The Kamen Rider franchise has a wealth of awesome music, beginning with the original series' opening theme "Let's Go Rider Kick" to show the valour and strength of this new hero in a true '70s rock with orchestra. Meanwhile, Shin Kamen Rider (2023) brings us a remix of "Let's Go Rider Kick" by Taku Iwasaki, taking the original theme and injecting some modern flavour into it.
Taking a step back to the Showa Era, while on its own, Super 1's theme may merely be stupidly catchy, This remix takes it and saturates it in Hot-Blooded goodness until it is simply drunk with it!
The Kamen Rider BLACK RX (Masked Rider in the US) intro music by Takayuki Miyauchi will get you pumped. Listen here and see if you don't find yourself singing along to the chorus. Now with a 21st Century version.
You'll be hearing the opening of Kamen Rider BLACK a lot in the series since it has a tendency to play during battles. Why? It rolls in as much determination as it can get from its brassy rock and roll melody, sung by the main actor himself!
Alive A Life by Rica Matsumoto the opening theme of this series. has a very well made soundtrack for the series. While the music itself is awesome, the "glass break" sound effect in the opening episodes makes it even better. Completely suitable for a show about masked heroes (and villains) fighting each other inside the Mirror World.
The first ending Hatenaki Inochi by Hiroshi Kitadani, debuting alongside Shinji's first official transformation into Ryuki, it again says everything about Shinji while sounding badass at the same time.
The second ending Revolution, also know as the Survive Form theme, is probably one of the most Hot-Blooded songs in the franchise (also sung by "Kitadani Hiroshi", no less). It starts with a slow, gentle piano progression before picking up some pace and finally going into full throttle high-energy once the chorus begins. It even encompasses everything about Shinji's character in the second half of the series in its first verse, and everything about Ren in its second verse. Its debut alongside Shinji's Survive Form, with Shinji activating Survive for the first time and declaring that he definitely wouldn't die so Ren wouldn't become a killer, made the song and the scene one of the most iconic of the series and possibly the franchise.
The opening, Justifaiz, is a great song that fits with the show's darker theme. In 2017, the show's lead actor Kento Handa made a remixed cover of the song's first verse. The arrangement better fits the depressing feel of the show as Kento/Takumi walks through a bunch of the show's filming locations, ending with finding himself still lying on the hill where the show ended.
"DELTA STRIP ~ White Ring" is a disc-only song with a catchy beat and lyrics that reflect the Delta Gear constantly changing hands and sides over the course of the series.
"Existence ~ KAIXA-nized dice" is another disc-only song similar to "DELTA STRIP," but it is instead about Kaixa's Power at a Price properties while remaining similarly catchy.
"Round Zero~BLADE BRAVE" by Nanase Aikawa, the first opening, is a rousing pop-tech tune that illustrates the Riders, especially when the opening sequence has the main cast in flashy, formal suits and slight dancing.
"Kakusei" by Rider Chips emphasizes whenever Blade fights and succesfully defeats any Undead.
"Rebirth", sung by Kousei Amano (Tachibana's actor), embodies even more of Blade's epicness (especially when he's in Jack Form) and, by extension, Garren himself.
"ELEMENTS", the second opening and also by Rider Chips, is an epic rock track with the accompanying opening sequence having more dramatic and edgier scenes (such as Blade punching at the screen and shattering it).
"Take it a try", sung by Ryoji Morimoto (Hajime's actor), showcases both Blade King Form whenever he triumphs in battle against his opponents as well as Kenzaki's increasing bond with Hajime.
The first opening, Kagayaki, is a heroic theme that combines all of the instruments that the heroes use in the show, also being very notable for being the only opening song in the entire franchise without any singer.
The second opening, Hajimari No Kimi E by Akira fuse, has a strong orchestral theme that goes perfectly with the show's musical theme.
The ending song, "Shonen Yo", is a beautiful ballad with great vocals from Akira Fuse and orchestral backing.
NEXT LEVEL by YU-KI is an energetic and fast-paced opening theme, especially with the Clock Up nature of the series.
The first battle theme FULL FORCE by Rider Chips is also a hardcore theme that goes well with Kabuto, especially given how much of an accomplished fighter and individual he already is.
Kamen Rider Den-O's "Climax Jump" is a thrilling anime-esque tune to hype up folks for Ryotaro's adventures to maintain the sanctity of the timeline with his friends from the DenLiner. Also available in Imagin flavor, which mingles the DenLiner's resident Imagins to give a fun take of the song in their own vocals, as well as the many remixes of "Double Action".
