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 anison masterpieces and popular songs (201–210)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.naniwa danshi

A heartwarming mid-tempo number sung by Naniwa Danshi as the theme song for the theatrical film of Ninja Boy Rantaro, which follows the adventures and growth of young ninjas.
Its gentle melody and lyrics filled with gratitude perfectly match the film’s worldview.
Released as a digital single in November 2024, it will build excitement for the movie’s December premiere.
Celebrating the irreplaceable moments of everyday life and the bonds between friends, this song is perfect for times when you want to express thanks to someone important or simply feel warm and comforted.
Be sure to give it a listen—it’s a track packed with the charm of Naniwa Danshi.
Get OverDream

This is a song by the female dance-vocal group Dream.
It became a hot topic as the opening theme for the anime Hikaru no Go.
At the time, the anime drew attention for its focus on the game of Go and had a major impact, even leading to an increase in elementary school students taking up Go.
Listening to this song together with the anime makes it an especially moving piece.
Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon

It’s the opening theme of Attack on Titan.
This song was included—along with two other tracks—on Linked Horizon’s second single, “Jiyuu e no Shingeki,” released in 2013.
It became hugely popular not only in Japan but also overseas, topping numerous charts.
To evoke the anime’s atmosphere, brass instruments are used throughout the track.
moon prideMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

This song is from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.
Since it’s sung by an idol, the key is a bit high, so I think it’s difficult to sing.
However, because Revo handled both the lyrics and composition, it has a grand, majestic atmosphere.
With powerful lyrics, it’s a song that cheers you on.
futureKobukuro

A song by Kobukuro where bittersweet feelings intersect with warm hope.
It was newly written in December 2015 as the theme song for the film “orange.” The track was also chosen as the ending theme for the UHF anime “orange,” and, together with the film’s success, went on to become a long-running hit.
It is included on the album “TIMELESS WORLD.” Set to gentle piano tones, the lyrics—capturing both anxiety and anticipation for the future—resonate deeply.
Evoking the melancholy of youth and the ache of unrequited love, this piece gently accompanies those standing at a crossroads in life or thinking of someone dear.
Kobukuro’s vocals will lean into your emotions and offer encouragement.
mysteryKomatsu Miho

It’s the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan, released in 1997 and Miho Komatsu’s debut single.
Thanks to the anime’s popularity, it was used as the opening for a full year and stayed on the Oricon charts for a long time.
Komatsu wrote both the lyrics and music.
While it’s a love song, it carries a sense of mystery and deduction reminiscent of the anime.
Thank youSun Set Swish

It’s the ending theme of Big Windup!.
The bittersweet melody and lyrics bring tears to my eyes.
The ending visuals show the baseball team on their way home, which makes it even more poignant as I remember my own days on the team.
I recommend it when you’re in the mood for something quietly reflective.


