Top 20 BEST Anime Ending Songs
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Scritp written by Jonathan Alexander
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Anime Ending Songs.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the closing themes that always kept us sitting through the credits.
Which anime ending do you never skip? Sound off in the comments!
“Dr. Stone” (2019-)
Set against a starry night, the choice to open this beat with just one instrument brings a certain quietude to the scene. As it slowly adds in a whole ensemble, the tracking shot of a bird lost in the woods becomes an apt metaphor for the lyrics about feeling adrift. Then, with a splash of sound, the old reality comes crashing in with a gorgeous, oil-like filter. The images of video games, cars, and rockets mark a potent parallel to the science of “Dr. Stone.” The hum-worthy melody and striking imagery continue until, suddenly, morning breaks. Senku’s back in the present. But, as the tune fades out, there’s a different kind of beauty to the new world.
It’s basically impossible to resist tapping a toe to this infectious beat. The melody’s rise and fall is as catchy as they come, but it doesn’t start out that way. At first, both the visuals and lyrics are a tad rough and grainy. It sets up a nice juxtaposition to its eventual shift into explosive color that matches the rhythm’s energy perfectly. The scrolling slideshow of expressive character art is a great reminder that, despite their situation, these characters are still capable of having a good time. But, the song’s undeniable spunk has just enough edge to mimic the show’s portrayal of Ikebukuro’s dark underbelly. It’s a wonderfully energetic curtain-call that’s more than earned our trust.
As the capper to some of the darkest moments in the series, it’s fitting that this sequence plays as a somber reinforcement of what Lelouch is fighting for. His heartbreaking family history chronicles the tale of him, his sister, and his comrades growing up in an unfair world. With age comes a sillier and more excited expression for everyone except Lelouch. It ties into a semi-recurring motif where a washed-out image of the Geass-user will come into focus, only for it to end up a dark and gritty sight. In a way, this is a microcosm of not just Lelouch’s motivation, but his and the series’ story arcs altogether.
The final ending to the “Duel Monsters” season doesn’t hold its cards very close to its chest. With a focus on an hourglass ticking down, the image is clear: Yugi and the others are running out of time. But, as a horse rider races towards their end goal, both Yugi and Kaiba flicker to their newer designs in a physical representation of how far the show has come. All throughout, the sand continues to fall until it’s so large that it’s just a dune in the background. This visceral metaphor is all tied together by a dramatic, metal song that would make anyone ready to lay down some trap cards.
In this standout ending, there’s a distinct duality between black and white, good and evil, and even Light and Kira. Through distorted framing and exceptional color work, they’re all presented as two sides of the same coin. When the chorus finally hits, a dizzying spin around the iconic apple transforms reality into Kira’s world. Suddenly, Light is no more. His hair and eyes have turned red, and reality itself is seemingly dying around him. This feat of visual storytelling sells the idea that one of these can’t live without the other, and the final, haunting image brings that idea full-circle. Light may look normal, but Kira lives just beneath the facade.
This aptly titled tune paints its techno sounds and colorful visuals with a retro video-game aesthetic. The palette is bright and everything’s made of polygons, but what really levels it up is that the camera rarely stops moving. Instead, the rotating angles amp up the charming rhythm with an equally engaging onscreen performance. When the run-cycle ends and the entire scene devolves into a paint-like mess of colors and particles, the beat ratchets up to downright head-banging levels of funk. It oozes enough style and flair to become an absolute assault on the senses in the best way possible.
The name of this song isn’t just a wink at the series’ namesake, it’s also a worthy description for these character’s journeys ahead. As early as the opening bridge, each section features one of the main cast accompanied by their true goal. It’s an excellent encapsulation of their core tenets boiled down to a singular image. While it’s backed by a rocking song and amazing vocals, even all that can’t disguise a potent sense of foreboding. Dreams are never easy to achieve, and the scene makes that clear by juxtaposing their friends' support against haunting silhouettes of the foes yet to come. It isn’t called a ‘hunt’ for nothing, after all.
