Anime is certainly about the story and characters, but the allure packed into the opening songs is an indispensable part of discussing anime. Anime openings often represent the world and characters’ personalities and emotions, so paying attention to the music videos, song styles, and meanings of the lyrics can enhance your enjoyment of the anime.
In this article, we introduce the opening songs that have energized and colored many famous anime, acclaimed as some of the “greatest of all time.” We’ve compiled 19 legendary and popular anime songs, so be sure to check them out!
- 1.The Charm of Anime Openings
- 2.Anime Opening Song Best 19
- 2-1.A Cruel Angel’s Thesis / Neon Genesis Evangelion
- 2-2. CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA / Dragon Ball Z
- 2-3.We Are / One Piece
- 2-4.Departure / Hunter x Hunter
- 2-5.COLORS / Code Geass
- 2-6.Moonlight Densetsu / Sailor Moon
- 2-7. Again / Fullmetal Alchemist
- 2-8.Silhouette / Naruto Shippuden
- 2-9.battlecry / Samurai Champloo
- 2-10.JoJo ~ For the Fate of That Blood ~/JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE
- 2-11.FLY HIGH!! / Haikyuu!!
- 2-12.Renai Circulation / Bakemonogatari
- 2-13.Gurenge / Demon Slayer
- 2-14. Inferno / Fire Force
- 2-15.Kaikai Kitan / Jujutsu Kaisen
- 2-16.KICK BACK / Chainsaw Man
- 2-17.THE HERO!! / One Punch Man
- 2-18. Unravel / Tokyo Ghoul
- 2-19. Idol / Oshi no Ko
- Conclusion
1.The Charm of Anime Openings
Anime openings, with their melodies, lyrics, and visuals, often reflect the world of the anime and the personalities of its characters. This allows viewers to immerse themselves in the anime’s world even before the main story begins, enhancing their excitement and anticipation.
Another charm of anime opening songs is their ability to evoke memories of the anime when you’re not watching it. They remind you of your favorite characters and the most touching scenes, bringing back memories filled with excitement and emotions from the anime!
2.Anime Opening Song Best 19
The anime industry boasts numerous masterpiece opening songs. Some of these classics are not only popular in Japan but have also been enjoyed worldwide, remaining beloved from their creation to the present day. Below, we provide a detailed explanation of the important and widely popular anime opening songs, highlighting their appeal and the artists behind them.
2-1.A Cruel Angel’s Thesis / Neon Genesis Evangelion
Sung by Yoko Takahashi, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is one of the most well-known songs from Neon Genesis Evangelion.It stands out among a wide array of anime songs and is known even to those with little interest in anime. The song captures listeners’ hearts with its catchy tune.
2-2. CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA / Dragon Ball Z
Performed by Hironobu Kageyama, “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” won the Heisei Anison Award for Best Lyrics. It was not only the opening theme for Dragon Ball Z but also the theme song for nine of the series’ movies.The song’s powerful melody and lyrics reflect the protagonist Goku’s unbounded freedom.
2-3.We Are / One Piece
Sung by Hiroshi Kitadani, “We Are” is characterized by its bright melody that captures the excitement of a grand adventure at sea. The lyrics are sprinkled with pirate-themed words like “helm”, “compass”, and “treasure map”, reflecting the protagonist Luffy’s optimism. The upbeat tempo of the song also makes it a joyful listen.
2-4.Departure / Hunter x Hunter
Performed by Masatoshi Ono, “Departure” is the iconic opening song for Hunter x Hunter, used in all episodes except episode 135. The song’s positive tune and passionate vocals, typical of shonen manga, have enchanted many fans.
2-5.COLORS / Code Geass
Performed by FLOW, “COLORS” is notable for its refreshing and poppy tune.The lyrics are imbued with hope and determination towards the future, evoking the mindset of the protagonist, Lelouch. The intro, suggesting the beginning of a grand story, is one of its appealing aspects, making it a definitive song for many fans of Code Geass.
2-6.Moonlight Densetsu / Sailor Moon
Sung by DALI, “Moonlight Densetsu” is the original theme song for Sailor Moon. It is a famous song that represents the series and is widely loved by fans who grew up watching the show. Just hearing the intro excites many fans with nostalgic memories of the anime’s broadcast.
