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Explore the vibrant universe of musical anime through our curated list of 17+ captivating shows centered around bands. Immerse yourself in stories that intertwine friendship, passion, and melodies.
These anime not only deliver entertaining performances but also delve into the personal journeys of characters chasing their musical dreams. From energetic rock bands to soulful ensembles, each series offers a unique blend of music, emotions, and growth.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply seeking heartwarming tales, these anime are a symphony of entertainment that will strike a chord with your heart. Join us in celebrating the harmonious fusion of anime and music!
List of the Best Anime About Music Bands
19. Bakumatsu Rock (2014)
Bakumatsu Rock is an anime about rock bands that takes place in the Middle Ages. The shogunate brainwashes its people with the heaven’s song and pop star music, and if you played any other music, you would be executed.
This makes people like our main character, Sakamoto Ryouma, who loves Rock ‘n’ Roll, and other Rockers want to stand up and show the world how Rock can bring freedom and justice.
18. Lapis Re:LiGHTs
Lapis Re:LiGHTs is a super underrated idol music anime that combines music bands and magic. The main characters in the show go to a magic high school where they strive become the best.
In the world of Lapis Re:LiGHTs, music is used as a tool to perform magic. The more hyped and entertained the people of a city are, the more powerful the magic will be.
With a devastating threat to the city, the newbie band of our main character to help protect their city with their music. This anime has beautiful friendship, unique themes and peaceful slice of life moments. If you ask me, this anime deserves a lot more recognition.
17. Gravitation
In the anime Gravitation, a young guy named Shuichi Shindo wants to be the next big pop star. He falls in love with Eiri Yuki, who is a well-known romance writer. She doesn’t think much of his skills or his hopes of becoming a big star.
The story is about how the two men fell in love as well as how Shuichi worked hard to get to the top of the music charts. Most of the story is about Shuichi and Yuki’s on-again, off-again relationship, but a lot of it is also about Shuichi and his best friend Hiro building a band.
16. Fukumenkei Noise
Another anime featuring rock bands, Fukumenkei Noise, has as its primary plotline a romantic drama. The story is about a young lady who had a difficult time being apart from her first love and two male childhood buddies.
After so many years apart, fate decided to bring them all together at the same high school, and from that point on, a sequence of musical and romantic events take place.
15. Bang Dream
In the popular music anime Bang Dream, which is about rock bands, a number of all-girl bands are included. These bands perform songs in the J-Rock, J-Pop, Pop Rock, and other genres that are relevant to their particular idol bands.
With more than three seasons and a movie, Bang Dream has attracted a lot of attention and lore development. As a result, there is a wealth of content for devoted fans, and it is undoubtedly delightful to sit and listen to the music while watching the characters have fun.
14. Show By Rock!!
Studio Bones’ surprising venture, “Show by Rock,” defies expectations. Despite its CGI animation, it embraces a music-centered world where melodies hold power.
Cyan Hijirikawa gets isekaied into a rhythm game world, where music grants control. Cyan, with her band members Retoree, Chuchu, and Moa, opposes evil plots. This lively show celebrates Japanese rock through cute characters. Give it a shot if you don’t mind CGI animation.
13. Zombieland Saga
Zombieland Saga is an idol anime with a twist. The main characters are all dead girls who have become zombies. The story starts off with our main character, Sakura who dreams of becoming an idol. But before she could even start her career, she gets hit by a truck and dies.
Years later, a quirky man revives her as a zombie. Along with other zombie girls she has to become a part of an idol band working under the man. They have to keep their identity a secret and figure out a way to become popular stars.
The show has a total of two seasons so far in 2023, and a sequel is expected to be released soon. Each character in the story is well written with a wealth of background details and emotions. So I highly recommend checking it out!
12. Love Live!
Love Live is hands down one of the most popular idol anime of all time. The first season of the show aired back in 2013 and its latest sequel was released in 2021.
It has several seasons, OVAs and movies because of its overwhelming popularity. There are even rythm games of this anime that can be played on android and iOS.
With each sequel the main character changes, but one thing remains the same. The main character is a music loving girl who aspires to be the best idol in Japan. You will get to see them put in insane hardwork to realize their dream.
11. Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight
Revue Starlight sets itself apart in the realm of music anime. Instead of focusing on bands or solo performers, it features a group of young women participating in theatrical musical shows. With stunningly animated stage battles combined with musical performances, it offers a unique and captivating viewing experience.
The story revolves around the students of Seisho Music Academy’s 99th class, all striving to excel as performers. Things take an intriguing turn when Karen Aijou stumbles upon an underground stage where girls compete to become the “Top Star,” earning the lead role in their class’ performance of Starlight, a play presented by every graduating class. Revue Starlight explores the dedication and hard work required to achieve musical stardom, exceeding expectations for an anime originally tied to a mobile game.
