The special TV episode “Gaikoku Hito ga Gachi de Touhyou! World Anime Song General Election” revealed the top 20 most iconic anime songs in history, long-awaited according to fans around the world . In a survey of 1,740 anime enthusiasts living outside of Japan, they were asked to choose their all-time favorite anime song.
The result was a collection of songs that resonated within the global anime community, providing compelling insight into fans' preferences and emotional connections to the music that accompanies the shows. their favorite animated shows and movies.
On this list, at the top is Yoko Takahashi's “A Cruel Angel's Thesis,” the unforgettable opening theme to “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” It highlights not only the enduring popularity of anime masterpieces but also the nostalgic power it holds for fans who grew up with it. From songs that evoke deep emotions to those that awaken the spirit of adventure, each song in the top 20 reflects the diversity of styles and genres that make up anime's musical universe.
Criteria that influence fan selection can range from emotional connection, to the song sequence featured, to quality of music composition and vocal performance. Additionally, the cultural impact and historical relevance of certain songs can also play an important role in fans' decisions.
Ultimately, the top 20 is a testament to the deep love and appreciation that fans around the world have for the music that accompanies their favorite anime stories.
20. “Guren no Yumiya” from Linked Horizon – Shingeki no Kyojin
19. “Shinzo wo Sasageyo!” from Linked Horizon – Shingeki no Kyojin
18. “Akuma no Ko” from Ai Higuchi – Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season part 2
17. “Tank!” from The Seatbelts – Cowboy Bebop
16. “Kaikai Kitan” from EVE – Jujutsu Kaisen
14. “SILHOUETTE” from KANA-BOON – Naruto Shippuden
14. “ButterFly” from Kouji Wada – Digimon Adventure
13. “CHA-LA HEAD CHA-LA” from Hironobu Kageyama – Dragon Ball Z
12. “Gurenge” from LiSA – Kimetsu no Yaiba
11. “Some Like It Hot!!” from SPYAIR – Gintama
10. “Where Our Blue Is” from Tatsuya Kitani – Jujutsu Kaisen part 2
9. “Again” from YUI – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
8. “We Are!” from Hiroshi Kitadani – One Piece
7. “SPECIALZ” from King Gnu – Jujutsu Kaisen part 2
6. “Blue Bird” from Ikimonogakari – Naruto Shippuden
5. “KICKBACK” from Kenshi Yonezu – Chainsaw Man
4. “Unravel” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure – Tokyo Ghoul
3. “Voltes V No Uta” from Mitsuko Horie – Chou Denji Machine Voltes V
2. “Idol” from YOASOBI – Oshi no Ko
1. “A Cruel Angel's Thesis” from Toko Takahashi – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion – Opening (Creditless)