Music makes anime. A perfectly timed insert song can elevate a good scene to legendary status. A haunting theme can define a character’s entire arc. The best anime soundtracks don’t just accompany the visuals—they transform them into something greater than the sum of their parts.
2026 has delivered some absolutely incredible anime music. From returning composers knocking it out of the park to fresh voices bringing new sounds to the medium, this year’s OSTs are worth your attention—both as accompaniment to their shows and as standalone listening experiences.
Here’s our breakdown of the best anime soundtracks of 2026, the composers you should know, and where to listen.
The Best Anime OSTs of 2026
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc
Composers: Yuki Kajiura & Go Shiina
Was there any doubt? Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina have been consistently delivering some of the best anime music for Demon Slayer, and the Infinity Castle Arc takes everything up a notch. The dimensional-shifting castle setting allows for varied musical styles—from haunting ambient pieces as characters navigate impossible architecture to explosive battle themes as Hashira face Upper Moons.
Standout Tracks:
- “Infinity” – The main theme that plays as characters enter the castle
- “Hashira Resolve” – The recurring motif when Pillars unleash their techniques
- “Muzan Approaches” – Genuinely terrifying orchestral horror
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
Composer: Evan Call
Evan Call’s work on Season 1 was already exceptional, and Season 2 continues that excellence. The contemplative, European-influenced score perfectly matches Frieren’s meditative storytelling. There’s a melancholy beauty to every track that reflects the show’s themes of time, memory, and loss.
Standout Tracks:
- “A Thousand Years Hence” – Frieren’s expanded character theme
- “Magic of the Ancients” – Used during spell demonstrations
- “The Weight of Immortality” – The emotional gut-punch track
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
My Hero Academia: Final Arc
Composer: Yuki Hayashi
Yuki Hayashi has scored MHA since the beginning, and bringing it home requires delivering career-best work. The final arc’s OST balances triumphant hero themes with devastating emotional pieces as characters meet their fates. “You Say Run” variations hit different when everything’s ending.
Standout Tracks:
- “You Say Run: Final” – The culmination of the iconic theme
- “Symbol of Peace” – All Might’s emotional swan song
- “Plus Ultra Forever” – The climactic battle theme
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Vinland Saga Season 3
Composer: Yutaka Yamada
Yamada’s score evolves with Thorfinn’s journey. Season 3’s Baltic Sea War content requires both the visceral Viking battle music and the philosophical contemplation that defines the character now. The juxtaposition is masterfully handled.
Standout Tracks:
- “The True Warrior” – Thorfinn’s new theme
- “Storms of the Baltic” – Naval battle intensity
- “A Land Without War” – The idealistic hope
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Movie
Composer: Kensuke Ushio
Kensuke Ushio’s Chainsaw Man score was already iconic. The Reze movie allows him to expand with theatrical production values. The romantic elements get tender treatment while the action remains as visceral as ever. The Bomb Devil theme is appropriately explosive.
Standout Tracks:
- “Bomb” – Reze’s transformation theme
- “Cafe Days” – The romantic quiet before the storm
- “Denji’s Heart” – Emotional devastation in musical form
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Spy x Family Season 3
Composer: [K]NoW_NAME
[K]NoW_NAME continues to deliver the perfect balance of spy thriller tension, family comedy warmth, and action hype. The cruise ship arc setting allows for nautical influences while maintaining the show’s established musical identity.
Standout Tracks:
- “The Forgers Set Sail” – Playful adventure theme
- “Thorn Princess Rises” – Yor’s action leitmotif
- “Family Mission” – The heartwarming theme that plays during bonding moments
Where to Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
The Composers You Should Know
Yuki Kajiura
Known For: Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero, Madoka Magica
Kajiura’s signature style combines orchestral grandeur with electronic elements and distinctive choral arrangements. Her music is instantly recognizable and consistently elevates every project she touches. If there’s a GOAT conversation for anime composers, she’s in it.
Hiroyuki Sawano
Known For: Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill, Promare, 86
Sawano’s aggressive, bombastic style defines “epic anime music” for many fans. His Attack on Titan work is legendary, and his influence on modern anime scoring is immeasurable. Nobody does hype quite like Sawano.