2-7. Again / Fullmetal Alchemist
Performed by YUI, “Again” was the first opening theme for Fullmetal Alchemist until episode 14. It was a huge hit, debuting at number one on the Oricon charts. The lyrics convey a sense of positive emotions and powerful feelings, reminiscent of the struggles and inner thoughts of the Elric brothers.
2-8.Silhouette / Naruto Shippuden
“Silhouette” by the rock band KANA-BOON is used starting from episode 600 of Naruto Shippuden. This song marks the band’s first anime tie-up.Its prominent guitar sounds and refreshing, positive tune leave a strong impression.
2-9.battlecry / Samurai Champloo
“battlecry” by Nujabes is a cool, rap-style song that skillfully captures the unique world of Samurai Champloo with lyrics that include words like “samurai sword.” Nujabes not only contributed this song but also composed much of the series’ background music.
2-10.JoJo ~ For the Fate of That Blood ~/JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE
Performed by TOMMY Hiroaki, “JoJo ~ For the Fate of That Blood ~” is a powerful song that embodies the proud spirit of Jonathan Joestar. The opening animation, which beautifully merges manga and anime, has also drawn significant attention. The forceful lyrics convey the passionate world unique to JoJo, making it a standout track in anime history.
2-11.FLY HIGH!! / Haikyuu!!
“FLY HIGH!!” by BURNOUT SYNDROMES helped launch their major debut. Its lyrics, reminiscent of Japanese literature, are a highlight. The song represents the thrill of volleyball, such as executing powerful spikes, and is tied to a spirit of ambition.
2-12.Renai Circulation / Bakemonogatari
“Renai Circulation,” sung by popular voice actress Kana Hanazawa who voices the character Nadeko Sengoku, features cute lyrics and melody that reflect the delicate feelings of Nadeko towards Koyomi Araragi. The song and its pastel-colored opening animation also became quite popular for their cuteness.
2-13.Gurenge / Demon Slayer
LiSA’s “Gurenge” topped the 2020 JOYSOUND Karaoke Mid-Year Ranking. LiSA has said that she channeled Tanjiro into herself while writing the lyrics,which are filled with his fiery emotions and make the song compelling.
2-14. Inferno / Fire Force
“Inferno” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE is used in the first season of Fire Force. This passionate rock tune slightly differs from the band’s usual style and features lyrics that reflect the determination of the Special Fire Force Company 8.
2-15.Kaikai Kitan / Jujutsu Kaisen
Sung by Eve, who debuted in 2019, “Kaikai Kitan” is highlighted by its complex and stylish lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of Jujutsu Kaisen. Eve, a fan of the manga, mentioned in a radio interview that he wrote the song with a deep love while reflecting on the comic’s intensity.
2-16.KICK BACK / Chainsaw Man
“KICK BACK,” composed, written, and arranged by Kenshi Yonezu with arrangement contributions from Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu, conveys the greed and carefree spirit of Denji. It’s the first song with Japanese lyrics to receive a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
2-17.THE HERO!! / One Punch Man
“THE HERO!!” is performed by JAM Project, a group established by charismatic anime song singers. This spirited rock tune is energizing just to listen to, and its music video has drawn much acclaim from international fans.
2-18. Unravel / Tokyo Ghoul
“Unravel,” sung by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, perfectly matches the atmosphere of Tokyo Ghoul. The melody and TK’s high-pitched voice at the beginning quickly draw listeners into the world of the anime.
2-19. Idol / Oshi no Ko
“Idol” by YOASOBI is a song created to reflect the content of the spin-off novel 45510 for Oshi no Ko. While it serves as an anime song, it is crafted like an idol song with hand claps and call-and-response elements, showing respect for the work. The lyrics intriguingly depict the light and shadow of an idol’s life.
Conclusion
There are too many anime opening songs to name just one as the greatest of all time. Among them, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” from Neon Genesis Evangelion and “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” from Dragon Ball Z are particularly legendary.
Other notable mentions include “Gurenge” from the hugely successful Demon Slayer and “Idol” from Oshi no Ko, which has gained worldwide popularity. When watching anime, in addition to the story and characters, try to pay attention to the emotions and meanings conveyed in the opening songs!
*This article is based on information available as of April 2024.