Top 100 JRPG Battle Themes

This list was initially compiled many years ago, around the end of the 2000s
I think I still agree with the list at large, and it holds up. Listening all the tracks to look for the links has been a trip down memory lane
It is a neat relic of 2000s JRPG fandom

EDIT (3/07/2023): So I saw some streamers doing a game about picking your favorite song among two options from a bracket, like a tournament, so I went to the website that hosted such games and made my own playlist with the top 100 from backloggd! I made it for me and my siblings to play as a family activity, but I can share it with you guys. I added many more songs there to reflect on what BGMs would probably go in an updated list. Feel free to play it: https://new.uwufufu.com/quiz/worldCup/649e4e0f1b2be9ff9f794dea/rank

100 Games

Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII
"One Winged Angel"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/pzQE_7mn8ts
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII
"J-E-N-O-V-A"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/G8eCJCcBelo
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger
"World Revolution"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/TQG5YL8Vg4k
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger
"Battle with Magus"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/HyjNbPdhQRg
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X
"Fight with Seymour"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/33IR1eUUC08
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts
"Night of Fate"
Composer: Yoko Shimomura
Link: https://youtu.be/_JUlNMAklhs
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI
"The Decisive Battle"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/8ksnA3Qjx5Q
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI
"Dancing Mad"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/g6UgxJtHIVY
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX
"Sword of Fury"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/QqNeaNWbZVw
Xenogears
Xenogears
"Stage of Death"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/jgVr_iVra2Y
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
"The Final Battle"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/Gsnmdrs6uCg
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
"Last Boss Battle After Transformation"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/VtT9TPfDpUM
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII
"The Extreme"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/4DqPVakFkOw
Final Fantasy VIII
Final Fantasy VIII
"The Man with the Machine Gun"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/LeScjOTYl7g
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
"Fight Against Smithy"
Composer: Yoko Shimomura
Link: https://youtu.be/ymM6MIzLxgw
Parasite Eve
Parasite Eve
"U.B."
Composer: Yoko Shimomura
Link: https://youtu.be/MURppPJVq5o
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC
"Merciless Savior"
Composer: Wataru Ishibashi
Link: https://youtu.be/V1GhOzlGXQk
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
"Hari-Hara"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/YdZ_2QwqwQQ
Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross
"Dragon God"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/GLnW1gnuO-4
Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross
"Between Life and Death"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/RXeHpftvQb8
Golden Sun
Golden Sun
"Battle with Saturos"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/uh1svF7sR68
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
"Battle Against the Black Knight"
Composers: Yoshito Hirano, Saki Haruyama, Naoko Mitome, Atsushi Yoshida, Kanako Teramae
Link: https://youtu.be/gqrCmPga46w
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics
"Apoplexy"
Composer: Hitoshi Sakamoto
Link: https://youtu.be/zhGHO-bxXbs
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics
"Ultema The Perfect Body!"
Composer: Masaharu Iwata
Link: https://youtu.be/jbpxYTP0WUg
Pokémon Ruby Version
Pokémon Ruby Version
"Battle! Wild Pokémon"
Composer: Junichi Masuda
Link: https://youtu.be/6VeN2zQw8T4
Suikoden II
Suikoden II
"Gothic Neclord"
Composer: Miki Higashino
Link: https://youtu.be/fq2vAaU-Kng
Suikoden II
Suikoden II
"The Chase"
