Soundtracks breathe life into an anime whether it's an adaptation, an anime film, or even an OVA. However, nothing adds that much-needed tinge of excitement and anticipation than that of anime openings. It's these minute-and-a-half teasers that give viewers a taste of exactly what's going to go down in that particular series. And sometimes, some anime openings just far outshine the rest in animation, quality, and catchiness.
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In fact, very few anime openings hold the distinction of being extremely memorable and iconic. Moreover, some anime openings become too distinguished that they become memes or, oppositely, a sign of an anime's legendary status. Just which anime openings hold this acclaim?
10 My Dearest (Guilty Crown)
Viewers might have a thing or two to say about Guilty Crown and its story, but no one can't deny the anime's taste for stylish aesthetics and a rocking soundtrack. Boasting one of the most iconic soundtracks to arrive in a 2010s anime, Guilty Crown delivers immediately with My Dearest.
This opening already highlights the emotionally-driven premise of the anime, one where hearts manifest into tools that factions can use for good and evil. My Dearest begins with the delightful melody of vocals and rhythmic piano with a slow build-up. And before viewers know it, My Dearest explodes with a colorful blend of hues that end on a quick but fitting pause.
9 Moonlight Densetsu (Sailor Moon)
Sailor Moon depicts the adventures of Sailor Moon and her fellow Sailor Senshi in their efforts to balance saving the world and the rest of their schoolwork. And what better opening song to depict such a struggle with the mysterious yet playful tunes of DALI's Moonlight Densetsu?
At first glance, there should be no way an opening for a 1992 anime could be anywhere but entertaining. However, its melody and progression - tied with her clandestine adventures against baddies - is the perfect fit for anyone who wants a nostalgia trip.
8 Colors (Code Geass)
Three things easily define Code Geass: Zero's iconic mask, Lelouch riding a horse, and a healthy dose of "jibun wo!"
In Code Geass, exiled prince Lelouch gains the Geass, the power to control people. With it, he launches a revolution against the Holy Britannian Empire. And as with mecha shonen anime, Code Geass has a twist — Lelouch has to face his very own best friend among the enemy's ranks. Anyone who's ever wanted an action-packed anime will know Colors already highlights everything Code Geass has to offer.
There's a ton of mecha, a dash of flamboyance that makes anyone unmistakably awesome, and the sheer battle cry of Lelouch fighting to regain his birthright.
7 Oath Sign (Fate/Zero)
Anyone who's heart of the Fate series will know about its Holy Grail War where seven Masters and seven Servants (Heroic Spirits) duke it out in a secret magic war for a coveted wish-granting Holy Grail. In Fate/Zero, viewers witness the Fourth Holy Grail War — a pivotal iteration of the War that sets the stage for the main Fate/stay night story. With its mysterious, all-stakes premise, it makes sense for LiSA to set the stakes with an equally captivating opening.
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Oath Sign opens with a delicate piano solo before beginning a slow build-up. The thump-a-thump of the drums slowly get accompanied with other tones, showcasing key players and hinting towards a sad tone. Oath Sign highlights everything with a glamorous display of combat that warrants nothing but headbanging, before closing with an energetic ender that will leave viewers wanting more.
6 Dream Of Life (Bakuman)
Bakuman explores the trials and tribulations all aspiring mangaka experience. Its story revolves around the artist-writer duo of Mashiro and Takagi as they pursue the mangaka life since their teens. And while Bakuman has its share of delightful opening songs across its 75 episodes, nothing could compare to the hype of Dream of Life.
At its core, the song is a bright and delightful exploration of the everyday affairs of the mangaka and the various people in their lives. However, nothing compares to its undertone of waking up for another day of pursuing whatever dream the listeners have. It's a perfect fit for the anime's consistently motivational appeal.
5 Again (Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Anyone who's watched Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood will immediately put YUI's Again in their heads after hearing it for the first time. The song became such a perfect way to complement the anime's baggage of mixed emotions. There's the tear-jerking past of the Elrics, their dedication to their mission, and the sheer epicness of alchemy in itself.
The opening leaves opportunities to showcase everything the anime has to offer. Its somber beginnings provide a great exposition to the setting. Meanwhile, its build-up gives a nice interlude to introduce all the main characters. Lastly, its action-packed chorus highlights just how awesome battles are for viewers to look forward to.
4 Cha-La Head-Cha-La (Dragon Ball Z)
It's one thing to see Goku go toe-to-toe against the meanest baddies in the universe. But seeing Goku and his buddies get yellow hair and dishing out one energy blast after the other is another thing entirely. It's this same amount of cheerful intensity that makes Hironobu Kageyama's Cha-La Head-Cha-La such a perfect fit for Dragon Ball Z.
Unlike other action openings, Dragon Ball Z had no need to showcase any complex build-ups and intertwined storylines. Earth gets a bad guy, Goku, Vegeta, and the gang show up to kick some butt. This straightforward yet catchy tune shows DBZ's predictable yet addictive action formula.
3 Tank! (Cowboy Bebop)
Cowboy Bebop remains unforgettable not just for its gripping storyline and unique take on the space western genre. Rather, viewers will almost immediately get a sense of its penchant for jazz and the blues with Tank! from the Seatbelts. In fact, if anything, Tank! will immediately tease the anime's rather unforgettable soundtrack.
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It's thanks to Tank! that fans can slowly prepare themselves for the anime's mix of somberly serious and hyper-energetical take on its various stories. And at its core, Tank! is quite a nice "throwback" piece to catchy jazz tunes in today's era of modern music.
2 Hikaru Nara (Your Lie In April)
Your Lie In April easily sets the bar high for one of the most compelling pieces of drama anime at its time. And despite its 2014 release, Hikaru Nara by Goose house remains quite a powerful opening song befitting the anime. The song begins with a playful guitar strum that leads immediately into a powerful yet cheerful melody. Its build-up is strong and its chorus explodes with intensity that will leave fans breathless once the song ends.
When properly analyzed, the opening song alongside its video does spoil the plot in its entirety, but we won't hold it against A-1 Pictures.
1 A Cruel Angel's Thesis (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
When Hideako Anno conceptualized Neon Genesis Evangelion, he initially wanted an opera song to become its opening. But when TV Tokyo insisted on something catchier, Anno delivered through the wonder that is Yoko Takahashi. The iconic A Cruel Angel's Thesis perfectly encapsulated the strongest dichotomy in the series while being a headbanging catchy song.
In effect, A Cruel Angel's Thesis encapsulated both the intense action exterior and rather dark subtext of the anime. After all, the opening already hinted at the deeper elements of the plot — juxtaposing images of sadness and destruction over the facade of giant robots.