[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 | RoundaboutYES | play_arrow | The progressive rock classic 'Roundabout' is legendary. |
| 2east | Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic | play_arrow | The special episode “Ho…” of the anime Kaiju No. 8 |
| 3east | Falling downOasis | play_arrow | Oasis’s song “Falling Down” is striking. |
| 4east | This FffireFranz Ferdinand | play_arrow | Since their sensational debut in 2004, Fran... |
| 5east | Abyss (from Kaiju No. 8)Yungblud | play_arrow | YUNG exudes a dark, powerful vibe… |
| 6east | PARANOID ANDROIDRadiohead | play_arrow | Its name resounds from Britain to the world... |
| 7east | Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles | play_arrow | Egyptian-style pop is wildly popular |
| 8east | Baby IAriana Grande | play_arrow | Ariana Grande released in 2013... |
| 9east | Distant DreamerDuffy | play_arrow | The strong determination and hope of someone who pursues their dreams |
| 10east | Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel | play_arrow | A singer from Brittany, France... |
| 11east | The Perfect WorldMarty Friedman feat. Jean-Ken Johnny, KenKen | play_arrow | “B: The Beginning” and... |
| 12east | ShiverLucy Rose | play_arrow | Lucy Rose’s song “Shiver…” |
| 13east | Do You Want ToFranz Ferdinand | play_arrow | The ending theme song of “Paradise Kiss.”… |
| 14east | I Want YouSavage Garden | play_arrow | Anime 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4… |
| 15east | I’m ALIVE!Becca | play_arrow | An ani... set in Victorian London |
| 16east | Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne | play_arrow | “ONE PIECE FILM Z” and... |
| 17east | Black Gold (feat. Thundercat)Flying Lotus | play_arrow | An innovative music collaboration themed around samurai |
| 18east | ShineMr. BIG | play_arrow | M…, a hard rock band representing the United States |
| 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… |
| 22north_east | CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn Sykes | play_arrow | The ending theme song of 'Section Chief Prince.' The protagonist is a former guitarist… |
| 23south_east | Last ChristmasWham! | play_arrow | “I Love Anime!” Season 21 ending theme. This ani... |
| 24south_east | AbyssYungblud | play_arrow | The opening the… of the Japanese anime “Kaiju No. 8” |
| 25east | Last Train HomePat Metheny Group | play_arrow | This is also from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Egypt... |
| 26east | Gravure idol beautyDuran Duran | play_arrow | Duran Duran’s classic, a musical legend |
| 27east | RWBY OpeningCasey Lee Williams | play_arrow | The opening theme song of RWBY. An overseas web anime, ... |
| 28east | NobodyOneRepublic | play_arrow | A catchy melody and a passionate message touch the heart... |
| 29east | Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight | play_arrow | “Drifters” OP. Originally from Los Angeles… |
| 30east | THE LIGHT BEFORE WE LANDThe Delgados | play_arrow | Delgados masterpiece, a deep bond with anime |
| 31east | Samurai Jack Japanese IntroSamurai Jack | play_arrow | Samurai Jack OP. Same as before... |
| 32east | The OneBackstreet Boys | play_arrow | Hanada Shonen-shi OP. America's super popular idol... |
| 33east | Fly Me To The MoonClaire Littley | play_arrow | Insert song from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' Rondo... |
| 34east | Colorado BulldogMr. BIG | play_arrow | The anime’s ending theme is a song by Mr. Big. |
| 35east | My Foolish HeartBill Evans Trio | play_arrow | It’s an insert song from Seraph of the End, right? Modern… |
| 36east | Karma ChameleonCulture Club | play_arrow | “Anime Daisuki!” Season 23 OP. The Brit… |
| 37east | Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O’Sullivan | play_arrow | Gilbert O'Sullivan's classic song 'Alone…' |
| 38east | Human TouchWarren Wiebe | play_arrow | The ending theme song of After War Gundam X. Whoa... |
| 39east | Girls on FilmDuran Duran | play_arrow | Duran Duran’s classic hits from the ’80s |
| 40east | MR.RAINDROPAmplified | play_arrow | A band’s enigmatic song—light, lively rhythm, but sorrowful lyrics. |
| 41east | SAYONARAMary MacGregor | play_arrow | Mary MacGregor's Galaxy Express 999 ending theme |
| 42east | We Were LoversJean-Jacques Burnel | play_arrow | The opening theme of Gankutsuou. A British rock ban… |
| 43east | I Really Want to Stay At Your HouseRosa Walton | play_arrow | Rosa Walton, who is from the United Kingdom, … |
| 44east | DrowningBackstreet Boys | play_arrow | The ghost comedy manga Hanada Shonen-shi is 199... |
| 45east | Duvetbôa | play_arrow | Anime 'Serial Experiments…' |
| 46east | To Be Freestella furst | play_arrow | The theme song of “Sol Bianca: The Legacy” (Taiyō no Fune Sorubianka). This… |
| 47east | Laflora PrincessLa Flora the Princess Academy | play_arrow | Thai-made anime, Japanese-style art |


play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow