Anime openings are more than just songs—they’re a gateway into the world of the series, setting the mood, introducing characters, and hinting at the plot to come. With their captivating visuals and unforgettable melodies, anime intros have become an integral part of the viewing experience, often leaving a lasting impression on fans. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey through the realm of anime openings and explore the 32 best intro themes that have enchanted audiences worldwide.
“We Are” by Hiroshi Kitadani – One Piece
The final words of Gol D. Roger: “My goods and wealth? You can have it if you want! “Search for it!” was the first phrase of the greatest adventure ever told. It was also masterfully combined with Hiroshi Kitadani’s “We Are” to create one of the most recognizable anime openings ever. For all One Piece fans worldwide, it is their absolute favorite.
Furthermore, we had the great fortune to see the current Straw Hat crew recreate this opening in the 1000th episode of One Piece. This presentation demonstrated our true progress and allowed us to relive all those great times. There are many more thrilling openings in One Piece, like Dreamin’ On, Brand New World, and Hope.
32. “My Dearest” by Supercell – Guilty Crown
While viewers may disagree with some aspects of Guilty Crown’s plot, there’s no denying the anime’s penchant for chic visuals and a piece of outstanding music. Guilty Crown, which has one of the most recognizable soundtracks of any anime released in the 2010s, excels right away with “My Dearest.”
The anime’s emotionally charged premise—that hearts can materialize as tools that factions might wield for good or evil—is highlighted in this opening scene. “My Dearest” by Supercell opens with a lovely melody of rhythmic piano and voice that builds gradually. Before they realize it, “My Dearest” bursts into a vibrant fusion of colors, concluding with a brief but appropriate pause.
31. “Departure” by Masatoshi Ono – HunterxHunter
Masatoshi Ono’s Departures is one of the most renowned anime openings of all time. A sight to behold is Ono’s enchanting voice combined with the inspiring lyrics and captivating images of HxH. I urge you to listen to the lyrics of this song as they truly motivate and inspire us to reach our objectives. We get chills when we hear this song again because it transports us back to all the memorable Hunter x Hunter arcs
Related: Hunter x Hunter Detail Review
30. “Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon – Attack on Titan
The words and artwork in this anime opening perfectly capture the unwavering battling spirit of our beloved heroes. An AOT fan’s life will always be filled with Guren no Yumiya, no matter what. We heartily advise you to listen to the same artist’s previous AoT soundtracks as well. Guaranteed to give you goosebumps!
Related: Anime Locations of Attack on Titan
29. “Again” by Yui – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Upon first hearing “Again” by YUI, everyone who has watched Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will undoubtedly associate it with the band. The song ended up being the ideal approach to balance out the anime’s range of conflicting emotions. There’s the Elrics’ heartbreaking history, their unwavering commitment to their goal, and the overall epicness of alchemy.
Everything that the anime has to offer is shown off in the beginning. Its gloomy opening offers a fantastic description of the scene. In the meantime, a lovely interlude is provided by the build-up to introduce each of the key characters. Finally, the song’s action-packed chorus emphasizes how amazing battles are to watch.
28. “Unravel” by TK – Tokyo Ghoul
“Unravel” by Tokyo Ghoul, a stunning vocal performance, comes in second. TK, the band Ling Tosite Sigure’s guitarist and vocalist, performs the opening theme. The band’s work in Psycho-Pass is well-known, although TK has performed on numerous solo openers.
Ken Kaneki’s quest to discover his identity is discussed in the lyrics. Ken ultimately comes to terms with himself through the song, which serves as a breaking point for him. Every episode has the song played twice—as the beginning theme for episodes 2 through 11 and the ending theme for episodes 1 through 12. Tokyo Ghoul’s debut season features just one opening theme, “Unravel”.
