On ICE.” With its catchy English lyrics and uplifting melody, the song embodies the dreams and aspirations of the show’s characters. The opening sequence pairs perfectly with the music, featuring elegant animations that capture the beauty and intensity of ice skating. This track not only rallies fans at the start of each episode but has also become an anthem for those inspired to embrace their own destinies, just as Yuri and his companions aim to make history in their sport.
The visuals, showing Ciel and Sebastian’s dark world, make this a theme you’ll never skip. I was going to include opening theme songs from anime I haven’t seen(yet know well) but I decided to cut that 130 down to 50 and curate my own personal list. It’s almost impossible to say that one single anime intro is the best of all time, but one of these openings has to be #1. Vote below on this comprehensive list of anime intros, including everything from Naruto and One Piece to Attack on Titan and Cowboy Bebop to get your favorite to the top.
In the 21st century, “Part IV,” “Part V,” and “Part VI” have all returned to the “Part II” theme while crafting their own great animated sequences to it. The “Samurai Champloo” theme song “Battlecry” was composed by the late, great Nujabes (often cited as one of the originators of the lofi subgenre), with lyrics written and performed by Shing02. “Again” opens with more gentle lyrics against the backdrop of an acoustic guitar until it momentarily drops a sick electric guitar riff for the title before reverting back to the gentle, speculative tones. Then the tempo unravels into quick dispersal just as the main characters do, the percussion upping urgency mirroring the visuals. The tempo and tenacity in this theme tightens and loosens its grip in waves just as the story itself does. “Idol” by Yoasobi reflects the story of Oshi no Ko itself with the dichotomy of an upbeat façade against dark implications.
The song quickly became a fan favorite, not only for its catchy tune but also for how it complements the vibrant visuals and themes of identity and strength. It’s a piece that doesn’t just open the show but resonates with the viewer’s own spirit of adventure. “Idol” by YOASOBI sets the stage for the gripping anime “Oshi no Ko” with its catchy and energetic tune. The opening sequence is a vibrant showcase of the show’s central themes, featuring the glitzy world of celebrity and the darker undertones of fame.
And the opening is nothing short of it, as it is packed with enthralling visuals coupled with an enchanting song by Eve. There has been a number of various anime openings for JJK but I believe nothing can come close to this showpiece by Eve. Shinichirō Watanabe, the man behind one of the greatest anime, Cowboy Bebop dropped yet another masterpiece after that which is Samurai Champloo. And just like how Cowboy Bebop had one of the greatest anime openings of all time, Samurai Champloo offered us one of the most unique anime openings I’ve ever seen. It’s kind of similar to Cowboy Bebop’s Op but the distinct art style and Battle Cry by Nujabes feat.
The 17 best anime openings of all time
Fans might have their personal favorites among those, but most fans agree that a particular opening will hit harder than others. Some of the best anime opening themes of all time include tracks from childhood favorite anime like Pokémon to more recent hits, like My Hero Academia. “Again” is also set to exciting visuals that celebrate the intense action that fills the anime. After the unsuccessful previous anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist, “Again” is such a triumphant note to begin the new series that instantly assured audiences that the story would be in safe hands this time around. Music is deeply woven into its DNA and many characters and Stands are named after musical groups. Every opening song for JoJo’s is beautiful in its own way and none of them would be out of place here, but “Great Days” from Diamond is Unbreakable shows off Morioh in all of its weird glory.
However, Mawatari Matsuko’s “Hohoemi no Bakudan” is an amazing theme fitting for the greatest shonen anime series of all time. “Ai Yo Kienaide” is a smooth City Pop theme with the vocalist passionately singing about the importance of love. The lyrics hint at the budding relationship between Ryo and his partner, the tomboyish Kaori Makimura, a relationship that’s teased throughout most of the series. Meanwhile, the opening credits feature as much smooth ‘80s style that can be contained in 91 seconds. Yes, some anime openings have achieved global recognition and popularity.
The Best Anime Opening Themes Ranked
Alternative rock isn’t always paired with anime openings, but this perfectly complements the OP’s beautiful visuals. Much like the protagonist of the series, the Lupin III theme is among the most iconic in anime. After getting rid of the generic opening from the first series, Lupin III found the song that would follow the franchise for the next fifty plus years. The timeless nature of the theme is just one aspect that makes this a classic anime modern fans can fall in love with. If an anime is quite long, the series will likely have more than one opening.
Best anime openings of all time
Older fans seeking a nostalgic flashback to a previous era of anime might find some enjoyment in revisiting the series, but really, the majority of the fun is contained in the opening theme “Take It! Sailor Clothes.” How could it not be, with such iconic lyrics like “I wanna be the very best like no one ever was” immediately spelling out the entire theme of the show? Sure, Ash doesn’t necessarily “catch ’em all”, but he does indeed “travel across the land” with his best friends “in a world they must defend,” making for an adventure near and dear to many anime fans. LiSA’s ‘Gurenge’ for ‘Demon Slayer’ is a blockbuster hit with 106 million YouTube views. KANA-BOON’s ‘Starmarker’ for ‘My Hero Academia’ season four is a bubbly pop-rock bop. Its catchy hook and upbeat vibe fit the School Festival arc’s lighter tone perfectly.
This theme is beloved for its upbeat tempo and inspiring lyrics, resonating deeply with fans who followed Naruto’s journey. The misguided execution of Tokyo Ghoul’s later seasons remains one of anime’s bigger missed opportunities. The series ends on a sour note, but there’s so much promise in the initial season of Tokyo Ghoul, which also contains a phenomenal opening that continues to resonate years later.
The opening’s visuals are a perfect match, blending striking imagery with the song’s intense energy. Fans often praise “Unravel” for its ability to evoke a strong emotional response, making it a standout favorite and a must-listen for any anime music enthusiast. The melody is both powerful and delicate, mirroring the animation’s exquisite detail and the poignant storytelling.
It could accurately be said that “Tank!” hooked tens if not hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting Americans into anime fans when Bebop aired on Adult Swim. No wonder the Netflix live-action remake is making sure to include the original music. Gintama is a totemic series with more than 350 episodes, three feature films, and a recently movie guide announced spin-off in the works.