For a franchise about a children's card game, Yu-Gi-Oh! has a surprising amount of epic tunes in both Japanese and English.
Yu Gi Oh Toei series
- From the first series, "Kawaita Sakebi"
by Field of View. Mostly known in America as the opening to Yu-Gi-Oh! The Abridged Series. And then mondegreened in the beginning of the Other Abridged Movie. - The ending song, "Ashita Moshi Kimi ga Kowaretemo", which is as good as the opening theme, giving a nostalgic feel to the listeners even when they watch the anime for the first time.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
- The five openings from the Japanese version. All these opening themes are upbeat intense songs which get the viewers interested with the anime itself.
- "Voice", the first opening song, was used for Duelist Kingdom arc and Domino City Battles arc.
- "Shuffle" was used for preliminary stage of Battle City arc.
- "Wild Drive" was used for quarter final of Battle City arc and Virtual World arc.
- "Warriors" was used for the final four of Battle City arc and Doma arc. Even detractors of Doma arc admit that "Warriors" is an amazing song.
- "Overlap" was used for Kaiba Corp Grand Prix arc and Millennium World arc.
- "Voice"
- The Japanese tracks blend Egyptian/Arabic folk music with European orchestra. From the original we had Passionate Duelists, The Sealed Miracle, God's Anger, Uncharted Territory... Fang of Critias is so epic it gets its own techno mix!
- Although the Japanese tracks were removed for the dub, it made up for that with some pretty epic songs of its own. Each one is intense, boasting of the mystical powers that be in all their intensity, power, awe, and terror for being on the wrong side of them. You gotta thank Joel Douek for all these songs.
- Egyptian God Monsters and The Rage of Ra convey the divine power of the Egyptian God Cards, making it clear that anyone facing them is screwed. (And then Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light adds Clash of the Egyptian Gods and Power of the Gods to the mix.)
- Egyptian God Monsters
- The dub's opening (It's time to D-D-DD-DDDDDD-DUEL!), with an appropriately mystical, yet catchy tune that draws you in. The second part of the complete theme is used for the second season. Behold the sheer epicness!
- Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions:
- Passionate Duelists and God's Anger received epic remixes befitting a Big Damn Movie like this one.
- The three EYES tunes are all epic, climactic battle themes in their own ways, each remixing the same epic melody with more intensity each time.
- Passionate Duelists
- The German version starting with Season 2 introduced their very own intro, which is arguably even better than the American one.
- The theme that plays when Yugi first turns to Yami Yugi; it's called "Transformation", and it's epic.
- Genki no Shower, the first ending for the first season of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is a catchy tune about Yugi's friendship with Anzu, Jounouchi, Honda and Yami Yugi/The Pharaoh. Jeez, no wonder Seto Kaiba is jealous of Yugi's friendship. Anyone would kill to have loyal buddies like those four, especially in YGO verse where people can betray you just to get better cards. It's got nothing on "EYE'S", a hot-blooded song that accompanies the last anime arc with strong impressions.
- Mai and the Harpie Ladies starts off with a hip-hop beat before transitioning into a synth-heavy piece that grows more intense as her combos and strategies evolve.
- If Duke Devlin's theme was turned into dialogue, this is what it'd be: "Hello, ladies. As you can see, I'm the absolute shiz, am I right? What's that? You want to challenge me? Bring it."
- The dub has "Face Up, Face Down" and it's awesome.
- From the US version of the movie, we have "You're not Me." Also "One Card Short".
- "No Matter What" practically defines the bond between Yugi and Joey. Especially helps with the flashbacks of their friendship and how far it went to get them to this spot.
- The highly ominous Japanese Seal of Orichalcos theme. Whenever this started playing up you knew things were going to get bad soon.
- Thief King Bakura's theme, an ominous, highly catchy piece that suits his character perfectly.
- Toon World, which sounds so deviously mischievous that's it's absolutely perfect for the creator of Duel Monsters.
- Noah Kaiba has a pretty creepy, yet at the same time intriguing theme. Noah Kaiba's Japanese theme is even more beautiful.