Befitting its visuals, the rhythm here is as beautiful as it is chilling. There’s no bombastic rock, guitar riffs, or flashy animation; rather, it’s just a series of stunning stills backed by an enchanting song. But, that doesn’t mean it’s any less memorable. It stands out on the merits of its stellar direction, with art that speaks more than a thousand words about toxic love, self-destruction, and the thin line between beauty and danger. Its mature subject matter is further enhanced by a tender vocal performance with undeniable gravitas. The song only really picks up its pace near the climax, where the music swells into a stirring stretch of vocals that are practically unforgettable.
From the opening beat, this song has more flair than it knows what to do with. Stylish, multi-colored spotlights visually assign each character a specific look, which leads into stills that accentuate the way that color defines the vibe of its cast member. Even more, the art and transitions are flawlessly aligned with each beat drop, which makes this just plain satisfying to watch. After the chorus hits, it keeps up the rhythm but transitions into more deliberately emotional pictures of the characters. The iconic final frame is a bit wistful, but the funky tune will make you want to go to a disco nonetheless.
Watching the Anarchy sisters die in several uniquely disturbing ways may not seem like a good time, but this song begs to differ. The endlessly adorable chibi art-style is pitted against different scenarios where Panty and Stocking meet their end. It shouldn’t be charming, but coming from a series about lingerie and angels, it somehow cooks up the perfect recipe of demented charm. It helps that the vocals are immediately catchy, to the point even the sisters themselves can’t help but nod along to it. Even though the show follows a pair of devilish anarchistic angels, this song sure is heavenly.
The alluring piano that sets this off can only be described as, well, fantastical. The gentle refrain leads through some richly chic portraits of the characters that are brimming with life, creativity, and a deep understanding of their motivations. After a quick burst of the color, the scene becomes a trippy ride of amazingly fluid animation and some uniquely psychedelic imagery. While its tune alone is worth sitting to the end for, the amount of small details crammed into every corner makes it even easier to revisit. It grows more impressive as the season goes on, and the seemingly innocuous images become subtle hints to the mystery at hand - including the true culprit.
At first, this slideshow of character frames feels like a bit of a cut corner. But, as the song itself repeats over the course of the entire season, the repetitive lyrics grow more and more eerie. The calm and measured vocal performance becomes spine-tingling as the sound builds to an even deeper level of discomfort. Then, after the bloody last episode, the portraits that had been fading by all season are suddenly recontextualized as memorials. Due to its minimalist approach, the hopelessly bleak tone of this song brilliantly molds itself to the course of the series. The atmospheric sound doesn’t just tell its own story, it takes the entire season to do it.
Fair warning, this upbeat earworm has a habit of getting stuck in your head for days on end. The hopeful yet weighty melody serves as an excellent ballad for the themes of war, peace, and love that permerate the series. And that’s not even touching upon the gorgeous greyscale visuals. Something as simple as a character’s walk cycle is rendered beautifully thanks to the offbeat color choice and clear progression from dark clouds into a white void. The chorus continues to build with bouncy energy until the last image finally lets in the light. With no more black or white, the only thing left in Simon’s eyes is the glow of the galaxy in all its glory.
Though it begins with the sound of a child’s choir, this spooky tune doesn’t have a storybook ending. The childlike artwork soon fades to grittier visuals as another voice joins, and then another, until the once youthful band is a bombastic ensemble. Both the imagery and sound convey the sense that Historia can’t outrun her past. And she isn’t alone, either. Transparent like ghosts, each of the Cadet Corp pledge to a flag that will end up taking some of their lives. It’s a poetically grim examination of youth and legacy, but the unflinching honesty makes it impossible to look away from, either.
