Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs
In anime songs, there are insert tracks that only play in a single episode, and sometimes special ending themes too, right?
I imagine many people love those kinds of songs because they let you feel the world of the work more deeply.
So in this article, we’ll be introducing a generous selection of must-hear anime songs—undeniable masterpieces that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
We’ll cover main themes as well, picking from a wide range of eras.
This playlist is a must-listen for anyone who only knows the theme songs from popular anime!
And for anime lovers, it might have you thinking, “Yes, this is it!”
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- A Special Feature on Easy-to-Sing Anime Songs for Karaoke [100+ Songs]
- Touching Anime Ballads That Make You Cry [Moving & Heart-Wrenching]
- Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
- The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
- [Burning] A Collection of Hype, Hot Anime Songs
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Anime Song Gems (31–40)
Great Magic PassPunie Tanaka (Rina Satō)
Don’t judge it just by the tune—follow the lyrics closely.
This is the opening theme of the anime Magical Witch Punie-chan, based on the manga by Hideki Ohwada.
Rina Satou, who voices the protagonist Punie Tanaka, sings it.
Despite its poppy, magical-girl-style sound, the lyrics hit incredibly hard.
You’ll be captivated by how thoroughly it reflects the story and worldbuilding of the work.
It’s such a unique song that it makes you want to watch the anime itself.
glowing madder-redAimer
This is a ballad that was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go.
It’s sung by Aimer, the singer also known for I beg you.
Released in 2016 as her 12th single, the lyrics reflect a mysterious sense of loneliness that feels like autumn, making it easy to empathize with.
The grand, expansive sound is irresistible, too.
It’s a standout anime song that will have you in tears before you know it—perfect for when you want to spend some quiet time alone.
mysteryMiho Komatsu
When it comes to artists associated with the Detective Conan TV anime, many people probably think of Mai Kuraki.
But there are surely those who would say, “No, it’s Miho Komatsu.” True to the Being label’s style, Miho Komatsu was an enigmatic, mysterious singer-songwriter who was active from the late ’90s into the 2000s, and this is her memorable debut single, released in 1997.
The sound blends a characteristically Being-like hard guitar with programmed rhythm tracks, and the acoustic guitar in the backing adds a nice touch.
Komatsu’s distinctive vocals make heavy use of double-tracking, giving them a unique, coolly impersonal yet striking presence.
It was used as a Detective Conan opening theme for about a year—the longest run for any opening—which means many people who heard it as kids still remember it today.
Other Conan tracks like “Negai Goto Hitotsu Dake” and “Koori no Ue ni Tatsu You ni” are absolute masterpieces too!
HemisophiaMaaya Sakamoto
A gem of a song that depicts self-exploration and growth.
Released in 2002, Maaya Sakamoto’s ninth single “Hemisphere” gained attention as the opening theme for RahXephon.
Set to a beautiful melody, it weaves profound themes such as what one can do within a limited reality, embarking on a journey into the unknown, and the importance of self-realization.
Its lyrics, which question the meaning of life, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
I amhitomi
If you listen, that Monday night might come back to you.
This song was used as the opening theme for the anime Inuyasha, based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi.
It’s by the singer-songwriter hitomi, who has produced numerous hits including LOVE 2000, and it was released in 2001 as her 22nd single.
Its fresh, catchy sound is truly exhilarating, and her bright, clear vocals are a big part of that appeal.
The lyrics—saying “I believe in you no matter when”—are encouraging.
Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Anime Song Gems (41–50)
Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi
It’s a cool, mature piece with a distinctly ’90s sophistication.
The song was used as the third ending theme for the anime Yu Yu Hakusho and is performed by singer-songwriter Hiro Takahashi.
Released in 1993 as his second single, it’s appealing for its romantic lyrics and stylish sound.
It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor alone at night.
It also seems to reflect Yu Yu Hakusho’s somewhat dark atmosphere, despite being based on a shonen manga.
Get OverDream
It’s the opening theme of the anime Hikaru no Go, which is based on a manga about the board game Go.
The song is by the dance-vocal group Dream and was released in 2001 as their 11th single.
It’s a cool dance tune, and the lyrics express the determination to keep moving forward step by step, even while getting hurt.
It matches the story of Hikaru no Go perfectly and is incredibly stirring.
It’s an anime song that fills you with the power to live.