Unraveling the immense power of rhythm and harmony, anime shows have captivated fans with their stellar blend of music and storytelling. So, we have compiled a list of the best anime based on music that celebrates the art of melodies and sounds, lifting stories to a new level.
Brace yourself for a ride that will leave you humming songs long after the final credits roll.
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Sound of the Sky
This post-apocalyptic anime with a war backdrop showcases a young girl named Kanata in the town of Seize.
The people of Seize are witnessing a conflict between their country Helvetia and the Roman Empire.
Kanata has recently joined the Helvetian army’s 1121st platoon as the bugler.
Amidst remnants of war, Kanata turns to music for hope and healing.
Kanata is excited to become a great bugler under the tutelage of a skilled trumpeter named Sergeant Major Rio Kazumiya.
She is also joined by Kureha, Noel, and Captain Felicia. Together, they form a long-lasting community.
Apart from the breathtaking animation, the beautiful soundtrack of the series creates an atmosphere that lingers long after the final note fades.
Sound of the Sky is a kind reminder that in the most desolate times, music has the power to heal and unite humankind.
Tari Tari
A musical gem from P.A. Works, Tari Tari is set in Shirahamazaka High School where Konatsu was rejected from joining the choir group.
The chorus club teacher rejected Konatsu because she was not up there with other chorus singers.
However, Konatsu was determined to hit the stage because she was in her last year of high school and wanted to do something crazy.
She then decided to start her own chorus club. But it wasn’t that easy to convince people to join her club.
With only a month left before the recital, can Konatsu find enough members for her club and be ready to belt out a few tunes?
Blue Orchestra
This is a promising anime that surprisingly did not land on any streaming platform like Crunchyroll or HIDIVE.
Blue Orchestra revolves around the life of a gifted violin player named Hajime Aono. But he stops playing the instrument because of personal reasons.
One day, he comes across a girl who tells him about a noted high school with a prestigious orchestra.
And suddenly, Hajime may finally rediscover his love for music and violin in his life.
Blue Orchestra does a great job of showcasing the intricacies of classical music through beautifully crafted musical performances.
This school anime focuses on music and offers a glimpse into the lives of young musicians as they navigate the struggles and joys of making music.
Those Snow White Notes
This is perhaps one of the best anime that has captured the shamisen with such detail and finesse.
Those Snow White Notes intertwines the power of music with cultural heritage and personal growth.
The story is about a young shamisen player named Setsu Sawamura who is struggling to find his own sound after the death his grandfather, a renowned shamisen player.
The anime is certain to take you on a journey through the mesmerizing realm of traditional Japanese culture and music.
As an anime based on music, the sound and music department have done an exceptional job as the soundtrack resonates with emotion.
Also, the anime will tug at your heartstring and leave you inspired as Setsu’s musical and personal journey is sincere at best.
White Album 2
Set against the backdrop of a high school music club, this romance anime deals with intricate relationships between three characters namely Haruki, Setsuna, and Kazusa.
Interestingly, White Album 2 is a standalone story so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the first part.
This anime deals with the emotional conflicts and the ever-changing dynamics between the main characters.
As Haruki, Setsuna, and Kazusa discover their passion for music, they also become entangled in a love triangle that challenges their bond as friends.
The anime captures the bittersweet romance and the internal struggles faced by each of these characters.
The soundtrack of White Album 2 is filled with heartfelt tracks that perfectly portray the emotions of the characters.
White Album 2 is a good watch as the plot explores the depths of love and the sacrifices people make to follow their dreams.
Kids on the Slope
Set in the summer of 1966, Kaoru has moved to stay with his relatives in Kyushu.
Kaoru is a reserved pianist and finds himself drawn to the improvisational world of jazz music.
He becomes friends with Sentarou, a free-spirited and talented drummer.
In Kids on the Slope, the shared passion of Sentarou and Kaoru leads them to form a band and kickstart their musical journey.
Through their love for jazz, the characters of the series go through the challenges of adolescence and friendship.
The anime masterfully captures the ups and downs of their lives as they confront societal expectations while learning to express themselves through jazz music.
K-On!
A light-hearted anime, K-On! Follows Yui who is a first year highschooler and eagerly looking to join a club.
Meanwhile, Ritsu, a drummer, and her buddy bassist Mio Akoyama are trying to save the light music club, which is on the verge of disbandment.
They are able to take Tsumugi who plays the keyboard, but are still looking for the final member.
Yui offers to join the club thinking that it would be easy to play the castanets. However, her bandmates think she is a guitar prodigy of sorts.
Throughout the series, the girls are seen engaging in several light-hearted activities like enjoying tea in the clubroom and practicing music.
The anime does a fine job of capturing the essence of youth and also showcases the power of friendship in a band.
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Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is all about the power of rock ‘n’ roll.
Following the journey of Tanaka, also known as Koyuki, the series delves into the world of underground rock music.
Koyuki is a timid high school student who loves music and ends up joining a rock band called Beck.