- Dartz' theme and Movement of Doma from the Japanese version are some of the most beautiful tracks and fit the tragedy of Dartz and Atlantis.
- Marik got several different theme songs in the dub, all of which are excellent and highlight different aspects of his personality.
- Rising of Shadows, the music used when Yami Bakura defeats Bonz and his gang, is a mix of awe-inspiring power and the feeling that something horrible is happening.
- Yami Marik's Japanese theme, The Darkness Wakes. The first 30 seconds are highly ominous and immersive before dropping into a calmer, mysterious tune.
- Timaeus Awakens is easily one of the most epic and inspiring themes of the series.
- "I'm Not Gonna Panic" is a very memorable "The Villain Sucks" Song.
Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
- The first ending, Genkai Battle by none other than good old Jam Project. Fantastic bit of hot blood right there.
- The second ending of the Japanese version, Wake Up Your Heart. Bonus points for being sung by Judai's voice actor.
- The attack! and A miracle both start off sounding ominous. The former turns into badass rock and the latter is an uplifting piece that plays during Judai's comebacks in duels.
- Sad duel, badass theme of the Supreme King.
- Asuka's Theme radiates classiness.
- Although unreleased, Camula's Theme gives off some serious Castlevania vibes.
- A short but epic track, An Exciting Duel.
- Teardrop by Bowl serves as the OP for Season 3, being a melancholic theme that gradually gets you excited.
- Just try to listen to Precious Time, Glory Days without feeling pumped up.
- Wrath of Justice is a short but beautifully sad track.
- The triumphant melody that plays whenever Rainbow Dragon comes to the field, as though heralding the arrival of hope.
- The 4Kids intro, Get Your Game On, is an upbeat little number that really does make you feel like you're "chilling out with your crew in the schoolyard" playing Yu-Gi-Oh.
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's
- 5Ds introduces a slew of hot blooded music that continues to pump you as you watch.
- The first track "Speed World" sets the standards by itself but then after that in episode 5, you get hit with Jack Atlas' battle theme which FAR exceeds our expectations. Then Izayoi Aki shows up and we get blown back further.
- "We Ride to Survive" deserves honorable mention, even though it didn't make it to being a theme song. This and the winner as stated above had a very close call in the contest to pick the theme song, with only one vote difference.
- The first track "Speed World"
- Either track from the 5D's OSTs to bear the title "Yusei Battle".
- The later OP for 5Ds. BELIEVE IN NEXUS, sung by none other than Masaaki Endoh. Be forewarned: keep a clean pair of pants within reaching distance.
- Here's the full version.
- And if you thought that was awesome, you ain't seen nothing yet. In Episode 109, something happened that doesn't happen often in Yu-Gi-Oh!: a vocal song played during an episode. The awesomeness of "Clear Mind" (also sung by Endoh) is matched only by the Moment of Awesome that happens when it first plays.
- Here's the full version
- Pretty much all of the opening songs (including, surprisingly, the dubbed openings).
- For BGM, there's Jack, Aki, and Yusei's battle themes and the preview music.
- Speaking of Masaaki Endoh, "Asu e no Michi ~Going my way!!~", the fifth opening, is on the fast track to being this as well.
- Jack Battle 2.
- For BGM, there's Jack
- Z-ONE Battle. Instant Awesome, Just Add Ominous Latin Chanting.
- Lamentation, which plays during some of the most tearjerking scenes. Damn shame it was never released on a Sound Duel.
- Elegy also accompanies a lot of Tear Jerkers in this show.
- Sad End is also pretty good.
- Elegy
- The final episode uses the four best tracks in the show: Clear Mind, 5D's Theme, Yusei's Theme, and finally the 5th opening, Going my way!! Here it is.
- Light and Dark. Rex Godwin's battle theme. No further listening needed. Music is officially over.
- Saviour/Majestic Star Dragon's theme song is just ridiculously awesome, nuff said.
- Counterattack is the perfect sort of song to accompany an awesome turnaround. And if an enemy duelist summons a big, impressive monster for the first time...chances are you'll get to hear Confrontation.
- Duel of Friendship, a rare happy-go-lucky theme from this series.
- The fifth ending of the series, Future Colors by Plastic Tree, is especially emotional and powerful in context.
Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL
- "Masterpiece", the first Japanese theme, is an energetic rock song that greatly establishes the rocky but close relationship between Yuma and Astral.
- A Worthy Rival. Perfect for intense battles between two Worthy Opponents...given its title, of course.
- Duel Target! Lock On! Getting ready to Duel never sounded so epic.
- Freed Heart. Such an uplifting song, like the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
- Cruel Duel. Works up the tension against a difficult opponent, as if someone just went in without knowing what they were dealing with.
- Destined Duel. Triumphant. Things look like they're turning around when this theme sounds.
- Kaito Strikes. The theme of a Numbers Hunter coming down on you...and all set to this piece. Also when said Numbers Hunter gets a Big Damn Heroes moment.
- The Heraldic Beasts Bare their Fangs. Nothing says Oh, Crap! like seeing a bunch of seemingly harmless creatures based of off coats of arms revealing their true strength and utterly curbstomping whomever was unlucky enough to fight them.
- The Numbers Hunter. Nothing says Oh, Crap! like being faced with a ruthless Number Hunter who will stop at nothing to take your numbers...even if it means taking your soul with them!
- The fifth Japanese opening, showing that it's going to be an awesome season.
- The sixth Japanese opening, coupled with the epic scenes, gives a nostalgic feeling for the listeners. The same goes for the sixth ending.
- Battle of the Dragons. Ominous Latin Chanting? Check. Played when Shark first brought out Number 17? Check. Gives Oh, Crap! vibes? Check. It's still pretty good, despite being made for the dub.
- The God Medallion Descends. Very ominous, especially when a mega powerful Number is rearing its ugly head.
- Basically anything from ZEXAL Sound Duel 4.
- Barian's Force. It truly drives in the idea about how Yuma's new opponents, being direct pawns of Barians, are much more dangerous.
- Strong-Strike Duel. Alito's theme is quite hot-blooded, no?
- Battle of Two Worlds. Sets the stage for when everything—honor, loved ones, etc.—is on the line.
- Proof of Friendship. Emphasizes how much shit the protagonists have gone through, and yet they still refuse to give up.
- One-on-One Combat. Drops the tension onto the duel right away without holding back.
- Belief, which plays while Shark struggles with his identity.
- Endless Battle. Everything is going downhill, and the protagonist is barely managing to stay in the game.
- Vector's Scheme. Not a dramatic song, but instead plays up a sense of unease and doubt.
- Barian's Force.
- Both of the English themes, "Take a Chance" and "Halfway to Forever", are heartwarming and awesome for their Determinator lyrics.
Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V
- Sound Duel 1:
- "One Step", the first ending, is very cute and catchy. It never goes away.
- Swing! Pendulum of Souls, used to great effect during Yuya's first Pendulum Summon and many other awesome summoning moments throughout the show.
- DDD is haunting and powerful - your rival might just be about to do something that blows you away.
- Reiji's Desire is calm and compelling and reminds you of the mystery shrouding Reiji's motivations.
- Yuya's optimistic theme is a happy and passionate theme. Can't you just feel Yuya trying to entertain you?
- Gongenzaka's theme, Steadfast Duel, sounds traditionally Japanese at first. After a while, it goes into a calm yet powerful beat, befitting a style that specializes in holding one's ground against all odds.
- "One Step"
- Sound Duel 2:
- The second opening theme, "Burn!" by Bullettrain, is very fun and upbeat.
- Fierce Battle of the Soul - "HOT-BLOODED!" indeed.
- Cornered Duelist just brings out your rebellious side.
- Wavering Feelings makes your heart run at its pace.
- Resistance leaves you with a sense of the desolation of Heartland, but also the willpower of those who still fight.
- Cornered Strategy - you can just feel the stress that Yuya is under when this is played.
- White-Hot Fighting Spirit, which sounds when things get really intense, and really dangerous.
- The second opening theme, "Burn!"
- Sound Duel 3:
- Track 2, Duel of Rebellion, is emotionally powerful and gives the sense of urgency and strength in the face of adversity.