Anime Tourism: Tokyo Ghoul
27. “Tank!” by Seatbelts – Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a timeless series that is widely considered to have defined a generation; more significantly, Shinichirō Watanabe’s anime is particularly known for its music, a jazz-infused masterwork that ideally accentuates the narrative’s fusion of Western and science fiction elements. Cowboy Bebop succeeds in almost every aspect, as everything comes together to produce an epic that is compelling, engrossing, and has withstood the test of time. Part of the show’s legacy is music.
26. “Colors” by FLOW – Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass had a vibrant opening with “Colors” by FLOW, which was unusual for such a somber anime. The same musician who brought us another stunning “Sign” from Naruto also wrote this tune. They always hit their marks, don’t they? Without a doubt, one of the best anime openings ever is Colors by FLOW. Go for it if you want an incredible ride because Code Geass is among the greatest anime of all times
Anime Attractions: Code Geass
25. “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi – Neon Genesis Evangelion
“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi serves as the opening theme song for Neon Genesis Evangelion. This theme opens with a story of a life that should have so much more. A life full of bitter memories and intense suffering can, however, be “taken to the skies” and become a legend, as the opening video’s visuals demonstrate to viewers.
Scenes of Asuka, Rei, and Shinji as well as many series battles are shown in the opening trailer for Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Anime Attractions: Neon Genesis Evangelion
24. “The Hero!!” by JAM Project – One Punch Man
When it was first released in 2015, the anime One Punch Man created quite a stir. Since then, more than eight years have gone by, and we have yet to see a superhero anime opening as fantastic as The Hero by JAM Project. One of the greatest anime openings ever, it skillfully combines a song with our hero Saitama’s one-punch power. It’s just one of those songs you can listen to to get pumped up before working out or doing anything else.
Related: One Punch Man Apartment
23. “Hacking to the Gate” by Kanako Itou – Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a good choice for sci-fi anime enthusiasts seeking for a good time travel narrative. Okabe Rintarou, a self-described crazy scientist, and his friends find a way to send messages back in time in this anime adaptation of the visual novel. But when Okabe and his buddies explore this newfound mystery, they find themselves playing a risky game with the very elements of nature.
“Hacking To The Gate” by Kanaka Ito, the first song, captures all these emotions. The chorus’s ferocity blends with the monochromatic visual arrangement, which creates a sense of helplessness that Okabe must overcome, all starting with an optimistic yet foreboding premise.
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22. “Silhouette” by KANA-BOON – Naruto Shippuden
Certainly, the Naruto series was a major part of our childhoods, after One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Pokemon. Naruto has provided us with several timeless anime openings that will live on in our memories. Even after decades, Kana-Boon’s Silhouette remains the audience favorite among all the Naruto openings. It’s so much fun to watch and listen to this talented song and our favorite character throughout the day. There are undoubtedly a ton of other beloved Naruto openings that are deserving of recognition, like Blue Bird, Hotaru no Hikari, and Sign.
21. “Go!!!” by FLOW – Naruto
In terms of OPs, Naruto is comparatively reliable. Although there are a few forgettable opening themes in the Boruto series, overall, the anime has not produced a bad opening theme; in fact, some of the best opening themes in battle shonen history come from the anime. Even though it’s hard to pick just one, “Go!!!” by FLOW appears to be one of its best openings.
Naruto has undoubtedly produced more exquisite opening sequences in terms of animation than this initial attempt, but the same cannot be said about its looks. The innovative video, which uses a manga-style presentation with characters popping in and out of panels, complements the catchy and upbeat tune.
20. “Flyers” by BRADIO – Death Parade
“Flyers” by BRADIO is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t fit Death Parade’s tone. The anime, which is set in the hereafter, centers on Decim, a bartender who throws games for recently departed people to find out what will happen to their souls. The episodes are tough, have a lot on the line, and frequently explore dark topics and terrible backstories.
This is no lighthearted program. The cheerful pop song “Flyers” has a humorous music video that sets the stage for an experience that’s far different from what’s about to happen. This tonal discord notwithstanding, “Flyers” is such a great song that it nearly makes up for it.
