When it comes to openings, an anime opening song isn’t just a song—it’s a powerful gateway into the soul of the show. From goosebump-inducing vocals to jaw-dropping animation sequences, anime openings leave a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Whether you’re a veteran anime watcher or someone new to the scene, this list of the best anime openings of all time captures both nostalgia and modern brilliance, celebrating the true essence of what makes an OP unforgettable.
So let’s count down from #50 to #1 and see which anime opening truly stands above the rest.
Table of Contents
Here are the best anime opening songs of all time
Best Anime Openings Songs #50 – #41
#50. “Iro Kousui” – Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru (2023)
A soft and melancholic melody paired with watercolor visuals, this opening captures the emotional core of anime storytelling and romance rooted in digital gaming culture. It’s understated yet deeply resonant.
#49. “KICK BACK” – Chainsaw Man (2022)
Explosive, chaotic, and filled with pop culture references, Chainsaw Man’s opening is a fever dream of vibrant animation and genre-bending music by Kenshi Yonezu.
#48. “Hikari Are” – March Comes in Like a Lion (Season 2)
A burst of light in a show filled with emotional weight. This OP balances hope and melancholy with a powerful build-up and expressive visuals.
#47. “Cry Baby” – Tokyo Revengers (2021)
A punchy blend of modern rock and angst-ridden energy. Combined with gritty urban animation, this OP perfectly sets the tone for time-travel revenge.
#46. “ALIVE” – Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
Vibrant and full of pop-art visuals, this OP channels chaotic joy amidst an apocalyptic backdrop. The color shifts alone make it a visual standout.
#45. “Shinzo wo Sasageyo!” – Attack on Titan (Season 2)
An explosive battle cry from Linked Horizon that continues to define the intensity and high stakes of mainstream anime.
#44. “The Day” – My Hero Academia (Season 1)
This opening kicked off what would become one of the biggest mainstream anime hits of the 2010s. With its pounding drums, determined lyrics, and crisp animation highlighting Deku’s journey, “The Day” is more than just a theme—it’s an anthem for aspiring heroes.
#43. “Katharsis” – Tokyo Ghoul
Few openings have had the cultural grip that “Katharsis” did when it first aired. The haunting vocals by TK and the slow, dramatic pacing create a tragic, almost operatic entry into the dark world of Kaneki. It remains a staple in the conversation around the best anime openings of all time.
#42. “Color Rush” – Horimiya: Piece (2023)
This second opening from the Horimiya franchise uses soft pastels and upbeat instrumentals to highlight the warmth of everyday romance. It’s modern, fresh, and deeply relatable—an underrated entry from the recent wave of slice-of-life anime.
#41. “Jiyuu no Tsubasa” – Attack on Titan (Season 3)
Another hard-hitter from Linked Horizon, this OP is a triumphant roar for freedom. The animation captures the chaos of war and personal sacrifice, making it a rallying cry for fans and a defining moment in anime mainstream history.
Best Anime Openings Songs #40 – #31
#40. “Kaikai Kitan” – Jujutsu Kaisen (Season 1)
Jujutsu Kaisen exploded into popularity, and this opening was a big reason why. With its dynamic transitions, smooth animation, and an infectious beat by Eve, “Kaikai Kitan” made it clear that modern shonen was leveling up.
#39. “Imagination” – Haikyuu!!
Full of kinetic energy and expressive faces, “Imagination” captures the adrenaline and heart of high school sports. Its quick cuts and punchy rhythm mirror the pacing of a volleyball match, drawing viewers into the passion and sweat of youth.
#38. “Black Catcher” – Black Clover
Dark, stylish, and driven by powerful vocals, this OP marks one of Black Clover’s peak musical moments. It’s the kind of song that plays in your head long after the episode ends—intense and oddly empowering.
#37. “PHOENIX” – Haikyuu!!: To the Top
Symbolizing growth and rebirth, “PHOENIX” brings a more mature tone to Haikyuu’s journey. With elegant animation and emotionally charged music, it shows how far the characters—and fans—have come.
#36. “Ai no Supreme!” – Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Ultra Romantic (2022)
Kaguya-sama’s third season opening mixes suave jazz, retro vibes, and a whole lot of flair. It’s a bold and cheeky departure from standard romance openings, fitting perfectly with the series’ mind-game-heavy tone.
#35. “Literature” – Bungou Stray Dogs: Wan! (2021)
Quirky, energetic, and wonderfully animated, this OP blends literary references and humor into a musical package that’s as clever as it is catchy. A more lighthearted gem from a usually serious franchise.
