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Top 15 Anime Movies About Musicians and Musical Artists

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 5th 2025, 19:00 GMT+2

Cropped the colors within 2024 — The Colors Within (2024)

Few anime films channel emotion through both visuals and sound as delicately as *The Colors Within*. In this story, three teens form a band not for fame or attention, but to make sense of a world that feels too loud, too chaotic, and too full of unspoken feelings. Their emotions manifest as colors, and through music, they find a shared language when words fail. There’s a softness to the animation that mirrors the vulnerability of the characters, and when the band finally plays together, it feels like a soul being cracked open – gently. *The Colors Within* is less about the mechanics of music and more about what art can express when everything else shuts down. It’s thoughtful, tender, and surprisingly powerful. | © Science SARU & Story Inc.

Cropped blue giant 2023 — Blue Giant (2023)

You don’t have to love jazz to be moved by *Blue Giant –* but by the time the credits roll, you might find yourself searching for the nearest saxophone. This is a story about pure, relentless ambition. Dai Miyamoto doesn’t start out as a prodigy – he becomes one through practice, obsession, and raw emotion. His music isn’t polished, but it’s honest. The film doesn't just capture the sound of jazz – it captures the grind behind every performance, every missed note, every hard-earned breakthrough. It’s not afraid to show you the frustration, the competition, the doubt. And when the band finally locks into a groove, it’s transcendent. *Blue Giant* plays with fire, and it burns in all the right ways. | © Studio NUT

Cropped inu oh 2021 — INU-OH (2021)

Forget what you think you know about historical anime – *INU-OH* throws tradition out the window, plugs in an electric guitar, and stage-dives into your heart. This wild, unrestrained musical fable follows a masked dancer and a blind musician as they reclaim erased stories through explosive live performances. It’s theatrical, it’s defiant, and it’s incredibly moving. *INU-OH* doesn’t whisper its themes – it howls them with operatic flair, challenging authority and celebrating those who’ve been silenced. Every performance is a blend of rock concert, protest, and deeply personal revelation. The animation explodes with energy, never content to sit still. It’s one of the boldest anime musicals out there, both visually and thematically. | © Science SARU

Cropped sing a bit of harmony 2021 — Sing a Bit of Harmony (2021)

When a cheerful new student bursts into song during homeroom, you might assume she’s just... really into musicals. But in *Sing a Bit of Harmony*, she’s actually an AI programmed to spread happiness – through carefully choreographed musical numbers, of course. What begins as quirky chaos slowly becomes a touching story about loneliness, connection, and self-worth. The songs don’t just fill space – they reveal vulnerability, push the plot, and (sometimes hilariously) throw the characters into awkward situations. It’s a blend of heartfelt teen drama and light sci-fi that surprisingly works, thanks to its earnest tone and likable cast. *Sing a Bit of Harmony* doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it absolutely understands the power of a good chorus. | © J.C. Staff

Cropped words bubble up like soda pop 2021 — Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)

Some love stories arrive like thunder; *Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop* floats in on a breeze. This quiet, summery romance finds its rhythm in shy glances, exchanged phones, and the gentle cadence of haiku. Cherry, a socially anxious boy who writes poetry, and Smile, an influencer hiding her insecurities, slowly orbit one another with awkward sweetness. Their journey is stitched together by music – background tracks, vinyl records, and emotional beats that bubble beneath their interactions. The film’s bright, playful animation matches its lightness, but don’t let the soft palette fool you. It understands the weight of unspoken words and the courage it takes to say them aloud. Sometimes, a soft song says more than a scream. | © Signal.MD

Cropped belle 2021 — Belle (2021)

In the virtual world of “U,” a shy high‑schooler transforms into the idol singer Belle – a persona that blossoms in pixels and chords. The movie follows her as she navigates fame, mystery, and the ghostly echoes of a dragon-like figure that crashes her concerts. Visually lavish and emotionally sweeping, it fuses online avatar aesthetics and heartfelt musical storytelling. You’ll catch yourself humming the soaring soundtrack long after the visuals fade. Hosoda weaves the fairy‑tale-inspired arc around themes of identity, reconciliation, and reclaimed voice. It’s both epic and intimate, a trip through screens into real emotional landscapes. Studio Chizu delivers animation that’s polished yet full of soul, and the songs are as central as the plot. In short – *Belle* sings to the heart, not just the timeline. | © Studio Chizu

