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How this ranking weighs the songs
The list balances four considerations: how compelling a track is on its own, how strongly it evokes its anime, its reach across audiences or generations, and the recognition it has received. External rankings offer context, not a substitute for judgment. Dot Esports reports that a TBS ranking, “Japan’s strongest anime song BEST 100,” was voted on by 166 music professionals from 41 countries and regions; its original documentation and publication year were not confirmed in the available reporting. Openingpedia instead orders specific catalog videos by cumulative YouTube views, with a September 2026 cutoff. Neither lens settles musical quality.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Persona 5 Original Soundtrack | $39.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Violet Evergarden (Original Soundtrack) | $34.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Evangelion Finally | $18.03 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime Soundtrack) | $30.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nana Best | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Scope matters, too. The selections below draw from anime openings, an ending, and a film theme. A list limited to opening sequences would make different choices, and no single ranking can represent every era, genre, or fan community.
The 10 best anime theme songs
1. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” — Yoko Takahashi, Neon Genesis Evangelion (opening)
“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” makes an immediate impression with its bright, dramatic pop sound, then deepens its hold through the contrast between that energy and Evangelion’s psychological weight. It works as a standalone song as well as a compact invitation into the series’ world. Dot Esports reports it at the top of the TBS professional-vote ranking, a notable mark of recognition rather than a definitive verdict. Its combination of instantly recognizable identity and lasting association with a landmark series earns it the top spot here.
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2. “Tank!” — Yoko Kanno and Seatbelts, Cowboy Bebop (opening)
“Tank!” is a brassy, fast-moving jazz performance whose punchy ensemble sound gives Cowboy Bebop its own musical signature before a scene even begins. It is also a strong example of an opening theme that stands apart from the conventional pop-song format. Dot Esports notes it among significant omissions from the reported professional top ten, while LOS40 includes it in its 2026 roundup. Its distinction comes from its musical character and close fit with the series, not from a claim that every poll ranks it highly.
3. “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” — Hironobu Kageyama, Dragon Ball Z (opening)
“CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” carries the exuberant, forward-driving spirit associated with Dragon Ball Z. Its vocal performance and bold pop-rock energy make it easy to connect with the show even for listeners who encounter the song outside the original broadcast. Dot Esports reports it third in the TBS professional-vote ranking, and LOS40 also highlights it. That combination of reported expert recognition and a durable franchise association places it high, though the poll alone does not explain every listener’s preference.
Rank #2
- Violet
- Ost
- Evergarden
4. “Blue Bird” — Ikimonogakari, Naruto: Shippuden (opening)
“Blue Bird” pairs a buoyant, melodic pop-rock sound with the forward momentum of Naruto: Shippuden. The song’s emotional lift suits an action series without relying on heaviness, giving it both an immediate hook and a strong scene-setting role. Dot Esports reports it second in the TBS professional ranking. That high placement makes it one of the clearest examples of professional recognition on this list; its ranking here also reflects its memorable fit with a long-running series.
5. “Moonlight Densetsu” — DALI, Sailor Moon (opening)
“Moonlight Densetsu” links romantic pop melody with the transformation-and-adventure appeal of Sailor Moon. Its connection to a foundational magical-girl series gives the song a reach that extends beyond a single viewing moment: it evokes a particular style of anime storytelling as well as the show itself. Dot Esports includes it in the reported TBS top ten. Its place here recognizes that generational and genre significance, alongside its enduringly direct, singable theme.
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Rank #3
- 1: Kokoro Yo Genshi Ni Modore 2020
- 1: The Cruel Angel's Thesis
- 2: FLY ME to the MOON (YOKO TAKAHASHI Acid Bossa Version)
- 2: Mugen Houyou
- 3: Soul's Refrain
6. “We Are!” — Hiroshi Kitadani, One Piece (opening)
“We Are!” turns the promise of a long adventure into an upbeat, communal anthem. Its spirited delivery makes it feel suited to a crew setting out together, which helps explain why it remains so closely identified with One Piece. Dot Esports reports it in the TBS top ten, and LOS40 also highlights it. It ranks below the songs above not for lack of impact, but because its particular appeal is most powerful within the world and continuing journey of its series.
7. “Gurenge” — LiSA, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (opening)
“Gurenge” brings high-impact vocals and a dramatic rock arrangement to the determination and danger of Demon Slayer. The result feels closely bound to the show’s emotional stakes while retaining the force of a standalone performance. Dot Esports reports it in the TBS professional top ten. That recognition supports its inclusion, while its placement reflects a balance between its strong series connection and the longer cross-generational history of several earlier entries.
8. “Always With Me” — Youmi Kimura, Spirited Away (film theme)
Unlike most entries here, “Always With Me” is associated with an animated film rather than a television opening. Its gentler, reflective quality complements Spirited Away’s sense of wonder and change, showing how a theme can stay with viewers without the energy of an opening sequence. Dot Esports reports the song in the TBS top ten. Its inclusion broadens the scope beyond TV themes, while its quieter mood provides a contrast to the high-energy tracks around it.
9. “Again” — YUI, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (opening)
“Again” opens with urgency and moves into a propulsive rock sound that fits Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s mix of action, loss, and forward motion. Its strong identity as an opening makes it a frequent alternative in conversations that extend beyond formal poll results: Dot Esports names it among notable omissions from the reported TBS top ten, and LOS40 includes it in its 2026 roundup. Its position recognizes that an omission from one list is not evidence that a song lacks stature.
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10. “Idol” — YOASOBI, Oshi no Ko (opening)
“Idol” uses rapid shifts in energy and a tightly constructed pop arrangement to reflect the performance and image-making at the center of Oshi no Ko. It represents a newer generation of anime openings on this list. Openingpedia places it among the leading entries in its catalog ranking based on specific YouTube videos, using a September 2026 cutoff. That is evidence of viewing popularity within the catalog’s scope, not a measure of quality or a complete count of every upload.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why other rankings produce different winners
Professional recognition, editorial judgment, and online video views should not be collapsed into one scoreboard. The reported TBS poll, as covered by Dot Esports, puts “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” “Blue Bird,” and “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” in its top three. A separate view-based catalog ranking from Openingpedia highlights newer songs including “Idol,” Eve’s “KAIKAIKITAN” from Jujutsu Kaisen, YOASOBI’s “Kaibutsu” from Beastars, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Inferno” from Fire Force, and Kenshi Yonezu’s “Peace Sign” from My Hero Academia. Its results apply to the catalog’s selected videos and are affected by longevity as well as popularity.
Editorial lists also differ. LOS40’s roundup, published September 28, 2026, highlights “Haruka Kanata” by Asian Kung-Fu Generation from Naruto, “Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon from Attack on Titan, and “The Hero!!” by JAM Project from One-Punch Man, alongside several songs included above. Dot Esports points to other omissions, including “The Real Folk Blues” by Mai Yamane, “Unravel” by TK, “COLORS” by FLOW, “Hikaru Nara” by Goose House, and “Hacking to the Gate” by Kanako Itō. Those disagreements reflect differences in era, genre, format, and personal attachment—not a single settled canon.
Quick Recap
Sources and scope
- Dot Esports’ reported professional ranking and notable omissions.
- Openingpedia’s catalog ranking of anime openings by cumulative YouTube views.
- LOS40’s September 28, 2026 editorial roundup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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