Kamen Rider Kiva had a ton of awesome tracks during its series' run, most if not all of which were sung by the actors themselves. Then, June this year, Toei released a reunion album featuring redone versions of some of the previous songs. The fact that this happened at all makes it even more awesome, as it's probably the first time it's happened to any Rider series thatisn'tDen-O.
The show's Japanese theme is also pretty awesome, boasting the same thrilling rock and roll tune but with more Japanese language to make a perfect homage to its source material.
Gackt's "Journey Through the Decade", the opening theme, which is a hard rock tune that illustrates Decade's journeys throughout other worlds and such.
Decade's theme, "Ride the Wind", shows Tsukasa being epic in battle as well as his bonds with some of the AR characters he met.
Decade's transformation theme. This is a kick-action number sporting an acoustic guitar and small references to latin music with its claves and percussion. It showcases Decade's sheer power and edge as the Destroyer of Worlds who's also trying to save his own world.
Tsukasa and his allies travelled to an AU version of the universe of Kamen Rider Hibiki in episodes 18 and 19. Hibiki features Oni using musical instruments to destroy monsters, and Decade episode 19 ended with seven Riders performing a practical orchestra in order to destroy a Bakegani. Considering this is the type of finale we never got in the original, the scene and its associated soundtrack was all the more awesome. It's possibly the most awesome, and the most important, Fix Fic in the Kamen Rider franchise to date.
Diend's theme, "Treasure Sniper", illustrates the increasing growth between Tsukasa and Daiki.
The almost bittersweet "Journey Through the DECADE ~ Re-Mix RIDE 'Symphony'" is a melancholic symphonic version of the season's theme song, which is more than enough to start anyone's waterworks during the show's sombre moments. It even plays again when Tsukasa Kadoya sadly passes on at the end of Rider Time: Kamen Rider Zi-O vs Decade.
The ridiculously catchy and equally brilliant "Switch On!" by Anna Tsuchiya, being quite the rousing piece that's entirely appropriate for living in the exciting school days of Fourze.
"TAKE A STEP FORWARD!" Whenever "Giant Step" starts playing, you know awesomeness will ensue. Additionally, May'n later released a solo version of the song which isn't quite as energetic as the original, but more than makes up for it with her trademark powerful vocals.
Shooting Star by everset, the theme for Kamen Rider Meteor, has an epic rock music that showcases Meteor's epicness. The PV takes it even further by simply being Meteor beating up 100 Dustards.
"Bounce Back", Magnet States' theme, is an awesome tune to represent how Gentaro gets back on track despite taking blows.
The finale of Swan Lake playing over the rematch between Meteor and the Cygnus Zodiarts. You don't get many Rider Kicks to classical music, but damn if it didn't work wonders.
"Evolvin Storm", the theme of Meteor Storm, is quite the treat, with the PV, in particular, being a mixture of awesome, and silly.
"COSMIC MIND", the theme for Cosmic States, is very befitting of the main Rider's final form. "SHOW ME YOUR COSMIC MIND!" indeed.
"Endless Play" brings the edge to fight scenes, perfectly encapsulated during the finale's Bike Fu sequence.
Life is SHOW TIME by Sho Kiryuin, the opening theme, acts as a magical rock ballad that deals with Haruto being epic in battle in his determination to protect other's hopes.
alteration The theme for both All Dragon and any Drago Timer fight, despite only being played once in #26, is quite the sensation.
Missing Piece, the theme for Wizard’s Infinity Form, gets heroes like Haruto hyped up for battle, proving that he is the final hope.
"Ranbu Escalation", a duet sung by Kouta and Kaito's actors, deals with the epicness of both Gaim Kiwami Arms and Baron as they reach for their heights, especially by the end.
Rider Zu No Tairitsu plays when Gaim uses Kiwami Arms for the first time. It truly sounds like a war deity has entered to end the battle.
Another by Rider Girls, Toki no Hana (Flower of Time), the theme of the Jimber Arms, heard during the Gaim/Bravo fight in #17, summing up the sheer power of that new power and Gaim's will to save everyone in a fast, fleeting rock tune.
The opening theme, "SURPRISE-DRIVE", is incredibly catchy and awesome, especially with song having some speedy aesthetics. There's a reason why this is used as Drive's theme when he's kicking ass!
