If you’re an anime music fan, you know the feeling of anticipation that comes with starting a new episode. You press play, and all the epicness of the anime op hits you. For those unfamiliar with the term, an anime opening is a 90-second-long musical introduction that plays in the first minutes, performed by the best talents on the J-pop and J-rock scene. It’s a crucial moment, as it sets the tone for the episode with impressive vocals and action-packed frames, getting you in the right mindset to fully immerse yourself in the story.

As someone who has watched countless hours of these works of art, I can confidently say that anime songs are a huge part of what draws me in. Certain opening songs have stuck with me over the years, and I’m somehow still able to sing every word — or at least try to, as far as my non-existent Japanese language skills can take me. But that’s what makes a great anime theme: It’s not just a catchy tune but a powerful connection that draws you in and keeps you invested.

Unfortunately, not all anime intros are created equal. Some are sadly forgettable, while most are so good they become an integral part of the anime experience. Today’s post is a celebration of all the best anime openings the industry has blessed us with in its long history, the ones we absolutely cannot skip because their awesomeness keeps us hooked and singing. From rock ballads to pop anthems and everything in between, these songs from anime will lead you straight to YouTube to listen to them over and over again, forever stuck in your head and heart — and that’s not even counting all the amazing visuals!

#1

Attack On Titan (Season 2)

Attack On Titan (Season 2)

“Shinzou wo Sasageyo!” — Linked Horizon

If there was a country inhabited by anime fans only, this would probably be its national anthem. It’s powerful and fierce, with a dash of patriotism. It’s crazy considering that Attack on Titan’s world doesn’t exist, but we still feel a personal connection to its inhabitants. Strike the “Shinzou wo Sasageyo” pose and get ready to give your hearts, soldiers!

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    #2

    Pokémon

    Pokémon

    “Pokémon theme” — Jason Paige

    Also known as “Gotta catch ’em all!”, it’s the original theme song for the English adaptation and has become synonymous with the franchise since its release. This fast-paced song captured the excitement and adventure of Ash Ketchum’s journey, and while the series has had many intros over the years, nothing compares to this one!

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I wanna be the very best" - basically every evening in high school when I got home.

    #3

    Attack On Titan

    Attack On Titan

    “Guren no Yumiya / Feuerroter Pfeil und Bogen” — Linked Horizon

    One does not simply skip the Attack on Titan opening — and if you do, you might want to rethink your life choices. Almost 10 years later, this jaw-dropping anime song is still as hype as it was back then, a small consolation after all the time spent waiting for the ending of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin’s epic anime saga.

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I watched some of this when my cousin recommended it, it was pretty good, I enjoyed it.

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    #4

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba

    “Gurenge” — LiSA

    How far in art style and creativity anime has come! Demon Slayer’s first opening is by far one of the most well-put-together intros for an anime we’ve seen in years. And if you’re one of those lucky ones who have already finished the manga, this opening gets really nostalgic somehow.

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    #5

    Your Lie In April

    Your Lie In April

    “Hikaru Nara” — Goose House

    If you’re among those who discovered this gem before it went viral on TikTok, then congratulations — you got slapped in the face by the pain and tears of Your Lie In April before many others. Get your heartstrings pulled by the stunning intro sequence of this beloved anime, especially if you already know what’s in store for the characters.

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    #6

    Death Note

    Death Note

    “the WORLD” — Nightmare

    Death Note’s first opening puts the spotlight on Light and L, effectively setting the mood for the epic showdown between these two brilliant minds. Many wish they could go back in time to witness this masterpiece for the first time again, and we honestly can’t blame them.

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    Autumn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh man, this is such a good song. So much fun to sing too

    #7

    The Promised Neverland

    The Promised Neverland

    “Touch Off” — UVERworld

    There are two things the Promised Neverland fandom unanimously agrees on — one, this masterpiece has been ruined by a lousy second season, and two, the first opening is a true gem. Despite the show’s decline, the intro remains a beloved part of the series that fans still listen to on repeat.

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    Minnie Not Mouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The band who wrote this (UVERworld) Has written so many other great songs!

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    #8

    Naruto: Shippuuden

    Naruto: Shippuuden

    “Blue Bird” — Ikimono-gakari

    You may not speak Japanese, but we wouldn’t be surprised if you could sing all the lyrics by heart. “Blue Bird” is possibly one of the most well-known openings of Naruto Shippuden, and we’ll never get over the iconic high note while Naruto is falling from the sky.

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    Autumn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely love Ikimonogakari and this opening, along with Silhouette are my favorites from Naruto

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    #9

    Cowboy Bebop

    Cowboy Bebop

    “Tank!” — Seatbelts

    Cowboy Bebop paved the way for space westerns with an opening theme so unique that it became immediately iconic. Its jazz tune will have you vibing and ready to blast off into a world of adventure with Spike and the Bebop crew!

