Top 19 Music Anime You Must Watch Now!

Music has always played an essential role in Japanese pop culture, and anime is no exception. Proof of this is that musical titles frequently capture audiences' hearts and even top popularity rankings!

In 2023, for example, Your Lie in April was still among the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList, and franchises like Love Live! continue to draw crowds to virtual idol concerts.

If you enjoy great stories wrapped in memorable soundtracks, get ready to discover some of the best musical anime ever released.

Let's go!

Carole & Tuesday

- Number of episodes: 24

- Where to watch: Netflix

- Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-203211195177175170110122121-1742493362.jpeg

- Synopsis: In a future where most music is created by artificial intelligence, Carole and Tuesday decide to change this landscape with their authentic compositions.

Produced by the renowned Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), the anime innovatively blends sci-fi and music, delivering an emotional story about the pursuit of authenticity.

- Soundtrack: Featuring international artists like Nai Br.XX and Celeina Ann voicing the protagonists, the music ranges from pop to indie, reminiscent of Nana and Beck.

Sound! Euphonium

- Number of episodes: 13 (+ 2nd season and movies)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Slice of Life, Drama, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-162159162113114118152156145-1742493492.jpeg

- Synopsis: Kumiko Oumae joins a high school concert band and, along with her peers, faces challenges and emotions while striving for musical excellence.

Produced by Kyoto Animation, the anime boasts impressive animation and realistic character development, with themes of personal growth and teamwork.

- Soundtrack: Instrumental music takes center stage, featuring classical and marching band compositions reminiscent of Hibike! Euphonium and Your Lie in April.

Kono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Life

- Number of episodes: 26 (split into 2 seasons)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Shounen, Drama, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-219222204152146138107105125-1742493685.jpeg

- Synopsis: A high school koto club (a traditional Japanese instrument) struggles to stay active, bringing together unexpected members with different personalities and pasts.

This anime focuses on traditional Japanese music, setting itself apart from rock band and idol anime.

- Soundtrack: The use of the koto stands out, creating a unique auditory experience reminiscent of March Comes in Like a Lion.

Healer Girl

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Slice of Life, Musical, Fantasy

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-187160165172192173159184188-1742493751.jpeg

- Synopsis: In a world where music has healing properties, a group of trainees seeks to master this magical art.

The concept of using singing as a literal form of healing creates a unique and soothing experience.

- Soundtrack: Many vocal performances with an operatic touch, similar to the best Macross songs.

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

- Number of episodes: 26

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Shounen, Drama, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-149136146998487576389-1742493843.jpeg

- Synopsis: Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka discovers the world of rock after joining the band Beck, facing challenges and growing as a musician.

One of the most realistic anime about the underground rock scene and the struggles of the music industry.

- Soundtrack: Strong influences from Western rock bands like Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song

- Number of episodes: 13

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-115131177145154172185184178-1742493894.jpeg

- Synopsis: Vivy, a singing AI, is tasked with altering history to prevent a war between humans and machines.

Blends science fiction with strong emotional elements and beautifully animated action scenes.

- Soundtrack: Intense and emotional songs, reminiscent of the best tracks from Guilty Crown and Carole & Tuesday.

Girls Band Cry

- Number of episodes: 14

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Drama, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-745371637362334568-1742493959.jpeg

- Synopsis: A group of girls forms a band while facing personal challenges and trying to make it in the music industry.

The anime offers a realistic and dramatic take on the struggles of the music world and the bonds between band members.

- Soundtrack: Alternative and emotional rock, reminiscent of Bocchi the Rock! and Beck, with modern J-rock influences.

Nana

- Number of episodes: 47

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Josei, Drama, Romance

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-169151159145108174126147179-1742494096.jpeg

- Synopsis: Two girls named Nana meet and end up sharing an apartment in Tokyo. While one seeks success in the music industry, the other tries to find her place in life.

This anime delivers a mature and intense story about relationships, ambition, and the struggles of fame.

- Soundtrack: Fictional bands like Black Stones and Trapnest create engaging and emotional rock music, similar to Beck and Carole & Tuesday.

Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope)

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Drama, Romance, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-157168150189171122142141101-1742495662.jpeg

- Synopsis: Two unlikely friends bond through jazz in the 1960s, exploring friendship and first loves.

The anime presents an emotional narrative about youth and companionship, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop).

- Soundtrack: Featuring arrangements by the renowned Yoko Kanno, the authentic jazz soundtrack is reminiscent of Carole & Tuesday.

K-On!

- Number of episodes: 39 (divided into 2 seasons)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-67851247778851047690-1742495824.jpeg

- Synopsis: A group of students forms a band in their school's light music club, sharing fun moments and playing together.

The series takes a lighthearted and relaxed approach to friendship and love for music, making it a milestone in the slice-of-life genre.