Super Hero Taisen GP's ending theme, Who's That Guy, which could double as Kamen Rider Sangou's theme, is pretty great in its own right.
"Theme of Takeru Tenkuji", a contender for "That One Tune", which is heard a few times (especially during Previously on… segment), but not to its full effect until the scene when Takeru's 99 days runs out the first time.
Specter's and Necrom's battle themes go all out in showcasing the two Riders' bravery, one rocking out, the other electronic.
Necrom's battle theme back in his early villain days shows the power of this deadly Rider.
There's also the standby sound for the Grateful Damashii which is very catchy and spooky at the same time.
Go! Go! Ghost! features a slapping bass and mysterious, ritualistic vocals to set the state for Takeru's spectral story.
Has a wonderful opening song in "Be The One" by PANDORA feat. Berverly. The techno music made by PANDORA and Beverly's AMAZING singing voice combined create a catchy song that shows the ideas of determination and hope that are present in the the series. Now available officially in English!
"Build Up" for Build's Genius form is a rocking tune dripping with pure genius and heroism, a fitting description of that Sento's strongest Rider form yet.
"CROSS" from the V-Cinema of Cross-Z, is a rock ballad detailing the changes that Banjo has gone through and the need to Enemy Mine with Evolt to use Cross-Z Evol.
"Perfect Triumph", from the V-Cinema of Grease, an energetic rock beat that shows off Kazumi's Determinator status to protect his friends and finish off the last villain that marks the end of Build's saga.
The opening, "Over 'Quartzer'" by Shuta Sueyoshi feat. ISSA, is a catchy electronic theme that is sung by the two singers who did the openings for Faiz and Den-O.
Zi-O's Image Song, "Zi-O! King of Time!", is sung by So Okuno himself. It plays in #16 when Sougo once again decides to become king and #22 when Zi-O II debuts.
The opening for Rider Time Shinobi, "IZANAGI", is sung by Hideya Tawada and captures the ninja theme of the rider.
The opening for Rider Time Ryuki, “Go! Now! ～Alive A life neeo～” is sung by the original singer for "Alive A life", Rica Matsumoto, and it's every bit as awesome as the first one.
"Believe Yourself", from the Kamen Rider Agito OST, plays in Zi-O #32 during the Zi-O Trinity and Agito Trinity team up fight, and it proves it is still one of the best ending themes in the franchise's history.
"Kagayaki", the first opening from Kamen Rider Hibiki, plays in #34 during Kiriya's debut fight as Hibiki. It seems that from now on, the theme music of past seasons will be returning!
Woz's Image Song for both Black and White counterparts, "Black & White", sung by the actor Keisuke Watanabe, plays in episodes 37 and 38 showing off WozGinga Wakusei and Taiyo forms for each respective episodes.
Kamen Rider Grand Zi-O's image song, "Next New Wφrld" by RIDER CHIPS, plays during the form's debut, and takes what was already an Awesome Moment and makes it even better.
The jingle that plays during Grand Zi-O's henshin may go on for a almost a minute, but those minutes are spent with a catchy tune which somehow manages to make lyrics just listing the different Kamen Riders that came before Zi-O amazing.
The theme to Zi-O vs. Decade and Decade vs. Zi-O, "Inside Out", sung by both Masahiro Inoue and So Okuno, has two versions for each series, channeling the score for the respective seasons.
"Aruto's Determination" begins solemnly and introspectively, but quickly moves into a rising melody and culminates in a series of powerful guitar riffs, demonstrating our hero gathering his resolution and stepping into the fray.
The REAL×TIME movie gives us "Zero-One & Zero-Two REAL×TIME Suite", the theme of Zero-One and Zero-Two. It begins peacefully and emotionally before quickly evolving into an exciting and badass remix of the original Zero One theme.
"Kamen Rider Eden's Theme" from the REAL×TIME movie is just awesome to listen to. The song as a whole seems to perfectly match up with Rihito's characteristics as both a Dark Messiah and Anti-Villain.
Both the OP and ED themes are very catchy and energetic, courtesy of the legendary Japanese ska band, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
"ALMIGHTY ~ Kamen No Yakusoku" features a catchy brass section accompanied by an energetic guitar riff and bouncy percussion, tied off by some absolutely wonderful vocals by [Alexandros]'s Yohei Kawakami.
