Opening songs are so important – they set the tone of the anime and are a great opportunity to get stuck in our heads. Now with streaming services, they tend to offer a ‘skip intro’ feature so we can get straight into the episodes! I’ll admit that if I’m bingeing a series, I will skip the intro if I’m not feeling the song, so first impressions are everything for me.
Below are my top 10 favourite anime opening songs that I absolutely cannot skip.
10. The Hero!! Set Fire to the Furious Fist - One Punch Man
The Hero!! Set Fire to the Furious Fist by JAM Project. It really is an epic song.
I don't know how, but by the 0:40 second mark, when the music changes up, I AM READY AND PUMPED TO PUNCH THINGS. Don't question it, just go with it.
9. Guren no Yumiya - Attack on Titan (Season 1)
Guren no Yumiya by Linked Horizon. A badass song for a badass series - I feel like I don't really need to say much more than that.
8. Flyers - Death Parade
Flyers by Bradio is so catchy. The opening to the song reminds me of something from an old-school crime show. It's such a fun song, and really makes you think that the show is going to be a dark comedy of some friends that run a bar... different from the psychological thriller that the series really is.
Boom boom boom dancing through the skies... try getting that out of your heads
7. Renegade - Gangsta.
Renegade by Stereo Drive Foundation (SDF). SDF is the side project of electronic musician and producer R.O.N, AKA Iida Ryuta... he has a lot of names, and is responsible quite a few different anime openings.
As you could probably tell from the opening video, this anime is for adults. This song has a perfectly dirty, electronic vibe - a killer opening for a great series.
6. Abnormalize - Psycho Pass (Season 1)
Abnormalize by Japanese rock band Ling Tosite Sigure. Hauntingly beautiful.
This song has a grunginess to it that suits the cyberpunk thriller series. It's dark, moody and edgy in the best possibly way. It was the first opening song for the series before it was changed to Out of Control by Nothing's Carved In Stone.
5. Goya no machiawase - Noragami (Season 1)
Goya no Machiawase (or the english title - Overnight Appointment) by Hello Sleepwalkers. What song could be better for a God in a tracksuit? None. This is the song.
What an absolute banger. This song just makes you want to boogie.
4. Strider's High - Prince of Stride: Alternative
Strider's High by OxT - this song brings the energetic rock energy that is needed for an extreme sport anime. It's just fun, and with all the bright colours, it's the perfect blend and sets the tone.
I think this song (and the anime series TBH) should get more recognition.
3. For Fruits Basket - Fruits Basket (2001)
For Frutis Basket was originally by Ritsuko Okazaki, but this english version by Meredit McCoy gets me. Both versions are incredible and catchy in their own gentle way, but with the english version, I can atleast attempt to sing along.
From that first note, it hits me right in the feels. Seriously, please get me the tissues
2. Unravel - Tokyo Ghoul (Season 1)
Think the voice sounds familiar? That's because it is! Unravel by Toru (TK) Kitajima - this song is by the singer of the band Ling Tosite Sigure whose song is sixth on our list. He has a very unique sound, and it really sets the haunting tone for those incredible thriller series.
Seriously though, all of it - the guitar, the piano, the drums, the bass, the violin. Amazing.
1. History Maker - Yuri!!! on ICE
History Maker by Dean Fujioka is absolute perfection. They couldn't have made a better opening if they tried - it's so uplifting and whimsical. The lyrics are inspiring, and damn, the visuals + song combo just makes me unbelievably happy.
I always put this song on repeat - it's simply not possible for me to listen to it only once. Go on, turn the volume up, because...
WE WERE BORN TO MAKE HISTORRRRRY!
Do you agree with my top 10? Make sure you comment below your favourite opening songs.
About Post Author
Hi, these are all great opening songs. In particular, Unravel is my favorite. It perfectly fits in with Tokyo Ghoul’s story.