In 2025, the anime music world offered fans a great diversity of opening and ending songs, highlighted by a resurgence of rock-oriented sounds. We saw the rise of metal icons like Ave Mujica, who left fans breathless with their gothic aesthetics and dark lyrics. Even traditional upbeat franchises like Uma Musume have pivoted toward a more gritty sound.

With the bar set so high, we took our time to compile the contenders for the best anime theme songs of 2025.

Let’s break down our selection, listed in no particular order!

Provoke

[Alexandros]

CDJapan

OTOTOY

“[Alexandros]” marked the first half of 2025 with Koeru, the epic anthem of anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray. Starting off with a melancholic tune, the song builds up to a chorus packed with adrenaline. The energy of Koeru aligns well with the anime, which narrative focuses on competitive struggles and pushing beyond one’s limits.

Kakumei Dochu

革命道中

AiNA THE END

CDJapan

AiNA THE END leverages her distinctive raspy vocals in Kakumei Douchuu, serving as the second opening of the anime Dan Da Dan. This work mixes the best of Jpop and Jrock, with an eerie vibe that enhances the track’s uniqueness.

BONE BORN BOMB

ano

CDJapan

ano conveys her eccentric pop energy to the rock scene with Happy Lucky Chappy, a high-energy track that fuses bright synths with an empowering chorus.

KiLLKiSS

Ave Mujica

CDJapan

The gothic band Ave Mujica confronts the audience with a symphonic, dramatic atmosphere in KiLLKiSS. The song’s exploration of dark themes leaves no one indifferent.

SCOOOOOP

BAND-MAID

CDJapan

BAND-MAID brings exactly what the song title promises, Ready to Rock. This song highlights the band’s technical prowess, featuring a blistering guitar solo and solid drumming. Definitely, the result is a love letter to rock itself.

We recently had the chance to talk to BAND-MAID’s guitarist Miko about storytelling through anime, make sure to give this interesting interview a read!

Snow Drop

スノウドロップ

Conton Candy

CDJapan

With Conton Candy’s song Snow Drop, the female trio captures the hearts of indie-rock fans through its blend of nostalgic and raw rock vibes. The way the members are able to bring out those nostalgic tunes through their heartfelt emotions is certainly one of the biggest appeals of the song.

Mirage / Nemure

Creepy Nuts

CDJapan

Creepy Nuts enthralls listeners with an infectious bassline in Mirage. The track’s late-night, atmospheric sound is a unique find even within the 2025 anison lineup.

TASTY SURVIVOR

おいしいサバイバー

HANABIE.

CDJapan

“HANABIE.” unleashes a sonic assault with Oishii Survivor through harsh vocals and heavy metalcore breakdowns, while blending in cute Jpop melodies—retaining the band’s signature sound, even for an anime tie-in.

If you’re interested in learning about HANABIE.’s rise to fame, head to our interview with the band here.

Get No Satisfied !

BABYMETAL , JAM Project

CDJapan

JAM Project enlists BABYMETAL in “Get No Satisfied !“, the opening theme of anime One Punch Man. This collaboration merges the powerful vocals of both bands with thunderous percussion, creating an explosive sound.

We’ve been fortunate to gain interesting insights from JAM Project through previous interviews, as well as from their so-called “sixth member”, a figure many may not be aware of. We’ve also had the chance to speak with BABYMETAL in the past, so feel free and give that a read as well!

BOW AND ARROW / Plazma

Kenshi Yonezu

CDJapan

Kenshi Yonezu continues to push the boundaries of pop with BOW AND ARROW. The song lures the audience with a slow-pacing melody, only to reach an empowering chorus.

Kekka Orai

けっかおーらい

Kocchi No Kento

CDJapan

Kocci no Kento brings a vibrant, soulful energy with Kekka Alright. The song leans into a funk-rock groove rhythm that you can enjoy from the get-go.

ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)

Felix , LiSA

CDJapan

ReawakeR is the outstanding result of uniting LiSA’s anison experience, Felix from Stray Kids’ deep voice, and Sawano Hiroyuki’s orchestral sounds. This collaboration accomplishes a unique balance between hard-hitting rock, fiery rap verses, and a cinematic feel.

Don’t miss out on our recent interview with Sawno Hiroyuki where anison was of course one of the topics.

