Anime That Use Western Music ♬
last updated: mar 2024
Introduction:
Heres a list that includes EVERY instance of a "western" and "english language" songs being used in an anime. I know there are a lot of other webpages and forums that discuss and cover this. I used a couple of them to complete this list as i havent seen everything listed! Im attempting to create a full list. Theres probably a full list out there tbh but I would like to make my own.
Side note: this list does not feature songs that happen to use the english language partially. It has to be for the entirety of the song or at least 90%. Covers of "Western" songs will be included. For anime dubs I've decided to only include songs if they they had a theatrical release. Or if a show used a song that was preexisting before the dub of the anime. No original english music for shows that aired on tv. This would be an insane list otherwise and I want to make a different list concerning anime dub music anyway. I could make it easier on myself by not including dubs but i am insufferable.
The scope of this list has expanded over time as I feel the distiction between western and english language songs to be confusing and I like making lists so why does it matter.
If you notice something is missing dont hesitate to let me know. it would be appreciated.
This list currently contains 22 entries
A
Afro Samurai (2007)
Afro Theme by RZA
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits.
Afro Samurai: Ressurection (2009)
Combat by RZA
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits of the movie.
Appleseed (2004)
Good luck by Basement Jaxx
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits
B
Birthday Wonderland (2019)
The Show by Lenka
Additional Information:
this song is featured as a cover and japanese translation sung by Millet. This song is featured in the end credits of the flim.
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004)
I've Got A Feeling by The Beatles
Additional Information:
this song is featured as a cover sung by the main character in the 23rd episode. The song is changed in the english dub to the lyrics of the Beat Crusader's song "50 Cent Wisdom". I've also read that it's been removed from some DVD releases. Don't know if thats true though.
C
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
This Fffire by Franz Ferdinand
Additional Information:
his is featured in the opening song.
D
Deltora Quest (2007)
In this Life by Delta Goodrem
Additional Information:
this is the third OP on the show and was only for the japanese version. The Australian and other english releases used an instrumental unrelated to the Delta Goodrem song.
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
First Time by Finger Eleven
Dragonfly by Dust for Life
Step Into the Light by Dust for Life
Free your Mind by American Pearl
Elite by Deftones
I'm a Cloud by Boy Hits Car
Drag You Down by Finger Eleven
Seed by Dust for Life
Automatic by American Pearl
Fear by Disturbed
The Rebirth by Boy Hits Car
Stupify by Disturbed
Coming of Age by Breaking Point
Additional Information:
English songs that were featured in the 2001 Funimation dub.
E
Eden of the East (2009)
Falling down by Oasis
Additional Information:
this is the opening song. It has been removed from later releases and the crunchyroll/funimation version for licensing reasons.
The End of Evangelion (1997)
THANATOS-If I can't be yours- by LOREN&MASH
Komm Süsser Tod by Arianna
Additional Information:
The first song is the ending song for episode 25 AIR and the second plays in the third impact.
Ergo Proxy (2006)
Paranoid Android by Radiohead
Additional Information:
this is the ending song. It has been removed from later releases and the netflix version for licensing reasons.
F
G
The Great Pretender (2020)
The Great Pretender by Freddy Mercury
Additional Information:
this is the ending song
H
I
Ingress: The Animation (2018)
Tessellate by Alt-J
In Cold Blood by Alt-J
Additional Information:
The opening and ending songs.
J
K
L
M
Mushishi (2005)
The Sore Feet Song by Ally Kerr
SHIVER by Lucy Rose
Additional Information:
The opening songs for the first and second season.
N
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
Fly Me to the Moon Sung by many artists, composed by Bart Howard
Additional Information:
this song is the ending song. This song has many different versions in the show - sung by different voice singers. Kinda like how theres many versions around outside of the show. The ending has been replaced with Rei's theme for the netflix version.
O
P
Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt (2010)
Fallen Angel by Mitsunori Ikeda and Aimee B
Additional Information:
Ending song for the show. While it was written by LISA and Mitsunori Ikeda it was then preformed by Mitsunori Ikeda and Aimee B. Aimee B is an american singer and actress.
Paradise Kiss (2005)
Do You Want to by Franz Ferdinand
Additional Information:
this is the ending song.
Q
R
S
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac (1986)
I Ran (So Far Away) by Bowling for Soup
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits of the 2002 DiC dub of Saint Seiya. This is a cover of the original song by A Flock of Seagulls in 1982.
A Silent Voice (2016)
My Generation by The Who
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits
Super Crooks (2021)
ALPHA by Towa Tei and Taprikk Sweezee
Additional Information:
this is featured in the opening credits.
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Thank you and Credit to these pages and forums:
The wikipedia page for every anime featured.
This reddit thread specifically
Also this reddit thread concerning the scott pilgrim takes off OST.
Aaand this reddit thread on Licensed music in anime dubs