On paper, using a forgotten single from a 70s rock band as an anime theme sounds like a horrible idea. Then again, so does much of “Jojo’s” overall. But, somehow, the gruff vocals and catchy chord progression fit so well with the show’s vibe that it almost seems written for it. The beat captures the very epitome of the phrase “to be continued” without uttering a single word. If that’s not musical mastery, we don’t know what is. As the subject of more memes than there are branches on the Joetsar family tree, this ending also keeps up with new art as the story progresses. Really, there’s no excuse to ever skip this one.
Even curse-hunting sorcerers need a day off every now and then, and Yuji and his crew definitely know how to party in style. The funky beat blends J-pop and rap influences into an indisputably rocking composition. Visually, it’s just as stellar, with each of the main squad sporting new hip-hop inspired designs that feel tailor-made for the fluid choreography. The splendid pastel color-palette and scribble-like shading are just the final touches on an already exceptional creative vision. It literally won the 2021 Crunchyroll Award for best anime ending of the year, and to say it was deserved is a massive understatement.
“Iconic” doesn’t feel like a worthy enough word for this legendary ending theme. Since it played after nearly every single episode, this jazzy tune has become intertwined with the beloved show it hails from. Filled with enigmatic symbolism, an outstanding rhythm, and plenty of emotional heft, its commanding presence is unrivaled in the medium. After all, everything from the vocals to the framing of each shot has become a staple of anime history. The expert build to the climactic chorus never fails to give us chills, and just one listen is all it takes to prove why. Suffice it to say, even though it’s named after the blues, it makes us feel anything but.
Appropriately, this theme starts and ends with Ed and Al. To begin, they're literally drawn to life in a blocky style reminiscent of a children’s art assignment. The vibrant colors and poignant imagery add to the song’s nostalgic quality as it crescendos through impactful chords and vocals. Even when it’s revealed to be well-meaning artwork of a young Ed and Al, the mood is tainted by the innocence the Elric’s have lost. The biggest compliment to give “Brotherhood’s” first ending is that it fits the series so well, it could serve as the conclusion to any section of the story and still feel relevant.
Right from the get-go, there’s a dynamic sense of scale to Sesshōmaru’s grief. The wide frame of him examining his father’s remains is given just enough time to simmer before it begins flashing memories of the journey that led them there. It could’ve easily felt like a cheap tearjerker, but the phenomenal song and even better vocal performance completely sell the gravity of the moment. The aura of intense loneliness lingers as Sesshōmaru visits another shrine and then soars the void of space with only Jaken by his side. The weight given to Sesshōmaru’s headspace doesn’t just make this an excellent ending song, but also a riveting portrayal of true loss.
Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Ride on Shooting Star”
“FLCL” (2000-01)
“
My Pace”
“Bleach” (2004-12)
“Break and Peace”
“Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings” (2009-10)
“Tactics”
“Rurouni Kenshin” (1996-98)
“Datte Atashi no Hiro”
“My Hero Academia” (2016-)
Long before the number one most unpredictable ninja was saving worlds and taking names, he was just a runt trying to pass his entrance exams. In under two minutes, this remarkable theme captures that hopeful yet bleak spirit of Naruto’s youth. The song itself is nothing short of inspiring, especially as it follows the young shinobi desperately chasing a butterfly that’s just out of reach. Then, right when it seems he’s failed, Sakura and Sasuke appear beside him. Suddenly, he isn’t alone, and as the lyrics say, there’s no need to cry anymore. It’s emotionally stirring and effortlessly nostalgic, but beyond all that, it’s simply beautiful.
Top 20 Anime Ending Songs
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Anime Ending Songs.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the closing themes that always kept us sitting through the credits.
Which anime ending do you never skip? Sound off in the comments!
#20: “LIFE”
“Dr. Stone” (2019-)
Set against a starry night, the choice to open this beat with just one instrument brings a certain quietude to the scene. As it slowly adds in a whole ensemble, the tracking shot of a bird lost in the woods becomes an apt metaphor for the lyrics about feeling adrift. Then, with a splash of sound, the old reality comes crashing in with a gorgeous, oil-like filter. The images of video games, cars, and rockets mark a potent parallel to the science of “Dr. Stone.” The hum-worthy melody and striking imagery continue until, suddenly, morning breaks. Senku’s back in the present. But, as the tune fades out, there’s a different kind of beauty to the new world.
