Top 10 Anime Openings

Top 10 Anime Openings

Written by: Claydragon

Anime openings are one of the more important aspects of watching a new series. They can clue you in on what to expect, and in some cases can even determine whether or not you choose to watch the series at all. As such, I decided to compile a list of my top 10 anime openings, along with a brief paragraph explaining what I like about them. This list does only cover openings from shows that I’ve watched, which is why Attack on Titan’s first opening and Blue Exorcist’s second opening are not on this list. Also, as will be standard for my future lists, only one opening per show will be chosen. If you want to listen to/watch the opening, just click on the name of the song in brackets. 

10.)      Gosick Opening (Destin Histoire by Yoshiki☆Lisa)

When I first saw the opening to Gosick, I was struck by how different the animation for it was. It’s animated in the style of art nouveau, and to date it’s the only anime opening I’ve seen to do something like that. It works really well in terms of both music and animation, as both combine to fit the show’s themes and setting perfectly.

This week on Masterchef...

9.)        Soul Eater Opening 1 (Resonance by T.M. Revolution)

Considering that Soul Eater has some gothic undertones, it seems right that the opening should reflect that. The instrumental sections help to highlight these undertones, as do the scenes set in the city. The other good thing is that every character shown in the opening has their main personality traits highlighted, like Stein’s underlying madness or the teamwork that the main characters exhibit. Plus, we get to see Lord Death doing a little dance.

Have you heard of his hat?

8.)        Naruto Opening 2 (Haruka Kanata by Asian Kung-Fu Generation)

Given that I wasn’t too fond of Naruto’s first opening, I didn’t exactly have high hopes for the second one. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. Whilst the animation isn’t anything special, when I rewatched it I realised that it actually contains a few spoilers for the show, but done in such a way that you don’t actually know that things are being spoiled (for example, Kakashi’s confrontation with Orochimaru and Kabuto being evil). The music is suitably awesome as well, fitting both the fast-paced sections and the slower-moving ones.

Photobombing Level: Ninja

7.)        Cowboy Bebop Opening (Tank! by The Seatbelts)

Some openings don’t need lyrics in order to be enjoyable. Such is the case with Tank! The animation fits the film noir theme of the show brilliantly, and the music is very enjoyable, making it easy to watch this opening again and again. And for some strange reason, it always seems to remind me of the opening for a James Bond film.

Obviously those electronic cigarettes don't catch on in the future.

6.)        Fate/Zero Opening 1 (Oath Sign by LiSA)

On one hand, I do like Fate/Zero’s second opening. On the other hand, the first opening has an awesome transformation sequence, short clips of every character’s main ability, and images which show us how the servants and masters interact. Couple that with an amazing song, beautiful animation, and a subtle reference to Cowboy Bebop, and the choice is clear.

"I'm awesome. Deal with it."

5.)        Bleach Opening 15 (Harukaze by Scandal)

Whilst Bleach has had a number of good openings, both in terms of music and animation, Harukaze is my overall favourite. It’s nothing special up until about a minute in, when all the members of Xcution band together to help Ichigo fight Tsukishima. Immediately after that, we see Ichigo walking towards the camera as the background flickers through almost every single episode title card the series used, making this a very fitting last opening.

It's funny because violence.

4.)        Steins;Gate Opening (Hacking to the Gate by Kanako Itō)

Fancy watching an opening that will screw with your head? Then watch Hacking to the Gate. The animation constantly flickers in order to represent the nature of the show, and brief images related to the plot flash up on the screen for a single frame, leaving you wonder what on Earth just happened. The music is written specially for the show, so it fits the opening better than any other song would.

You know it's sciencey when there are lots of lines and diagrams.

3.)        Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Opening 4 (Period by Chemistry)

If you ask fans of FMA: Brotherhood what their favourite opening is, most of them would either say the first or the fourth. For me, it’s Period. The animation is pretty, the music is catchy, and these work together to create a number of memorable scenes. These include Ed and Al being surrounded by their allies, to each of the good guys attacking the remaining Homunculi, and it highlights the number of friends that the brothers have made since their journey began.

"My Christmas card list is going to be huge this year..."

2.)        Baccano! Opening (Guns & Roses by Paradise Lunch)

Fact: Jazz music is good. Fact: The 1930’s are good. Fact: Baccano! has one of the best openings I have ever seen. The music fits the animation at all points throughout the opening, and the way that focus is given to every important character in the show is a brilliant method to familiarise the audience with the cast before the show has even started. The fact that there are no lyrics does nothing to take away from the awesomeness of this opening.

Say what you want, they have good Halloween costumes.

1.)        Durarara!! Opening 2 (Complication by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D)

Whilst Durarara!! wasn’t my favourite anime series, it does have the best opening. To be honest, both openings of Durarara!! are really good, but the second one is easily my favourite. The music is catchy, and the way the animation flows fluidly as it shows the cast of characters is done brilliantly.  The greyscale scenes at the start perfectly capture the mood of the show at the point when this opening first started, and the animation is very detailed and pretty. All of these things add up to make it number 1 on my list. 

"Would you like a hug?"

Do you have any suggestions for a Top 10 list, or an anime you want reviewed? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below!

ClayDragon:









ClayDragon is currently studying Physics at university, and is constantly bewildered by it. The main method of contacting him is his Gmail account at kyleroulston1993@gmail.com. The alternative is his Skype account at kyleroulston1993. When not playing games or reading, he can be found with his head in his hands whilst trying in vain to understand quantum physics. He does not appear to have a soul.