Composer: Miki Higashino
Link: https://youtu.be/Dw9SexDhQfM
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
"Great Battle in the Vast Sky"
Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Link: https://youtu.be/MQ_p4AJrG9k
Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy IV
"Battle Theme 2"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/FQYEF_TShPU
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
"Last Battle"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/N3sErgVX25w
Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V
"Battle at the Big Bridge"
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Link: https://youtu.be/jH-Pddk-_4w
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
"Hepatica - KOS-MOS"
Composer: Yuki Kajiura
Link: https://youtu.be/UGye3lBCrJ0
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
"The Battle of your Soul"
Composer: Yuki Kajiura
Link: https://youtu.be/aFo97Zg0nOQ
Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana
"Meridian Dance"
Composer: Hiroki Kikuta
Link: https://youtu.be/dXqTJcVR65Q
Tales of Symphonia
Tales of Symphonia
"Fatalize"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/65SuB4E9lSA
Valkyrie Profile
Valkyrie Profile
"Confidence in the Domination"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/ertvporcCZI
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
"Battle for Survival"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/j_yq5VhWnC0
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2
"Divine Identity"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/7nWl5Rfftz8
Persona 3
Persona 3
"Battle for Everyone's Souls"
Composer: Shoji Meguro
Link: https://youtu.be/lbhz0O0dAyk
Shin Megami Tensei
Shin Megami Tensei
"Battle"
Composer: Tsukasa Masuko
Link: https://youtu.be/fGCFGbvfNCQ
Grandia
Grandia
"Battle #3"
Composer: Noriyuki Iwadare
Link: https://youtu.be/DysGnBO-Z0s
Shadow Hearts
Shadow Hearts
"Imbroglio"
Composers: Yasunori Mitsuda, Yoshitaka Hirota
Link: https://youtu.be/lJfhsgsVaTo
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
"Fatal Fight (Jin & Margulls)"
Composer: Yuki Kajiura
Link: https://youtu.be/YtA-iLt2rgw
Tales of the Abyss
Tales of the Abyss
"Meaning of Birth"
Composer: Motoo Fujiwara
Link: https://youtu.be/yzjy09H47_w
Tales of the Abyss
Tales of the Abyss
"Finish the Promise"
Composer: Motoo Fujiwara
Link: https://youtu.be/Z3oHr0286_E
Breath of Fire IV
Breath of Fire IV
"A Warring God"
Composer: Yoshino Aoki
Link: https://youtu.be/WROSWZowfFQ
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
"Deep in Coma - Battle in Japan"
Composer: Yoshitaka Hiroka
Link: https://youtu.be/XDvpikHYSHM
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
"Astaroth - Battle with the Fallen Angel"
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Link: https://youtu.be/Ka4zVt9DwMo
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
Shadow Hearts: Covenant
"The 3 Karma - Decisive Battle"
Composers: Yoshitaka Hirota, Yasunori Mitsuda, Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/iPmRVBa0NF4
Wild Arms
Wild Arms
"Battle - Zeik"
Composer: Michiko Naruke
Link: https://youtu.be/iND_imtNr6A
Wild Arms
Wild Arms
"Critical Hit!"
Composer: Michiko Naruke
Link: https://youtu.be/twRv1qR6rVw
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
"Chop!!"
Composer: Masaaki Kawai
Link: https://youtu.be/xTp8qHnE7sQ
Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia
"Battle 1"
Composer: Tatsuyuki Maeda
Link: https://youtu.be/PvIufgbDeZk
Skies of Arcadia
Skies of Arcadia
"Battle 2"
Composer: Tatsuyuki Maeda
Link: https://youtu.be/d5TNRQhJaSU
Megami Ibunroku Persona
Megami Ibunroku Persona
"Battle - Mid Boss"
Composer: Kenichi Tsuchiya
Link: https://youtu.be/8RqBbrlziOo
Trials of Mana
Trials of Mana
"The Sacrifice Part III"
Composer: Hiroki Kikuta
Link: https://youtu.be/OluPzMYygJM
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
"Ernst"
Composer: Wataru Ishibashi
Link: https://youtu.be/qnX-bjA_KE0
Breath of Fire
Breath of Fire
"Battle Theme 2"
Composers: Yasuaki Fujita, Mari Yamaguchi, Minae Fujii, Yoko Shimomura
Link: https://youtu.be/g05blrSr3ZQ
Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu he...
Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu he...
"Hero's Challenge"
Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Link: https://youtu.be/zcuX5H2_is0

