25+ BEST Musical Anime of All Time (RANKED)

Updated on: July 25, 2022
by Ernie

The majority of us are keyed in on anime because of the action they contain, sometimes be it brains or vibes, we see a variety of anime with a different setting and with a different plot.

Tired of looking for the finest musical anime? Well, look no more! We have you covered. See our selection of the 25+ best musical anime. Musical animosity is often ignored since it is not part of the mainstream. However, in their own musical style, they are genuinely distinctive. Music gets the scene alive whether it’s real-life or anime, so just imagine how wonderful a series would be if music became the central plot. (If you know it, you know it)

If you’re interested in music and want to become an idol, do not hesitate! Because if ZOMBIES can become idols, why can’t you?

And to help you decide easily in which order to go watch these anime, I’ve added a little rating just for you, based on three simple criteria. You will be amazed to know they are all pretty good. Let’s just share a little knowledge about some 25+ anime-based mostly/entirely on music.

26) Aggretsuko

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	6/10	7/10	21/30

We sometimes get pressured by circumstances around us, especially at work. But a single episode of this anime would do the magic and lighten up your mood, trust me on that. Even though the episodes are short, you will definitely find it fun and interesting.

It actually does tell the story of a protagonist that bashes metal karaoke and criticizes all who have wronged her, but despite that, you just wouldn’t be able to control your laughter. With a straight plot, simple art style, and cute funny looking characters, I’m sure you would have a nice time seeing this.

25) Gravitation

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	6/10	22/30

First off, I would say this anime is LGBTQ+ rated, so it shouldn’t be viewed by kids! The animation quality might be pretty grainy or off from what we see nowadays, but believe me, you would want to keep this particular one away from teenage girls. Do you know why? That’s because the music is just completely out of this world!

We see this story kicking off with Suichi trying his best to be the world’s most recognized singer and his meeting with Yuki who berates him. From that point, in the pursuit of their dream, they move on to become more than just friends, into something else…. YES! You heard that right.

24) Tari Tari

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	6/10	8/10	22/30

Obviously, some kids are already growing wings these days. The same could be said for these five high school students from Japan, who see themselves as adults. Wakana Sakai withdrew from her music lessons after the death of her mother, thereby leading to a pause in her focus and joy.

But what happens afterward as the story progresses? I could pretty much give you a summary of the whole gist here, but go on ahead and see for yourself, how not-so-great music is used in this anime. I probably won’t even give many tips on this.

23) White Album 1 & 2

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
7/10	8/10	8/10	23/30

I guess you could call this an alternate story, rather than wrongly naming it a sequel. And of course, it does sound initially, but would love triumph above all trials and tribulations?

White Album 2, set in 10 years after the events in WA 1, tells the story of an infamous college student dating a girl with a really opposite social life, really popular and adored by all. I’ve come to notice that anime in this genre are often underrated, and WA is not an exception. But believe me, when I say this, you will thank me when you see this wonderful piece of art.

22) Anonymous Noise

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	24/30

Heartbreaks and painful goodbyes are one of the most painful, much to the point of pushing a lady to go out of her way and start singing to the ocean. And also how fate twisted stories and personalities, bringing her two old friends close to her again and creating a love triangle.

Simply put, this anime is not so okay, but I guess that’s what people like about it. And it really did make waves upon release, and just trashed out that opportunity. Some of its episodes were lengthy and boring for no particular reason.

It is only the music part of the entire anime that acts as a sort of consolation to the whole thing.

21) K-On

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	24/30

The entire anime is really healthy and has a very relaxing attitude. You will always return to it for the feelings and for the music, naturally. Did I mention the sweets too?

K-ON is about five girls from high school who become friends in the Light Music Club. Yui, leading guitarist, Tsumugi, bass player, Mio, guitar player, Azusa, and drummer Ritsu. K-ON, coupled with its high school adventure, is a tale you can’t shy away from.

20) Searching for the Full Moon

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
7/10	8/10	9/10	24/30

I would recommend you get a truckload of tissues handy before seeing this anime because you would need it. Just kidding though! But seriously, it is pretty sorrowful.

Twelve-year-old Mitsuki Koyama is devastated when she learns that her Sarcoma is treatable only through a risky surgical operation, which, if done wrong could end up damaging her vocal cords. She really did have high hopes of becoming a singer, in a bid to reconnect with Eichi Sakurai, her first love. It is a story about music, love, tragedy, suspense, and on the whole, the plot is a complete banger!

19) Kiniro no Corda: Primo Passo

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	24/30

How can one be caring to other people you’re competing against in a musical contest? You would most probably wish others would lose, right? If your answer is yes, then you most definitely need to see Kahoko Hino and learn from her.

The Golden String was released in 2006, so I do not think the graphics quality means the anime doesn’t have quality content to provide.

We all get to school late sometimes, don’t we all? Well, the same thing happened to Kahoko Hino one particular morning when she ran into Lili, the musical fairy who gifted her the magical violin she uses in her school’s musical competition.

