Wether it's a battle scene, a plot twist or, obviously, an opening to a show, a good soundtrack is a point you have to place importance on if you want to make something memorable.
And these songs from classical* anime series/movies are so undeniably epic, they will have you falling from your chair while you read this because you raised your fist in the air
too strongly!
So, without further ado, let's give these a listen!
NOTE*: Just in case you were wondering, in order to avoid comment asking me "Where is Attack on Titan/Tokyo ghoul/etc opening?", in this case, by classic I mean everything made
pre-2005, but we will have mostly anime made before the year 2000 in this list.
15 . Dallos Opening Theme - Hiroyuki Namba, Anime: Dallos
Dallos was groundbreaking in its time, being widely regarded as the first OVA (Original Video Animation) ever made, it also marked famous director Mamoru Oshii's Science-Fiction debut, a genre which he became a master of and would be widely known for later, when he made Ghost in the Shell, also on this list. As for the song, it sets up the opening for the anime perfectly with its powerful first notes, and it would have ranked higher if it didn't follow up the beginning with a rather melancholic tune, that is beautiful, but simply doesn't retain the epic feel.
14.The Girl in Byakkoya - Susumu Hirasawa, Anime: Paprika
Susumu Hirasawa, you'll be hearing a few more times about this man during this top. One of the greatest movie composers ever, in my opinion, he achieves a unique combination of heart-pumping techno beats with traditional Japanese music and lyrics and sometimes very unexpected instruments. What can I say? This cool combo is perfectly fitting for a movie
as colourful and crazy as "Paprika", although it starts of with a light guitar solo, the music quickly jumps to Susumu's mind-blowing sound, well known to fans of anime. Note:I know the year of release is 2006 man, but c'mon, its so close to my limit and definitely epic enough to deserve it.
13.Making of a Cyborg - Kenji Kawai, Anime: Ghost in the Shell
And here it is: Mamoru Oshii's masterpiece, where maestro Kenji Kawai composed a haunting opening song for the scene in which Motoko is created. Classical Japanese instruments are accompanied by a chorus singing in the ancient language of Yamato to create a piece of music that is equally grand as it is contemplative, perfect for a flick that's filled
with both awesome scenes and deep philosophy.
12.Rotation (LOTUS-2) - Susumu Hirasawa, Anime:Millennium Actress
As we follow the life of the lead character from Satoshi Kon's touching epic tale of love and devotion, we are guided through the course of the actress' life by Susumu Hirasawa again, as he gives life to a song worthy of the "multiple" lifetimes a great actress has to run through. The trademark voice of Hirasawa's songs is present and as powerful a ever,
and the arrangements of the beats rise our heart up as we follow this lovely tale.
11.Angel's Fossil - Yoshihiro Kanno, Anime: Angel's Egg
A subtle tale of religious differences, Angel's Egg can be interpreted in a ton of ways, thanks to the director's expert crafting of scenes, and the composer's music, which completes the said scenes, as they have little dialogue. The soundtrack is mostly atmospheric in its construction, however, in a certain turning point of the movie, the track "Angel's Fossil" is played, which suits the scene of a bewildering discovery perfectly.
NOTE: epicness starts at 0:45
10.Yuria Eien Ni - Crystal King, Anime: Hokuto no Ken
I'm gonna be honest here, Hokuto no Ken is among the most ridiculous series I ever witnessed, and not in a good way, which is why this is something I'll probably never watch.
NOTE: The only anime I haven't watched yet from this top 15 are this one and another 2. Anyway, despite being riddled with ultra-macho cliches, and more deus ex machina moments than should be allowed by law, I cannot deny the awesomeness of its second ending song, with its old-school rock sound and powerful vocals...
9.Tokihanate! - Houko Kuwashima, Anime: Blue Gender
A mostly overlooked and underrated anime, Blue Gender is definitely not perfect, actually, its value consists in original ideas, and certain great scenes, not in a overall good execution or direction. The thing is, it's not an anime that constantly delivers, but every so often it shines because of something, and one of those moments when it truly shines is the opening: the initial high-pitched sound, getting more intense, and then making way for the catchy and hard guitar riff, and singer Houko Kuwashima's determined voice will surely make you want to gives this show a try.
8.Change the World - V6, Anime: InuYasha
I'd like to change some things about the world too, who doesn't? But one thing I'd never change is this song. It's perfect: the uplifting chorus suddenly jumps at you right from the start and catches your attention, and the variations throughout the melody represent the various struggles within the series very well (emotional struggles or straight up battles).
Although in a big series like InuYasha the openings change, of course, and others are good too, this first one and the melancholic ending will be the ones to spring right into your mind when you mention this anime.
