Top Anime OST List: Best Soundtracks Of All Time

Hey anime lovers! Are you ready to dive deep into the mesmerizing world of anime OSTs? Soundtracks are more than just background music; they're the emotional backbone of our favorite shows. A great OST can elevate a scene from good to unforgettable, embedding itself in our hearts and minds long after the credits roll. In this article, we're going to explore some of the best anime soundtracks ever created, celebrating the composers, musicians, and the sheer artistry that goes into crafting these sonic landscapes. So, grab your headphones, get comfy, and let's get started!

Why Anime OSTs Matter

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why anime OSTs are so important. Think about your favorite anime scenes. What makes them so impactful? Is it the animation, the voice acting, or the storyline? It's often all of these elements working together, and the music plays a HUGE part in amplifying the emotion. A well-composed soundtrack can:

• Enhance Emotional Impact: Music has the power to evoke feelings like joy, sorrow, excitement, and tension, making scenes more engaging and memorable.
• Create Atmosphere: Soundtracks set the tone and mood of a scene, whether it's the whimsical melodies of a slice-of-life anime or the intense orchestral pieces of an action-packed series.
• Character Development: Musical themes can be associated with specific characters, providing insight into their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
• World-Building: Soundtracks help to immerse viewers in the anime's world, making it feel more real and believable. The right music can transport you to another place and time.
• Memorability: Let’s face it, who hasn’t hummed or tried to play their favorite anime theme on an instrument? Iconic anime OSTs become a part of pop culture, recognizable and beloved by fans worldwide.

Basically, a good anime OST is like the secret sauce that makes a great anime truly exceptional. They add layers of depth, emotion, and memorability to the viewing experience, and that’s why we love them so much!

Iconic Anime OSTs: A Deep Dive

Alright, let's get to the main event! Here’s a list of some of the most iconic anime OSTs of all time. This list is subjective, of course, but these soundtracks have consistently been praised for their quality, impact, and memorability. Get ready for some serious nostalgia!

1. Cowboy Bebop - Yoko Kanno

Where do we even begin with Cowboy Bebop? Yoko Kanno's soundtrack is legendary. It's not just one of the best anime OSTs; it's considered one of the greatest soundtracks ever, period. Kanno masterfully blends genres like jazz, blues, rock, and classical music to create a soundscape that's as eclectic and unique as the show itself. Each track perfectly captures the spirit of the Bebop crew and their spacefaring adventures.

• Why it's iconic: The Cowboy Bebop OST is groundbreaking. It defied expectations and showcased the potential of anime music. Tracks like "Tank!" (the opening theme) are instantly recognizable and have been covered and remixed countless times. The soundtrack isn't just background music; it's an integral part of the show's identity.
• Emotional Impact: From the cool and jazzy tunes that accompany the crew's laid-back moments to the melancholic melodies that underscore their past traumas, the Cowboy Bebop OST takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. It's a soundtrack that makes you feel everything.
• Standout Tracks: "Tank!," "Space Lion," "Blue," "Call Me Call Me," and "The Real Folk Blues" are all absolute bangers. Honestly, the entire soundtrack is gold.

The sheer genius of Yoko Kanno is undeniable, and her work on Cowboy Bebop remains a benchmark for anime OSTs. If you haven't listened to it, do yourself a favor and dive in! You won't regret it. The way that the saxophone riffs blend with the more heavy hitting tracks like space lion, leave you wanting more of the bebop crew. If you are looking for an album to listen to while working on a space ship or bounty hunting, this is the perfect anime OST.

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion - Shiro Sagisu

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a psychological mecha anime that's as famous for its complex themes as it is for its incredible soundtrack. Shiro Sagisu's score is a masterclass in creating tension, unease, and epic scale. The anime OST blends classical music, electronica, and choral arrangements to create a sound that's both haunting and awe-inspiring.

• Why it's iconic: The Evangelion OST perfectly complements the show's themes of existential dread, trauma, and the search for meaning. It's a soundtrack that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you've finished watching.
• Emotional Impact: From the iconic "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" (the opening theme) to the somber and reflective tracks that accompany the characters' inner struggles, the Evangelion OST is a rollercoaster of emotions. It's a soundtrack that makes you think and feel deeply.
• Standout Tracks: "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," "Decisive Battle," "Thanatos - If I Can't Be Yours," and "Komm, süsser Tod" are all essential listening. Each track captures a different aspect of the show's emotional landscape.

The music of Evangelion is not just something that can be listened to passively. The anime OST is something that requires attention, focus, and a willingness to be challenged. The music is chaotic, much like the show, but that chaos is exactly what makes it so memorable. It's an album that demands to be listened to from beginning to end, as each track builds and expands upon the themes and emotions of the series. The Neon Genesis Evangelion soundtrack is truly in a class of its own.