#34. “Gurenge” – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 1)
This opening didn’t just introduce a hit anime—it became a cultural sensation. Performed by LiSA, “Gurenge” blends traditional Japanese sounds with modern J-pop, perfectly capturing the emotional highs and fierce battles of the series. Its vibrant visuals and Tanjiro’s relentless determination made it a defining mainstream anime moment that pushed Demon Slayer into global stardom.
#33. “KICK BACK” – Chainsaw Man (2022)
Chaotic, edgy, and utterly unique, “KICK BACK” captures the sheer madness of Chainsaw Man. With unpredictable visuals, creative transitions, and a genre-blending sound by Kenshi Yonezu, this opening reflects the show’s refusal to follow convention. It marks a bold shift in how anime mainstream titles present themselves—visually daring and culturally sharp.
#32. “Cry Baby” – Tokyo Revengers
This opening hits like a punch to the gut—raw, emotional, and full of energy. The song’s dramatic highs and lows mirror the show’s themes of regret and redemption. Paired with quick flashes of gang fights, time travel, and emotional trauma, “Cry Baby” quickly became one of the most recognizable openings in modern shonen.
#31. “Seishun Kyosoukyoku” – Naruto
One of Naruto’s most beloved openings, it’s packed with optimism and fiery spirit. With its upbeat rhythm and visual montage of characters training and growing stronger, it captured what early shonen was all about: youth, friendship, and relentless effort. A nostalgic gem from when anime became mainstream in the West.
Best Anime Openings Songs #30 – #21
#30. “Mixed Nuts” – Spy x Family (2022)
Upbeat jazz meets espionage in one of the slickest openings of the decade. The use of muted colors, shadow play, and playful interactions between Loid, Yor, and Anya offers a masterclass in character-focused storytelling through music. “Mixed Nuts” showed that mainstream anime could be stylish and wholesome all at once.
#29. “Fly High!!” – Haikyuu!!
A pure adrenaline rush, “Fly High!!” captures the upward journey of Karasuno’s team. It’s fast, focused, and beautifully animated—elevating the intensity of each match. It feels like a turning point in the series, much like how anime became mainstream by pushing emotional storytelling in sports genres.
#28. “Inferno” – Fire Force
Funky, fiery, and unforgettable, “Inferno” exploded onto screens with visuals of flames dancing alongside the beat. Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s vocals gave this opening a soaring emotional edge, while the fiery animation set the tone for Fire Force’s unique aesthetic.
#27. “Kyouran Hey Kids!!” – Noragami Aragoto
Fast-paced and sleek, this OP merges supernatural chaos with teenage grit. It’s moody yet electric, and the quick flashes between action and emotional stills make it a memorable representation of Noragami’s dual world of gods and urban conflict.
#26. “Faith” – Platinum End (2021)
Underrated and visually mesmerizing, “Faith” matches Platinum End’s dark themes with symbolic animation and a haunting melody. It combines isolation, ambition, and divine reckoning, all wrapped in a polished, digital sheen that resonates with fans of psychological anime.
#25. “One Reason” – Deadman Wonderland
Gritty and aggressive, this English-language OP stands out in the anime world. Its metal-rock vibe and glitchy aesthetic paint a picture of a world gone mad—setting the stage for one of the darkest entries in the early 2010s shonen lineup. “One Reason” helped define the edge of anime mainstream during its growth in darker narratives.
#24. “Shinzou wo Sasageyo!” – Attack on Titan (Season 2)
Few openings carry the sheer weight and gravitas of “Shinzou wo Sasageyo!” by Linked Horizon. The visuals combine the harsh brutality of war with flashes of hope and rebellion. As anime became mainstream, this song became an anthem—beloved not only for its booming chorus but for how it embodies the very soul of AOT’s themes: sacrifice, freedom, and the crushing cost of humanity’s struggle.
#23. “Aimer – Zankyou Sanka” – Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc
Hauntingly powerful, this opening marks a tonal shift for Demon Slayer. Aimer’s distinct vocals lend the track a theatrical and emotional weight that matches the arc’s stylish visuals and darker undertones. With richly animated action sequences and dazzling colors, it cemented Demon Slayer as mainstream anime that never compromises on quality.
#22. “Unravel” – Tokyo Ghoul
“Unravel” is pure emotion in sound. TK’s ethereal voice and the swelling instrumentals capture Kaneki’s internal transformation and psychological torment. Its visuals are surreal yet intimate, making it one of the most emotionally resonant anime openings ever. Even today, it’s a defining symbol of how anime became mainstream among international audiences drawn to psychological and aesthetic depth.