19. “Bloody Stream” by Coda – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
One of the best episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a great fit for Coda’s Bloody Stream. With its vibrant and distinctive artwork, it perfectly captures the anime’s atmosphere. You should listen to the Dio version of this song as well. JoJo has been a unique anime since it has given us more memorable scenes, meme-worthy content, amazing soundtracks, and fantastic anime opening and endings!
Anime Tourism: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
18. “Hikaru Nara” by Goose House – Your Lie in April
Drama anime in general has a high standard because of Your Lie In April. Goose House’s “Hikaru Nara” is still a potent opening track even after all these years. The song opens with a lighthearted guitar strum that quickly transitions into a strong yet upbeat tune. After a powerful build-up, the song’s chorus explodes with such intensity that it will leave listeners speechless when it concludes.
The plot is completely revealed in the opening song and video when carefully evaluated, though this should not be particularly clear until you see it again. Considering how much of the narrative centers on the influence that music may have on a person’s life.
17. “Uragiri no Yuuyake” by Theatre Brook – Durarara!!
When Durarara!! first aired in 2010, it was quite popular, and it continues to have a sizable fan base today. The action-packed supernatural mystery series Durarara!! is set in downtown Tokyo. There was something for everyone in this large ensemble of characters with interwoven plot aspects.
The song “Uragiri no Yuuyake” by Theater Rock encapsulates the essence of the production. The catchy song brings everything together while showcasing the core cast of the first season and providing some insight into their dynamics.
16. “D-Tecnolife” by UVERworld – Bleach
“D-tecnolife” from Bleach is one of UVERworld’s best anime openings. They have never failed to create an anime opening. Not a single anime fan from the 2000s is still unaware of the song’s catchy melody. With the Soul Society arc, the series moved into a more serious storytelling mode, and the high-energy rock tune fit the bill.
The circumstances of both of the series’ characters at that time were reflected in the song’s lyrics. The singer’s words of encouragement to overcome despair and never give up are comparable to Ichigo’s need to persuade Rukia to continue living while being imprisoned by the Soul Society.
15. “Gotta Catch ‘Em All ” by Jason Paige – Pokemon
This entry is partially motivated by the fact that nostalgia may be a potent medication. During the Indigo League story, Pokemon utilized Rika Matsumoto’s “Aim to Be a Pokemon Master” in Japan. This is a great original song in and of itself. English-speaking nations, on the other hand, were treated to an alternative opening that would essentially eclipse any other Game Freak series music.
A lot of kids from the 1990s who dabbled in anime toward the end of the decade can sing Jason Paige’s “Gotta Catch ’em All” in their sleep. The song has extremely simple lyrics and a very simple composition. This is also not a complaint because “Gotta Catch ’em All” has one of the best hooks ever, which makes it dig its teeth into listeners.
Anime Shops: Pokemon Centers
14. “Cry Baby” by OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM – Tokyo Revengers
Since Official Hige Dandism’s song “Cry Baby” suited the character of Tokyo Revengers‘ MC Takemichi, the anime’s opening theme was chosen. This anime opening was guaranteed to be a hit on the first day of airing when the first episode aired, even before the show began to acquire popularity.
You may still recall how much you enjoyed this energizing anime opening every day when the new episode aired and how you never missed it. That’s how awesome it is, and it becomes even better as we watch a montage of our favorite Tokyo Manji characters striking icy stances to this song!
13. “Ai Yo Kienaide” by Kahoru Kohirumaki – City Hunter
One of Weekly Shonen Jump’s biggest hit shows, City Hunter also had a decent-sized anime franchise in the 1980s. Saeba Ryo, the main character of the show, is a private investigator who will crack any case—as long as his client is a stunning woman. It’s an idea straight out of the 1980s, and Kahoru Kohirumaki’s opening theme acknowledges that fully.
