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.
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Moving Anisong Masterpieces and Popular Songs (91–100)
A gaze is lightKitanitatsuya
This is a song by Tatsuya Kitani that was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity.” Kitani himself describes the relationship between the characters as “like sunlight piercing through thick clouds,” and the song expresses that beautifully with an emotional sound.
The lyrics capture the preciousness of the moment when their gazes cross, and it’s hard not to feel your heart swell.
If you listen to it while thinking of someone important to you, it’s sure to hit you right in the feels!
See youDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s a timeless song that wraps a farewell with a loved one in warm hope.
Created by the pop duo DREAMS COME TRUE, the track layers Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals over a wistful melody, evoking not only loneliness but also the promise of meeting again.
The pure chorus sung by children further heightens the emotional impact of the story.
After being included on the album “AND I LOVE YOU,” it was released as a single in February 2008 and chosen as the theme song for the film “ONE PIECE Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura.” Commissioned directly by the original author, it was crafted into a moving piece that closely matches the film’s worldview.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to look ahead during graduation and departure seasons.
Moving anime songs: masterpieces and popular tracks (101–110)
See youDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s a timeless song that wraps a farewell with a loved one in warm hope.
Created by the pop duo DREAMS COME TRUE, the track layers Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals over a wistful melody, evoking not only loneliness but also the promise of meeting again.
The pure chorus sung by children further heightens the emotional impact of the story.
After being included on the album “AND I LOVE YOU,” it was released as a single in February 2008 and chosen as the theme song for the film “ONE PIECE Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura.” Commissioned directly by the original author, it was crafted into a moving piece that closely matches the film’s worldview.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to look ahead during graduation and departure seasons.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Honma Meiko (Kayano Ai) Anjou Naruko (Toumatsu Haruka) Tsurumi Chiriko (Hayami Saori)
It’s the ending theme of Anohana.
Like the anime itself, the lyrics are heartrending and moving.
The simple, unadorned vocals further heighten the sorrow, and it brings me to tears.
I can’t help but see my own childhood in it.
I think it’s a top-tier song in the “moving/tear-jerker” category.
Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks
This is a song that was used as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.
The lyrics feel like being powerfully supported by someone important, and I think it’s a song that gives you a push forward.
The anime and the lyrics are linked, which is really great.
The music video is a romance-themed PV characteristic of HoneyWorks, so the contrast with the anime works well too.
catch the momentLiSA
It’s the theme song for the Sword Art Online movie.
It’s up-tempo and really pumps you up.
The lyrics tell a story and are filled with affection, so they resonate deeply.
The singer’s voice is so clear it’s impossible to imitate—and it sounds incredibly cool.
Renaselle SerenadeMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
This is a song by Momoiro Clover Z whose moving lyrics and powerful melody resonate deeply.
It carries messages about the importance of taking on challenges and the meaning found in past experiences, gently encouraging listeners forward.
Released digitally in June 2024, it was also selected as the opening theme for the TV anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3.
Another highlight is that Motoki Omori of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE wrote and composed the song.
It’s recommended for anyone standing at a crossroads in life who wants to keep moving forward in their own way.
Give it a listen, and you’ll surely feel hope for tomorrow welling up.