push forward.
The song has been selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-,” airing from January 2025.
Its energetic development and positive message are sure to resonate with those embarking on new challenges or wishing to change themselves.
Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI
A song infused with a powerful message: “Turn your weakness into strength and soar higher.” SEKAI NO OWARI embraced the world of ONE PIECE and crafted the track with a grand, cinematic arrangement.
Riding on a fast-paced melody, Fukase’s gentle yet strong vocals give listeners a push forward.
Released in September 2023, it’s used as the opening theme for the ONE PIECE anime.
Singing about the importance of continuing to challenge yourself toward your dreams and goals, this song is recommended for moments when you face difficulties or are about to take a new step.
It’s sure to give you courage.
APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
This ambitious work effectively combines the essences of pop and rock, fusing Korean youth culture with a global sound.
The distinctive vocals of Rosé and Bruno Mars blend beautifully, skillfully conveying the exhilaration of a party and the anticipation of romance.
Released in October 2024, it held the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.
In November of the same year, it had its first live performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards held in Osaka, captivating the audience.
With a rhythm that makes you want to move and a chant-like chorus, this track is perfect for dance performances.
If you’re looking to create choreography with friends or seeking a song to present at an event, this is a great pick.
OtonokeCreepy Nuts
A captivating track that weaves a mysterious world of sound and the supernatural.
Its striking, innovative expression links the way music sinks deep into the human heart with the occult and paranormal.
Released in October 2024 as the opening theme for the TV anime Dandadan, it brilliantly captures the show’s atmosphere.
While rooted in Creepy Nuts’ signature hip-hop, the track’s eerie, lingering sound leaves a strong impression.
Earning high acclaim—including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100—it has garnered support from anime fans and listeners overseas alike.
With its driving beat and singular worldview, it’s a perfect fit for music fans seeking a mysterious experience.
Helloyama × Bocchi Boromaru
This is a heartwarming collaborative work by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, packed with courage and hope for stepping into the future.
It carries a message of strong determination to move forward and the importance of staying true to oneself, gently encouraging those heading into new environments.
It has been broadcast as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon since October 2023, and a CD single was released in December 2023.
The transparent vocals and warm tones blend beautifully, resulting in a song that closely accompanies the listener’s heart.
It’s highly recommended for those feeling anxious about a new life or changes in their environment, and for anyone striving toward their dreams.
Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z (41–50)
I don’t care what happens anymore.Hoshimachi Suisei
Set to a fast-paced, exhilarating digital dance sound, it delivers a message that hits straight to the heart.
It’s a track by Suisei Hoshimachi, featured as an insert song in the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, released in February 2025.
Perfectly matching the world of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, the song brilliantly heightens the story’s excitement.
Pay attention to the lyrics, which evoke the courage to stay true to your beliefs and the strength to face adversity.
How about giving it a listen when you want to lift your spirits?
Song of Steel JeegIchiro Mizuki
The 1975 robot anime theme song, woven from powerful vocals and melody, portrays an epic tale of a righteous hero battling an evil army.
With a valiant composition by Chuumei Watanabe and lyrics by Haruo Hayashi that stirringly express the protagonist’s sense of mission and responsibility, the piece is perfectly complemented by Ichirou Mizuki’s passionate singing.
Included on the album “Super Robot Spirits: Theme Song Best Collection 2,” this track has colored numerous iconic scenes of giant robots in combat.
It’s a recommended song for those who resonate with heroes of justice or are looking for an uplifting, courage-inspiring anthem.