Soundtracks breathe life into an anime, and that is especially true for opening songs. 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 opening songs just far outshine the rest in animation, quality, and catchiness.

With each season containing dozens of shows, an anime opening has to be extra special to stand out from the crowd. There are thousands of options out there, but which are the best anime openings ever?

Updated April 21, 2024 by Mark Sammut: While the best anime OPs are technically not set in stone since each season produces a few dozen great openings, these songs are very hard to beat. If available, links to each OP have been added to the article.

If an opening song is available in an official capacity on YouTube, a link to the video will be attached to each entry's title. If only an official music video is available, that will be included as an alternative. If neither can be found, a link will not be listed.

35 Go Exceed!! (Ace Of Diamond)

Tom-H@ck featuring Masayoshi Oish

Ace of Diamond has a great track record when it comes to OPs. GLAY's "Heroes" and "Sora ga Aozora de Aru Tame ni" are both outstanding tracks and start season 2's episodes on a high note. However, their predecessor just barely gets the nod over them. Tom-H@ck featuring Masayoshi Oishi's "Go Exceed!!" is used throughout season 1, and the pop rock has an infectious beat and builds momentum nicely as it pursues a satisfying climax.

Compared to the track, the accompanying video is decent but not particularly amazing since it primarily acts as a rundown of Seido High School's baseball club members. Still, this structure is a smart choice for a first season since it highlights the anime's quite expansive cast of characters.

34 Go!!! (Naruto)

FLOW

When it comes to OPs, Naruto is reasonably consistent. Sure, some of the Boruto ones are forgettable, but the franchise has yet to produce a terrible OP; conversely, the anime's best openings are among the most iconic in battle shonen history. Difficult as it is to highlight a single one, FLOW's "Go!!!" just about gets the nod.

In terms of animation, Naruto has certainly produced more beautiful OPs than this early attempt, although the same cannot be said for its visuals. The catchy and energetic song is accompanied by a clever video that utilizes a manga-style presentation, with the characters popping in and out of the panels.

33 Paradise Alien (Gintama)

serial TV drama

Over its nearly 400-episode run, Gintama produced more than its share of fantastic opening songs. OKAMOTO's "Beautiful Days" and DOES's "Know Know Know" could easily crack this article's rankings, but if a single OP had to be selected, serial TV drama's "Paradise Alien," aka "Togenkyou Alien," would have to make the cut. As the introduction to the shonen anime's second season, this catchy and energetic track reflects the series' brand of chaotic humor and shocking depth brilliantly.

The accompanying video is also among the anime's most enjoyable, serving as a memorable rundown of Gintama's absolutely massive roster of personalities. As the anime loves to go the extra meta mile, in episode 224, the characters get into an accident while performing the OP, which is a great little gag that serves as a perfect demonstration of Gintama's unique comedic voice.

32 Flag Wo Tatero (March Comes In Like A Lion)

YUKI

March Comes in Like a Lion tells the story of an isolated young shogi player, Rei Kiriyama, who forms a connection with the Kawamoto sisters. One-part slice of life, one-part powerful drama, this anime can be heartbreaking, uplifting, uncomfortably intense, and (very) occasionally funny. YUKI's "Flag wo Tatero" opens up the brilliant second season and manages to reflect so many of the diverse emotions and tones captured by the anime.

While relatively subdued compared to some other anime bangers, this J-pop song blends perfectly with the gorgeous video to prepare audiences for the complex experience that awaits them. The lyrics fit March Comes in Like a Lion brilliantly, as they speak about facing hardship without minimizing the challenge of doing such an act.

31 Gotta Catch 'Em All (Pokemon)

Jason Paige

Nostalgia can be a powerful drug, and that partially fuels this entry. In Japan, Pokemon used Rika Matsumoto's "Aim to Be a Pokemon Master" during the Indigo League saga, which is a fun OP in its own right. However, English-speaking countries received a different opening that would overshadow basically any other song associated with Game Freak's franchise. Many '90s kids who dipped their toes into anime during the end of the decade can probably recite Jason Paige's "Gotta Catch 'em All" in their sleep.

Compositionally, the track is quite straightforward with very simple lyrics. This is not a criticism either, as "Gotta Catch 'em All" sinks its teeth into listeners through an all-time great hook. Pokemon's English OP is a masterclass in marketing and brand development.

30 Home (Fruits Basket)

Asako Toki

Fruits Basket 2019 revival consists of nothing but fantastic openings. Season 1's "Again" and "Chime" set the bar extremely high, a standard upheld by Season 2's "Prism" and "Home" and Season 3's "Pleasure." Frankly, an argument could be made for each of these OPs, but if one needs to be signaled out, then Asako Toki's "Home" slips to the front.

Many of the best anime OPs are either upbeat tracks that pump up viewers or orchestral masterpieces, but there are exceptions. "Home" is a precious track with a sparse beat, beautiful vocals, and a positive tone. This theme is a warm hug, a loving smile, and a gorgeous sunrise all wrapped into one.

