[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
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	RoundaboutYES		The progressive rock classic 'Roundabout' is legendary.
2	Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic		OneRepublic created the ending theme for Kaiju No. 8.
3	Falling downOasis		Oasis’s song “Falling Down” is striking.
4	Abyss (from Kaiju No. 8)Yungblud		YOUNGBLUD Kaiju No. 8 opening theme song
5	This FffireFranz Ferdinand		Franz Ferdinand Chosen to Perform the Theme Song for a Netflix Anime
6	PARANOID ANDROIDRadiohead		The Appeal and Influence of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android”
7	The Perfect WorldMarty Friedman feat. Jean-Ken Johnny, KenKen		Marty Friedman J-Pop collaboration song
8	Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles		Egyptian-style pop is wildly popular
9	Baby IAriana Grande		Introduction to Ariana’s signature song “Baby I”
10	Distant DreamerDuffy		The strong determination and hope of someone who pursues their dreams
11	ShiverLucy Rose		Lucy Rose’s moving song “Shiver”
12	Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel		Cécile Corbel’s Arrietty theme song
13	I Want YouSavage Garden		The JoJo Part 4 ending theme is a catchy, fast-paced song.
14	Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne		Avril’s song chosen as the theme for a One Piece movie
15	Do You Want ToFranz Ferdinand		Introduction to Franz Ferdinand’s songs
16	ShineMr. BIG		Mr. Big’s “Shine” sings of strength in adversity
17	I’m ALIVE!Becca		They showcased their youthful talent with the ending theme of Black Butler.
18	Black Gold (feat. Thundercat)Flying Lotus		An innovative music collaboration themed around samurai
19	Hold Me NowNai Br.XX＆Celeina Ann		Depicting friendship in an anime ending theme
20	Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn		Theme songs from Studio Ghibli films: songs of loneliness that resonate with the heart
21	ShelterPorter Robinson & Madeon		A rare case where a song’s music video was turned into an anime
22	CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn Sykes		The metal-style ending theme of Katamari Damacy
23	AbyssYungblud		Kaiju No. 8 OP theme, a song of self-discovery and struggle
24	Gravure idol beautyDuran Duran		Duran Duran’s classic, a musical legend
25	Last ChristmasWham!		It’s a representative Christmas song.
26	NobodyOneRepublic		The ending theme of the anime Kaiju No. 8 produced by OneRepublic
27	RWBY OpeningCasey Lee Williams		Opening theme song of RWBY. Overseas web anime.
28	Fly Me To The MoonClaire Littley		Eva insert song, sung by Claire Littley
29	Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight		Introduction to the Drifters opening theme song
30	Last Train HomePat Metheny Group		JoJo ending song, the emotional sound of a whistle and guitar
31	Human TouchWarren Wiebe		Slow ballad of Gundam X's ending theme
32	Samurai Jack Japanese IntroSamurai Jack		Samurai Jack OP song introduction
33	Alone Again (Naturally)Gilbert O’Sullivan		Gilbert O'Sullivan heartbreak-themed classic
34	Karma ChameleonCulture Club		Culture Club's 80s hit songs
35	My Foolish HeartBill Evans Trio		Introducing masterpiece songs of a foolish heart
36	The OneBackstreet Boys		Introduction to America's ultra-popular idol groups
37	THE LIGHT BEFORE WE LANDThe Delgados		Delgados masterpiece, a deep bond with anime
38	Colorado BulldogMr. BIG		The anime’s ending theme is a song by Mr. Big.
39	Girls on FilmDuran Duran		Duran Duran’s classic hits from the ’80s
40	MR.RAINDROPAmplified		A band’s enigmatic song—light, lively rhythm, but sorrowful lyrics.
41	We Were LoversJean-Jacques Burnel		Participation of The Stranglers in the Gankutsuou OP
42	SAYONARAMary MacGregor		Mary MacGregor's Galaxy Express 999 ending theme
43	I Really Want to Stay At Your HouseRosa Walton		Rosa achieved international success with a cyberpunk work.
44	DrowningBackstreet Boys		In Hanada Shonen-shi, the BSB’s songs are the OP/ED.
45	To Be Freestella furst		Theme song of The Sun's Ship and OVA work introduction
46	Duvetbôa		The Appeal of Boa’s classic song “Duvet”
47	Laflora PrincessLa Flora the Princess Academy		Thai-made anime, Japanese-style art