“Hacking to the Gate” is composed and written by Chiyomaru Shikura, arranged by Toshimichi Isoe, and sung by Kanako Ito. Along with some subtle differences to the opening visuals, the lyrics between the two versions shift to different verses within the full version of the song. The show has had similarly great openings in its later seasons, but none can match the first one — every action-packed second of this theme became instantly iconic. It even became a popular meme that the music and editing were so awesome that they could make anything, from “King of the Hill” to “Winnie the Pooh,” look like the most badass thing in history. “Lupin the 3rd Part III” went in a different, wackier direction, and its opening reflects that. However, it was the theme for “Lupin the 3rd Part II” that became the “Lupin” theme.
This is done with the help of the somber beginning and an action-packed chorus that gives a glimpse of the badassery that awaits the viewers. Death Note has two opening themes and fans have long been divided over which one is better. Both have different styles but if we were to choose, our vote goes to “The World” by Nightmare. You may not feel that this warrants the number one spot and that’s ok. I like Guilty Crown more than the average anime fan perhaps and that is ok too.
I thought the first opening for the series was a masterpiece, but wow is the opening for My Happy Marriage Season 2 captivating in every sense of the word. It doesn’t surprise me given the series’ director was the one to direct and storyboard the opening, his first since directing the opening for Sabikui Bisco. I’d say what the opening does better than any other opening from the Winter 2025 season is the use of depth.
As someone who hasn’t read either the manga or novels, I feel like I’m missing out on so much of the symbolism going on with this opening. The music and visuals interact not just here and there, it’s beginning to end from the moment Miyo takes that first breath and opens her eyes all the way to the drop at the very end. That takes such a precise amount of detail and care for just a minute and 30 seconds of visuals.
” is the opening theme of Cowboy Bebop, a critically acclaimed anime series known for its unique blend of jazz and science fiction. This opening perfectly captures the essence of the show, with its manga quiz energetic music, stylish animation, and charismatic characters. Your Lie in April set a high bar for romance and drama anime when it was released.
Some people even compete on platforms like Anime Music Quiz for fun and to showcase their repertoire of anime knowledge. “Platinum Disco” by Yuka Iguchi is the infectious opening theme for “Nisemonogatari,” the second season in the Monogatari series. It’s known for its catchy tune and playful lyrics that will have you swaying side to side. The visuals accompanying the song are equally whimsical, featuring the character Tsukihi Araragi dancing in a mesmerizing sequence that captures the spirit of the series. It’s no surprise that this opening has stuck with fans long after the episode ends, making it a staple in anime playlists.
Finally, an energetic closer seals the deal to really amp up viewers before diving into Holy Grail warfare. But this song takes up the themes of desperation and melancholy of the show’s progress. They both hold far more darkness and tension than you might expect. The lyrics and opening visuals set you up to contemplate the anime’s later themes. This catches many viewers off-guard entirely and can totally change their perspective on the entire series.
Perhaps the perfect intro is a reflection of the feeling you get from watching the show. The Demon Slayer intro “Gurenge” by LiSA is a certified bop, making it one of the most popular anime intros in recent years. Are just two examples of anime series who always deliver great opening intros.The Naruto soundtrack isn’t just timeless – all of the intros over the years are anime OP masterpieces. One of the most popular and recognizable anime openings of all time will have to be Unravel from Tokyo Ghoul. Even some of my friends who are not anime fans know this theme, that’s how popular this opening is. As many fans might be aware, even though the anime did not do enough justice to the manga, Unravel managed to touch hearts and is easily the all-time best anime opening song in history.
Action-Packed Anime to Watch if You Like Ninja Kamui
The energetic visuals and uplifting music inspire viewers to reach for the stars. The lively animation and infectious melody make this opening an instant mood booster. “The World,” the opening theme of Death Note, sets the stage for the psychological thriller that unfolds within the series. The haunting vocals and striking visuals create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Haruka Kanata” – Naruto
Attempting to travel in his absentee father’s footsteps, Gon sets forth with his friends with hopes to also decipher the many mysteries surrounding his dad. If you have ever watched a piece of media before, you will likely have had to sit through an intro sequence of sorts. One surprising feature is that the opening completely spoils the plot if carefully picked apart. Nevertheless, this can be considered a strength as much as a weakness.
Therefore, if you haven’t watched this anime, I highly recommend you start watching this one on Netflix (See the best anime on Netflix here). Bright colors from the start to the dark ones in the second half of the opening just to end on a bright note was a nice touch. Transitions are so key in anime openings that blatantly want to incorporate them and that’s exactly what this opening did. Having the cross transition with Kenshin’s scar at the end was the cherry on top.
Departure! by Masatoshi Ono – Hunter x Hunter (
Gurenge by LiSA is the most streamed and listened to anime opening song of all time. This anime also has a chilling and intriguing soundtrack, which you can check out if you love this anime opening like me. Death Note will forever remain the first anime for many, and so does its opening song. One of the shots I particularly love is the one below of Maomao being shown in the mirror. My eyes are drawn to Gyokuyou since she’s the one looking at the “camera” and then you realize the camera is Maoamo herself, seeing her in the mirror. Little things like that will always stand above a flashy action sequence to me.
This holds true especially in the dialogue but also in fight scenes. Steins;Gate is top-notch sci-fi anime that packs in so much of what fans of both genres love. The “mad scientist” Okabe Rintarou works with his companions to figure out how to communicate with the past. It doesn’t take long for his experiments with time to create dangerous consequences as the gang struggles with the laws of nature.