Not Only 'Your Lie in April': 5 Best Anime About Music, Ranked by IMDb

Here, classical concerts share the stage with jazz, rock, and even death metal, and shy pianists overcome their inhibitions, and school band members perform with such energy that they electrify the audience.

We've compiled a list of the five best anime about music – not the famous Your Lie in April, but they're no less brilliant.

5. 'Inu-Oh', 2021

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

Japan, 15th century. Inu-Oh was born with a curse that forced him to hide his face behind a mask his entire life. He was so disfigured that his own father disowned him. The lonely boy found solace in dancing.

One day, he meets Tomona, a blind monk who plays the biwa, a stringed instrument. Together, they form a musical duo and begin performing throughout the country.

Their dazzling performances instantly made them local celebrities. However, fame is of little interest to them – uncovering the mystery of Inu-Oh's curse is far more important.

4. 'Detroit Metal City', 2008

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

The plot centers on Soichi Negishi, a shy young man who loves pop music and writes love lyrics but is too shy to talk to the girl he likes.

Ironically, this shy guy becomes the frontman of a metal band and transforms into the crazy rocker Krauser – his stage persona belies his tender and vulnerable nature.

Internal conflict becomes the central topic of the title, however, Detroit Metal City is also a worthy dark comedy similar to Metalocalypse.

3. 'Kids on the Slope', 2012

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

Because his father is constantly traveling for business, the shy pianist Kaoru moves in with relatives in the countryside and transfers to a new school. There, the anxious young man befriends the local bully, Sentaro, and a sweet girl named Ritsuko.

Thanks to jazz, which his new friend introduces him to, Kaoru's dull life takes on a new vibe. The trio of outsiders spends days listening to records and eventually decides to form their own band.

2. 'Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad', 2004-2005

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

The anime tells the story of a young musician named Yukio Tanaka who joins a rock band named Beck. One day, Yukio rescues a bull terrier named Beck from animal abusers.

Yukio meets the dog's owner, Ryusuke Minami, a young guitarist who dreams of forming a band. Ryusuke invites Yukio to join.

Throughout the series, the friends overcome numerous obstacles, ranging from internal band rivalries to the challenges of recording an album.

1. 'Bocchi the Rock!', 2022

IMDb Score: 8.3/10

Hitori Goto is a shy high school student who dreams of forming a rock band and becoming famous worldwide. She dedicates all her free time to playing the guitar, however, her shyness prevents her from opening up.

Everything changes when she meets Nijika Ijichi, a drummer who plays in a band desperately in need of a guitarist. Initially, her shyness prevents her from fitting in, but she eventually adapts to her new role.