The soloist of “Ai Yo Kienaide,” a smooth City Pop theme, sings passionately about the value of love. The song’s lyrics allude to the developing romantic bond that is teased over the majority of the series between Ryo and his companion, Kaori Makimura. As much sleek ’80s design as possible fits into the opening titles, which run for 91 seconds.
12. “Home” by Asako Toki – Fruits Basket
The 2019 Fruits Basket revival only features incredible openings. Season 1’s “Again” and “Chime” established a very high bar, which was maintained by Season 2’s “Prism” and “Home” as well as Season 3’s “Pleasure.” To be honest, one might argue for each of these OPs, but Asako Toki’s “Home” comes out on top if one has to be called out.
There are some exceptions, but the majority of the greatest anime opening themes are either symphonic masterpieces or energetic compositions that energize fans. With its understated tempo, lovely vocals, and upbeat vibe, “Home” is a priceless song. This theme combines the elements of a beautiful sunrise, a warm embrace, and a kind smile.
11. “Kaikai Kitan” by Eve – Jujutsu Kaisen
Eve has released yet another incredible song for the show Jujutsu Kaisen. As everyone is aware, MAPPA Studios’ incredible animation work on JJK is well-known. And the introduction is nothing short of spectacular, with a ton of captivating images and a mesmerizing Eve song. There have been a lot of different anime openings for JJK, but nothing can match Eve’s display so far.
Related: Jujutsu Kaisen Characters
10. “Hohoemi no Bakudan” by Mawatari Matsuko – Yu Yu Hakusho
Few opening themes are strong enough to last the entirety of a series like Yu Yu Hakusho. But “Hohoemi no Bakudan” by Mawatari Matsuko is a fantastic tune that belongs in the finest shonen anime series ever.
The singer speaks on the value of the people they’ve made throughout their lives in this incredibly endearing pop song, which immediately makes any anime fan who has watched the show before feel nostalgic. Whichever version of the series a person prefers, the song is effortless to appreciate in its dub version, which is amazing as well because of artist Sara White’s flawless English performance.
9. “The Day” by Porno Graffitti – My Hero Academia
Porno Graffiti’s “The Day” is the first teaser for My Hero Academia. Fans of My Hero Academia adore the excellent opening tunes from each of the show’s seasons. The introductory theme foreshadows Deku’s character style quite well.
The song conveys the idea that Deku must give everything he’s got to become the #1 Hero and that he hopes that one day will actually be. A compilation of Deku’s training is seen in the video package, as the courageous young man sacrifices all to become the Symbol of Peace.
8. “Love Dramatic” by Masayuki Suzuki and Rikka Ihara – Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
All three of Kaguya-sama: Love is War’s openings have been handled by Masayuki Suzuki, who is currently enjoying a run of home runs. “GIRI GIRI” from season 3 does a fantastic job of portraying the anime’s steady turn towards romance and melodrama over pure humor, despite being a bit of a grower in comparison to its predecessors. At least nine episodes of season two feature the song “DADDY! DADDY! DO!,” starring Airi Suzuki. If you skip the song, you’ll miss it.
The first and last episode is “Love Dramatic” from season 1, which stars Rikka Ihara. “Love Dramatic” is not just the most recognizable opening theme for the franchise, but it’s also a fantastic song that you should listen to repeatedly.
7. “99” by Mob Choir – Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is genuinely categorized as one type of anime. Fans may doubt that even ONE who created Mob and OPM could replicate this enchanted encounter with Mob’s life narrative. And Mob Choir’s 99 turned out to be one of the greatest anime openings ever, which was a fitting tribute to this remarkable show.
The fact that you would be familiar with how Mob’s powers load up to 100 if you had watched the anime is what makes this opening so unique! Utilizing the same idea, they created an upbeat and motivating tune with hallucinogenic imagery. Who would have thought counting from 1 to 100 could be so much fun?
Where and How to Read Mob Psycho 100?: The Ultimate Guide
6. “Fly High” by Burnout Syndromes – Haikyuu!!
