Introducing some of the best anime openings of all time, including iconic tracks like A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, Unravel, and Gurenge.
The best anime openings are not just catchy; they’re so captivating that you’ll find yourself resisting the urge to skip them every time you watch an episode.
Curious about our top picks? We’ve compiled a list of 17 best anime openings guaranteed to have you cranking up the volume and dancing along to the unforgettable tunes from your beloved anime series.
Best anime openings of all time
- A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Unravel (Tokyo Ghoul)
- Gurenge (Demon Slayer)
- Sobakasu (Samurai X)
- Pokemon Theme (Pokemon)
- Crossing Field (Sword Art Online)
- Rolling Star (Bleach)
- Silhouette (Naruto)
- We Are (One Piece)
- Colors (Code Geass)
- Again (Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood)
- Catch You Catch Me (Cardcaptor Sakura)
- Tank! (Cowboy Bebop)
- Guren no Yumiya (Attack on Titan)
- The Rumbling (Attack on Titan)
- Hacking to the Gate (Steins;Gate)
- Bling-Bang-Bang-Born (Mashle: Magic and Muscles)
A Cruel Angels Thesis (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is the opening theme song for the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Composed by Hidetoshi Sato and performed by Yoko Takahashi, the song is celebrated for its energetic melody.
Its cultural impact extends far beyond Japan, with numerous covers by military bands, gospel singers, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
Unravel (Tokyo Ghoul)
Tell me, tell me — do you recall the first time you heard the Tokyo Ghoul opening, “Unravel”?
Performed by Ling tosite sigure’s guitarist and vocalist, TK, the song begins softly, with haunting whispers of “oshiete yo, oshiete yo.”
Then, it swiftly evolves into a captivating chaos, mirroring the tumultuous journey of the protagonist, Kaneki Ken, from the very first episode.
Gurenge (Demon Slayer)
“Gurenge” by LiSA stands as one of the best anime openings of all time, revered by shonen fans for its upbeat melody and LiSA’s flawless performance.
Its immense popularity was further highlighted when it was featured during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, performed by Tokyo SKA Paradise Orchestra.
This masterpiece has garnered several prestigious awards, including Best Theme Song at the 2019 Newtype Anime Awards and Best 5 Songs by Download at the 2020 Japan Gold Disc Awards.
Sobakasu (Rurouni Kenshin)
One of the most nostalgic entries on this list is “Sobakasu” by Judy and Mary, the opening theme of the original Rurouni Kenshin series.
This iconic song kicks off with an electrifying guitar solo before Yuki Kuramochi’s sweet vocals take center stage.
Regarded as a classic among anime enthusiasts, especially millennials, “Sobakasu” boasts an infectious upbeat rhythm that makes it irresistible and earns its place as one of the best anime openings of all time.
Pokemon Theme (Pokemon)
When American singer Jason Paige belted out “I want to be the very best, like no one ever was,” in the English version of the Pokemon Theme, it resonated worldwide.
This theme has become one of the most universally recognized anime openings, transcending borders and generations.
For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, listening to the Pokemon Theme is a nostalgic journey back to the days of being a young trainer.
Crossing Field (Sword Art Online)
The imagery of Kirito getting soaked in the rain and Asuna strolling along a brick path becomes vividly etched in the mind whenever LiSA’s “Crossing Field” plays.
This opening theme has left an indelible mark on isekai fans, thanks to its mesmerizing pre-chorus and LiSA’s exceptional performance.
Listening to “Crossing Field” inspires a sense of adventure and a desire to embrace life to the fullest, much like Kirito’s journey in Sword Art Online.
Rolling Star (Bleach)
YUI brings an energetic vibe to the 5th anime opening of Bleach with “Rolling Star.”
This pop-rock anthem exudes a groovy charm, driven by drum beats that’ll have you nodding along in no time.
Notably, the anime version features a special opening, where YUI starts the chorus accompanied by an acoustic guitar.
Silhouette (Naruto: Shippuden)
In 2017, a viral Facebook event in Philadelphia invited anime fans to participate in a Naruto run, inspired by the phenomenal anime series.
As they dashed through the streets, the theme song accompanying their sprint was none other than Kana-Boon’s “Silhouette,” the 16th opening of Naruto: Shippuden.
