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[2025] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime

In a sense, anime opening and ending themes are very important—many songs are so striking that they define a work’s image.

There are all kinds of anime songs, from classic “anison”-style tracks to songs performed by voice actors.

In this article, we’ve compiled songs by Western artists and bands that have been used as theme music in Japanese anime.

Some people might feel that Western music and Japanese anime don’t really go together, but in fact they’re used quite often.

You might even discover Western songs used in surprising titles—ones that even Western music fans didn’t know about.

Be sure to check it out!

Playlist

[2025] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublicThe special episode “Ho…” of the anime Kaiju No. 8
2RoundaboutYESThe progressive rock classic 'Roundabout' is legendary.
3Arrietty’s SongCecile CorbelA singer from Brittany, France...
4This FffireFranz FerdinandSince their sensational debut in 2004, Fran...
5Falling downOasisOasis’s song “Falling Down” is striking.
6PARANOID ANDROIDRadioheadIts name resounds from Britain to the world...
7Walk Like An EgyptianThe BanglesEgyptian-style pop is wildly popular
8Distant DreamerDuffyThe strong determination and hope of someone who pursues their dreams
9Baby IAriana GrandeAriana Grande released in 2013...
10ShiverLucy RoseLucy Rose’s song “Shiver…”
11The Perfect WorldMarty Friedman feat. Jean-Ken Johnny, KenKen“B: The Beginning” and...
12Abyss (from Kaiju No. 8)YungbludYUNG exudes a dark, powerful vibe…
13Fine On The OutsidePriscilla AhnTheme songs from Studio Ghibli films: songs of loneliness that resonate with the heart
14I’m ALIVE!BeccaAn ani... set in Victorian London
15Do You Want ToFranz FerdinandThe ending theme song of “Paradise Kiss.”…
16Black Gold (feat. Thundercat)Flying LotusAn innovative music collaboration themed around samurai
17Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne“ONE PIECE FILM Z” and...
18I Want YouSavage GardenAnime 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4…
19Hold Me NowNai Br.XX&Celeina AnnIt was broadcast from April to September 2019...
20ShineMr. BIGM…, a hard rock band representing the United States
21Girls on FilmDuran DuranDuran Duran’s classic hits from the ’80s
22ShelterPorter Robinson & MadeonThis is the actual promotional video for this song…
23RWBY OpeningCasey Lee WilliamsThe opening theme song of RWBY. An overseas web anime, ...
24Last ChristmasWham!“I Love Anime!” Season 21 ending theme. This ani...
25THE LIGHT BEFORE WE LANDThe DelgadosDelgados masterpiece, a deep bond with anime
26SAYONARAMary MacGregorIn 1976, the smash hit song “Torn Bet…”.
27I Really Want to Stay At Your HouseRosa WaltonRosa Walton, who is from the United Kingdom, …
28Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight“Drifters” OP. Originally from Los Angeles…
29Samurai Jack Japanese IntroSamurai JackSamurai Jack OP. Same as before...
30The OneBackstreet BoysHanada Shonen-shi OP. America's super popular idol...
31Last Train HomePat Metheny GroupThis is also from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Egypt...
32AbyssYungbludThe opening the… of the Japanese anime “Kaiju No. 8”
33NobodyOneRepublicA catchy melody and a passionate message touch the heart...
34Gravure idol beautyDuran DuranDuran Duran’s classic, a musical legend
35CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn SykesThe ending theme song of 'Section Chief Prince.' The protagonist is a former guitarist…
36Fly Me To The MoonClaire LittleyInsert song from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' Rondo...
37Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O’SullivanGilbert O'Sullivan's classic song 'Alone…'
38Karma ChameleonCulture Club“Anime Daisuki!” Season 23 OP. The Brit…
39Human TouchWarren WiebeThe ending theme song of After War Gundam X. Whoa...
40Colorado BulldogMr. BIGThe anime’s ending theme is a song by Mr. Big.
41MR.RAINDROPAmplifiedA band’s enigmatic song—light, lively rhythm, but sorrowful lyrics.
42My Foolish HeartBill Evans TrioIt’s an insert song from Seraph of the End, right? Modern…
43We Were LoversJean-Jacques BurnelThe opening theme of Gankutsuou. A British rock ban…
44To Be Freestella furstThe theme song of “Sol Bianca: The Legacy” (Taiyō no Fune Sorubianka). This…
45DrowningBackstreet BoysThe ghost comedy manga Hanada Shonen-shi is 199...
46DuvetbôaAnime 'Serial Experiments…'
47Laflora PrincessLa Flora the Princess AcademyThai-made anime, Japanese-style art