Without a doubt, one of the greatest sports anime series ever made is Haikyuu. And it has multiple openings for an anime of that caliber. However, nothing was even close to Burnout Syndromes’ first song, Fly High. Why do you inquire? The reason for this is that this music is a perfect fit for this anime. The song’s lyrics are a fantastic fit for the characters and their objectives, which are frequently metaphorically symbolized by crows. This is a very inspiring and brilliant opening for an anime.
5. “Battlecry” by Nujabes/Shing02 – Samurai Champloo
Not many anime openings feature hip-hop. But “Battlecry” by Nujabes and Shing02 fits Samurai Champloo’s opening credits just right. This is the only anime that has ever had a track by the late Nujabes on its soundtrack; he passed away in 2010.
The series blends hip-hop, aspects of the chanbara genre—the Japanese name for samurai films—with contemporary Japanese traits. The opening theme of Samurai Champloo, with its gentle pulse, complements the vivid images brilliantly and effectively portrays Mugen, the protagonist of the program.
4. “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” by Hironobu Kageyama – Dragon Ball Z
A show can reach a point when it feels impossible to watch it objectively because it has grown so famous. There is no other anime that has contributed as much to the global audience’s exposure to Japanese animation as Dragon Ball Z. It is the ultimate gateway anime. The opening theme of DBZ is presumably well-known to millions of people worldwide, however their recollections may differ based on the dubbed version they were exposed to as children.
To be honest, many of DBZ’s dubbed opening tracks are on par with some of the greatest anime OPs ever. While the Italian dub’s “What Is My Destiny Dragon Ball” is an excellent track overall, “Rock the Dragon” is a delightful music on its own.
Related: DBZ Vs. DB Kai
3. “The World” by VAP Official – Death Note
One of the most well-liked anime series for beginners is Death Note. Because of this, many people have a particular place in their hearts for the opening theme music of this anime. This theme music is excellent right from the beginning and even hints at the persona of our MC Light Yagami.
For those of you who, adore anime openings, you should definitely listen out to this series’ song and captivating soundtrack. For a lot of people, Death Note and its theme song will always be their first anime.
2. “Dream Of Life” by Shohei Ito – Bakuman
Bakuman examines the difficulties faced by aspiring mangakas. The narrative centers on Mashiro and Takagi, an artist-writer team who have been pursuing mangaka since their teens. Although Bakuman features several wonderful opening themes throughout its 75 episodes, nothing comes close to the excitement surrounding Ito Shohei’s “Dream of Life.”
The song’s central theme is a cheerful and enjoyable examination of the mangaka’s daily activities and the diverse individuals in their lives. Nothing, though, comes close to the song’s underlying theme of waking up to pursue one’s dreams once more. It’s a fantastic match for the continually inspirational appeal of anime.
1. “Gurenge” by LiSA – Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Fans of anime were treated to a unique year in 2019 as one of the greatest shows ever, Demon Slayer, debuted. It set such a high standard for animation quality that many contemporary anime have been motivated to go above and beyond ever before. This also applies to Gurenge by LiSA, which debuted to great success as an anime and topped the charts for an extended period.
Fans’ all-time favorite opening song was created by Ufotable Studios’ peak animation in combination with LiSA’s upbeat voice. It’s also a melody that anime reels frequently employ. Not to be overlooked are the current, amazing Demon Slayer anime openings, including Zankyou Sanka & Kizuna no Kiseki.
Related: Kimetsu no Yaiba Locations in Japan
Anime openings serve as a gateway into the world of the series, captivating viewers with their unforgettable melodies and stunning visuals. The 32 opening themes mentioned above represent some of the best that anime has to offer, each perfectly capturing the essence of their respective series and leaving a lasting impression on fans around the world. Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping action of Attack on Titan or the haunting beauty of Mushishi, these opening themes serve as a testament to the power of music to enhance the viewing experience and transport viewers to new and exciting worlds.
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