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    Elwood Schwartz (it/that)
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be #1 by miles. The fact that it isn't proves this list is c**p. More proof is that Ouran High School Host Club isn't even in the list.

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    #10

    Tokyo Ghoul

    Tokyo Ghoul

    “Unravel” — TK from Ling Toshite Sigure

    Everyone knows “Unravel” belongs to Tokyo Ghoul, even if you haven’t watched a single episode — that’s just how epic this anime song is. It starts off with a peaceful atmosphere, quickly evolving into something much more powerful and sinister, foreshadowing the transformation of Kaneki into a half-ghoul.

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    Autumn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES YES YES. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THIS OPENING BEFORE GO AND WATCH IT RIGHT NOW. I AM SO SERIOUS

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    #11

    Neon Genesis Evangelion

    Neon Genesis Evangelion

    “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis” — Yoko Takahashi

    With its thrilling mix of impressive vocals, religious symbols, and stunning visuals, Evangelion’s legendary opening song draws you into a story that has kept generations hooked since the ’90s. But don’t be fooled, as the series is a dark journey full of challenges and struggles.

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    Sooploosh MacSchnibble
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun fact: The silhouettes and writing on the screen is inspired by the opening themes of Ultraman, Ultraseven, Return of Ultraman, etc. Many parts of this series are also inspired my Ultraman, as the director loved Ultraman.

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    #12

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    “Again” — YUI

    Here we are with a personal favorite — the anime that made many other shows just… bland. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood managed to make every opening unique but still able to represent the feeling of this anime so wonderfully. The visuals and hidden signs of the first opening, “Again,” set the stage for the tragic tale of the Elric brothers.

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I watched this full series and I really enjoyed it and yes, you don't skip the intro.

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    #13

    One-Punch Man

    One-Punch Man

    “The Hero!!” – JAM Project

    One-Punch Man’s opening theme is a true powerhouse, delivering an instant energy boost that gets you pumped up and ready for action. And with its unforgettable lyrics, it’s impossible not to sing along and immerse yourself in the world of Saitama and his epic battles.

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    #14

    Lucky Star

    Lucky Star

    “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” — Aya Hirano, Emiri Kato, Kaori Fukuhara, Aya Endo

    Lucky Star proves that anything is possible with an anime opening that’s all about praising a sailor school uniform. It’s undoubtedly one of the most weebish things to ever grace the anime world, but that hasn’t stopped it from gaining a massive following. So why not embrace your inner weeb and sing along?

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    #15

    Sailor Moon

    Sailor Moon

    “Moonlight Densetsu” — Dali and Misae Takamatsu

    No matter how old this series is, you’re in time to join the massive Sailor Moon fandom and sing along to the iconic and romantic theme song that has captured hearts for decades. Regardless of whether you prefer the English dub or the original Japanese version, this majokko anime opening is always a delight to listen to.

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    #16

    Code Geass

    Code Geass

    “Colors” — Flow

    A combination of psychedelic frames and war scenes, this mecha-filled intro gets us started on a legendary story of revolution. The visuals are among the best you could get from a 2006 anime, and I admit I first got into Code Geass because of the opening that randomly popped up in my recommended videos many years ago.

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    #17

    Dragon Ball Z

    Dragon Ball Z

    “Cha-la head-cha-la” — Hironobu Kageyama


    You can’t call yourself a fan of shounen anime and not know this song. It’s crazy to think that both the show and this legendary theme were released in 1989 when so many anime enthusiasts hadn’t even been born yet. And after all these years, they still hit everyone with a powerful wave of nostalgia, taking us back to the good old days.

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    #18

    Naruto (Season 2)

    Naruto (Season 2)

    “Haruka Kanata” — Asian Kung-Fu Generation 

    Naruto’s second opening theme song became an instant classic among kids growing up in the 2000s, surpassing even the popularity of the first opening. This anime anthem perfectly captures the excitement and energy of the series and continues to resonate with fans today.

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    #19

    Yu-Gi-Oh! (Battle City Arc)

    Yu-Gi-Oh! (Battle City Arc)

    “Shuffle” — Masami Okui

     

    The opening theme for the Battle City and Virtual World arcs is the ultimate hype-builder. Its intense music and striking visuals leave a lasting impression. No wonder Battle City is regarded as one of the franchise’s greatest arcs.

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    #20

    Samurai Champloo

    Samurai Champloo

    “Battlecry” — Nujabes feat. Shing02

    It’s 2023, but this opening immediately teleports us back to the early 2000s, the good old days when we’d watch Samurai Champloo on Adult Swim! “Battlecry” is an anime song like no other, composed by the late Nujabes and performed by Shing02, a prominent presence in the underground rap community.

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