To put it simply, I am a music lover. At the moment, I have around 80 different playlists in my library and three of them are just entirely anime gems. There are so many incredible anime OSTs out there that we’ve been exposed to through these shows. Many of our favorites are opening themes, but I wanted to expand on that with some less obvious choices. So here are some anime OSTs that are so good they give me a literal exorcism. Fair warning, Attack On Titan is on this list several times.
1) : Boku no Hero Academia: My Hero Academia Main Theme #03
Starting off strong with the only fully instrumental pick on this list. If you’ve seen even one whole season of My Hero Academia, you know that they save this song for inspirational speeches and emotional fights. Let it be known that this is my favorite overall soundtrack ever. I have read many shounen to the MHA season one OST and nine times out of ten it fits the atmosphere of the story perfectly. The song builds on itself and the added choral vocals really drive home that climactic feeling. Check it out if you’re looking for some fight scene background music.
2) The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: God Knows...
This was my gateway drug. I saw this on YouTube before I even started watching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Personally, I love the story the song tells. Plus, the vocals are superb in both the dub and sub. If you haven’t heard this classic yet, go ahead and consider this exposure therapy. Be warned, they put crack in it. Maybe it’s just the math rock. IDK.
3) Attack on Titan: The Great Escape
Let this be your sign to never skip an anime OSTs ending. I’m a really big fan of guitar riffs. I blame my emo roots and the fact that this dropped when I was fourteen, but it’s a banger regardless. Put together some impressive shredding, splashy drums and a funky bassline? It’s a recipe for a good time and I have yet to grow tired of it. Not to mention, if you put it on repeat it loops almost perfectly.
4) Haikyuu: Mashi Mashi
I don’t know a single person who has heard this song and hasn’t liked it. Granted, it is the first ending in season three and some people don’t make it past season one (cowards). Be that as it may, everybody should listen to this song at least once in their lives. It makes me feel good no matter what’s going on. It’s extremely catchy from the first note and a massive mood booster - the acoustic guitar and playful drums ensure it. For the full effect, you have to sing the last lyric with your chest. If you hear this song and don’t feel an overwhelming sense of bliss, you did it wrong. Go again!
5) Fire Force: MAYDAY
Highly recommending this for rock and metal fans. If you’re not really experimental with music genres, I wouldn’t encourage you to start with this one, but hey, maybe you’re adventurous. There were a lot of people who hated this opening when it dropped, namely because of the screamo bits. (Y’all wouldn’t survive in the asylum I was raised in.) However, the song is great for getting pumped or deadlifting out your emotions in the gym. Solid headbanger.
6) Attack on Titan: Call Your Name (Both Versions)
Original:
Reprise:
If you didn’t stick with the show through the decade-long run they put us through (that was so cute and totally not agonizing at all haha), you probably missed this incredible reprise. Call Your Name was already an immediate classic when it dropped halfway through season one and was even teased in a heartbreaking scene in season three. Hiroyuki Sawano indisputably solidified his legacy as a musician with this soundtrack, and this song still regularly gives me goosebumps. The motto of the survey corps is “dedicate your hearts” and both versions of this ballad really encapsulate that feeling. Plus, both will make you cry.
7) Fairy Tail: Don’t Let Me Down
For as much as I’ve outgrown Fairy Tail, I will forever love the soundtrack. The bagpipes in the battle music alone is enough to make the show iconic. Because it’s a long show, a lot of the ending songs get skipped for the sake of cutting down on binge time. This song, dear reader, should never be skipped. Powerful vocals, romantic lyrics and some sultry guitar make for an instant shower ballad. Anyone who says otherwise is either lying to you or gatekeeping.
8) Haikyuu: Hikari Are
You know how there are some songs that you just have to scream at the top of your lungs? This is that. The build up in the beginning is short lived, but packs the perfect amount of anticipation for the beat drop. I promise, once you know the words you’ll be singing it til your throat is sore. Haikyuu is one part slice of life, one part sports, and one part the most sonically gratifying thing you’ll ever hear. Yes, including the chants at the games. (Dateko you will always be famous.)
9) Kill la Kill: Before My Body is Dry
Remember what I said about Hiroyuki being a certified GOAT? Well, he proved it again with the Kill La Kill soundtrack. It’s not a stretch in the slightest to say he was on a legendary run in the 2010s, he’s done a lot of culturally impactful anime. That withstanding, this is one of my favorites on the list. It’s hard from start to finish and while I’m not a fan of the rap verse, it helps further the story lyrically. If you’re looking for a battle anthem to sing your heart out to, definitely check it out.
10) Noragami: Goya wa Machiawase
Hearing this banger always gives me the smallest twinge of hope that we’ll get that final season. Maybe one day. (Let me lie to myself, it’s the only closure I have.) Noragami had two very popular opening themes in the 2010s and this was my favorite of the two. The screeching guitar and how the lead vocalist shouts the lyrics just nails my spirit every time, ya know? Is that weird? Who cares, these are my recs anyways.
11) Magi: Opening 1
Moving on, we have the first opening from Magi. I don’t know how to describe this one other than having one of the most recognizable beginnings of a song. It’s really fun, upbeat, and easy to sing along to. Specifically, I love the rush of drums in the beginning. It's like an avalanche of percussion. Very catchy and great for parties since most who’ve heard it love it. You can’t go wrong with this one and it’s a good way to see who’s a “REAL anime fan”.
12) G Gundam: Flying in the Sky
Those opening trumpets are honest to god unmatched. I actually heard this for the first time in my best friend’s car as I was putting this list together. It’s so good that we looked at each other and immediately made that “EWWW” face while blasting it. I haven’t seen any of the Gundam shows, but apparently this is a cover that’s only available on YouTube. Compared to the original,
I like this version a lot more and find it uplifting. Like, this is something I would run to in an 80s workout montage before doing a freeze frame fist pump, you know?
13) Deadman Wonderland: One Reason
Finally, we have one of the most under-appreciated openings of all time: One Reason from Deadman Wonderland. This was another show that you either missed or were obsessed with in the 2010s depending on who you knew. The series was one of the staple psychological horror anime around that time and has grown in niche popularity over the years. The song really embodies the ruthlessness and desperation that the main character battles throughout the plot. From the lyrics to the The show was only one season, but the song still echoes in the hearts of veteran weebs everywhere.
Although, I recommend reading it over watching it. Apparently the show deviated so far from the source material that it became impossible for us to get a season two. Spare yourself to disappointment.
This list could only be but so long, so I might make a part two in the future. I’d do an honorable mention section, but I’ll just save those picks for next time.
What anime OSTs do you think should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments, we’re always open to new recommendations!
Lilly Hawkins
