Summary
One of the things that makes anime truly anime—and helps burn it into your memory forever—is the music. Whether it’s an explosive opening, a tearjerking ending, or a goosebump-inducing OST, anime tunes turn great scenes into unforgettable ones. Enter L’Arc-en-Ciel, a legendary Japanese rock band formed in 1991.
Their name might mean “rainbow” in French, but their career is anything but soft and fluffy—they’ve sold over 40 million records. Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, if you’ve watched classic anime, chances are your ears have rocked out to their songs. Still one of Japan’s best-selling artists today, here are some of their most iconic anime tracks we just had to spotlight.
10You Gotta Run (Beyblade X)
Second Opening Theme
Beyblade might not be the freshest anime on the block, but it’s definitely earned its nostalgic street cred. Beyblade X, the 15th season (yes, 15th!), is based on the Beyblade X toyline and follows Team Persona—Robin Kazami, Jaxon Cross, and Multi Nana-iro—as they chase their goals and dramatic entrances.
The second season’s opening, You Gotta Run, brings serious ‘90s energy and rivals the first season’s opening, Prove (unless you’re in the Prove supremacy camp). And after L’Arc-en-Ciel’s three-year silence since 2021, this single dropped like a sonic boom. That final scene where Jaxon removes his mask? Literal goosebumps. It’s like Phantom of the Opera, but with spinning tops and more eyeliner.
9Forever (Eden’s Zero)
If you’re into sci-fiwith a splash of fantasy, Eden’s Zero might be your next binge. One of the funniest things about this anime? Some characters look suspiciously like they just walked off the set of Fairy Tail. That’s because surprise!—both were created by the same mangaka, Hiro Mashima. So yes, that’s basically Happy and Lucy in space.
But don’t worry, the story’s a whole new wild ride through the cosmos. The opening Forever gives off major open-air concert vibes—like you’re about to throw glow sticks into the galaxy. And while the endings slap too, Forever is the kind of track that makes you say, “Wait, am I nostalgic for an anime I just started?”
8Daybreak’s Bell (Mobile Suit Gundam 00)
First Opening Theme
Gundam is an old franchise—older than most of us, actually. The very first anime series dates all the way back to 1979. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is the 11th TV entry in the saga, airing in 2007. It follows the high-tech robot drama of Celestial Being and their sleek Gundams trying to save the world. But if you’re expecting just a mecha anime, surprise!
It’s packed with political philosophy and existential questions, too. The opening, “Daybreak’s Bell,” hits hard—literally and emotionally. It’s the kind of song that gives you goosebumps and reminds you how fast time flies… especially when you realize this was the first Gundam in HD. Yup, now you feel old and inspired.
7Fourth Avenue Cafe (Rurouni Kenshin)
Fourth Ending Theme
Rurouni Kenshin tells the story of Himura Kenshin, a former assassin with a strict no-kill vow, set during Japan’s Meiji Restoration. Despite being a classic, the series still packs a punch, and its openings and endings add extra fuel to the fire. The fourth ending, “Fourth Avenue Cafe” by L’Arc-en-Ciel, starts off with adventure vibes and sneaks up on you with emotion by the end.
It’s like a musical time machine for longtime fans. The ending shows Kenshin’s epic sword fight with Saito Hajime and a touching hug with Kaoru—equal parts sword clash and soft feels. Sadly, this gem only lasted six episodes before being pulled due to the drummer’s, well, herbal misadventures.
6Good Luck My Way (Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos)
Ending Theme
If you loved Fullmetal Alchemist and still feel that post-series void, give The Sacred Star of Milos a shot. The film kicks off with the Elric brothers chasing down a fugitive, only to end up saving a girl named Julia. Plot twist: she’s from the mysterious Milos Valley, and surprise! There’s a whole rebellion brewing.
Naturally, the brothers get caught up in the chaos (because when don’t they?). The film’s theme song, Good Luck My Way by L’Arc-en-Ciel, is their fourth love letter to the FMA franchise—and it shows. It’s the kind of hype anthem that makes you want to blast it while walking into your next big life decision like an anime protagonist.
5Blurry Eyes (DNA²)
Opening Theme
If you want to check out one of theunderrated 90s anime, DNA² is a must-watch. The plot is a bit complicated and fantastical. After a massive population explosion in the future, a DNA operator named Karin travels back in time. The main character, Junta Momonari, is a high school student who pukes every time he gets close to women.
The story starts when Karin and Junta cross paths. The ironic part? Japan currently faces the complete opposite population issue! Fans often compare Junta’s appearance to Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh! and joke about his playboy past before he ever picked up a card. Fun fact: the anime’s opening, “Blurry Eyes,” was covered by Vince Neil of Motley Crue in 2012 for a L’Arc-en-Ciel tribute album!
4Link (Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Samballa)
Opening Theme Song
As you probably know, there are two Fullmetal Alchemist series: Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The original series aired first but eventually diverges from the manga to create its own story. Brotherhood is the more faithful adaptation. If you’ve finished the original, The Conqueror of Shamballa serves as its sequel, following Edward Elric’s return to his homeworld after two years in a parallel universe.
Like the ending of The Sacred Star of Milos, the opening of The Conqueror of Shamballa was composed by L’Arc-en-Ciel. Released in 2005 as a single, the track later appeared on their Kiss album. The film was even voted the seventh-best anime movie of the year. Fullmetal Alchemist just keeps delivering memorable moments.
3Niji (Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture)
In addition to Rurouni Kenshin’s fourth ending, L’Arc-en-Ciel also composed the opening for the movie adaptation of the series. Rurouni Kenshin, also known as Samurai X, is surprisingly well done, not just in anime but also in its live-action adaptations, and this film is no exception. It focuses on the aftermath of the Kyoto Arc with the infamous antagonist Shishio Makato.
This song marks the band’s first release after Sakura’s arrest. L’Arc-en-Ciel is the only group to have composed multiple songs for the Rurouni Kenshin franchise, and Niji (Rainbow), one of their signature songs, is often played at the end of their concerts. The name itself is uplifting, offering a bit of hope for the future!
2Ready, Steady, Go (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Some things in life are connected, and without Fullmetal Alchemist, there probably wouldn’t have been Brotherhood. But that doesn’t make Fullmetal Alchemist a bad anime—it’s still great, though many believe Brotherhood is the better one.
One thing that stands out in Fullmetal Alchemist is definitely its openings, and the second opening, “Ready, Steady, Go,” is a prime example. This song also appears in the Japan-exclusive Nintendo DS game Daigasso! Band Brothers. It’s not just exciting; it makes you want to run, jump into action, and feel like the main character of an anime! Talk about turning up the adrenaline!
1Driver’s High (Great Teacher Onizuka)
The opening forGreat Teacher Onizukaages like fine wine—never gets old. “Driver’s High” perfectly syncs with Onizuka’s chaotic morning routine, creating a legendary vibe. The man literally walks out of a bathroom and somehow makes it look cool. L’Arc-en-Ciel was one of Japan’s top rock bands during the show’s run, and it shows.
If you heard this song as a kid, chances are it played a role in shaping your music taste. If every school had a teacher like Onizuka, bullying would probably be extinct. “Driver’s High” andGTOgo together like ramen and boiled eggs—an iconic combo that just hits right.