29 Unravel (Tokyo Ghoul)

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

Tokyo Ghoul was and still is a relatively popular anime, but its disappointing sequels cast a shadow over the entire adaptation. While the later entries are certainly messy, the anime's original season tells a satisfying action-horror story, offering a blend of genres that not many shows try to tackle. Also, "Unravel" is such a great OP that the full song deserves to be checked out even by those who have no interest in Tokyo Ghoul​​​​​​.

The OP's visuals do an admirable job of emphasizing the first season's key players while including a few creative flourishes; however, "Unravel" is all about TK's track. Explosive and complex, the song ventures into progressive rock territory, all the while still remaining catchy and direct. Lyrically, the track speaks to Tokyo Ghoul's theme of alienation, which is a relatable topic in general.

28 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Ya Boy Kongming!)

Queendom

The best OP from the Spring 2022 season also happened to be one of the best of all time, as Ya Boy Kongming!'s "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is just pure fire and deserves a mention. Fittingly, an anime revolving around the music industry starts with a song that is so infectiously catchy that it would not look out of place on the charts; in fact, Queendom's track is arguably better than any of the songs performed in the show, which serves as a testament to the former's quality rather than any perceived shortcomings of the latter.

The music video is also energetic and top-notch, perfectly reflecting the wholesome and positive vibes given off by the anime's story. Considering how bizarre the show's premise is, which involves a Chinese strategist being reincarnated in modern Tokyo where he becomes an aspiring singer's manager, the opening song's confidence helps sell the idea. Ya Boy Kongming! was one of the Spring 2022 season's nicer surprises, and the OP got each episode off to an immaculate start.

27 Mathemagics (Owarimonogatari)

Marina Inoue

When it comes to Shaft's Monogatari franchise, many OPs deliver excellent music and visuals reflective of their story arc's themes and central figures. Kaori Mizuhashi's "Dark Cherry Mystery," Chiwa Saito and Shinichiro Miki's "Kogarashi Sentiment," and Chiwa Saito's "Staple Stable" are only a couple of the musical masterpieces included in the series, and picking the best one mostly comes down to personal preference.

In this case, Marina Inoue's "Mathemagics" has been given the nod mainly because it is a great representative of Monogatari as a whole. The song is strong enough to stand on its own, and it features top-notch vocals along with a remarkable instrumental; however, the track goes up to a whole other level when paired with its visuals. Shaft always goes all out with Monogatari's presentation, and that extends to this opening sequence.

26 Ignited (Gundam SEED Destiny)

T.M. Revolution

No Gundam series would be complete without an opening song that highlighted the present Mobile Suits of that entry. While the original SEED anime boasted its own set of captivating music, it’s perhaps "Ignited" of T.M. Revolution that fully encapsulated the sheer awesomeness of the Gundam SEED Destiny sequel.

Unlike other SEED Destiny songs, "Ignited" doesn’t try to capture the interest of newcomers and old fans alike. The song highlights the combining nature of the Impulse Gundam, which served as the series’ counterpart of the multi-form Strike Gundam in SEED. It also manages to introduce the pilots and Mobile Suits of both the old cast and new villains alike.

25 Connect (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

ClariS

Like Puella Magi Madoka Magica in general, ClariS' "Connect" does not fully reveal its brilliance until a few episodes into the season. Initially, the OP comes across as an above-average pop song with a great delivery, a strong melody, and decent visuals. Good, but perhaps not one of the all-time greats. However, once Madoka Magica drops its whole innocent act and things start to get grim, the OP's relentless energy gains an element of desperation and melancholy. The "world" previewed by the song and video are mere fantasies for the characters within.

"Connect's" lyrics also reflect the themes later explored in the anime, as do some of the OP's visuals. On a more fundamental level, the OP plays an important role in lulling audiences into a false sense of familiarity, tearing down their defenses in preparation for the pain that awaits.

24 Kyoukaisen (86)

amazarashi

86 is a war anime that has little time for the genre's typical nationalism and heroism. The show is about children led to the slaughter, and while not devoid of uplifting or hopeful moments, an air of tragedy lingers throughout most of the series. That said, the protagonists continue to push forward toward a better future, and their drive is infectious.

"Kyoukaisen" beautifully reflects 86's mature themes and tone, as the song starts slow but quickly builds to an anthemic crescendo. Musically, amazarashi crafted a tight track that does not waste a single second, and the song's beats perfectly match up to the OP's powerful visuals.

23 Northern Lights (Shaman King)

Megumi Hayashibara

When the 2021 Shaman King remake shifted everyone’s nostalgia drives to top gear, fans inevitably remembered the hype that was its first opening song, "Over Soul" by Megumi Hayashibara. However, if there’s an opening song that encapsulates Shaman King, it would probably be "Northern Lights" by the same artist. Where "Over Soul" pumped the hype over the slow introduction of Yoh Asakura and his companions, it was "Northern Lights" that followed through.