#19: “Trust Me”
“Durarara!!” (2010-16)It’s basically impossible to resist tapping a toe to this infectious beat. The melody’s rise and fall is as catchy as they come, but it doesn’t start out that way. At first, both the visuals and lyrics are a tad rough and grainy. It sets up a nice juxtaposition to its eventual shift into explosive color that matches the rhythm’s energy perfectly. The scrolling slideshow of expressive character art is a great reminder that, despite their situation, these characters are still capable of having a good time. But, the song’s undeniable spunk has just enough edge to mimic the show’s portrayal of Ikebukuro’s dark underbelly. It’s a wonderfully energetic curtain-call that’s more than earned our trust.
#18: “Mosaic Kakera”
“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (2006-08)As the capper to some of the darkest moments in the series, it’s fitting that this sequence plays as a somber reinforcement of what Lelouch is fighting for. His heartbreaking family history chronicles the tale of him, his sister, and his comrades growing up in an unfair world. With age comes a sillier and more excited expression for everyone except Lelouch. It ties into a semi-recurring motif where a washed-out image of the Geass-user will come into focus, only for it to end up a dark and gritty sight. In a way, this is a microcosm of not just Lelouch’s motivation, but his and the series’ story arcs altogether.
#17: “EYE'S”
“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” (2000-04)The final ending to the “Duel Monsters” season doesn’t hold its cards very close to its chest. With a focus on an hourglass ticking down, the image is clear: Yugi and the others are running out of time. But, as a horse rider races towards their end goal, both Yugi and Kaiba flicker to their newer designs in a physical representation of how far the show has come. All throughout, the sand continues to fall until it’s so large that it’s just a dune in the background. This visceral metaphor is all tied together by a dramatic, metal song that would make anyone ready to lay down some trap cards.
#16: “Alumina”
“Death Note” (2006-07)In this standout ending, there’s a distinct duality between black and white, good and evil, and even Light and Kira. Through distorted framing and exceptional color work, they’re all presented as two sides of the same coin. When the chorus finally hits, a dizzying spin around the iconic apple transforms reality into Kira’s world. Suddenly, Light is no more. His hair and eyes have turned red, and reality itself is seemingly dying around him. This feat of visual storytelling sells the idea that one of these can’t live without the other, and the final, haunting image brings that idea full-circle. Light may look normal, but Kira lives just beneath the facade.
#15: “RPG”
“[C] – The Money of Soul and Possibility Control” (2011)This aptly titled tune paints its techno sounds and colorful visuals with a retro video-game aesthetic. The palette is bright and everything’s made of polygons, but what really levels it up is that the camera rarely stops moving. Instead, the rotating angles amp up the charming rhythm with an equally engaging onscreen performance. When the run-cycle ends and the entire scene devolves into a paint-like mess of colors and particles, the beat ratchets up to downright head-banging levels of funk. It oozes enough style and flair to become an absolute assault on the senses in the best way possible.
#14: “Hunting For Your Dream”
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)The name of this song isn’t just a wink at the series’ namesake, it’s also a worthy description for these character’s journeys ahead. As early as the opening bridge, each section features one of the main cast accompanied by their true goal. It’s an excellent encapsulation of their core tenets boiled down to a singular image. While it’s backed by a rocking song and amazing vocals, even all that can’t disguise a potent sense of foreboding. Dreams are never easy to achieve, and the scene makes that clear by juxtaposing their friends' support against haunting silhouettes of the foes yet to come. It isn’t called a ‘hunt’ for nothing, after all.