7.Ai Wo Torimodose - Crystal King, Anime: Hokuto no Ken
God dammit, Crystal King, why couldn't you compose this song for another anime, seriously. Well, yet again we see Hokuto no Ken, and yes, at least for me this song, reminding me of the horrible anime it stands for, will always have a bittersweet taste. Just focus on the music and ignore anything else, please...
6.The Legend of Ashitaka - Joe Hisaishi, Anime: Princess Mononoke
Hayao Miyazaki, legendary director, teams up once again with Joe Hisaishi, legendary composer, to create their best work yet. Don't get me wrong, all Studio Ghibli movies are simply amazing, but due to having a powerful and deep message, the most badass female character Miyazaki made, and this beautiful soundtrack, among many others, Mononoke Hime is my favourite
Ghibli movie. Also, it is to be noted that this is probably Miyazaki's most violent movie, him being generally a family-friendly director, in this one he included a shot of an arrow flying at such high velocity that it decapitates a samurai! (A new meaning of "headshot", right?). And this song, it's the glorious crowning of an amazing OST, the magic of Studio Ghibli is
present as always, albeit this time with added power, and genuinely paralyzing violin crescendos.
NOTE: best part starts at 3:44
5.Dance of Curse - Yoko Kanno , Anime: Vision of Escaflowne
An interesting anime that is definitely on my "to watch" list. The reasons: an unique blend of the romance and mecha genres, great character development, from what I've heard, and the one thing I can confirm - a wonderful soundtrack, as would be expected from Yoko Kanno (music for Cowboy Bebop, RahXephon, etc). Very few battle themes can top this one, the fast violins at the beginning, showing the rush of combat, make way for the superb chorus (in French, of all languages), and the shattering drums, that hurl you into the heat of the fight, giving you a feel that the fate of something important is in the balance!
4.Tsuki no Mayu - Yoko Kanno, Anime: Turn A Gundam
Right after fifth place, we have another Yoko Kanno song, and the third and last anime from this list that I have yet to watch. Gundam had it's ups and downs, and is intimidating to start watching because of its great size, but, listening to this, I think I'll give Turn A a chance, at least. I mean, look how ethereal and still grand this song is, the military style drums, on the background of the unearthly chorus, everything fits into place to leave your mouth wide open!
3.Tetsuo - Tsutomu Ohashi, Anime: AKIRA
A hugely influential movie back in 1988, AKIRA still holds up well even to this day, which is why I did a whole review on it: https://steemit.com/film/@theodor/my-interpretation-akira-1988. So, naturally, I'll just be talking about this one song, perfectly embodying the man it's named after, Tetsuo, his burning anger and desire for revenge once he obtains almost godlike powers. Character that have telekinetic abilities (the power to move objects with their mind), usually call for epic songs like these, and this, my friends, is the ultimate example of how awesomely destructive a person on a rampage can be! He may be evil, but you can't deny he's also imposing!
NOTE: the moment you're looking for is 4:00
2.Zankoku na Tenshi no These - Yoko Takahashi, Anime: Neon Genesis Evangelion
I'm just gonna put this out: It's impossible to talk about this monumental anime, its shocking scenes and truly overwhelming themes in a few lines of text. Bottom line is, it is one of the greatest series (not just anime, in general) of all time, and this opening, despite not showing the crushingly depressive themes the show is known for, may carry the message of hope that is also present at times during Evangelion, a hope for mankind to find everlasting peace of mind, despite the way men are made by their creators, with confusion in their hearts, and numerous complexes. Truly, hope and the will to battle on is found in this song a lot.
And finally...
.
.
.
The most EPIC anime song of all time...
Ranma Half!!!
Don't click away, for the love of epicness, it just a joke!
Just kidding, yeah, but honestly...
- Forces - Susumu Hirasawa, Anime: Berserk
Hirasawa comes one more time to take the crown of my anime top 15. Berserk, also considered one of the best anime of all time, is a show that all about memorable characters, existential philosophy, and freaking turning someone's head inside out with your huge sword! It manages to combine all of these into one hell of a show.
"I just cut you in half, therefore I am! Take this philosophical statement, you wimp" (NOTE: not an actual line from the show)
Source: http://www.theblackswordsman.com/animated-series/volume-1-war-cry/episode-5/
Weaving in themes such as the sacrifices you have to make for your dream, finding your purpose in life, and the laws of fate and causality, Berserk is a monstrously grand show, and Forces exemplifies the supreme incarnation of a man's (supposedly) hopeless fight against fate, a fight he still refuses to abandon.
Like the trailer said: "Man may not control his destiny, but he can always fight against it!"
So, take up your sword...
'Til we meet again!