Cropped her blue sky 2019 — Her Blue Sky (2019)

This film brilliantly juggles romance, regret, and a time‑slip twist that’s as emotional as it is unexpected. It tracks a teenage girl haunted by her elder sister’s broken dreams – and a boy from her past who still plays trumpet under the sky. With music as a connective tissue between past and present, the film balances wistful melodies and tender moments. It unwraps layers of familial expectation, youthful longing, and rediscovered hope. The cluttered skies and bright suburban settings feel both nostalgic and alive. CloverWorks brings a polished, character‑driven animation style that amplifies the emotional resonance. The music doesn’t merely accompany – it shapes the narrative arcs and deepens character bonds. By the end, you realize this story isn’t just about looking back – it’s about finding courage to step forward. | © CloverWorks

Cropped On Gaku Our Sound 2019 — On‑Gaku: Our Sound (2019)

What happens when teenage delinquents with zero musical ability decide that forming a rock band is the only sane reaction to boredom? *On‑Gaku: Our Sound* answers with unfiltered creativity and raw energy. Three slackers steal kitchen utensils for drums, pluck any instrument they can find, and just go. Their music is chaotic, unpolished – and brimming with personality. The visuals mirror the DIY aesthetic: sketchy frames, improvisational angles, and the feeling that you’re watching inspiration forge itself in real time. There’s no slow build: it’s punk‑rock immediacy, from noise jam to actual song. The film respects the clumsy thrill of making music for the first time. It’s absurd, hilarious, and strangely motivational. Tip Top Productions gives the whole thing a kinetic spark that feels like teenage lightning bottled into film. | © Tip Top Productions

Cropped liz and the blue bird 2018 — Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)

This film whispers instead of shouts – but its emotional chords are still powerful. Focusing on two wind-band students preparing for concert season, it parallels their literal performance with an internal fairy-tale about letting go. No blaring solos or dramatic crescendos – just carefully rendered oboe and flute duets, ghostlike imagery, and teenage tension. Kyoto Animation distills subtle sadness and budding self-awareness in every frame. The soundtrack isn’t flashy, but it’s essential: every breath, pause, and reed note carries meaning. It’s a nuanced portrayal of friendship, envy, and finding one’s voice without drowning out others. The emotional payoff is intimate but profound: it resonates precisely because it’s quiet. If you want musical artistry portrayed with care, this is your concerto. | © Kyoto Animation

Cropped lu over the wall 2017 — Lu Over the Wall (2017)

What if a mermaid started singing? *Lu Over the Wall* takes that whimsical premise and spins it into a joyful exploration of music’s transformative magic. A lonely teen becomes bandmates with Lu, a ningyo whose voice captures hearts – and even causes fishy consequences. Science Saru choreographs a whimsical, energetic world where pop rhythms meet aquatic fantasy. The animation vibrates with color and fluid movement, and the music feels contagious – like you’re part of the band. It’s exuberant, inclusive, and unapologetically odd in all the best ways. Underneath the singing fish and seaside revelry lies a theme of connection and emotional release. It’s a splashy, musical invitation to let yourself dance, even if the ocean is the only stage you have. | © Science Saru

Cropped Love Live The School Idol Movie 2015 — Love Live! The School Idol Movie (2015)

What do you get when you combine heartfelt friendships, top-tier choreography, and emotional graduation anxiety? Apparently, a full-blown stadium concert. *Love Live! The School Idol Movie* takes the soaring success of μ’s and pushes it into its final, dazzling arc. But beneath all the sparkle and synchronized hand gestures is a bittersweet exploration of legacy and letting go. The film doesn’t just show the glitz of the idol world – it reflects the intense pressure to say goodbye to something beautiful before it overstays its welcome. It's fan-forward, sure, but it’s also a surprisingly mature sendoff for characters who grew up with their audience. And with show-stopping songs and larger-than-life performances, it gives its cast – and fans – the grand farewell they deserve. | © Sunrise

