Sci-fi and fantasy seem to be the go-to genres when it comes to the world of anime. But the anime industry is much more diverse than this as it incorporates other elements such as romance, drama, and even music. In fact, such is the fascination with rock in Japan that there is no dearth of "rock band-centric" animes.
While they cover different genres, such shows end up incorporating some classic themes like love and friendship. And then, of course, it goes without saying that these animes also boast some killer soundtracks.
Samurai Jam - Bakumatsu Rock (2014) - 6.0
Adapted from the video game of the same name, Bakumatsu Rock interestingly combines rock n' roll music with Japanese history. Set in the middle of the 19th century, the plot deals with an oppressive regime that allows the regime's music to be the only acceptable form of music. With such curbs on their freedom of speech, a group of young and passionate musicians assembled together to start a wave of rock music in the country.
As the band attempts to prevent the brainwashing of their people, Samurai Jam Bakumatsu Rock also yields some noteworthy political undertones.
Macross 7 (1994-1995) 6.4
Like several other entries on this list, Macross 7 features a band that poses as humanity's last resort in the face of a global catastrophe. As an alien race threatens to conquer the planet, and the band known as Fire Bomber realize their music is strangely the aliens' only weakness. What follows is the band's battle against these extra-terrestrial enemies.
The fictional band's popularity lead the fan-favorite characters to appear in the animated spin-offs Macross 7 Trash, Macross 7 Encore, and Macross Dynamite 7.
Legend Of Black Heaven (1999) - 6.6
Starting off with the everyday monotony of a common man's life, Legend of Black Heaven reveals that the hopeless protagonist was once a talented guitarist for a short-lived metal band of the same name.
But as the world enters an intergalactic war, Black Heaven needs to be reunited and 40-year-old Oji Tanaka needs to pick up his electric guitar once again to power a weapon that might be Earth's only hope. Combining tropes of sci-fi thriller anime with metal music and social satire, Legend of Black Heaven is an amusing experiment.
Tatooine Rhapsody (Star Wars: Visions) (2021) - 7.0
The Star Wars anime series is essentially an anthology, with each segment incorporating a different anime style and narrative. For those who are looking for a light-hearted musical twist, the sophomore episode "Tatooine Rhapsody" will be a perfect option, as it focuses on a band performing for the franchise's very own secondary antagonist Jabba the Hutt.
With its feel-good pop-rock tunes and a good break from the usually-serious tone of the series, one of the Star Wars: Visions episodes is a perfect pick for those looking for a quick watch.
Gravitation (1999) - 7.2
Unlike the large chunk of music-centric anime, Gravitation goes for a more grounded approach with a premise set in the real world. The anime is basically an underdog story about the pink-haired singer Shuichi Shindo and his constant efforts at turning his band into the next big musical sensation in Japan. A subplot also involves his struggles to impress a romance novelist who despises his music.
While most of the best shounen anime series usually deal with the young protagonist fighting his way to the top, Shindo's pursuit finds him literally singing his way to the top.
Bubblegum Crisis (1987-1991) - 7.3
The sci-fi anime series Bubblegum Crisis deals with a group of mercenaries that sets out to fight hordes of biomechanical creatures created by a corrupt corporation. It has all the makings of a classic dystopian story set in the backdrop of a cyberpunk-heavy Tokyo.
However, when she's not fighting off the bad guys, the mercenary leader Priss also rocks out with her pop-rock outfit Priss and the Replicants. True to the time of its airing, the music is influenced by the synth-driven sound of the 1980s.
Detroit Metal City (2008) - 7.9
Detroit Metal City is a prominent death metal group in the universe of this anime. However, underneath the profane and dark side of their music, each musician harbors different dreams of their own. For instance, the lead singer actually wishes to sing merry pop songs influenced by Swedish pop stars while his peers are fascinated with glam rock.
This duality of the metal rockers is what makes Detroit Metal City an interesting entry in the pantheon of rock band anime. Because of its multiple musical influences, a multi-genre soundtrack accompanies the show.
FLCL (2000-2001) - 8.1
A 12-year-old encounters an ominous yet hyperactive woman who carries a bass guitar with herself at all times. Instead of just being a musical instrument, the guitar also doubles as a buzzsaw, which she then uses to butcher the strange creatures growing out of the young protagonist's head.
There is a lot happening all at once for the over-the-top adventure that is FLCL while featuring some good 2000s alternative rock from the Japanese band The Pillows. It's definitely a great option for anyone willing to dive into some out-there anime.
Beck (2004) - 8.3
In the same vein as many movies and shows about rock music, Beck deals with the rise of such a band and the challenges that its members face. The storyline mainly involves a distracted teen finding a new purpose in life as he unexpectedly gets recruited as a guitarist and singer for the anime's titular band.
However, unlike other ensemble-driven animes, the members of the band aren't determined to succeed. They are just fairly average punk rockers who work their way up for a shot at the spotlight. And this is what makes Beck both relatable and inspirational.
Nana (2006-2007) 8.4
As the title suggests, Nana is a shoujo anime centering upon a young girl called Nana Osaki. As she sings for the Sex Pistols-inspired punk group Blast, the show also explores her romantic misadventures along with the rivalries that she has with other bands.
All in all, Nana is a coming-of-age tale that has equal doses of rock and romance. What's impressive is not only the music that Blast's members play, but also their punk-heavy visual aesthetic.