My Top 10 Anime Openings

~ abstractceejay

Showing off hype with a rocking opening theme song!

Art by riooo (@reurangel_)

I briefly covered Anime Openings and their purposes in episode 1 of my podcast. For this list, I want to share my personal favorites throughout my years of viewing anime. As a general rule, I’ll choose only one opening per franchise. If I didn’t set this rule, I’m sure I would fill the list with opening songs from Bleach.

Beyond that rule, my criteria for a good opening are as follows:

  • Striking & Memorable Visuals/Animations
  • Reveals elements of Character
  • Use of Symbolism
  • Interesting and/or exciting theme song

And above all, the feelings they invoke in me. I will avoid spoilers for these shows when covering any symbolism or characterizations. If you find any of these openings intriguing, give any of these anime a watch!

That being said? LET’S JUMP IN!

10. “POP TEAM EPIC” by Sumire Uesaka from Pop Team Epic

If you want an example for how weird and random anime as an entertainment medium can get, Pop Team Epic is a way to jump straight into the fray. The opening animation and its theme showcase all the quirks and oddities you can find in a typical anime. The show itself is based on a 4-panel comic series released in 2014, and was adapted into anime in the Winter of 2018. It’s a wild ride even from the opening theme.

You’ll notice that the theme song shares the same name as the anime, and this is no mistake. Many studios commission musicians to tailor songs for the show and this song by Sumire Uesaka is no exception to this rule

9. “The HERO!!” by JAM Project from One Punch Man

Want a heart-pounding, rocking song to get you hyped? Look no further than this opening theme song from One Punch Man. This song by JAM Project was hand-crafted to match the visual style and absurd power the main character, Saitama, holds. It’s no secret, the man holds immense power and he can beat any enemy with one punch. For this OP, it’s better if you read the English translation of the song because it basically explains the premise of the show.

As for the animation of the opening credits, it matches the detail, grit, and action that can be found within the show. It’s awesome and an opening that never fails to set the mood for the show.

8. “Tank!” by The Seatbelts from Cowboy Bebop

Want another mood-setter? Cowboy Bebop’s opening, Tank! is a jazzy tune that’s reminiscent of film noirs, cowboy westerners, and the adventure that comes with a sci-fi drama. The simple, classic look as well as the jazz band invite the user to jam with the crew of the Bebop as they run across stages of text and striking color. It’s a favorite among anime fans for a reason, and hearkens back to a transitional period of anime where standards haven’t been set yet in the industry and breaking established genre conventions was normal.

7. “Kaen” by Ziyoou-vachi from Dororo

While a newcomer in the anime scene, Kaen from Dororo is quickly becoming one of my favorite anime opening themes. While it lacks in color, the striking visuals and symbolism make up for an otherwise dreary-looking opening. Each of the action scenes are framed within the character’s silhouette as if showing the internal struggles of the characters as well as the diverging paths this particular adventure the anime takes us on (symbolized by the lightning strikes). One is a human boy, and the other is a young man who is learning to become human. They are alike, yet different. They complete each other, yet somehow much more different.

6. “Mind Conductor” by Yurika from Little Witch Academia

Mind Conductor from Little Witch Academia is a great opening that brings together the themes of wonder and friendship that are inherent in this magical world. The relationships between the main characters are in full view and show off elements of the power of being connected to each other. Being of sound heart and mind is the source of the most powerful magic.

5. “RISE” by MADKID from The Rise of the Shield Hero

RISE is an upbeat, drum and bass song that showcases the healthy balance of excitement, triumph, and hardship our main character, the Shield Hero, goes through. It’s another recent anime that was just released this year for the Winter lineup, but it shows the care in showing the best an underdog can do.

4. “Out of Control” by Nothing’s Carved in Stone from Psycho-Pass

I’m always a fan of striking visuals that have clear color direction and flow. Psycho-Pass’s second opening takes themes of the dichotomy of humanity, a very prominent theme in this psycho-action thriller anime. These characters feel trapped in an oppressive society, but seek to save the people in it. It’s an anime of what defines crime and our relationship with technological advancement and its costs. It’s a great anime with a superb opening.

3. “Unravel” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure from Tokyo Ghoul

One of the more memorable and hard-hitting anime openings that comes to mind is the first opening for Tokyo Ghoul. The main theme here is “reflections” and “what’s underneath.” The titular Ghouls are seen as monsters because they eat humans for sustenance, but they try to live normal lives. They go to school, hold onto jobs, and still look human on the outside. The striking visuals that show reflections and what lies inside. What makes someone a monster?

2. “Hello, world!” by BUMP OF CHICKEN from Kekkai Sensen

If the world is a stage, then what is your part to play? “Hello, world!” punctuates this theme with a greeting. Kekkai Sensen follows a group of people with extraordinary powers and talent in an alien world within our planet earth. What was once New York City is now a city of the absurd, obscure, and supernatural and the spectacle is all on for display here with each of the characters.

1. “Again” by YUI from Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The first opening to a well-known and loved anime deserves to be number one at this list. When your life has been turned upside down, how do you go back to living a normally? This opening is a solemn, foreboding, yet fast-paced peek into FMA’s themes of sin, humanity, and moving forward. It’s a testament to strong characters, good writing, and more importantly– a good ride to jump into.

A Few Honorable Mentions

Needless to say, this is far from all my personal favorite openings. Though, I admit many anime openings I like are just based on the song rather than the animation. In the end, everyone has their own list and their own reasons for liking the openings, I hope you enjoyed reading and seek out some of these anime titles for yourself.

What are some of your favorite anime openings? Let me know!

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Published by abstractceejay

I'm a Senior at the University of Florida with a love and appreciation for Anime and Entertainment.

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