The song’s infectious energy, paired with visuals of Gon’s journey, keeps you hooked. It’s a track that feels like an adventure in itself, perfect for hyping up fans. This is Supercell’s greatest song, embodying samurai tones and themes into a progressive rock anthem.
Awesome anime intros are often just as important as the series themselves. All those visual cues help viewers remember where the show is in terms of character development and storyline. This means a lot of anime intros change from season to season – not just visually, but musically, too. LiSA’s energetic voice along with Ufotable Studios’ peak animation made this opening an all-time favorite among fans.
But even those who have no patience to sit through roughly a minute and a half of jpop/jrock tunes have to admit that some anime legacies are defined by their choice of opening song. As seen previously on this list with the “Lucky Star” opening, having anime characters dance to their theme music can be an easy formula for a winning introduction. “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” provides another dance-heavy opening, set to the song “Easy Breezy” by the rap duo Chelmico.
And Naruto has offered us not just one, but literally lots of classic anime openings which will be eternally remembered. Out of all the Naruto openings, Silhouette by Kana-Boon is still ruling the hearts of the fans even after decades. The glimpses of our favorite character together with this gifted song are such a delight to watch and listen to all day. I’m sure there are many other favorites Naruto openings that deserve to be mentioned such as Blue Bird, Hotaru no Hikari, and Sign.
“We Are!” – One Piece
Its ‘Gotta Catch ’em All’ hook and Ash’s adventure visuals are pure childhood magic. Video games, movies, TV shows, cartoons, anime, toys, comics, and so much more. Memed beyond belief, it’s easy to dismiss this track as comedically overdone. This one is a big personal favorite of mine purely for the unique, guaranteed feeling of sorrow it sends down my spine. In my eyes, Bloody Stream by CODA epitomizes this with a fanatic and colorful 80s energy that spills out of the screen and directly into your eyes and ears.
Nichijou (My Ordinary Life) – “Hyadain no Kakakata☆Kataomoi – C” by Hyadain (Kenichi Maeyamada)
“Colors” by FLOW sets an energetic and dynamic tone that perfectly complements the complex narrative of “Code Geass.” From its catchy beat to the vibrant visuals, it’s no wonder fans instantly feel the urge to sing along every time it plays. The song’s lyrics resonate with the themes of rebellion and freedom, encapsulating the spirit of the protagonist’s journey. The combination of FLOW’s powerful performance and the stunning animation sequences makes “Colors” a staple in the anime community and a must-listen for any enthusiast. As the opening sequence unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world of mechs and complex relationships, all underscored by this powerful anthem.
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This opening sequence sets the tone for the anime’s second arc, blending colorful animation with dynamic character poses to mirror the series’ dramatic flair. The catchy tune and its synchronization with the characters’ movements create a memorable experience that perfectly encapsulates the show’s unique charm. Fans often praise the song for its ability to get stuck in one’s head and for being an essential piece of the JoJo experience, immortalizing it as a favorite. Silhouette by KANA-BOON is an iconic tune that set the tone for many episodes of Naruto Shippuden. Its catchy beat and powerful lyrics perfectly capture the series’ blend of action and emotional depth.
And that is the same case with its opening too, Gurenge by LiSA, was a blockbuster hit anime opening and topped the charts for a long time since its debut. Anime openings are an iconic part of the medium, and that hasn’t changed in the slightest over the years. Whether it’s old-school openings from the ’80s or ’90s or more modern openings from the 2000s and up, there are plenty of great anime openings that have cemented themselves as the best in the entire medium. A few anime openings like that especially stand out, as no matter how old or recent they may be, they’re sure to remain legendary for years to come. The series mixes modern-day Japanese characteristics with hip-hop and elements of the chanbara genre, which is the Japanese term for samurai films.
All the while Duvet plays the first bar and chorus; a soft melodic track exemplifying the dissociative symptoms strongly touched upon through the narrative. In each of them, our protagonist Lucy is nude, poised majestically much like in the original piece. It gives us some fantastic universal insight into Kaneki’s mind – or at least his feelings. Orgia’s mystical, eerie Russian lyrics permeate though this electronic ballad, accompanied by fitting 3D-CGI animation of the Major and the Tachiyomi engaging in combat and subterfuge. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t say it matches the tone of the anime itself narratively. And a wholly original opening song by Linked Horizon inspired by progressive top 10 movies rock, Germanic orchestra, and hardcore rock.
It’s one of the most iconic theme songs in the history of anime, and there is no better contender for the best anime opening of all time. Anime openings have the power to captivate and enchant viewers, setting the stage for unforgettable anime experiences. The 15 best anime openings of all time listed in this article are a testament to the creativity, artistry, and emotional impact that can be achieved through the combination of music and animation.
“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi is the main theme throughout the 26-episode series of Neon Genesis Evangelion. With the opening lyrics beginning as “Like a cruel angel, young boy, become a legend”, the song goes on to illustrate the obstacles Shinji is fated to face. The upbeat chorus is impossible to forget, making this a fan-favorite opener. JAM Project’s ‘The Hero’ for ‘One Punch Man’ is a fist-pumping rock anthem.
“Digimon Adventure” wouldn’t be the same without its iconic opening, “Butter-Fly” by Koji Wada. This energetic and catchy tune perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and friendship that defines the series. As the opening chords strike, a sense of nostalgia mixed with excitement sweeps over any fan of the show. The song’s blend of rock elements with an almost anthemic quality makes it unforgettable, and it’s often the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Digimon. Since its release, “Butter-Fly” has become a beloved classic in the anime community, resonating with audiences long after the show’s initial airing.
It’s a big part of why the show has become such a hit, and hopefully, Bocchi the Rock! Season 2 will have something just as great in store for fans old and new. Going along with the often abstract nature of the show, “Seishun Complex” doesn’t showcase any specific events of the story, instead using its time to show off the main cast in increasingly abstract and creative ways. Serial Experiments Lain’s opening still holds up, thanks to its unique vibe.