Taking place during the second round of the Shaman Fights, "Northern Lights" showcased the full extent of the cast and their capabilities. Not only do Yoh and the others tout their final Oversoul forms, but the song and the opening sequence complete the cast with Johann Faust VIII and Chocolove McDonell.

22 Love Dramatic (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War)

Masayuki Suzuki and Rikka Ihara

Masayuki Suzuki has handled all three of Kaguya-sama: Love is War's openings, and the artist is on a homerun streak. Although a bit of a grower compared to its predecessors, season 3's "GIRI GIRI" does a splendid job of reflecting the anime's gradual shift towards romance and melodrama over pure comedy. "DADDY! DADDY! DO!," which features Airi Suzuki, ensures that nine episodes of season 2 contain at least 90 seconds of pure awesomeness, and the song is missed whenever it is skipped.

Lastly (and firstly), there is season 1's "Love Dramatic" featuring Rikka Ihara. Along with being the franchise's most iconic OP, "Love Dramatic" is simply a brilliant track that demands to be listened to on repeat. The OP's video is creative, colorful, and lively, reflecting the somewhat chaotic energy of the anime's first cour. An argument could be made that Kaguya-sama season 1 is the weakest in the series, but it has the best OP.

21 This Game (No Game, No Life)

Konomi Suzuki

Madhouse's No Game, No Life only produced one season (and a prequel movie), but while the isekai anime did not deliver quantity, it did offer quality. This extends to Konomi Suzuki's "This Game" opening, an exquisite track with lyrics that tie nicely into the anime's themes.

Musically, the song starts with a gorgeous piano melody before erupting into an emotional but high-energy pop-rock structure. Madhouse paired Suzuki's track with a top-tier video featuring stellar animation and even some surreal touches.

20 Hacking To The Gate (Steins;Gate)

Kanako Ito

Sci-fi anime fans looking for a decent time travel story won't go wrong with Steins;Gate. In this anime adaptation of the visual novel, self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou and his friends discover a method of sending messages back in time. However, experiments with this newfound mystery plunge Okabe and his friends into a dangerous game with the forces of nature itself.

Kanaka Ito’s "Hacking To The Gate" encapsulates all these feelings in the opening song. Beginning with an upbeat yet ominous premise, the monochromatic setup of the visuals interlaces with the intensity of the chorus to create a feeling of powerlessness that Okabe has to overcome.

19 Stand Proud (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)

Jin Hashimoto

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure generally hits a homerun when it comes to its OPs; Part 1's "Sono Chi No Sadame" is magnificent, as is Part 2's "Bloody Stream" and Part 5's "Fighting Gold." These OPs could all rank somewhere on this list, but to keep things as varied as possible, only Part 3's "Stand Proud" has been included.

Performed by Jin Hashimoto, this track distills the awesomeness of the iconic franchise into an unforgettable 90 seconds. The song and imagery are both fantastic, and they combine to create something transcendent.

18 Just Fly Away (Gundam Build Fighters Try)

EDGE of Life

Gundam Build Fighters Try is perhaps the fulfillment of every Gunpla owner’s dream. In this series, Gunpla builders partake in Gunpla Battles, where science finally paved the way to make Gunpla "movable" akin to how actual Gundam do in their series. Protagonist Kamiki Sekai and his friends will try to win the Gunpla Battle World Championships no matter what.

The second opening, "Just Fly Away" by EDGE of Life, fully captures the show's essence: to enjoy Gunpla building and building bonds with friends. This action-packed, upbeat opening will have viewers stay throughout the song to enjoy the sights of Sekai, the Try-Burning Gundam, and other cast members duke it out in combat. Moreover, it’s one of few anime openings with a dynamic opening sequence, where certain segments are revealed depending on the progress of the plot.

17 Wild Drive (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)

Masato Nago

Any fan of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters would know that the Battle City Finals was arguably one of the best arcs in the entire franchise. Set in Seto Kaiba’s iconic Battle Ship and Duel Tower, the Finals in this Yu-Gi-Oh! season would see Yugi, Seto, and Yami Marik use the three Egyptian God Cards in a battle that would decide the fate of the world.

Masato Nago’s "Wild Drive," the anime’s third opening, captures the sheer intensity of the arc.

The anime opening displays the most crucial cast in the series, alongside iconic monsters. More importantly, the opening highlights the majesty of the three Egyptian Gods and their owners: Yugi and Slifer the Sky Dragon, Kaiba and Obelisk the Tormentor, and Marik with the Winged Dragon of Ra.

16 Kaikai Kitan (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Eve

Jujutsu Kaisen's opening theme utilizes a song by Eve, a Japanese singer who has contributed a fair few tracks to anime shows over the years. "Kaikai Kitan's" catchy and energetic beat masks the lyrics' rather dark content, as they touch upon themes of isolation and inner darkness.

Initially, the video comes across as little more than a character roll call, but the opening theme becomes more ambitious and eye-catching as it goes along. A fun track to listen to outside the anime's context, "Kaikai Kitan" is great.