The 10 Best Anime Songs of 2021

As we reach the end of 2021, it’s time to look back on the best things anime had to offer. First up? The music.

*Note: Songs are presented in alphabetical order by series.

Anime: 86 EIGHTY-SIX
Song: “Avid”
Artist: SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki
Why I Love It: From the piano and beautiful female vocals to the fun with syncopation at the end of the chorus, there’s nothing about this song I don’t like—which is pretty much the norm for Hiroyuki Sawano in my book.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

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Anime: Back Arrow
Song: “dawn”
Artist: LiSA
Why I Love It: For this one it’s all about the pre-chorus. Its descending melody and distorted vocals lead perfectly into the song’s sweeping rock chorus.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Image source: 『竜とそばかすの姫』細田守最新作＠スタジオ地図 on Twitter

Anime: Belle
Song: “Uta Yo”
Artist: Kaho Nakamura
Why I Love It: From unsure timid singing at the start to a tune that feels like it was plucked right out of Ghost in the Shell by the time it hits the chorus, this song is a beautifully haunting masterpiece.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Anime: Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
Song: “One Last Kiss”
Artist: Hikaru Utada
Why I Love It: I can’t separate this song from the context in which I first encountered it—the beautiful final scene of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0. Everytime I hear it, I’m transported back to that moment and am on the edge of tears.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

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Anime: Ex-Arm
Song: “Diamonds Shine”
Artist: Dizzy Sunfist
Why I Love It: Rather than J-Rock or J-Pop, this reminds me of any number of American/British rocks songs I grew up with in the 90s and early 2000s.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Image source: 『プリンセス・プリンシパル』公式 on Twitter

Anime: Princess Principal: Crown Handler
Song: “LIES & TIES”
Artist: Void_Cords feat. Yui Mugino
Why I Love It: The powerful female vocals and big band awesomeness of this song are only eclipsed by the first Princess Principal opening song.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Image source: TVアニメ＆劇場版「七つの大罪」‏ on Twitter

Anime:: Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon’s Judgement
Song: “time”
Artist: SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:ReoNa
Why I Love It: It starts quiet with almost whispered vocals before breaking into an expectedly rocking Hiroyuki Sawano chorus, perfectly tailored to the full range of the singer.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Anime: So I’m a Spider, So What?
Song: “Bursty Greedy Spider”
Artist: Konomi Suzuki
Why I Love It: While it’s a tiny thing, I’m a sucker for fast-paced songs that break out a literal chorus to back up the lead singer for a few bars in the chorus.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

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Anime: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Season 2)
Song: “Like Flames”
Artist: MindaRyn
Why I Love It: Try not singing along with the chorus. Go on. I dare you.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Anime: The Heike Story
Song: “Hikaru Toki”
Artist: Hitsujibungaku
Why I Love It: This is a strikingly emotional tune that perfectly fits the joys and tragedies of the anime it’s attached to. And when you pair it with Studio Saru’s visuals… well, it can bring you to tears.

Bonus: Best Live-Action Movie Song of 2021

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Film: Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
Song: “Broken Heart of Gold”
Artist: ONE OK ROCK
Why I Love It: Sure, the singer is amazing the whole way through but Jesus Christ—how that bassline in the chorus plays off the vocals is something wonderful.

Provided courtesy of iTunes

Bonus: Best Game Song of 2021

Game Guilty Gear Strive
Song: “Love the Subhuman Self”
Artist: AISHA, Jamison Boaz
Why I Love It: The progression in this song is amazing. The first verse it is Aisha’s powerful voice alone. The next verse adds death metal growl harmonies. Then for the final pre-chorus, it drops all instruments before bringing it all back for the final chorus. It’s so good I bought the $60 game and a $300 Hitbox just to play while listening to it.