5 Best Anime Titles About Music to Binge While Waiting for 'Oshi no Ko' Season 3
From classical to rock and from school clubs to the professional stage.
Oshi no Ko masterfully demonstrates how music becomes the language of emotion, a weapon in the struggle for recognition, and a bridge between hearts.
If this approach resonates with you, the anticipation of the third season, which will be released on January 14, 2026, provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in other titles where equally poignant stories are expressed through music.
1. 'Nana', 2006-2007
IMDb Score: 8.5/10
Two girls named Nana meet on a train to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu is a naive girl with romantic aspirations who moves to the capital to get married and find work.
Nana Osaki is a cool, reserved singer who dreams of becoming a successful rock star. Their meeting could have amounted to nothing, but fate had other plans, bringing them together again – this time for good.
Both Nanas are vying for the same apartment, but instead of competing, they become roommates. Now, they will conquer Tokyo together.
2. 'Kids on the Slope', 2012
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Kaoru was always at the top of his class. However, due to his family's frequent moves, he never learned to make friends. Whenever he found himself in a stressful situation, he felt nauseous. The same thing happened at his new school, so Kaoru ran to the roof for some fresh air.
On his way there, he encountered the school bully, Sentaro. Later, the class president, Ritsuko, learned that Kaoru was interested in classical music and took him to her father's record store.
When she learned that he also played the piano, she took him to the store's basement, where he suddenly found Sentaro sitting at the drums, playing jazz.
3. 'Bocchi the Rock!', 2022
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Hitori had been shy since childhood. This continued until she accidentally came across a video of a famous rock band member – he said that he had also been a loner in school, but his life changed once he started playing in a band.
Hitori was inspired by this story. She picked up the guitar, learned to play it, and started posting covers online. Despite her growing online popularity, she still had no friends. Then, hoping it would attract attention, Hitori started carrying a guitar around with her.
And it worked. She caught the eye of Nijika, a member of a band looking for a guitarist for an upcoming performance.
4. 'Nodame Cantabile', 2006
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
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Chiaki is a distinguished pianist studying at the Japanese Music Academy. He dreams of becoming a conductor and collaborating with renowned European musicians. But he is afraid of flying and sailing, so he can't travel to Europe yet.
But that's okay, because Nodame bursts into his life. Or rather, he bursts into her life when he gets drunk and falls asleep outside her door.
The next morning, Chiaki wakes up to a beautiful Beethoven sonata played by Nodame. Embarrassed, he flees the apartment, but the girl and her playing continue to haunt him.
5. 'Kono Oto Tomare!', 2019
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
Takezo is the only member of the koto club at his school. The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. In order to prevent the club from being shut down, he must recruit new members.
He is soon joined by Chika, a bully whose grandfather made kotos and taught him how to play, and Hozuki, a true professional determined to win the tournament.
They must now team up and prepare a performance for the entire school in one month to spite the vice principal, who is waiting for any excuse to shut down the club.