#21. “Colors” – Code Geass
A pop-rock anthem with iconic visuals, “Colors” bursts with energy and rebellion. The opening mirrors Lelouch’s descent into moral complexity while showcasing the anime’s grand political and mecha battles. It remains one of the most replayed openings of the 2000s and a key piece of mainstream anime history for fans of power struggles and anti-heroes.
Best Anime Openings Songs #20 – #11
#20. “Kaikai Kitan” – Jujutsu Kaisen (Season 1)
Stylish, smooth, and filled with foreshadowing, “Kaikai Kitan” is a masterclass in building hype. With sharp visuals, breakneck editing, and a slick beat, this OP established Jujutsu Kaisen as a dominant new force in shonen anime. It’s a perfect example of anime mainstream evolving with fresh energy and top-tier production values.
#19. “Again” – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
A stirring, emotional opening that introduces themes of regret, loss, and resilience. “Again” set the tone for Brotherhood’s faithful retelling, anchoring the viewer in the Elric brothers’ pain and resolve. The fluid animation, layered symbolism, and introspective lyrics made it unforgettable and helped FMA: Brotherhood remain a staple of mainstream anime.
#18. “OP 2 – Peace Sign” – My Hero Academia (Season 2)
Bright, explosive, and packed with action, “Peace Sign” represents the best of modern shonen energy. It captures Deku’s evolution while giving spotlight to fan-favorite characters. Its catchy chorus and slick transitions helped further MHA’s rise as one of the faces of anime becoming mainstream in the West.
#17. “Let Me Be With You” – Chobits
This opening is simple, catchy, and emotionally comforting. Its mellow beat and soft color palette offer a nostalgic vibe that sticks with you. While often overlooked, it was one of the early introductions of anime mainstream romance and tech-themed stories in the 2000s, especially for global audiences discovering anime online.
#16. “My War” – Attack on Titan: Final Season (Part 1)
Dark, militant, and symbolic, this opening breaks away from previous AOT openings with abstract visuals and a pounding industrial sound. It reflects the tonal shift of the final arc and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Its haunting approach mirrored how anime became mainstream by exploring more mature, morally gray narratives.
#15. “Abnormalize” – Psycho-Pass
A slick cyberpunk aesthetic meets a haunting vocal track in “Abnormalize.” This OP perfectly captures the chilling, futuristic world of Psycho-Pass. Its glitchy editing, philosophical tone, and dark palette made it a standout in a genre often overshadowed by action. It helped elevate anime as a medium for serious sci-fi and dystopian themes in the mainstream.
#14. “The Rumbling” – Attack on Titan: Final Season Part 2
Heavy, aggressive, and unapologetically raw — “The Rumbling” by SiM captured the pure chaos and horror of the final season. The screamo vocals and dark visuals symbolize Eren’s descent and the apocalypse looming over the world. This opening went viral, dominating music charts and TikTok alike — showcasing just how deeply anime became mainstream and how AOT redefined global anime hype.
#13. “Fly High!!” – Haikyuu!! (Season 2)
“Fly High!!” is more than a sports anime OP — it’s a motivational anthem. The rhythm mirrors the pace of a volleyball match, while the visuals highlight each character’s growth and teamwork. Haikyuu!! helped usher in a wave of sports anime popularity, bringing slice-of-life intensity into mainstream anime discourse with heart and style.
#12. “Blue Bird” – Naruto Shippuden
This iconic track isn’t just a fan favorite — it’s a cultural moment. “Blue Bird” instantly evokes nostalgia for the pain, ambition, and friendship that defined Naruto’s mid-journey. The intro’s soft visuals contrasted with sharp action moments struck a perfect emotional chord. It’s a classic piece of mainstream anime history that still echoes in anime playlists to this day.
#11. “Odd Taxi” – Odd Taxi (2021)
Cool, jazzy, and undeniably unique, Odd Taxi’s opening stood out in a sea of formulaic intros. The mellow vibe and stylish visuals reflect the show’s offbeat tone and complex mystery. As anime storytelling matured post-2020, Odd Taxi proved that anime becoming mainstream didn’t mean losing artistic edge — instead, it welcomed more layered and genre-bending content.
Best Anime Openings Songs #10 – #1
#10. “Just Awake” – Hunter x Hunter (2011 ED 1)
While technically an ending, this track opened special episodes and deserves a nod for its emotional intensity. “Just Awake” reflects Gon and Killua’s emotional journey, with gritty guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics. It marked a transitional moment for the series and resonated with fans deeply, emphasizing the emotional storytelling that made anime mainstream beloved.