10. K-On!
K-on! is a famous anime featuring cute girls forming a rock band in the Light Music Club during high school. This show was incredibly popular back in the days. I’m sure veteran fans will remember K-on related posts everywhere on social media for years even after the show ended.
However, due to the lack of a third season, the popularity and hype faded away with time. Because of this not many newer fans are aware about this gem.
Everything about this anime will make you want to scream cute. The animation, voice acting, the personality of the characters are all adorable. This is a purely fun anime with little to no drama.
9. Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday is an anime about two girls forming a band, starting from the streets and dreaming about becoming big stars. This anime will always be close to my heart because it is just beautiful. The music, the animation, the story and the characters are all perfect.
In the story, the two main characters are striving to succeed as a musical duo on Mars, a vibrant metropolis bustling with life.
The girls, Carole and Tuesday, decide to leave their old life behind and compete against the cutting-edge AI singers of the globe after a chance encounter.
The main characters want to use music and song to share their emotions with everyone. To do this, they will need to work hard, be determined, and have a little luck.
8. Sound! Euphonium
Much like K-On!, Sound! Euphonium centers on a charming group of girls forming a band club. Protagonist Kumiko Oumae joins her school’s band, seeking a fresh start.
Yet, she’s drawn into band club adventures. Rekindling her passion for the euphonium, she aims to enjoy music without pressure. With her bandmates, Kumiko learns and thrives amidst band challenges.
7. Detroit Metal City
A musician who wants to be a pop singer but hasn’t been successful in realizing that desire is the MC of Detroit Metal City. Instead, he performs as Detroit Metal City’s face-painted lead singer.
Although his on-stage demeanor is renowned for being angry and demonic, the opposite is actually true. Krauser II, also known as Souichi Negishi, is actually a very kind and gentle person.
The show chronicles his quest to discover who he is as a performer while highlighting cliches common to metal music and mocking popular conceptions of what metal music is and how it affects its listeners.
6. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
If you’re a fan of anime about rock bands, consider watching Beck. It’s among the best in this genre, even without cute girls. If that’s not your preference, Beck offers a mature shounen vibe, making it ideal for anime fans seeking such content.
Beck follows a young teen who discovers purpose through a former rock band guitarist. This anime effectively portrays rock culture and the challenges of being in a band, showcasing both success and struggles.
5. Kids On The Slope
Another popular anime series that has received high recognition over the years is Kids on the Slope.
The series follows high school student Kaoru Nishimi as he relocates to a small village with his family. He gradually befriends classmate Sentarou Kawabuchi, often seen as a delinquent by most.
Sentarou does, however, have a side to him that Kaoru is able to see, and the two become close because they both enjoy jazz music.
Kaoru starts to come out of his shell and open himself like never before with the support of his new friend and a newfound love for music. The guys transform their lives and make lifelong memories through the love of music.
4. Given
Given is an anime about rock bands with a strong emphasis on boy-love romantic drama. Four people participate in an amateur rock band and play together as they practice for a huge show and deal with their escalating feelings for one another.
Given is one of the top-rated animes in this genre and even has a movie as a sequel if you enjoy BL Dramas with themes based on rock band music. Many fans are eagerly awaiting for Given Season 2, which will further explore the boys love relationship of the band.
3. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
Althogh not exactly about bands, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song stands out in the realm of singing anime. Unlike most, it centers on an AI idol’s efforts to avert a war between humans and robots.
Vivy, the sentient AI protagonist, initially aims to spread joy through singing. However, her mission takes a dramatic turn when a future AI approaches her, urging her to prevent a humanity-destroying war.
This beautifully animated series combines music and heart-wrenching moments, making it a must-watch for music and sci-fi enthusiasts.
2. Nana
A well-known drama anime involving rock music band is “Nana.” The story is about the lives of two young ladies as they pursue their dreams in life—one for romantic love and the other for a career in music.
In contrast to the majority of the anime titles listed here, which are filled with the youthful joy, Nana takes a more dramatic turn and incorporates themes of romance with a punk rock band vibe. I like it, a lot of other people love it, and maybe you will too.
1. Bocchi the Rock
Bocchi the Rock has surged in popularity during Fall 2022, becoming a top musical slice-of-life anime about rock bands. With a MyAnimeList score of 9.0, it’s undeniably a major success.
It easily surpassed the popularity of much awaited titles like Chainsaw Man and Bleach. Literally nobody was expecting it to though. Not even the mangaka of Bocchi the Rock.
This anime effectively portrays the life of an aspiring guitarist and band member, featuring a relatable main character dealing with social anxiety. The impressive guitar performances, music, and animations make it a highly recommended series.
If you’re wondering where to watch this legendary musical anime, check this article.