"Kamen Rider Saber" is a brassy, confident tune accompanied by a fun dance that is sure to get you moving.
"Taju Rokou", the theme song to The Phoenix Swordsman and the Book of Ruin, is quite a wonderful and classic jazz number to listen and jam to.
"Will save us", a tragic and beautiful peace that plays during Desast and Ren's final fight. And who sings this? Mei's actress.
"The story never ends", a beautiful piece that plays as all the swordsman departs to Wonder World for their final showdown against Storious. The singer? Sophia's actress.
"BOOK OF POWER", an awesome high energy song that plays during the first part of the final battle. While only the instrumental plays, it doesn't make it less awesome. Plus, it's sung by Masanori Kobayashi, who previously sang the main theme for Kamen Rider Build New World Kamen Rider Grease.
Combining J-pop dance and vocal group Da-iCE, of One Piece fame, with Vice's voice actor Subaru Kimura makes for an extremely addicting liveDevil that, while it strays away from typical Rider openings, does so without foregoing the theme of Revice making it a fitting theme in the series.
"Without You", the ending theme of Kamen Rider Revice: The Mystery, lets Junya Komatsu's (Hiromi) and Kentaro Maeda's (Ikki) voices shine against a beautiful pop-rock instrumental. The DEAR GAGA version is just as potent - maybe even more so - as Junya Komatsu sings alone with a powerful orchestra.
Kamen Rider Vail's leitmotif is a terrifying but epic track complete with a blaring drone akin to Prowler's theme.
"MY DREAM", the ending theme of Revice Legacy, is a beautiful duet sung by Yukimi's actresses Kurara Emi and Sakurako Okubo.
"Mirage Mirror" is Live's ending theme, being a duet between Daiji and Kagero. While it's traditional for an endgame Kamen Rider song to be a duet (or a trio), there's a meta twist that the two of them are played by the same actor.
#46 gives us "Cherry-ish", the theme for Invincible Jeanne form, sung by Ayaka Imoto and Miku Itou is just pure awesome, going from fun pop-rock to surprisingly hardcore rock in a heartbeat.
The final episode gives us "Kimi wa Sono Mama de", a heartbreaking solo by Kentaro Maeda that encapsulates Ikki's feelings as Vice disappears.
"George Karizaki no Rider System", sung by Noritaka Hamao in-character, is essentially Kamen Rider's answer to Super SentaiHero Getter, featuring all the Rider series from 1971 to the present day.
"Riot in Bloom", the ending theme from the Girls Remix. spin-off is a fast-paced song that shows Hana Natsuki's growth from her time as Aguilera. Yui Asakura really gets to show off here.
"Come Alive" from the V-Cinext special features Hiromi and Daiji in a rock ballad about a warrior's determination.
Also from the special is "Love Yourself", a heartfelt and uplifting song sung by the actors for the Igarashi Siblings, Weekend Members, and Orteca.
"Itoshi no Frenemy", sung by George and Orteca's actors, is a fun and lively piece that perfectly contrasts George's quirkiness and Orteca's serious tone.
Kamen Rider Outsiders: m.C.A.T., known for 555's "People With No Name" and voicing most of the Rider equipment in Kamen Rider Ghost, perform the anthology's ending theme, "What's the Outsiders", with the tune invoking a dark version of "Let's Go!! Rider Kick!" from the original 1971 series befitting the gathering of past Kamen Rider villains to become humanity's last line of resistance against an authoritarian A.I. bent on culling down evil.
Shonan no Kaze return from their tenure under Gaim, and this time, are in collaboration with Koda Kumi for the opening theme. The result is "Trust・Last", an electronic rock piece that fits the show's theme of high stakes.
The aptly-named "Saa, Koko kara ga Highlight da", which kicks in whenever badassery — usually on Geats' part — is about to ensue.
"Boostriker", played whenever the Boost Buckle has a chance to shine.
The team-up film with Revice and Ryuki has Koda Kumi going solo for "Change My Future". In stark contrast to most Kamen Rider songs, this piece carries an atmosphere of tranquility and is very calming in tone compared to the loud and exciting theme tunes. The song returns in the series finale of Geats, emphasizing just how the cast have earned their happy endings and the right to pursue their desires and happiness.
Taking a page out of its Super Sentai contemporaries, Geats features a number of original character Image Songs.