Kevin Penkin
Known For: Made in Abyss, Tower of God, Rising of the Shield Hero
The Australian-Japanese composer brings a unique emotional depth to fantasy settings. His Made in Abyss scores are some of the most hauntingly beautiful music in anime history.
Kensuke Ushio
Known For: Chainsaw Man, Devilman Crybaby, A Silent Voice
Ushio’s experimental approach brings something genuinely different to anime scoring. His Devilman Crybaby work was revelatory, and Chainsaw Man showcased his range. He’s not afraid to be weird, and that’s what makes him essential.
Evan Call
Known For: Frieren, Violet Evergarden, Appare-Ranman
Call’s European orchestral style stands out in an industry often dominated by Japanese composers. His Violet Evergarden score is a masterpiece, and Frieren proves his consistency.
Yutaka Yamada
Known For: Vinland Saga, Tokyo Ghoul, Bleach TYBW
Yamada brings intensity and emotional range. His Tokyo Ghoul work (especially the Season 2 OST) showed his range, and Vinland Saga demonstrated his ability to handle epic historical settings.
Best Individual Tracks of 2026
Most Epic: “Infinity” – Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Kajiura/Shiina)
The moment this track hits as characters enter the castle is pure chills.
Most Emotional: “Symbol of Peace” – My Hero Academia Final Arc (Hayashi)
All Might content in the final arc + Yuki Hayashi = tears guaranteed.
Best Battle Theme: “Hashira Resolve” – Demon Slayer (Kajiura/Shiina)
When the Pillars go full power, this theme ensures you feel it.
Most Beautiful: “A Thousand Years Hence” – Frieren S2 (Evan Call)
Contemplative, gorgeous, and perfectly suited to the elf mage’s perspective.
Best Character Theme: “Bomb” – Chainsaw Man Reze Movie (Ushio)
Reze deserved an iconic theme, and Ushio delivered.
Most Catchy: “The Forgers Set Sail” – Spy x Family S3 ([K]NoW_NAME)
You’ll be humming this one.
Where to Listen: Complete Guide
Streaming Services
Spotify
The most comprehensive anime music library. Most major soundtracks are available, often under the composer’s artist page or official anime accounts.
Apple Music
Strong selection, particularly for newer releases. Quality streaming for audiophiles.
YouTube Music
Variable availability, but often has tracks not on other services. Good for discovery.
Amazon Music
Growing anime catalog, particularly with Japanese imports.
Physical & Digital Purchases
CDJapan
For importing Japanese CD releases with full track listings.
iTunes/Apple Digital
Individual track purchases when streaming isn’t available.
Bandcamp
Some composers release here directly—check for indie anime projects.
Tips for Finding Anime Music
Anime Music Trends in 2026
What We’re Hearing:
- Orchestra + Electronic Hybrid: The Kajiura effect continues to influence modern scores
- Western Composer Influence: More non-Japanese composers bringing fresh perspectives
- Standalone Listening Focus: OSTs designed to work outside their shows
- Character Leitmotifs: Increased sophistication in character-specific themes
- Genre Fusion: Mixing classical, jazz, EDM, and rock within single scores
What Never Goes Out of Style:
- Sawano-style epic drops
- Emotional piano pieces during character deaths
- Insert songs timed perfectly to climactic moments
- Choral arrangements for anything involving gods or destiny
Building Your 2026 Anime Playlist
Here’s a starter playlist of 2026’s essential tracks:
Conclusion
2026 has been an exceptional year for anime music. The combination of veteran composers at the top of their game (Kajiura, Hayashi) and innovative voices pushing boundaries (Ushio, Call) means there’s incredible music across every genre.
The best part? This music exists beyond its source material. You don’t need to watch Demon Slayer to appreciate Yuki Kajiura’s orchestral mastery. You don’t need to know MHA’s plot to feel Yuki Hayashi’s heroic themes. Great anime music is great music, period.
So plug in, queue up these soundtracks, and let the music transport you—whether you’re rewatching your favorites or discovering them for the first time.
Related: Best Anime Openings All Time
| Demon Slayer Watch Order | Frieren Watch Order |