Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
From the latest anime songs to nostalgic national favorites everyone knows—opening themes, insert songs, ending themes—we present a selection of tear-jerking anime tracks, featuring classic and popular picks recommended by our editorial staff.
Some parts that were cut in the TV broadcast versions are included here—why not listen to the full-length versions from this list?
You’ll surely get chills when you discover deeper lyrics or keywords that tie directly into the anime’s scenes.
- The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- [Classic] Hit Songs! Hype Anime Theme Song Special [Latest]
- Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!
- Touching Anime Ballads That Make You Cry [Moving & Heart-Wrenching]
- [Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers]
- BGM from anime with absolutely divine music! Highly popular anime songs
- [Today's Tearjerker Song] Tear ducts destroyed! Timeless and trending tracks that will make you cry no matter what
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs
Moving/anime-inspiring theme song masterpieces and popular songs (61–70)
Life is Like a BoatRie fu
The gentle piano melody and warm acoustic guitar tones seem to softly nestle up to the listener’s heart.
This work by Rie fu is a song that richly expresses the journey of pressing forward with hope alongside someone precious, even as we face rough waves on the voyage called life.
The interplay of English and Japanese in the lyrics is truly beautiful.
Released as a single in September 2004, it captured the hearts of many fans as the very first ending theme for the anime BLEACH.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling a touch nostalgic or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
Tomorrow will come.TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
Tomorrow will come.TVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
Over the StarSaki Oshitani
This is a ballad whose grand sound, woven by piano and acoustic guitar, evokes the boundless cosmos.
Released as a single in June 2009, it was featured as an insert song in episode 17 of the anime Dragon Ball Kai.
It movingly sings of the courage born from thinking of someone dear and a prayer for the future.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong will to overcome fate and move forward, resonate deeply with listeners.
It will surely gently illuminate your heart as you strive toward your goals.
Snow RainKana Ueda
This is a song that played as an insert track in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s, and it was used in particularly moving, pivotal scenes in the main story.
The singer is Kana Ueda, the voice actress who plays the key character Hayate Yagami.
As expected of a voice actress, the emotions she pours into her singing really come through, and no matter how many times I listen, it brings me to tears.
Melody of the HeartShirahamazaka High School Choir Club
An in-story song from TARI TARI.
The fact that it was composed by the protagonist’s late mother is moving enough to bring tears.
With its beautiful melody and lyrics, I find it incredibly soothing.
It’s a piece I’d love to try singing in a choir.
I recommend it when you want to feel refreshed.
cloudy skyDOES
This is the opening theme for Season 5 of the anime Gintama.
Released by DOES in 2008, it reached a personal best of No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics were written by the band’s Ujihara, and it was ranked No.
1 in a 2011 list of the anime’s greatest songs.
It’s a fan-favorite track among anime viewers, and its answer song, “Seiten,” is included on the album INNOCENCE.
Overall, it’s a cool track that really amplifies the vibe of the show.