HUGs

Paledusk

CDJapan

Metalcore band Paledusk debuts in the anison world with HUGs. Matching the chaotic energy of the anime Gachiakuta, the song brings an adrenaline-driven sound thanks to the glitchy guitar sounds and explosive breakdowns.

Waltz

RYUGUJO

CDJapan

The vocal and dance group RYUGUJO showcases a theatrical rock sound in WALTZ. In accordance with its title, the track creates contrast between a classical, dramatic atmosphere and elegant rhythm, with the sophisticated arrangements and modern pop vocals of the group.

Hashire SAKAMOTO

走れSAKAMOTO

Vaundy

CDJapan

High-speed rock and passionate, raw energy: that’s what Hashire SAKAMOTO is all about. Performed by Vaundy, the song has a bold and rebellious energy that fits perfectly with the main character’s attitude in the anime. This is further emphasized through the constant fight scenes in the music video itself.

Watch me!

YOASOBI

CDJapan

OTOTOY

YOASOBI sets foot in a magical environment with “Watch Me!”, the opening theme of the anime Witch Watch. The song’s fast-paced rhythm and melodic vocals create a catchy, dreamy soundscape meant for shouting along.

YOASOBI is truly a unit that stands out in the current era, and we were able to experience that magic in person. Make sure to checkout our live report of their heartwarming show that comes with exclusive photos!

Hebi

へび

Yorushika

OTOTOY

Yorushika Hebi provides a gentle and hypnotic experience through melancholic vocals and ethereal guitar, enveloping listeners in a dreamlike atmosphere.

Spurt Syndromer

スパートシンドローマー

10-FEET

10-FEET has ensnares the audience with Spurt Syndromer through a powerful track that features a mysterious intro building toward an explosive chorus. This song is packed with enough energy and spirit of determination to light up an entire city!

Ruler

Mayu Maeshima

iTunes

Master of the dark arts, Mayu Maeshima brings a heavy and dramatic theme for Clevatess. Titled Ruler, the song centers around Mayu Maeshima’s powerful, soaring vocals.

DISASTERPIECE

Mori Calliope

CDJapan

VTuber Mori Calliope combines rap and rock in LET’S JUST CRASH, her second anison performance. The track features aggressive beats and sharp, bilingual lyrics that reflect the theme of resilience and align with the energy of the anime Gachiakuta.

P0WER - Akuryo Taisan -

P0WER-悪霊退散-

-SKS- ZIGZAG

CDJapan

ZigZag brings their unique brand of visual kei fever to the forefront. P0WER pushes even further the band’s heavy metal riffs and eccentric vocals, while also corresponding to the spooky atmosphere of Jigoku Sensei Nube.

Uru Siren

ウルサイレン

Umeda Cypher

CDJapan

Umeda Cypher fuses hip-hop flow with a distorted rock backbone in Uru-Siren. Using a siren-like motif and rapid-fire verses, the myriad of vocals accentuates the urban soundscape. As a result, we gain a punchy, high-pacing groove.

FUNK FIRE

BRADIO

CDJapan

Funk rock band BRADIO offers their characteristic upbeat sound in Mirai Cider, a refreshing and lively addition to the 2025 anisong lineup that gets you dancing.

BLADE

BLUE ENCOUNT

CDJapan

OTOTOY

BLADE represents what we love in shonen anime songs: an empowering rhythm that builds up energy until it reaches an electrifying climax. Thanks to BLUE ENCOUNT’s relentless vocals, the songs go a step further, reaching a sprawling aura.

THE IOLITE

sajou no hana

OTOTOY

sajou no hana delivers the haunting song “THE IOLITE”, featuring passionate vocals and a mysterious atmosphere expressed both audibly and visually.

Bonus Song

Hunting Soul

HAYASii

OTOTOY

While the fictional band HAYASii has sparked some controversy due to its similarities with X JAPAN in sound and the reference to drummer Hayashi Yoshiki’s name, the insert song Hunting Soul has still managed to fire up the anison scene, amassing over 27 million views to date in its YouTube release! Featured in the anime Dan Da Dan, the track is performed by Taniyama Kishou of GRANRODEO.

We’ve had the incredible opportunity to see Taniyama Kishou perform live in the past, and also just last year, and were left impressed on both occassions. On top of that, we were fortunate enough to interview GRANRODEO way back, so if that piques your interest, be sure to check out our coverage!

We hope you liked our picks! Leave a comment below if we missed your favorite anison!

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