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10 Most Iconic Anime Openings Every Fan Remembers

2025-07-12 · 6 min read

Anime openings are the heart of a show's identity. They build anticipation, set the tone and often become as iconic as the series itself. Whether it's the powerful music, stylish animation or unforgettable first impressions, these intros leave a lasting mark on fans. Some of them became anthems that defined an era of anime. Others simply captured the perfect blend of sound and story. Here's a list of the most legendary anime openings that still resonate with fans across generations.

10. One Piece – We Are!

10. One Piece – We Are!

'We Are!' is more than just a song. It’s the theme of adventure that defines One Piece. With a cheerful melody and lyrics about chasing dreams, it became the voice of the Straw Hat crew’s journey. The opening visuals were simple but full of charm.

It introduced fans to a world of pirates, friendship and wild exploration. Over the years, this song has been remixed and reintroduced in different arcs. For many fans, it’s the anthem that reminds them why they fell in love with One Piece.

9. Demon Slayer – Gurenge

9. Demon Slayer – Gurenge

'Gurenge' by LiSA became an instant hit when Demon Slayer aired. The combination of traditional Japanese elements and modern rock created a fresh sound that matched the anime’s unique style. The animation showcased stunning visuals from the first episode.

As Tanjiro begins his journey, the opening builds emotion and anticipation. It became so popular that it topped music charts and was even performed live at major events. This song helped elevate the anime’s global recognition.

8. Bleach – Asterisk

8. Bleach – Asterisk

'Asterisk' marked Bleach’s debut with energy and swagger. The upbeat rhythm, urban visuals and flashy animation helped set it apart from other openings at the time. It introduced Ichigo and his world with a cool factor that was hard to ignore.

This track captured the spirit of early 2000s anime. It’s nostalgic, stylish and still stands as one of the most memorable intros from a long-running shonen series. Fans of the genre often cite this as a favorite from the golden era of anime.

7. Jujutsu Kaisen – Kaikai Kitan

7. Jujutsu Kaisen – Kaikai Kitan

Jujutsu Kaisen burst onto the scene with this visually stunning and energetic opening. 'Kaikai Kitan' mixes explosive animation with a rock-heavy track that perfectly sets the tone for the anime’s fast-paced action and supernatural world.

The intro’s choreography and transitions became an instant favorite. Fans rewatch it for its cool factor alone. It established Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the most polished and modern entries in the shonen genre.

6. Death Note – The World

6. Death Note – The World

Dark, dramatic and stylish, 'The World' pulls you into Death Note’s twisted chess match between Light and L. The song’s gothic tone matches the anime’s themes of morality, power and control. Its fast cuts and shifting visuals build tension right from the start.

It captures the duality of the main characters, making the viewer feel like they’re already inside Light’s complex mind. It stands out as one of the most uniquely intense openings of its time, and fans still revisit it often.

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Again

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Again

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood starts strong with 'Again', a powerful rock anthem that perfectly captures the themes of sacrifice and determination. It introduces the story’s key players and emotional beats with cinematic flair.

The vocals match the weight of the Elric brothers’ mission. The visuals highlight their journey, allies and enemies in sharp detail. As a first opening, it sets a high standard that the rest of the series successfully follows through on.

4. Naruto – Silhouette

4. Naruto – Silhouette

'Silhouette' hit a perfect emotional chord with Naruto fans. It signaled the growth of the characters, both visually and musically. The song’s lyrics and tone reflect Naruto’s journey from misfit to hero, and fans felt the nostalgia with every beat.

This opening features clean, fluid animation that flashes between the past and present, showing how far the characters have come. It became an instant fan favorite and still tops rankings for the best Naruto intros ever released.

3. Cowboy Bebop – Tank!

3. Cowboy Bebop – Tank!

Cowboy Bebop broke every mold, and its opening theme did the same. 'Tank!' is a fast-paced jazz instrumental that feels like the start of a heist movie. It blends cool style, hard-hitting energy and bold visual design that instantly sets the mood.

With its spy-style animation, flashing typography and silhouette characters, it became a signature for the show’s slick and mature vibe. Few openings command your attention the way 'Tank!' does. It became iconic even outside anime circles.

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion – A Cruel Angel's Thesis

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion – A Cruel Angel's Thesis

It’s impossible to talk about anime openings without this classic. 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' is upbeat, catchy and layered with meaning that contrasts the show's psychological depth. It creates a mysterious and oddly cheerful tone that sticks in your mind long after the episode ends.

The opening visuals are abstract, filled with flashes of characters, biblical symbolism and sci-fi elements. Even decades later, this song is still covered by artists, played in concerts and loved by fans worldwide. It became a cultural icon beyond just anime.

1. Attack on Titan – Guren no Yumiya

1. Attack on Titan – Guren no Yumiya

The first opening of Attack on Titan exploded into anime culture like a cannon blast. Its military drums, dramatic vocals and intense visuals set a tone that was dark, grand and unforgettable. From the moment it aired, fans were hooked on the energy it delivered.

The animation showed quick flashes of Titans, Survey Corps action and emotional stakes, building hype with every second. It wasn’t just an opening. It was a call to arms. Even after multiple seasons, this track remains a symbol of the show's raw impact.

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