[2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime
In a sense, anime opening and ending themes are very important—many songs are so striking that they define a work’s image.
There are all kinds of anime songs, from classic “anison”-style tracks to songs performed by voice actors.
In this article, we’ve compiled songs by Western artists and bands that have been used as theme music in Japanese anime.
Some people might feel that Western music and Japanese anime don’t really go together, but in fact they’re used quite often.
You might even discover Western songs used in surprising titles—ones that even Western music fans didn’t know about.
Be sure to check it out!
Playlist
| [2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic | play_arrow | The special episode “Ho…” of the anime Kaiju No. 8 |
| 2east | RoundaboutYES | play_arrow | The progressive rock classic 'Roundabout' is legendary. |
| 3east | Falling downOasis | play_arrow | Oasis’s song “Falling Down” is striking. |
| 4east | Abyss (from Kaiju No. 8)Yungblud | play_arrow | YUNG exudes a dark, powerful vibe… |
| 5east | PARANOID ANDROIDRadiohead | play_arrow | Its name resounds from Britain to the world... |
| 6east | This FffireFranz Ferdinand | play_arrow | Since their sensational debut in 2004, Fran... |
| 7east | Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles | play_arrow | Egyptian-style pop is wildly popular |
| 8east | Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel | play_arrow | A singer from Brittany, France... |
| 9east | The Perfect WorldMarty Friedman feat. Jean-Ken Johnny, KenKen | play_arrow | “B: The Beginning” and... |
| 10north_east | Distant DreamerDuffy | play_arrow | The strong determination and hope of someone who pursues their dreams |
| 11south_east | Baby IAriana Grande | play_arrow | Ariana Grande released in 2013... |
| 12east | ShiverLucy Rose | play_arrow | Lucy Rose’s song “Shiver…” |
| 13north_east | Black Gold (feat. Thundercat)Flying Lotus | play_arrow | An innovative music collaboration themed around samurai |
| 14south_east | ShineMr. BIG | play_arrow | M…, a hard rock band representing the United States |
| 15east | Do You Want ToFranz Ferdinand | play_arrow | The ending theme song of “Paradise Kiss.”… |
| 16east | Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne | play_arrow | “ONE PIECE FILM Z” and... |
| 17east | I’m ALIVE!Becca | play_arrow | An ani... set in Victorian London |
| 18east | I Want YouSavage Garden | play_arrow | Anime 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4… |
| 19east | Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn | play_arrow | Theme songs from Studio Ghibli films: songs of loneliness that resonate with the heart |
| 20east | Hold Me NowNai Br.XX&Celeina Ann | play_arrow | It was broadcast from April to September 2019... |
| 21east | ShelterPorter Robinson & Madeon | play_arrow | This is the actual promotional video for this song… |
| 22east | Last ChristmasWham! | play_arrow | “I Love Anime!” Season 21 ending theme. This ani... |
| 23east | Girls on FilmDuran Duran | play_arrow | Duran Duran’s classic hits from the ’80s |
| 24east | CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn Sykes | play_arrow | The ending theme song of 'Section Chief Prince.' The protagonist is a former guitarist… |
| 25east | Last Train HomePat Metheny Group | play_arrow | This is also from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Egypt... |
| 26east | Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight | play_arrow | “Drifters” OP. Originally from Los Angeles… |
| 27east | RWBY OpeningCasey Lee Williams | play_arrow | The opening theme song of RWBY. An overseas web anime, ... |
| 28east | Gravure idol beautyDuran Duran | play_arrow | Duran Duran’s classic, a musical legend |
| 29east | The OneBackstreet Boys | play_arrow | Hanada Shonen-shi OP. America's super popular idol... |
| 30east | NobodyOneRepublic | play_arrow | A catchy melody and a passionate message touch the heart... |
| 31east | Samurai Jack Japanese IntroSamurai Jack | play_arrow | Samurai Jack OP. Same as before... |
| 32east | THE LIGHT BEFORE WE LANDThe Delgados | play_arrow | Delgados masterpiece, a deep bond with anime |
| 33east | Karma ChameleonCulture Club | play_arrow | “Anime Daisuki!” Season 23 OP. The Brit… |
| 34east | Fly Me To The MoonClaire Littley | play_arrow | Insert song from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' Rondo... |
| 35east | AbyssYungblud | play_arrow | The opening the… of the Japanese anime “Kaiju No. 8” |
| 36east | Human TouchWarren Wiebe | play_arrow | The ending theme song of After War Gundam X. Whoa... |
| 37east | Colorado BulldogMr. BIG | play_arrow | The anime’s ending theme is a song by Mr. Big. |
| 38east | Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O’Sullivan | play_arrow | Gilbert O'Sullivan's classic song 'Alone…' |
| 39east | SAYONARAMary MacGregor | play_arrow | Mary MacGregor's Galaxy Express 999 ending theme |
| 40east | My Foolish HeartBill Evans Trio | play_arrow | It’s an insert song from Seraph of the End, right? Modern… |
| 41north_east | MR.RAINDROPAmplified | play_arrow | A band’s enigmatic song—light, lively rhythm, but sorrowful lyrics. |
| 42south_east | I Really Want to Stay At Your HouseRosa Walton | play_arrow | Rosa Walton, who is from the United Kingdom, … |
| 43east | We Were LoversJean-Jacques Burnel | play_arrow | The opening theme of Gankutsuou. A British rock ban… |
| 44east | DrowningBackstreet Boys | play_arrow | The ghost comedy manga Hanada Shonen-shi is 199... |
| 45east | To Be Freestella furst | play_arrow | The theme song of “Sol Bianca: The Legacy” (Taiyō no Fune Sorubianka). This… |
| 46east | Laflora PrincessLa Flora the Princess Academy | play_arrow | Thai-made anime, Japanese-style art |
| 47east | Duvetbôa | play_arrow | Anime 'Serial Experiments…' |





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