Songs from Porco Rosso. Theme song and inserted songs.
That famous phrase, “A pig that doesn’t fly is just a pig”—haven’t a lot of people tried imitating it?
This article gathers the theme song and insert songs from the 1992 Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso.
Listening to them, you can’t help but picture a bright red airplane soaring through the sky.
Porco, the protagonist, has this irresistible cool, rugged vibe that contrasts with his fanciful appearance.
If you’ve seen the film before, just hearing the music will make you want to watch it again!
It’s a collection packed with unforgettable classics.
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- A song with an airplane theme. A classic that suits the sky.
- Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
- The Wind Rises songs: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- The songs of Pom Poko. Theme song and insert song.
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- Summary of theme songs and insert songs from HUNTER×HUNTER
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
The Songs of Porco Rosso: Theme and Insert Songs (11–20)
Pikkoro Co., Ltd.Joe Hisaishi
In Porco Rosso, many working people appear, and all of them are working diligently.
Among them, the most striking is the scene featuring the people of the Piccolo Company, accompanied by a piece of music whose charming arrangement evokes the streets of Italy and the sounds of its people, enhancing the scene.
It’s a perfect track to use as background music for those hard at work.
Fio－SeventeenJoe Hisaishi
This is the theme song of Fio, a 17-year-old girl who, despite her age, fearlessly stands up to Porco and cheerfully, brightly gets her work done.
She’s the granddaughter of the owner of the seaplane company Piccolo and a key character in this story.
While she’s energetic and outspoken, the song also conveys a side of her that feels the anxieties typical of a 17-year-old girl.
At the end of summerJoe Hisaishi
A piece used in the latter half of the film.
The mandolin’s wistful melody and the flute’s flowing lines create a beautiful number that, true to its title, evokes the end of summer.
It conjures the bright skies and dry breezes of Italy’s Mediterranean coast, yet carries a hint of transience and melancholy.
The finish subtly suggests the nuance of a canzone.
Lost SpiritJoe Hisaishi
It is included on the Porco Rosso soundtrack.
“Lost Spirit” is a number used in the latter half of the film.
The contrast between the piano’s dramatic, heartrending main melody and the soft sound of the backing strings makes for a pleasing yet somehow wistful piece.
The timbre of the strings feels like the flicker of life.
Porco e BellaJoe Hisaishi
In the final part of the story, the piece playing in the background when Fio kisses Porco is “Porco e Bella.” Thanks to its beautiful melody, it’s often used at weddings and is one of the most popular tracks from the music in Porco Rosso.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to carefully while reflecting on the various human relationships portrayed throughout the film.
Dog fightJoe Hisaishi
Included on the “Porco Rosso Soundtrack.” A dogfight is a term meaning an intense aerial battle between fighter planes.
This piece is not only thrilling but also features a touch of comedy.
The first half is light and lively, but it gradually becomes more serious, structured in a way that seems to fit the unfolding of the story perfectly.
Listen while picturing the scenes from the film.
Songs of Porco Rosso. Main theme and insert songs (21–30)
The Age of Adventurer AviatorsJoe Hisaishi
This is a waltz number from the image album that evokes a gently drifting sense of comfort.
It’s crafted into a slightly retro, nostalgic piece that conveys the breeze of the early 1900s, the era in which the film is set.
The soft melody, carried by the light, airy tone of the clarinet, fills you with a happiness that makes you want to start twirling as you listen.