Popular Western Music Anime Song Ranking [2026]

Last ChristmasWham!92rank/position

Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)

“Anime Daisuki!” Season 21 ending theme.

This show, called “I Love Anime,” was a Kansai-local program that introduced OVAs (original video animations), and it seems a wide variety of Western songs were used besides this one.

The song itself is one of the quintessential Christmas tracks by Wham!.

Friend Like MeWill Smith93rank/position

Will Smith – Friend Like Me (from Aladdin) (Official Video)

Will Smith’s “Friend Like Me” is a song featured in Disney’s 2019 live-action film Aladdin.

The track sparkles with a magical charm, preserving the fun of the original while adding a hip-hop twist.

With DJ Khaled’s participation, this version offers listeners a fresh surprise.

Listening to it, anyone is sure to feel the powerful friendship and joy of the Genie.

It’s a perfect pick for a morning commute or a lively party with friends.

Much like the friendship between Aladdin and the Genie, this song will add vibrant color to listeners’ hearts.

idolYOASOBI94rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

YOASOBI, a duo that has been captivating the world with their unique style of turning novels into music.

Released in April 2023, this song was created as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

Based on the novel “45510” written specifically for the project by original creator Aka Akasaka, it expresses, through rapidly shifting musical motifs, the lights and shadows of the entertainment industry and the inner conflict of an idol who weaves love out of perfect lies.

It became a beloved hit across borders, including becoming the first Japanese-language song to top Billboard’s Global Excl.

U.S.

chart.

With its dazzling sound intersecting with earnest emotion, this track is perfect for immersing yourself fully in the story’s world.

It’s also included on the EP THE BOOK 3, so be sure to give it a listen.

A Whole New WorldZAYN, Zhavia Ward95rank/position

ZAYN, Zhavia Ward – A Whole New World (End Title) (From “Aladdin”)

Disney’s Aladdin has been beloved for many years.

Released as a film in 1992, it later gained popularity as a TV animation as well.

Then in 2019, it was rebooted as a live-action movie, once again drawing major attention from young audiences.

Speaking of Aladdin’s music, it has to be A Whole New World.

Its romantic melody resonates in our hearts no matter how times change.

This time, we’re highlighting the version by Zayn and Zhavia Ward, which features a more distinctly Arabian-inspired arrangement.

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Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya96rank/position

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Tatsuya Kitani is a multi-creator known for his work as the Vocaloid producer “Konnichiwa Tanita-san” and as a support bassist for Yorushika.

This song, included as the title track of the EP “Ao no Sumika,” released in July 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, “Hidden Inventory / Premature Death,” and is a renowned piece with high recognition in the United States.

The lyrics, which skillfully express the unique radiance of youth and the sense of loss that comes with growing up, are deeply moving.

Its driving guitar-rock sound and slightly wistful melody line perfectly match the anime’s worldview.

It’s a heart-stirring number recommended for those who want to look back on precious memories of the past or immerse themselves in an emotional mood.

IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi97rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

This is a Kenshi Yonezu track whose overwhelmingly intense energy and driving rock sound grab listeners’ hearts in an instant and never let go.

Crafted while poring over the pages of the original manga, the song brilliantly captures the story’s world, where fierce battles and aching emotions collide.

Written as the theme for the theatrical feature “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc,” released in September 2025, it drew worldwide attention, debuting early at events in the United States.

Following the TV anime, this work also made waves as a renewed collaboration with MAPPA.

It’s the perfect song for boosting your mood with its energetic sound or for lingering in the afterglow of the story.

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi98rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who continues to redefine the concept of J-pop with overwhelming originality.

Released in 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, the song made global headlines by becoming the first-ever Japanese-language track to be certified Gold by the RIAA in 2023, and then achieving Platinum in 2025.

Its lyrics, which portray the protagonist’s yearning for a peaceful life in stark contrast with a self-destructive impulse, merge with a thrilling sound marked by relentless key changes to leave listeners awestruck.

The weighty beat—crafted with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu as a co-arranger—feels perfect for blowing away pent-up frustration or soundtracking a workout that pushes your body to the limit.