18) Fuuka

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
7/10	8/10	9/10	24/30

In style and animation, Fuuka takes the lead but the plot only has an impressive beginning, and it loses its attractiveness as it ends.

In this story containing occasional gloom, humor, and music, we see the protagonist moving into a new city and later meeting Fuuka who broke his phone because of some dispute.

The protagonist comes into a new city and meets a lady, Fuuka, who breaks out his phone over a misunderstanding, and later finds out that they are classmates.

17) Your Lie in April

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
10/10	7/10	8/10	25/30

If you even want to claim not to have seen any musical anime, at least you can’t deny having seen or heard about this! Its creative plot, great musical pieces, and the suspense in it would definitely get you glued to it.

It does tell the story of a child, Arima Kousei, who is a piano prodigy that gave up on music after his mother’s demise. It features fantastic animation, music, and characters, and contains some plot that’ll break your heart, I must say. You can’t ask for much more than that, can you?

16) Nodame Cantabile

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	8/10	8/10	25/30

If you’re into anime that has a long selection of characters and good music, here is another one for you! Aerophobia (fear of flying) has grounded Shinichi Chiaki in Japan. Shinichi is a great and renowned musician who has dreams to play in Europe alongside the best musicians in the world. Later on, he meets a goofy and carefree musician, Nodame, and that kick starts their love life.

We see firsthand the power of music, friendship, and love in shaping a multilingual, arrogant perfectionist into a cool-headed guy who later opens his eyes to the abilities of those around him.

15) Kids on the Slop

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
10/10	9/10	7/10	26/30

Jazz again? Well, that’s just how it is. The Musical genre really does seem to be more populated with anime about jazz than any other genre of music, because of its uniqueness and love it’s garnered over time from listeners.

Sakamichi no Apollon contains relatable deep friendship, high school drama, and relatable characters. And here we see Kaoru NIshimi as a top student and also an introverted pianist, who’s always on the move due to the nature of his father’s occupation. That held him back from having friends until Sentarou breaks the jinx.

I am not going to go deep into the story, as even the musical pieces in the anime were just about to get me floating, you should check this out, it’s purely a masterpiece.

14) BanG Dream

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	9/10	9/10	26/30

A mobile game, two movies, 3 more seasons, and live concerts, all in honor of this anime about a girl band. This really surprises everyone, considering that the anime isn’t in the Isekai or Shonen genre. But well, it is what it is!

When released, the first season didn’t get much in the way of reception and accolades from the audience, but the subsequent two seasons became the talk of the town, right upon release.

It tells of Kasumi Toyama, a high school student who tries to use the magic she got while gazing at stars, and her desire to form a band, due to the effect live performances seem to have on her.

13) Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	9/10	9/10	26/30

No doubt, the initial story here would make you think you were watching the anime version of Terminator, and it’s only as you progress well into it that you realize you’re in for another treat, a great musical experience at that!

Don’t get flustered by the combo: Sci-fi and Musical? Like, what’s up with that? Well, every once in a while, we just want to move our body to a really cool rhythm to the music, especially the amazing and constructive beats accompanying it.

Vivy, the first-ever of her kind, was created as a sovereign AI, with the sole purpose of singing at parks. She goes to sing on the stage every other day, but it just so happens she wasn’t very popular despite that. To be pretty realistic, this is one anime to watch if you’re looking for really cool anime songs like Sing my Pleasure to jive to, then I assure you, Vivy is one anime you should definitely gun for.

12) Zombieland Saga

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	27/30

Let us follow what the name suggests, we can already imagine a world of zombies where they just party to music and live life freely, yeah? Well, you’re just partially right, as this story did start in the real world of Sakura Minamoto, up until the moment she had an accident and woke up as a zombie some years later, with no memory of her past life.

But do well to note these aren’t the drooling, feet-dragging type of zombies you’re used to seeing in movies though! Hahaha! They’re pretty beautiful characters here, and you would definitely love to see as the story transitions between touches of humor, musical saga prefecture, and how they regained past life memories.

11) Detroit Metal City

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
8/10	9/10	10/10	27/30

If you’re the type of fellow who gets easily pissed off with offensive jokes or humor, you should probably stay away from Detroit Metal City, as it employs the use of offensive humor to a certain extent. But if you’re okay with being dissed or having offensive jokes thrown your way, you’re definitely going to be reeling with laughter all through the series.

I guess you’re already familiar with the saying that “there are two sides to a coin”. This really is the case with Souchi, popularly known as Johannes Krauser, the Second. One side of Souchi Neghishi has a calm personality, while the nasty personality is of Johannes Krauser II, DMC’s guitarist and lead vocalist.

10) Beck

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	27/30

This anime about rock bands seems to fit in this position in this list. I guess being good really does pay off, as it did for Koyuki, and even turned his life around. The 8th-grade average schoolboy had really taken a turning point from the ordinary to a whole new level when he saved Beck, an emerging rock musician’s dog from some kids.

This intriguing anime centers around the promising band’s journey in Japan and the hurdles they face.