- Soundtrack: Iconic songs like "Fuwa Fuwa Time" and "Don't Say Lazy," reminiscent of the laid-back style of Bocchi the Rock!.

Girls' Last Tour

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: HIDIVE

- Genre: Slice of Life, Sci-Fi, Drama

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-927225698147617753-1742495869.jpeg

- Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic world, two girls travel in search of survival while finding moments of beauty in music.

The anime offers a melancholic reflection on existence, contrasting the loneliness of a devastated world with the beauty of music.

- Soundtrack: Minimalist and atmospheric, evoking the feel of Made in Abyss and Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song.

Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night

- Number of episodes: Currently airing

- Where to watch: Not yet announced

- Genre: Slice of Life, Musical, Drama

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-97165173134157128182186141-1742495970.jpeg

- Synopsis: A young artist searches for her identity through music and a group of urban artists in Tokyo.

The series deeply explores art, identity, and musical expression in modern times.

- Soundtrack: Influenced by the Japanese indie scene, similar to the vibes of Carole & Tuesday and Fuuka.

Paripi Koumei (Ya Boy Kongming!)

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: HIDIVE

- Genre: Comedy, Musical, Isekai

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-128150118126136171145174180-1742496025.jpeg

- Synopsis: Zhuge Liang, a strategist from ancient China, is reincarnated in modern Japan and decides to help a young singer conquer the music world.

The anime presents a unique mix of historical strategy and pop culture, featuring a charismatic protagonist.

- Soundtrack: Vibrant pop and EDM, matching the energy of Zombieland Saga and Hypnosis Mic.

Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

- Number of episodes: 22

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix

- Genre: Drama, Romance, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-111143121173155178223167212-1742496074.jpeg

- Synopsis: Kousei Arima was a piano prodigy, but after a trauma, he lost the ability to hear the sound of his own playing. Everything changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a vibrant violinist who challenges him to return to music.

The series delivers a powerful combination of classical music and deep drama about loss, overcoming, and love.

- Soundtrack: Features classical pieces from Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy, similar to Nodame Cantabile.

Nodame Cantabile

- Number of episodes: 45 (divided into 3 seasons)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-18118622618521615420518867-1742496132.jpeg

- Synopsis: Shinichi Chiaki is a talented pianist and aspiring conductor who meets Nodame, a genius pianist who is disorganized and eccentric. Their relationship grows as they evolve musically.

The anime offers a fun and inspiring take on the world of classical music, balancing romantic comedy with artistic development.

- Soundtrack: Features major performances of Rachmaninoff, Mozart, and Liszt, making it a great pick for fans of Your Lie in April.

Bocchi the Rock!

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-138180156149158171121112110-1742493291.jpeg

- Synopsis: Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou is a socially anxious girl who dreams of being in a band. When she joins Kessoku Band, she must face her fears while striving for musical success.

The anime hilariously and realistically portrays social anxiety, balancing it with energetic rock performances and highly creative animation.

- Soundtrack: Features original songs by Kessoku Band, mixing alternative rock and punk, similar to Beck and K-On!.

Senki Zesshou Symphogear

- Number of episodes: 65 (divided into 5 seasons)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Musical

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-143136111132173130478467-1742496200.jpeg

- Synopsis: In a world where destructive creatures known as Noise threaten humanity, a group of girls use music-powered magic to fight them.

The anime delivers a unique mix of intense battles and exhilarating songs, creating its own identity in the genre.

- Soundtrack: Features energetic performances in the style of Macross Frontier, with music by Mizuki Nana and Ayahi Takagaki.

Mashiro no Oto

- Number of episodes: 12

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Drama, Musical, Slice of Life

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-16513115013615013912714387-1742496237.jpeg

- Synopsis: A young shamisen prodigy (traditional Japanese instrument) searches for his own sound after his grandfather, a master of the instrument, passes away.

The series immerses the audience in traditional Japanese culture while exploring personal identity through music.

- Soundtrack: High-quality shamisen performances, reminiscent of Kono Oto Tomare!.

Love Live!

- Number of episodes: 13 (1st season, various continuations)

- Where to watch: Crunchyroll

- Genre: Slice of Life, Musical, School

https://cdn.cardsrealm.com/images/uploads/1577-155211254128193241117220255-1742496275.jpeg

- Synopsis: A group of high school girls forms an idol group to save their school from closing.

The anime delivers strong emotional appeal and inspiration for fans of the idol world.

- Soundtrack: Vibrant, choreographed J-pop, similar to The Idolmaster and BanG Dream!.

From classical symphonies to electrifying guitar solos and idol performances, music anime offers something special. If you haven't watched any of these yet, why not give one a try? You might just find your perfect soundtrack!