Cropped Aki no Kanade 2015 — Aki no Kanade (2015)

You wouldn’t expect a 25-minute short to leave such a lasting impression, but *Aki no Kanade* hits like a perfectly timed taiko strike. It follows Aki, a former taiko drummer turned Tokyo office worker, who returns to her hometown to help lead a youth drumming ensemble. What could’ve been a simple reunion tale instead evolves into a meditation on unfulfilled dreams, mentorship, and the way sound connects generations. The taiko scenes are animated with a rhythmic intensity that mimics the real thing – you can almost feel the vibration in your chest. Even though it’s brief, the story has depth and maturity, exploring the tension between personal ambition and communal contribution. It reminds you that sometimes, stepping back into your roots is the bravest thing you can do. | © J.C. Staff

Cropped K On The Movie 2011 — K‑On!: The Movie (2011)

London, tea, trains – and five girls carrying guitars through Heathrow Airport. *K‑On!: The Movie* turns a class trip into a love letter for fans, but also into a gentle finale on friendship, growing up, and artistic self-expression. The band’s decision to write one last song for Azusa transforms their journey into something more meaningful than sightseeing. Between the laughs and convenience store pit stops, there’s an emotional undercurrent that sneaks up on you. These girls aren’t just being silly anymore – they’re on the cusp of change. The performances still have charm and joy, but they’re now layered with nostalgia. It’s not about whether they’ll make it as musicians – it’s about how music made them who they are. | © Kyoto Animation

Cropped Piano no Mori 2007 — Piano no Mori (2007)

At first glance, *Piano no Mori* might seem like a simple underdog story, but it carries the emotional resonance of a full symphony. Kai, raised on the outskirts of society, discovers his natural talent for piano using a broken instrument abandoned in a forest. That single discovery sets off a chain of events that sees him competing against privileged prodigies and society’s expectations. The contrast between Kai’s instinctual, soul-driven playing and Shuhei’s trained perfection offers a compelling meditation on artistry versus discipline. The animation gives space to the music – letting long sequences breathe as the characters wrestle with stage fright, personal doubt, and the sheer joy of performance. It’s deeply human, quietly moving, and proof that music truly knows no boundaries. | © Madhouse

Cropped Nitaboh 2004 — Nitaboh (2004)

A lesser-known gem, *Nitaboh* tells the powerful origin story of the Tsugaru shamisen style through the life of Nitabō, a blind boy who finds his voice through strings. Set in the Meiji era, the film combines biographical realism with lyrical animation that mimics the rhythm and vibration of traditional Japanese music. It doesn't rush its narrative – the pacing reflects the patient, often painful process of mastery. But what makes it unforgettable is how respectfully it treats music as both craft and salvation. Nitabō’s growth from isolated child to recognized performer is not glamorized; it's earned through perseverance, humility, and connection to cultural roots. The soundtrack is stunning, grounding the film in both historical reverence and emotional depth. | © WAO! World

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Anime and music have long shared a powerful connection, combining breathtaking visuals with soul-stirring soundtracks to tell unforgettable stories. For fans of both art forms, anime movies centered around musicians and musical artists offer a unique and emotional journey. Whether it’s about aspiring idols chasing stardom, classical prodigies confronting their pasts, or underground bands redefining rebellion, these films capture the spirit, struggle, and beauty of creating music. In this list, we’ve curated the top 15 anime movies that strike a chord with music lovers and anime fans alike – perfect for your next watchlist.

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Anime and music have long shared a powerful connection, combining breathtaking visuals with soul-stirring soundtracks to tell unforgettable stories. For fans of both art forms, anime movies centered around musicians and musical artists offer a unique and emotional journey. Whether it’s about aspiring idols chasing stardom, classical prodigies confronting their pasts, or underground bands redefining rebellion, these films capture the spirit, struggle, and beauty of creating music. In this list, we’ve curated the top 15 anime movies that strike a chord with music lovers and anime fans alike – perfect for your next watchlist.