The 10 Best Musical Scores in Anime TV Shows & Movies
From heart-pounding excitement to soul-stirring beauty, anime is a medium that knows how to captivate its audience not just visually, but sonically as well. The harmonious blend of animation and music often elevates storytelling to new heights, making certain scenes unforgettable. Below are the 10 best musical scores that have left an indelible mark on the anime world, resonating with audiences long after the credits roll.
1.Joe Hisaishi’s Masterpieces in “Spirited Away” – This whimsical adventure teemed with enchanting tracks like ‘One Summer’s Day’ that transport listeners to the dreamy world of spirits and gods.
2.Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts in “Cowboy Bebop” – ‘Tank!’ is just one example of the unforgettable jazz-infused soundtrack that made Cowboy Bebop an iconic series revered for its sound as much as its story.
3.Hiroyuki Sawano’s Dramatic Scores in “Attack on Titan” – Tracks like ‘Vogel im Käfig’ perfectly encapsulate the mix of hope, despair, and adrenaline-induced action that defines this epic saga.
4.Yuki Kajiura’s Haunting Tunes in “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” – The music in this series wraps around the dark storylines with eerie grace, particularly in tracks like ‘Sis Puella Magica!’
5.Kenji Kawai’s Ancient Melodies in “Ghost in the Shell” – The film’s opening ‘Making of a Cyborg’ chant is profoundly moving, imbuing this cyberpunk classic with a spiritual layer through its score.
6.Shiro Sagisu’s Classical Mixture in “Neon Genesis Evangelion” – From cerebral pieces to cataclysmic choruses, Sagisu’s work incorporates classical influences into an evocative soundtrack for this psychological drama.
7.Taku Iwasaki’s Blend of Genres in “Gurren Lagann” – With bombastic orchestral pieces like ‘Libera Me From Hell,’ this score amplifies the show’s fiery spirit and ambitious narrative themes.
8.Yasuharu Takanashi’s Traditional Sounds in “Naruto Shippuden” – The poignant flutes and drums in tracks like ‘Departure to the Front Lines’ convey the emotional depth and thrilling action that define Naruto’s journey.
9.Makoto Yoshimori’s Eclectic Score in “Durarara!!” – A fusion of unconventional sounds sets an eerily quirky tone for this urban supernatural tale; listen for standout tracks such as ‘Ikebukuro West Gate Park.’
10.Michiru Oshima’s Lush Orchestration in “Fullmetal Alchemist” – Tracks like ‘Bratja’ are heart-wrenching and serve as a testament to the tight bond between brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric amidst their turbulent adventures.
These composers cleverly use music to immerse viewers into an array of artistic worlds, forever enhancing our experiences with their imaginative creations. Each of these works not only complements their respective stories but stands alone as incredibly engaging, emotionally rich listening experiences that rise above mere background music to become stars in their own right.