The world of anime is filled with countless memorable moments, from intense battles to touching scenes that make you feel all the feels. But, for many fans, the best part of any anime is the opening theme song. These songs set the tone for the entire series and often become just as iconic as the shows themselves.
This list will rank the best anime openings of all time. From classic series that have stood the test of time to newer shows that have taken the anime world by storm, these openings are the cream of the crop.
10 Gurren Lagann – Sorairo Days
“Sorairo Days” is a high-octane, foot-stomping rock anthem that packs a punch right from the get-go! With its fast-paced, energetic melody, it’s certain to get your blood pumping and have you tapping your feet along to the beat. The visuals accompanying the intro are equally intense and impactful, showcasing a pulsing energy that’s sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
It’s the perfect theme song for a show that’s all about breaking free from the chains that hold us back and reaching for the stars. The lyrics and music perfectly capture the themes of hope, perseverance, and determination that run throughout the series.
9 Death Note – The World
“The World” is an intense and atmospheric intro that will give you chills from the first “Death Note” to the last! With its haunting, eerie melody, it’s the perfect theme for a psychological thriller series that will leave you feeling on edge throughout. The slow, deliberate pace of the song, combined with the dark and intense visuals, sets the tone for a journey into the unknown.
Get ready to hold your breath as you’re transported into a world of tension and uncertainty, where anything could happen and no one is safe. After all, we are talking about one of the best villains of all time. The visuals perfectly capture the sense of dread and foreboding that pervades the show.
The melancholic and emotional tone of the song, combined with the thought-provoking and impactful visuals, make “Rewrite” one of the best anime intros. The opening’s qualities of loss, sacrifice, and determination are central to the series.
The powerful and soul-stirring melody, combined with the visuals that showcase the main character’s struggles, communicates the Full Metal Alchemist characters’ hope and resilience.
7 Naruto – Rinse And Repeat
“Rinse and Repeat” is an invigorating and uplifting intro that will have you pumped and ready to take on the world! With its upbeat and energetic melody, it’s the perfect theme for a series that’s all about perseverance and determination. The fast-paced and dynamic visuals match the energy of the song and capture the spirit of the main character, Naruto, who refuses to give up no matter what, even if he’s facing an opponent that can defeat him.
The message of perseverance and determination communicated through the music and visuals will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
6 Attack On Titan – Guren No Yumiya
The intense and driving rock melody, combined with the brutal and impactful visuals, make “Guren no Yumiya” one of the best anime intros ever made. The fast-paced and intense instrumental, combined with the visuals that showcase the show’s brutal and intense themes, set the tone for the dark and intense series.
Attack On Titans’ intro’s powerful and driving melody conveys the sense of urgency and danger that pervades the show, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The whole package of the series is so good that it inspired a video game.
5 One Piece – We Are!
“We Are!” is an outstanding and dynamic introduction that embodies the thrilling and audacious nature of One Piece’s adventurous journey. The song’s fast-paced and lively melody immediately sparks excitement and ignites the listeners’ imagination, inviting them to join a wild and exhilarating voyage.
As the lyrics of the song exclaim “We are, we are on the cruise,” it perfectly captures the essence of the series, which revolves around a group of friends embarking on a perilous journey to find the ultimate treasure.
4 Cowboy Bebop – Tank!
The fast-paced and jazzy melody, combined with the stylish and cool visuals, make “Tank!” one of the best anime intros. The fast-paced and jazzy instrumental, combined with the visuals that showcase Cowboy Bebop’s stylish and cool themes, effectively sets the tone for the space-western series and its eclectic cast of characters.
The opening’s fast-paced and energetic melody effectively conveys the sense of adventure and excitement that pervades the show, leaving the viewer ready to explore the galaxy with the crew of the Bebop.
3 Bleach – Asterisk
The driving and intense rock melody, combined with the fast-paced and dynamic visuals, make “Asterisk” one of the best anime intros. The high-energy instrumental and dynamic visuals perfectly capture the spirit of Bleach’s main character, who is a soul reaper with the power to defeat evil spirits.
It’s driving and intense, and the song gives the show’s messages of power, determination, and bravery, leaving the viewer feeling inspired and ready to face any challenge.
2 Dragon Ball Z – Cha-La Head-Cha-La
“Cha-La Head-Cha-La” is a cheerful and lively intro that will bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step! With its upbeat and energetic melody, it’s the perfect theme for a series that’s all about adventure, excitement, and power.
The exciting and dynamic visuals match the energy of the song, perfectly capturing the spirit of Goku in his fights, Dragon Ball Z not only has a powerful and diverse cast of characters, but also a fantastic and iconic soundtrack.
1 Code Geass – COLORS
The haunting and eerie melody, combined with the intense and thought-provoking visuals, make “COLORS” one of the best anime intros. The slow, deliberate pace of the song, combined with the visuals that showcase Code Geass’ complex and thought-provoking themes, effectively sets the tone for the political and psychological thriller series.
The opening’s haunting and eerie melody effectively convey the sense of tension and uncertainty that pervades the show, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish.