After joining Beck, his life starts to change as the band struggles to find their place in the rock scene.
Meanwhile, the anime also shows Koyuki’s struggle as a timid guy trying to find his voice in the band and in life.
The honest depiction of the music industry is also one of the highlights of Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad.
Watch this rock band anime where characters confront their own insecurities while making Beck famous in the rock community.
Gauche the Cellist
A short anime movie that came out in 1982, Gauche the Cellist is about the titular cellist, Gauche.
During his rehearsals, he is often scolded by the conductor for not keeping time and lacking feel.
Disheartened Gauche returns to his cottage to continue his practice. He is diligent but still misses the true essence of music.
However, that starts to change when he is visited by a series of animals with musical requests for the cellist.
A cat, a raccoon, a mouse, a dog, and a bird visit him with their peculiar requests.
Little does Gauche knows that these tasks will help him overcome his shortcomings before the concert.
Gauche the Cellist is about artistic expression, the beauty in the pursuit of one’s passion, and self-discovery.
Sound! Euphonium
This comedy anime follows Kumiko Oumae who is starting out at Kitauji High School, away from her middle school friends.
She becomes friends with Midori and Hazuki and joins the music club.
Kumiko takes up euphonium and in the series runs into Reina, a person from her past she never expected to cross paths with.
As the club attempts to achieve its goal, Kumiko and Reina awkwardly dance around each other.
Sound! Euphonium explores themes such as yuri, school, and bishoujo.
Gravitation
Gravitation is the story of Shuichi who wants to rise in the world of pop music. He is in love with a romance novelist named Eiri.
However, a chance encounter with his favorite novelist becomes a heartbreaking moment for the budding pop star.
Eiri crushes Shuichi by telling him that his lyrics are bad and he has no talent. Shuichi is annoyed and decides to finish the song and confront Eiri.
The anime explores Shuichi’s struggles to make a mark in the music industry.
While the story is mostly around Eiri and Shuichi’s strange relationship, it also showcases Shuichi’s musical abilities as he forms a band with his best friend Hiro.
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Detroit Metal City
The biggest misconception about metal music is that people who listen to or perform this extreme form of music are evil.
However, Detroit Metal City shows how it is all an act for the stage. In fact, metal musicians are known to be kind souls.
Coming back to the anime, Detroit Metal City (DMC) is an up-and-coming death metal outfit.
The band is infamous for performing wild antics on stage and writing songs filled with violence and hate.
Soichi Negishi is the frontman of this metal band and takes the stage name Krauser II. However, in reality, he is a gentle and kind man who loves Swedish pop music.
Soichi is not fond of the on-stage persona as it makes his private life uncomfortable.
The anime is a wild ride for sure as you will witness Soichi leading his chaotic double life.
Nana
Nana is an emotional anime that showcases the lives of two young women who share the same name, Nana.
The anime follows Nana Komatsu, a naïve romantic, and Nana Osaka, a determined punk rocker.
As fate has it, the two meet and decide to become roommates in Tokyo. Their friendship blossoms as they help each other while pursuing their respective dreams.
Apart from its music, which is marvelous, the anime explores love, ambition, and friendship.
This heartwarming anime appears authentic and has well-developed characters.
Bocchi the Rock!
Released in October 2022, Bocchi the Rock! by CloverWorks is hands-down one of the finest rock band anime so far.
From electrifying musical performances to a hilarious plot, Bocchi the Rock! absolutely shines in all the departments.
The series follows Hitori “Bocchi” Gotoh who is a master guitarist and is used to playing guitar in her room.
However, she also dreams of forming a band and becoming popular.
One day, she meets Nijika, who is looking for a guitar player for her group called Kessoku Band.
The series primarily revolves around music, but it also delves deeper into issues like anxiety and loneliness.
Nodame Cantabile
This musical anime revolves around a talented but arrogant pianist named Shinichi Chiaki. Due to his arrogant attitude, he is transferred to a class of losers.
He has no option but to study music while surrounded by mediocre musicians and a girl named Noda, who has already proclaimed herself as Shinichi’s girlfriend.
Shinichi and Noda are poles apart, but despite their differences, they find themselves drawn to each other.
Nodame Cantabile beautifully showcases the dedication needed to become a successful musician in the world of classical music.
This is a must-watch anime if you are a fan of classical music.
Your Lie in April
This anime is about a piano prodigy who is devastated after losing his mother and loses interest in piano.
Kosei Arima was an excellent piano player but after his mother’s passing, he decided to lead a simple and monotonous life.
There was no piano or music in his life until his childhood friend introduced him to her classmate, Kaori.
Kaori is a free-spirited violinist, and her enthusiasm inspires Kosei to revisit his passion for music.
Your Lie in April is all about the profound impact that music can bring in our lives.
The anime weaves a gentle tale based on grief, loss, and the pursuit of musical excellence.
The poignant storytelling of Your Lie in April is bound to resonate with many.
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