- Track 18, Yuto's Passionate Soul, hits you straight in the feels about Yuto's death, mixed with the impression of just how powerful Yugo is.
- Track 23, The Evolving Falcon, reminds of the losses suffered by The Resistance and the willpower they have to keep going. It sounds something like a bird of prey circling, waiting to go in for the kill.
- Track 3, Breathtaking Offense and Defense. Its title implies you're seeing a great combo, but it sounds more like you're seeing a hopeless situation that's becoming increasingly dire. Special mention goes to when it's first played, where Yugo sees Obelisk Force finishing off a group of Red Shirts.
- Track 17, A Battle Beyond Imagining. An intense battle theme that gives the feel of a difficult opponent. It makes one want to brace themselves for the onslaught.
- Track 2, Duel of Rebellion,
- Sound Duel 4: The fourth OP, "Trump Card" by cinema staff, and the fourth ED, "Speaking" by Mrs. Green Apple, are catchy and upbeat songs that contrasted to the relatively dark plot happening during their run.
- The dub of the Synchro Arc re-uses some tracks from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, the most prominent being in any duel involving Jack Atlas.
Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS
- All endings of Vrains are great, with some arguing that they could be used as openings for the series:
- The first ending, "Believe in Magic", is an upbeat J-pop song that contrasts the series Darker and Edgier tone.
- Ending 2, "Writing Life" by Goodbye Holiday is more melancholic and relaxing.
- Ending 3, "Boy" fits with its futuristic beats.
- "Glory", the 4th ending, is the best one and is sung by Band-Maid, and it certainly helped boost the band's popularity.
- The first ending, "Believe in Magic",
- Opening 1, "With the Wind", is sung by none other than Hiroaki Tommy Tominaga, the singer for the Hot-Blooded Jojo opening (JOOOOOOOOOOOOJO~)!
- Sound Duel 1:
- Playmaker, Yusaku's badass theme, usually plays whenever he's summoning his ace card. Plus points for having undertones of "Passionate Duelist" from the first series but considering that it's composed by the same artist...
- Don't let Firewall Dragon's banned status distract you from listening to its badass theme with Firewall Dragon.
- Blue Angel catches up with her preppy theme that will make you shout "BLUE! ANGEL!"
- Contrary to its name Hanoi's Raid plays whenever we see Yusaku swarming the field, Cyberse-style.
- Extra Link is a fitting theme while Revolver summons Topologic Bomber Dragon and creates the extra link.
- Playmaker
- Sound Duel 2:
- The Tables Turn. Used when Revolver link summons Topologic Trisbaena and synchro summons Borreload Savage Dragon.
- The One Who Seizes The Storm, an energetic and triumphant theme that perfectly captures the feeling of Yusaku's winning strategy being put into action.
- The Tables Turn
- Sound Duel 3:
- Dueling with anger plays when Playmaker does one of his crazy combos/comebacks with a ton of Link Summons.
- Soulburner catches up with his theme in Soulburner. His theme is vaguely reminiscent of medieval music, reflecting his search for justice and his Hot-Blooded persona.
- Lightning's theme in Suite: "Light Ignis" starts off calm and relaxing before shifting to a darker tone, fitting Lightning's Light Is Not Good theme.
- Playmaker (Re-arranged), an upbeat remix of Yusaku's theme as he wins against his enemies.
- Suite:Awakening, the theme that plays whenever Bohman reaches his new potential and shows off his new Hydradrive monsters. It also plays when Ai activates Judgement Arrows.
- Dueling with anger
- Sound Duel 4:
- The Last Duel doesn't disappoint as it plays in Playmaker and Ai's climactic battle.
- An All-or-Nothing Battle captures the tension while Ai is summoning Water Leviathan @Ignister.
- The Last Duel
- The dub opening. All four versions of it. It manages to condense the cynical themes of the show into a minute of pure epicness. The comments say everything, especially after the divisive dub intros for the previous two shows.
Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS
- The main theme, "Nanananananana", has a high amount of energy and is such a fun and energetic song for a fun and energetic season.
- Sound Rush 1: Sevens Road Magician's theme has an amazing guitar riff and is sure to get someone pumped up and ready to see a climactic turn around.