3. Attack on Titan - Hiroyuki Sawano

When it comes to epic, adrenaline-pumping soundtracks, Attack on Titan takes the crown. Hiroyuki Sawano's score is a bombastic blend of orchestral arrangements, rock elements, and powerful vocals. It's a soundtrack that perfectly captures the scale and intensity of the show's battles against the Titans.

• Why it's iconic: The Attack on Titan OST is instantly recognizable. Tracks like "Guren no Yumiya" (the first opening theme) have become anthems for anime fans worldwide. The soundtrack's sheer energy and intensity are unmatched.
• Emotional Impact: The Attack on Titan OST is a masterclass in building tension and excitement. From the soaring melodies that accompany the Scouts' daring maneuvers to the dark and ominous tracks that underscore the Titans' terrifying presence, the soundtrack keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• Standout Tracks: "Guren no Yumiya," "YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T," "ətˈæk ˈɔːn ˈtaɪtən," and "The Rumbling" are all absolute bangers. Each track is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

Sawano's work on Attack on Titan is nothing short of spectacular. The anime OST has the range of something akin to a blockbuster movie, and the way the vocals come in and out of the tracks is always exhilarating. If you need some motivation or adrenaline to get through the day, this is the perfect anime OST to blast.

4. Your Lie in April - Masaru Yokoyama

If you're looking for a soundtrack that will tug at your heartstrings, look no further than Your Lie in April. Masaru Yokoyama's score is a beautiful and emotional collection of classical pieces and original compositions. It's a soundtrack that perfectly captures the anime's themes of love, loss, and the healing power of music.

• Why it's iconic: The Your Lie in April OST is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. The music is so closely intertwined with the anime's narrative that it's impossible to separate the two.
• Emotional Impact: From the joyful and uplifting melodies that accompany Kousei's musical performances to the heartbreaking and melancholic tracks that underscore his struggles with grief, the Your Lie in April OST is a rollercoaster of emotions. Bring tissues.
• Standout Tracks: "Hikaru Nara" (the first opening theme), "Kirameki - Children's Play," "Yume no Owari," and "Again" are all essential listening. Each track is guaranteed to evoke a strong emotional response.

Your Lie in April is a tear-jerker, and the music is a big part of that. The anime OST can be enjoyed by anyone who loves classical music, and it's an album that you can listen to over and over again. There's so much to love about this soundtrack, and the beautiful melodies that Yokoyama creates.

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Akira Senju

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an action-packed adventure anime that is also known for its stellar soundtrack. Akira Senju's score is a grand and sweeping collection of orchestral arrangements that perfectly capture the epic scale of the show.

• Why it's iconic: The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OST is a masterpiece of world-building. The music perfectly evokes the unique atmosphere of Amestris and the surrounding nations.
• Emotional Impact: From the triumphant and uplifting themes that accompany the Elric brothers' journey to the somber and reflective tracks that underscore their struggles with loss and guilt, the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OST is a rollercoaster of emotions.
• Standout Tracks: "Again" (the opening theme), "Melissa" (the opening theme), "Hologram" (the opening theme), and "Let It Out" (the ending theme) are all essential listening. Each track is guaranteed to get your blood pumping.

The tracks from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are still relevant to this day, and the anime OST is a must-listen for fans of the series. The openings are always a joy to listen to, and many people will be happy to know that they all are available on the official soundtrack. Senju is a master of creating emotion, and they deserve all the praise they receive.

More Awesome Anime OSTs

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other amazing anime OSTs out there. Here are a few more that deserve a listen:

• Hunter x Hunter (2011) - Yoshihisa Hirano
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica - Yuki Kajiura
• Code Geass - Kotaro Nakagawa and Hitomi Kuroishi
• Death Note - Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi
• Clannad - Jun Maeda

Where to Listen to Anime OSTs

So, where can you listen to these amazing soundtracks? Here are a few options:

• Streaming Services: Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music all have extensive catalogs of anime OSTs.
• YouTube: Many fans upload full soundtracks to YouTube. Just be aware that some of these uploads may be unofficial.
• CDs and Vinyl: If you're a collector, you can often find anime OSTs on CD or vinyl. Check out online retailers like Amazon or specialty anime stores.

Conclusion

Anime OSTs are an integral part of what makes anime so special. They enhance the emotional impact of scenes, create atmosphere, and help to develop characters and worlds. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or just getting started, I encourage you to explore the world of anime music and discover some new favorites. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite song! So, go forth and listen! Let the power of anime OSTs fill your ears and your heart! I hope you all enjoyed this list!