This is not what all battle themes should strive to be. This is what all battle themes are.
Illusion of Gaia
Illusion of Gaia
"Clash of Light and Shadow"
Composer: Yasuhiro Kawasaki
Link: https://youtu.be/Swn_zQyU7Ug
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
"Running Fire"
Composer: Tenpei Sato
Link: https://youtu.be/3o0O4X28dZc
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
"Vitriolic a Stroke"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/qDoBcqdPx-Y
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
"The True Mirror"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/O4FdfaRX8EM
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
"The Divine Spirit of Language"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/0oGZn-K-gBo
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time
"The Incarnation of Devil"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/ca47GVRdhng
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
"Defeat at a Blow"
Composers: Izuho Namata, Masaki Nakagaki
Link: https://youtu.be/iks0dqbuRzY
Tales of Phantasia
Tales of Phantasia
"Fighting of the Spirit"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/gTPUtgGHAlg
Wild Arms 3
Wild Arms 3
"Gunmetal Action"
Composer: Michiko Naruke
Link: https://youtu.be/i_M4gUcrivw
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
"Battle #2"
Composer: Yasunori Shiono
Link: https://youtu.be/6wWHZE14hP8
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
"Battle #3"
Composer: Yasunori Shiono
Link: https://youtu.be/BLIrE5ivseQ
Suikoden III
Suikoden III
"Path Destroyer"
Composer: Michiru Yamane
Link: https://youtu.be/oJ6znDxoPvw
Breath of Fire II
Breath of Fire II
"Dying Corpse"
Composer: Yuko Takehara
Link: https://youtu.be/3fcKi80M0L4
Grandia II
Grandia II
"FIGHT!! Ver. 4 - The Final Battle"
Composer: Noriyuki Iwadare
Link: https://youtu.be/HG-TnJOCuP4
Grandia II
Grandia II
"FIGHT!! Ver. 3 - Middle Boss Battle"
Composer: Noriyuki Iwadare
Link: https://youtu.be/mCYO53OGydg
Suikoden V
Suikoden V
"Battle to Recapture Sol-Falena"
Composer: Norikazu Miura
Link: https://youtu.be/txJv0hpJ6h8
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
"Battle Theme"
Composer: Noriyuki Iwadare
Link: https://youtu.be/xXMf3YYNZX8
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter
"There is no regret"
Composer: Hitoshi Sakimoto
Link: https://youtu.be/8E9A1buawvU
Tales of Legendia
Tales of Legendia
"Seeking Victory"
Composer: Masaru Shiina
Link: https://youtu.be/mDXJ6e0klyw
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
"How Wicked Ruler"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/KXIWG7YFy64
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
"Celestial Troupe"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/-ciVAvtq9lQ
Tales of Destiny
Tales of Destiny
"Lion, Irony of Fate"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/lVBqdu6vZps
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
"Deceitful Wings"
Composer: Daisuke Achiwa
Link: https://youtu.be/Mg7W4xKTLNE
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
"Duke of Stratosphere"
Composer: Daisuke Achiwa
Link: https://youtu.be/aF3qrY4Zg80
Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits
"Natural Selection"
Composer: Yuko Fukushima
Link: https://youtu.be/1CdNF410qsU
SaGa Frontier 2
SaGa Frontier 2
"Mißgestalt"
Composer: Masashi Hamauzu
Link: https://youtu.be/W_HiktqwoCc
SaGa Frontier 2
SaGa Frontier 2
"Feldschlacht IV"
Composer: Masashi Hamauzu
Link: https://youtu.be/yPF-Uwt7Hj4
Romancing SaGa 2
Romancing SaGa 2
"The Seven Heroes Battle"
Composer: Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/zkOZFZ1fG9s
Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3
"Battle 2"
Composer: Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/Bm1jClJMT5U
Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3
"Four Noble Devils"
Composer: Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/PPwyFlLNhVA
Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3
"Last Battle"
Composer: Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/Kx7z3CNELGw
Baten Kaitos Origins
Baten Kaitos Origins
"Iconoclasm"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/eG6S_ZAP8Cw
Rudra no Hihou
Rudra no Hihou
"The Spirit Chaser (Surlent)"
Composer: Ryuji Sasai
Link: https://youtu.be/BPnFc-X3qhc
Shining Force II
Shining Force II
"Battle 3"
Composer: Motoaki Takenouchi
Link: https://youtu.be/qunj0fbMi9Q
Star Ocean: The Second Story
Star Ocean: The Second Story
"Stab the Sword of Justice"
Composer: Motoi Sakuraba
Link: https://youtu.be/icR3VBLxXWY
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
Romancing SaGa: Minstrel Song
"Decisive Battle - Saruin"
Composer: Kenji Ito
Link: https://youtu.be/LFJu5FgSNQo
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys
"The Strongest Foe"
Composer: Mieko Ishikawa
Link: https://youtu.be/yvAShxQrk64
Zwei!!: The Arges Adventure
Zwei!!: The Arges Adventure
"Demon Lord Vesper"
Composer: Atsushi Shirakawa
Link: https://youtu.be/JTqwGW5ZKYc
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion
The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion
"Wait, Eimelle..."
Composer: Hirokazu Matsumura
Link: https://youtu.be/I4QOXsrdKx8
Dragon Quest IV
Dragon Quest IV
"Battle for Glory"
Composer: Koichi Sugiyama
Link: https://youtu.be/nCt0ARbgjmk
Ys
Ys
"Final Battle"
Composer: Yuzo Koshiro
Link: https://youtu.be/c1eyt-5ubHw

1 Comment

Xator_Nova

11 months ago

Edited the description with the following addendum:
"So I saw some streamers doing a game about picking your favorite song among two options from a bracket, like a tournament, so I went to the website that hosted such games and made my own playlist with the top 100 from backloggd! I made it for me and my siblings to play as a family activity, but I can share it with you guys. I added many more songs there to reflect on what BGMs would probably go in an updated list. Feel free to play it: https://new.uwufufu.com/quiz/worldCup/649e4e0f1b2be9ff9f794dea/rank "
Xator_Nova

1 Comment

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