10 best anime about rock bands

Anime about rock bands brings together the excitement of music with the drama and stories typical of anime. From bands struggling to make it big to students coming together through their passion for playing, these shows capture the energy and spirit of the rock genre.

The world of anime has given us dozens of great shows themed around rock bands over the years. Unlike live-action TV, animation allows creators to depict wild guitar solos, over-the-top stage performances, and fantasy-inspired concepts.

There is also more flexibility when it comes to telling stories about the lives of musicians in anime about rock bands. Some of the most popular and influential anime center on rock bands or feature key storylines about characters in bands.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

10 must-watch anime about rock bands

1. K-On!

This lighthearted comedy, a classic among anime about rock bands, follows a high school club of four girls who come together to start a rock band.

As the lead guitarist Yui Hirasawa learns to play her instrument, the K-On! band edges closer to their goal of playing live shows together after adding a new member, Azusa Nakano. While not all the typical band drama is there, the show captures the fun of hanging out and jamming with friends.

Scenes of the band eating cake and drinking tea are just as plentiful as ones showing them practicing guitar riffs. With two seasons and a movie, K-On! became a breakout hit about the simple joy of playing in a band, which they eventually named Ho-kago Tea Time.

2. Beck

In the classic anime about rock bands, Beck tells a coming-of-age story centered on the titular band working to make their break in the music industry. Viewers follow guitarist Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka as he develops an interest in rock music and learns to play.

He teams up with talented vocalist and guitarist Ryuusuke Minami to form the band BECK. With a unique blend of alternative rock, punk, and grunge, the band must overcome obstacles from family pressures to inner turmoil among members.

The challenges BECK faces will feel familiar to anyone who has ever been in or tried to manage a band. For music fans, seeing the effort it takes makes the payoff moments even sweeter.

3. Nana

The punk rock drama Nana, a standout among anime about rock bands, chronicles the lives and music of two different women who happen to share the same first name.

Tough Nana Osaki fronts the punk band BLAST, while kind Nana Komatsu, or 'Hachi,' dreams of love and happiness in the big city. Fate brings the two Nanas together as roommates in Tokyo, where they support and rely on one another as they both chase their dreams.

As Nana Osaki's band works to make it big, Nana Komatsu suffers heartbreaks. The show is equal parts music industry tale and youthful romance, with Trapnest, another significant band, closely tied to the plot.

4. Show By Rock!!

For a completely over-the-top take on an anime about rock bands, look no further than Show By Rock!!. The bright and bubbly series occurs in a fanciful world populated by anthropomorphic cats, rabbits, foxes, and other creatures.

Shy catgirl Cyan Hijirikawa is transported there and becomes the guitarist in the band Plasmagica. Although quite surreal, the show shares the camaraderie, joy of performing, and relationship drama of other music anime.

As Cyan competes with guitarists from rival bands, she gains confidence and comes into her own. With its unique look and pure silliness, Show By Rock!! is perfect for audiences who want their band anime fluffy, pink, and over the top.

5. Detroit Metal City

Detroit Metal City (Image via Studio 4°C)

Most anime about rock bands focus on pop, punk, or rock genres. For something completely ridiculous and metal, look no further than Detroit Metal City. Mild-mannered salaryman Soichi Negishi moves to Tokyo in hopes of starting a career as a pop musician.

Instead, he ends up leading a double life as the vulgar and violent Krauser II, frontman for the death metal band Detroit Metal City. The comedy comes from the absurd contrast between Negishi's true personality, his over-the-top Krauser II alter ego, and the dynamics with his bandmates.

While only 10 episodes long, Detroit Metal City delivers outrageous humor and surprisingly good melodic death metal songs. For metalheads looking for something completely silly, it can't be beat.

6. Fuuka

Created by the author of Suzuka, Fuuka is another engaging anime about rock bands that follows transfer student Yuu Haruna after a strange encounter leads to him breaking his cell phone.

He soon meets lively school idol Fuuka Akitsuki, an aspiring musician inspired by the band Hedgehogs, who dreams of forming a band and playing her songs for audiences. Yuu ends up befriending Fuuka and the other band members they create together.

While romance blooms and bands face off as rivals, there's also drama involving family and decisions about future plans. With love triangles and reversals of fortune, fans of high school relationship stories will find familiar elements to enjoy.

7. Carole & Tuesday

Set on Mars where humans have settled and made music a central part of the culture, Carole & Tuesday offers a more sci-fi take on anime about rock bands. The series follows the odd musical duo made up of wealthy but isolated Tuesday and orphaned pianist Carole as they try to make it as professional musicians.

What starts as a friendship between two very different girls with a shared love of music soon grows into a viral phenomenon neither expected. With engaging characters, meaningful themes, and gorgeous musical sequences, Carole & Tuesday brings an inspirational band story to a futuristic setting.

8. Kids on the Slope

Jazz fans will want to check out Kids on the Slope for a change from the usual focus on rock bands in anime. The short drama series centers on teens Kaoru Nishimi and Sentaro Kawabuchi, two misfits who bond over their love for jazz music.

Set in 1960s Japan, the show depicts two students from vastly different upbringings coming together through a passion for piano and drumming. With evocative and accurate jazz performances portrayed, Kids on the Slope captures both a period in time as well as the power of collaborative music.

9. Bocchi the Rock!

Bocchi the Rock! (Image via CloverWorks)

The lighthearted comedy anime about rock bands, Bocchi the Rock!, tells the coming-of-age story of introverted high schooler Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou. Lacking confidence but loving rock music, Bocchi decides to learn guitar and form a band.

She recruits unsuspecting classmates Nijika Ijichi on drums and Ikuyo Kita on vocals, along with Ryo Yamada on bass. What Bocchi the Rock! lacks in advanced musicianship, it makes up for with heart and humor.

Scenes of the band fumbling through practice and their first performances ring true for anyone who's ever started playing music from scratch. The show is relatable and fun for those looking back on their early attempts at rock stardom.

10. Given

Given, another anime about rock bands, follows gifted guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama, who one day meets mysterious classmate Mafuyu Sato while practicing guitar on a staircase. Ritsuka soon learns that Mafuyu is holding onto a broken guitar in hopes someone can teach him to play.

As Ritsuka takes Mafuyu under his wing and repairs his guitar, the two begin practicing together and end up bringing other classmates into their new band. Given explores themes of moving forward from grief through music and connection. Fans of boys love and music will find the series impactful.

Conclusion

Anime about rock bands have proven successful because it combines the underdog appeal of musicians striving towards success with the typical shonen themes of practice, hard work, and friendship. Shows like Beck, Nana, and K-On! also feature extremely hum-worthy songs and soundtracks.

Whether following a death metal singer hiding his true persona or watching school girls eat cake together in a light music club room, the diversity of music anime means there is something for every viewer. The best anime about rock bands inspires viewers to pick up an instrument and play.