10. “History Maker” from Yuri on Ice
2016 was a rough time for me, and this opening (the whole show, let’s be real here) pulled me out of a bad slump with my depression. It’s not the most amazing, blood-pumping song out there, but it will always hold a special place in my heart for how it moved me during a dark time in my life.
9. “Guren no Yumiya” (Crimson Bow and Arrow) from Attack on Titan
Listen, I don’t even watch this show (far too bloody and depressing for my tastes), but even I cannot deny how epic this opening song is. I also appreciate how it mixes languages, using German and Japanese, which has something to do with the plot, but as stated before, the song is such a beat that I don’t need an explanation behind the song.
8. “FLY HIGH” from Haikyuu!!
I love Haikyuu!! and this opening really encapsulated the whole show for me. Besides that, the song is absolutely catchy and inspiring as all hell. This opening shows just how far this anime has come, with the uplifting music as well as beautifully rendered animation. The clarity and depth in a single shot of one character’s eye really highlights the amount of love and detail has gone into the making of this show. Truly, a great opening to jump to. 😉
7. “Haruka Kanata” (Far Away) from Naruto
Despite the embarrassment that comes with remembering my early Naruto phase, this song is epic and nostalgic in a way that makes me think fondly of my dumb angsty middle school years pretending to be a cool ninja with my friends. The animation isn’t of the best quality, but the music alone is enough to warrant giving the opening a spot on the list because I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been head-banging along to the guitar and the bass and the…you know what? I need to end this one here before it gets too embarrasing.
6. “Blue Bird” from Naruto Shippuden
This song is a fan favorite among most Naruto fans, because it perfectly blends the music with the animation. Using the bird motif for transitions in this opening made the animation much better than it used to be, and the themes of the song match the narrative arc of the show. Overall, a great opening.
5. The First Pokemon Theme Song
I don’t know if this song even has a proper name, but it’s so nostalgic that it blasts all rational thought from my head and makes me forget about real life to go wander around for hours looking for cute animal creatures to befriend. There’s probably a Japanese version, but this is the one most people grow up with and love and will always remember for the rest of their lives.
4. “Hikari Are” (Let There Be Light) from Haikyuu!!
Guess who’s making a surprise reappearance! That’s right, it’s Haikyuu!! At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the song, but the beat grew on me and I found the Biblical allusions/references fitting for the narrative arc of the show. The animation, as per Haikyuu!!‘s standard, is crisp, clean, and beautiful, but has evolved to the point that it makes volleyball look like an intense battlefield.
3. “Hotaru no Hikari” (Glow of Firefly) from Naruto Shippuden
Another surprise comeback! Well, to be honest, when a show’s been running as long as Naruto has, it would be a right shame if it didn’t have more great openings than most other anime. Anyways, the band Ikimono Gakari improved the wistful mood from “Blue Bird” to a more hopeful, longing tone that just grasps the heart and makes it unfold like a blooming flower.
2. “Closer” from Naruto Shippuden
Reallly, it’s not surprising that Naruto comes back again, especially with a killer opening like this one. This is the one song from the show that always inspires me to do better, to work hard for what I want while also appreciating what I have. Also, the scenes shown in this opening are super emotional and spur growth in the characters, which also reminds me to keep changing and growing, even as I experience life’s hardships.
1. “Moonlight Densetsu” from Sailor Moon
You know an anime is amazing when it gets a reboot that literally tells exactly the same story. The original Sailor Moon anime is from the 90s, but I took a video from the reboot, Sailor Moon Crystal, because I like the newer animation better. (Controversial opinion: I also like the reboot better than the original, but that’s a whole different can of worms, and you’ll have to talk to me in person if you want the deets.) “Moonlight Densetsu” is the defining anthem of my childhood and even now, I’ll rock out to it like nobody’s business because it’s what taught me to embrace who I am. This opening is what told me that as a girl, I can be many, many things. I can be beautiful and pretty and want to find love and be a stereotypical girly-girl, but I can also be strong, I can be a fighter, and I can save the whole world if I put my heart and mind to it.