#13: “Hydra”
“Overlord” (2015-)Befitting its visuals, the rhythm here is as beautiful as it is chilling. There’s no bombastic rock, guitar riffs, or flashy animation; rather, it’s just a series of stunning stills backed by an enchanting song. But, that doesn’t mean it’s any less memorable. It stands out on the merits of its stellar direction, with art that speaks more than a thousand words about toxic love, self-destruction, and the thin line between beauty and danger. Its mature subject matter is further enhanced by a tender vocal performance with undeniable gravitas. The song only really picks up its pace near the climax, where the music swells into a stirring stretch of vocals that are practically unforgettable.
#12: “Homework Never Ends”
“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)From the opening beat, this song has more flair than it knows what to do with. Stylish, multi-colored spotlights visually assign each character a specific look, which leads into stills that accentuate the way that color defines the vibe of its cast member. Even more, the art and transitions are flawlessly aligned with each beat drop, which makes this just plain satisfying to watch. After the chorus hits, it keeps up the rhythm but transitions into more deliberately emotional pictures of the characters. The iconic final frame is a bit wistful, but the funky tune will make you want to go to a disco nonetheless.
#11: “Fallen Angel”
“Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” (2010)Watching the Anarchy sisters die in several uniquely disturbing ways may not seem like a good time, but this song begs to differ. The endlessly adorable chibi art-style is pitted against different scenarios where Panty and Stocking meet their end. It shouldn’t be charming, but coming from a series about lingerie and angels, it somehow cooks up the perfect recipe of demented charm. It helps that the vocals are immediately catchy, to the point even the sisters themselves can’t help but nod along to it. Even though the show follows a pair of devilish anarchistic angels, this song sure is heavenly.
#10: “Fantasy”
“Un-Go” (2011)The alluring piano that sets this off can only be described as, well, fantastical. The gentle refrain leads through some richly chic portraits of the characters that are brimming with life, creativity, and a deep understanding of their motivations. After a quick burst of the color, the scene becomes a trippy ride of amazingly fluid animation and some uniquely psychedelic imagery. While its tune alone is worth sitting to the end for, the amount of small details crammed into every corner makes it even easier to revisit. It grows more impressive as the season goes on, and the seemingly innocuous images become subtle hints to the mystery at hand - including the true culprit.
#9: “Waiting So Long”
“Berserk” (1997-98)At first, this slideshow of character frames feels like a bit of a cut corner. But, as the song itself repeats over the course of the entire season, the repetitive lyrics grow more and more eerie. The calm and measured vocal performance becomes spine-tingling as the sound builds to an even deeper level of discomfort. Then, after the bloody last episode, the portraits that had been fading by all season are suddenly recontextualized as memorials. Due to its minimalist approach, the hopelessly bleak tone of this song brilliantly molds itself to the course of the series. The atmospheric sound doesn’t just tell its own story, it takes the entire season to do it.
#8: “Minna No Peace”
“Gurren Lagann” (2007)Fair warning, this upbeat earworm has a habit of getting stuck in your head for days on end. The hopeful yet weighty melody serves as an excellent ballad for the themes of war, peace, and love that permerate the series. And that’s not even touching upon the gorgeous greyscale visuals. Something as simple as a character’s walk cycle is rendered beautifully thanks to the offbeat color choice and clear progression from dark clouds into a white void. The chorus continues to build with bouncy energy until the last image finally lets in the light. With no more black or white, the only thing left in Simon’s eyes is the glow of the galaxy in all its glory.
#7: “Requiem Der Morgenröte”
“Attack On Titan” (2013-)Though it begins with the sound of a child’s choir, this spooky tune doesn’t have a storybook ending. The childlike artwork soon fades to grittier visuals as another voice joins, and then another, until the once youthful band is a bombastic ensemble. Both the imagery and sound convey the sense that Historia can’t outrun her past. And she isn’t alone, either. Transparent like ghosts, each of the Cadet Corp pledge to a flag that will end up taking some of their lives. It’s a poetically grim examination of youth and legacy, but the unflinching honesty makes it impossible to look away from, either.