Ace's theme, "Star of the Stars of the Stars", shares the same title as his celebrity moniker, and as such we get a classy jazz theme that not only sounds like casino music but is inundated with the fox rider's smugness.
Tycoon's theme, "I, Peace", is a standard Kamen Rider rock track affair with a funk style that would be right at home in Kamen Rider Ex-Aid... though a few pieces foreshadow some unfortunate events.
Na-Go's theme, "Beat of My Life", is cheerful and almost whimsical, embodying Neon's desire for a normal life... which becomes harder to listen to after recent reveals.
Befitting his zombie motif, Buffa's theme, "Undead Fire", is packed with hardcore and aggressive death metal, showing just how much of a fighter he is over everything else.
"Live For the Moment" has Ace and Ziin share a duet piece in a heartfelt song that sums up the aftermath of Ziin's Character Development.
Tsumuri's theme, "Let's Meet at the Desire Temple", is an upbeat and inviting piece that goes through every piece of information a new rider needs upon becoming a DGP player.
For the Kamen Rider PunkJack special, we have "ROLLIN' ROLLIN' PUNK KING", which allows Tsubasa Sakiyama to really show his skills in a fun punk-rock tune that lyrically encapsulates Win's experience with the DGP.
"Odds and Ends" from the Jyamato faction has Michinaga, Daichi, Beroba, and Archimedel in a heavy metal quartet that captures the ominous and dark nature of the series' Monsters of the Week.
Niramu gets "Non-Fiction", an electro-pop track that suits his Cultured Badass status while overlying his desire to keep the DGP as "realistic" as possible.
"Negai", the theme song for Geats IX, sung by Mitsume's voice actress Yuka Terasaki, starts as a melancholic song encompassing the hardships that Ace went through to see his mother for the final time before the franchise standard guitars kick in to bring it to represent his final form's high ass-kicking prowess.
"Chair", the theme song for Tycoon Bujin Sword, sung by Japanese rock band duo BACK-ON, has an electro-punk rock song with a techno beat that perfectly encapsulates the form's ability to whup the asses of everyone it meets, not to mention Keiwa's newfound utter ruthlessness.
For the summer film, Shonan no Kaze goes solo with "Desire", with a techno/reggae tone and tempo, with occasional rapping for an absoluteearworm.
The post-series V-Cinext film gives us "Dangerously", a techno-rock piece by Koda Kumi that starts the flick, and "CREATORS", a fun and lively ending tune sung by the actors for Ace, Keiwa, Michinaga, Neon, and Tsumuri.
Following their stint in Geats is BACK-ON with "CHEMY×STORY", pronounced as "Chemistry". It is an (admittedly anime-esque) rock song with high optimistic energy that perfectly aligns with the Lighter and Softer highschool direction Gotchard (originally) aims for. As if that wasn't enough, the 2024 version used beginning with #17 has not only BACK-ON at the mic, but Flow of Naruto and Code Geass fame, resulting in hot-blooded tones that give GaoGaiGar a run for its money. To sweeten the deal, BACK-ON released official Chinese and English translations of the original version alongside the collab version. The piano rendition is also a sweet and emotional track that plays during heartwarming/tear-jerking moments like when a wrestler must say his farewells to an action figure he bonded with.
And it's not just BACK-ON returning for Gotchard, with Beverly from Kamen Rider Build giving the series "Rising Fighter", a kickass disco tune with electronic techno reverbs that fits the series when the titular character gives out a whupping.
One half of BACK-ON with Koda Kumi returning from Geats results in "All for Love" from Blank Paper, and following on from Kumi's previous winter film song, this song has a more melancholically tranquil tone with notable beats of optimism from Gotchard's opening. As a result, it's just as pleasant to listen to as said pieces.
The third arc sees the return of yet again more seasoned veterans in the world of Rider music, this time being Rider Chips with "What's your FIRE", a hot-blooded heavy metal rock song themed around the Gotcharigniter that accompanies a very well-deserved rocket-powered beatdown to the Moon Malgam in episode 18.
Toei pulled out all the stops for the comeback of Kamen Rider Legend in the third arc with "Living Legend". Basically the man himself singing his own "I Am Great!" Song, the tune packs a rocking beat as the majesty of the golden savior displays itself in his full glory.
Alternative Title(s):Kamen Rider Geats, Kamen Rider Gotchard
" to show the valour and strength of this new hero in a true '70s rock with orchestra. Meanwhile, Shin Kamen Rider (2023) brings us a remix