While the series boasts several memorable openings like “Sign,” “Haruka Kanata,” and “Blue Bird,” it’s “Silhouette” that truly captured our attention with its catchy lyrics such as “Nanimo nanimo mada shiranu” and “Ubatte ubatte ubatteku.”
We Are (One Piece)
Even after decades and countless episodes, Hiroshi Kitadani’s “We Are” remains one of the best anime openings of One Piece.
This song captures the spirit of the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventures, with its energizing introduction and triumphant melody.
Hearing “We Are” is enough to ignite the desire in any fan to go on their own seafaring journey alongside Luffy and his crew.
Colors (Code Geass)
“Jibun wo!”
Lelouch vi Britannia doesn’t need to issue commands for us to listen to FLOW’s “Colors” — we’d willingly have it on repeat!
Released in 2006, this opening theme is among the most iconic tracks from the Japanese band, alongside hits like “GO!!!” and “Sign” from Naruto: Shippuden.
Beyond the irresistibly catchy chorus of “Colors,” what really steals the show for us is Takeshi Asakawa’s insane guitar solo in the full version.
Again (Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood)
YUI’s remarkable talent shines in “Again” with her soulful voice and impressive ability to sing at a fast pace.
Alongside her perfect vocals, the song highlights Yui’s exceptional guitar skills, evident in the powerful chords that punctuate the track.
“Again” is widely recognized as one of the best anime openings of all time, much like how Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is recognized as one of the best anime series by fans around the world.
Catch You Catch Me (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Hinata Megumi captures the cheerful personality of Cardcaptor Sakura’s protagonist, Sakura Kinomoto, with her song “Catch You Catch Me.”
This bubbly and wholesome track sets the perfect tone for the magical girl series, mirroring Sakura’s delightful character.
Regarded as one of the best anime openings of all time, “Catch You Catch Me” delves into themes of love and affection.
Tank! (Cowboy Bebop)
“Ok three, two, one, let’s jam!”
Cowboy Bebop’s iconic opening theme, “Tank!,” is a masterpiece of pure jazz goodness performed by Seatbelts, a Japanese band led by composer and instrumentalist Yoko Kanno.
In 2021, Yoko and the band reunited to perform this legendary anime opening in collaboration with Netflix for the streaming platform’s live-action adaptation of the series.
Guren no Yumiya (Attack on Titan)
An epic show like Attack on Titan deserves an equally epic anime opening, and Linked Horizon’s “Guren no Yumiya” fits the bill perfectly.
Though some lines of the song are in German and can be challenging to pronounce, that doesn’t deter fans from belting out the lyrics with passion.
With its marching, anthem-like beat, listening to this song has the power to transform any ordinary day into an epic adventure.
The Rumbling (Attack on Titan)
If heavy metal isn’t typically your thing, trust us, SiM’s “The Rumbling” will change your mind.
This song serves as the opening for Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2 and captures the intense emotions of the characters as the series reaches its climax.
When the chorus hits and Manabu Taniguchi belts out “If I lose it all” over powerful drumbeats, you’ll find yourself drawn into the gripping Titan-dominated world.
Hacking to the Gate (Steins;Gate)
When that brief static sound kicks in, you know exactly what time it is — El. Psy. Congroo.
Steins;Gate boasts one of the best anime openings of all time with Kanako Ito’s “Hacking to the Gate.” This track showcases the Japanese singer’s unique voice against a backdrop of pulsating electropop beats.
Every time it plays, Hacking to the Gate adds a layer of mystery to the series, making it an essential part of the Steins;Gate experience.
Bling-Bang-Bang-Born (Mashle: Magic and Muscles)
Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a very funny story that mocks the magical world of Harry Potter at every turn.
In season two of the anime, production elevated the show’s quirkiness to a whole new level with “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts. This catchy opening song blew up on YouTube and TikTok, and practically every social media platform with countless of musical covers, dances, memes, and more.
Besides appreciating the insane rapping skills of R-Shitei, the lyrics mirrors Mashle’s plight during the Divine Visionary Selection Exam arc — the most where we’ve seen him mature so far.
The best part of it all? Neither the show nor the song takes itself seriously, so just laugh and have a blast!
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