9) Given

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	27/30

Would you root for 1D, BTS, who? Well, the choice is all yours, but you really should go see this fantastic anime and get to select your own favorite band.

Just like Gravitation, Given also explores LGBTQ relationships, but yet in a very likable way that isn’t cliché or weird at all. The story follows a group of four amateur rock band students, and the romantic ties that emerge among them: from Ritsuka Uenoyama, electric guitar player, to the vocalists Mafuyu Satō, and from Haruki Nakayama, a bass player, to Akihiko Kaji.

8) Nana

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	27/30

Have you ever met anyone and instantly, you just get the feeling that “I’m definitely going to really like this person, and end up being best of friends.

NANA tells the story of two girl namesakes, Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki, who have different backgrounds and lives come across each other and become best of friends, having each other’s back through thick and thin. Aside from the fantastic plot, you really should check out the fashion, romance, music, and beauty, it’s just topnotch.

7) Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	10/10	9/10	28/30

This really does defy the normal world order, a world where women rule in top government positions and all forms of weaponry! I really do not want to live in such a world, and I’m rather glad it only exists in this anime.

Things to love about this anime? Trust me, the list is endless! Like, where do I start from, is it the incoherent funny dialogues, rap battles often based on social vices, hostage situations, kidnappings, etc. where people make use of “Hypnosis Microphones” to engage in the rap battles, which are sometimes corny, but funny.

But, do note, this anime makes sense while it doesn’t make much sense also. Hahaha! Not making any sense, am I? Well, the anime is simply for you to have fun and relax, so enjoy…

6) Idolish7: Second Beat

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	10/10	9/10	28/30

In the entire music/idol genre of anime, Idolish7 is clearly underrated, because trust me, you will definitely be hooked to it right from pure analysis of the plot, characters’ profiles, graphics, and all that!

Just as cocaine and meth are easy addictive substances, these anime capture your attention and love right even from the trailers and everything you see about it. And it’s only a pity that is actually underrated in the musical genre of the anime world.

If the first season doesn’t appeal to you, as seen in personal opinion and rating, trust me on this, you will be awed by the spectacular ecstasy you will find in the second season! It’s almost like saying the producers decided to make the season 2 way more generic and musical than the first.

5) Mashiro no Oto

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	10/10	9/10	28/30

One other anime that people tend to miss out on its thrills is Mashiro no Oto! Like, this anime is really good while it portrays a set of idol musicians.

The way the characters in the anime started developing over time is really commendable, you definitely cannot miss Setsu’s change from leaving an instrument to eventually rediscovering himself through constant use of the same instrument.

4) Liz to Aoi Tori

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
9/10	10/10	10/10	29/30

You could look this anime rating up on MAL, and you would see it has a whole 8.21 over 10 to itself, and you never heard about it? I really do think anime in the Musical genre really is underrated, regardless of how good they are. Sometimes it saddens me how people quickly forget that “music is the food of the soul”.

No matter that this is an incredible fairy tale, where we see the story of two friends who are made to play lead instruments in this incredible spin-off film from the Hibike Euphonium! Series.

3) The Piano Forest

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	9/10	29/30

No doubt, the majority of anime in the Musical genre make use of mainly piano, and so does this one, but let’s face it, Piano no Mori actually does stand out. Do you want to know why that is so? Well, here goes something…

And the main amusing fact about it, it does tell of an urban legend about an abandoned piano in a jungle, one which spirits listen to. For reals, just the thought that even spirits listen to music and dance? Like, are you kidding me?!

It definitely isn’t like your regular musical anime. Why? It distinctively portrays the differences between the poor and rich in the society, Kai and Syuhei respectively as their worlds clash through the abandoned piano.

2) Sound of the Sky

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	9/10	29/30

♪ Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind but now I see ♪

I definitely would’ve loved to complete this amazing song here, but, well, I don’t want to say too much. This is the same song whose rendition Kanata Sorami saw by a trumpeter in the Helvetian Army motivated her to enlist in the army. It’s pretty funny and yet solemn how music does have the power to transform the lives of people and bring out emotions.

1) Carole and Tuesday

Plot	Musical Concept	Animation	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	29/30

Trust me, when I say human creativity would always surpass that of any AI anywhere in the world. We created these things, so in what world should they surpass, when they can’t even do that in anime. Did you really fall for that line? Hahaha!

Well, AI really did show their potential, and even take the limelight here. Carole, a part-time keyboardist, left home with a sole purpose: simply to show the world that human creativity is still superior to that of AI, regardless of its coding or abilities.

And in their adventure, Tuesday and Carole employed wholesomeness, a show of good character, and exemplary music to win the hearts of everyone.

Conclusion

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The listed and scored anime above are written in a concise order, according to popular opinion and rating, which is why the scoring has been put there as a guide to help you decide quickly which one to go for first if you do intend to venture into watching Musical Anime for a change.

And I do hope you did like these selections, and as you might’ve expected, the entire genre doesn’t have only these 26 anime. Nah! There are lots and lots of musical anime out there, but these selected few are still the ones I’d recommend to you, because they do stand out, among the rest.