#6: “Roundabout”
“JoJo's Bizarre Adventure” (2014-)On paper, using a forgotten single from a 70s rock band as an anime theme sounds like a horrible idea. Then again, so does much of “Jojo’s” overall. But, somehow, the gruff vocals and catchy chord progression fit so well with the show’s vibe that it almost seems written for it. The beat captures the very epitome of the phrase “to be continued” without uttering a single word. If that’s not musical mastery, we don’t know what is. As the subject of more memes than there are branches on the Joetsar family tree, this ending also keeps up with new art as the story progresses. Really, there’s no excuse to ever skip this one.
#5: “Lost in Paradise”
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)Even curse-hunting sorcerers need a day off every now and then, and Yuji and his crew definitely know how to party in style. The funky beat blends J-pop and rap influences into an indisputably rocking composition. Visually, it’s just as stellar, with each of the main squad sporting new hip-hop inspired designs that feel tailor-made for the fluid choreography. The splendid pastel color-palette and scribble-like shading are just the final touches on an already exceptional creative vision. It literally won the 2021 Crunchyroll Award for best anime ending of the year, and to say it was deserved is a massive understatement.
#4: “The Real Folk Blues”
“Cowboy Bebop” (1997-98)“Iconic” doesn’t feel like a worthy enough word for this legendary ending theme. Since it played after nearly every single episode, this jazzy tune has become intertwined with the beloved show it hails from. Filled with enigmatic symbolism, an outstanding rhythm, and plenty of emotional heft, its commanding presence is unrivaled in the medium. After all, everything from the vocals to the framing of each shot has become a staple of anime history. The expert build to the climactic chorus never fails to give us chills, and just one listen is all it takes to prove why. Suffice it to say, even though it’s named after the blues, it makes us feel anything but.
#3: “Uso”
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)Appropriately, this theme starts and ends with Ed and Al. To begin, they're literally drawn to life in a blocky style reminiscent of a children’s art assignment. The vibrant colors and poignant imagery add to the song’s nostalgic quality as it crescendos through impactful chords and vocals. Even when it’s revealed to be well-meaning artwork of a young Ed and Al, the mood is tainted by the innocence the Elric’s have lost. The biggest compliment to give “Brotherhood’s” first ending is that it fits the series so well, it could serve as the conclusion to any section of the story and still feel relevant.
#2: “Fukai Mori”
“Inuyasha” (2000-10)Right from the get-go, there’s a dynamic sense of scale to Sesshōmaru’s grief. The wide frame of him examining his father’s remains is given just enough time to simmer before it begins flashing memories of the journey that led them there. It could’ve easily felt like a cheap tearjerker, but the phenomenal song and even better vocal performance completely sell the gravity of the moment. The aura of intense loneliness lingers as Sesshōmaru visits another shrine and then soars the void of space with only Jaken by his side. The weight given to Sesshōmaru’s headspace doesn’t just make this an excellent ending song, but also a riveting portrayal of true loss.
Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Ride on Shooting Star”
“FLCL” (2000-01)
“
My Pace”
“Bleach” (2004-12)
“Break and Peace”
“Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings” (2009-10)
“Tactics”
“Rurouni Kenshin” (1996-98)
“Datte Atashi no Hiro”
“My Hero Academia” (2016-)
#1: “Wind”
“Naruto” (2003-07)Long before the number one most unpredictable ninja was saving worlds and taking names, he was just a runt trying to pass his entrance exams. In under two minutes, this remarkable theme captures that hopeful yet bleak spirit of Naruto’s youth. The song itself is nothing short of inspiring, especially as it follows the young shinobi desperately chasing a butterfly that’s just out of reach. Then, right when it seems he’s failed, Sakura and Sasuke appear beside him. Suddenly, he isn’t alone, and as the lyrics say, there’s no need to cry anymore. It’s emotionally stirring and effortlessly nostalgic, but beyond all that, it’s simply beautiful.
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