#9. “KICK BACK” – Chainsaw Man
Dynamic, chaotic, and filled with pop culture nods, “KICK BACK” exploded across anime communities upon release. Kenshi Yonezu’s track combined addictive beats with over-the-top animation, reflecting the madness of Chainsaw Man. Every frame is brimming with energy and symbolism, pushing the boundaries of what a modern mainstream anime opening can be.
#8. “Silhouette” – Naruto Shippuden
Another Naruto banger that needs no introduction. The fast-paced visuals, emotional undercurrents, and intense action montages made this OP an all-time fan favorite. “Silhouette” played during pivotal arcs in the series and became an internet anthem. It reflects how anime became mainstream by deeply connecting fans across generations through iconic sound and storytelling.
#7. “Guren no Yumiya” – Attack on Titan (Season 1)
Another Linked Horizon masterpiece, this track came back to its roots with a vengeance. It combines operatic vocals, orchestral grandeur, and intense action visuals, signaling a full-circle moment for the series. This OP is both a throwback and a culmination, reminding viewers why AOT is central to the story of anime mainstream evolution.
Also check: Anime like Attack on Titan
#6. “Naked Hero” – Ranking of Kings (Season 2)
A hidden gem in recent anime, “Naked Hero” by Vaundy packs charm, emotion, and resilience into a single track. The vivid, painterly animation and hopeful lyrics mirror Bojji’s journey perfectly. It’s uplifting and fresh — proof that mainstream anime can still feel deeply personal and emotionally rich, even in fantasy fairy tale form.
#5. “Hikaru Nara” – Your Lie in April
Emotional, bright, and tragically beautiful — “Hikaru Nara” set the tone for one of anime’s most heartbreaking tales. Its violin-driven melody and sunshine visuals contrast with the sorrow at the story’s core. It’s the kind of opening that lingers with you, and it played a significant role in showing how emotionally powerful anime becoming mainstream could be.
#4. “Again” – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
“Again” by YUI is one of the most iconic anime openings of all time, not just for its beautiful melody but for how well it captures the soul of the series. It opens with a solemn piano intro before bursting into high-energy guitars, mirroring Edward and Alphonse’s struggle and determination. This OP sets the tone for one of the most acclaimed mainstream anime of all time, and remains a staple in anime music playlists even a decade later. It marked a shift in how deeply anime openings could tell a story on their own.
#3. “Peace Sign” – My Hero Academia (Season 2)
My Hero Academia helped define the modern shonen anime for beginners, and “Peace Sign” by Kenshi Yonezu captures everything that makes it so inspiring. The visuals show class 1-A training, evolving, and rising to challenges — while the music pushes a message of perseverance and growth. This OP is filled with raw emotion and hype, and it perfectly symbolized how anime became mainstream by tapping into universal themes like heroism and self-worth.
#2. “Unravel” – Tokyo Ghoul
There’s no other word for it: “Unravel” is hauntingly beautiful. From the first few notes, this opening hits like a gut punch. The track by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure builds from a fragile whisper to a heart-wrenching scream, echoing Kaneki’s transformation and emotional collapse. Its abstract visuals, full of flickering shadows and falling glass, only deepen the mood. “Unravel” became an instant hit and is still one of the most covered anime songs worldwide, contributing massively to anime becoming mainstream through sheer musical and emotional power.
#1. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” – Neon Genesis Evangelion
At the top spot, no surprise — “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” isn’t just an anime opening. It’s a cultural landmark. Released in 1995, it feels as fresh and iconic today as it did then. The high-energy pop track paired with Evangelion’s cryptic, symbol-heavy visuals left an indelible mark. It stands as a symbol of the late ‘90s anime boom and how the medium challenged both narrative and aesthetic boundaries. If you’ve ever heard anime fans singing at karaoke, this is probably what they’re belting out. This OP defined what mainstream anime could sound and look like before the rest of the world caught on — and it’s still the gold standard nearly three decades later.
Closing thoughts
Anime openings are more than just music videos — they’re emotional previews, tone-setters, and, in many cases, cultural milestones. From intense action anthems to emotional ballads, these openings helped tell stories before the first episode even began. And as anime became mainstream, these songs played a pivotal role in inviting global audiences into the world of anime — whether it was through a catchy chorus, a thrilling animation sequence, or an unforgettable first impression.
Whether you’re an old fan or just discovering the genre, these OPs show the heartbeat of the anime world — passionate, powerful, and always evolving. So, what’d you think of our list? Let us know in the comments below. Alternatively, follow our social media on X or Instagram! Check out a list of some other anime opening songs here.
