Hard-to-Skip Anime Opening Songs: Where's the Replay Button?
Anime openings (OPs) are more than just introductions to shows—they set the tone, create anticipation, and often help create some type of emotional connection to the shows that we're watching. As anime has become a bit more mainstream, and budgets have become quite a bit bigger, I have found myself skipping them less and less. Here’s a list of some of the best anime OPs that have left a lasting impact, at least for me (in no particular order).
1. "Kawaki wo Ameku" (Crying for Rain) – Domestic Girlfriend
Artist: Minami
Typically the opening song helps build a further connection with the show you're watching... but in this case, you can just listen to the song. No need to try watching the show. I didn't. No further comments. 🎵
2. "Otonoke" – DAN DA DAN
Artist: Creepy Nuts
Creepy nuts just keeps nutting out hits. The opening has amazing visuals, great progression, and that cute Momo dance. This song is just a vibe. Ay.
3. "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" – MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES
Artist: Creepy Nuts
What's that in the background? Is that a rubber ducky, squeaky chair, or someone having a little too much fun on a creaky bed? No clue, but this song does an amazing job encapsulating the essence of Mashle. This is such an unserious banger. Who's the best? Ye, them creepy nuts are.
4. "Idol" – Oshi no Ko
Artist: Yoasobi
The fact that this song was saved to be played at the end of episode 1 instead of the start is slightly diabolical. After the 1 hour 20 minute emotional ride that this first episode was, I guess we did deserve this song as a reward for getting through it. With that said, this intro definitely does feel more impactful after the masterpiece of an intro episode 1 is, and even though I dropped the show, I haven't dropped this song from my playlist.
5. "A Cruel Angel’s Thesis" – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Artist: Yōko Takahashi
This intro is the equivalent of taking you out for dinner before having the show itself hit you with an inescapable feeling of existential dread. Yeah, we've all been there before.
6. "Renai Circulation" – Bakemonogatari
Artist: Kana Hanazawa
I like to play this one while brushing my teeth.
7. "Kick Back" – Chainsaw Man
Artist: Kenshi Yonezu
The references in the music video that everyone keeps pointing out are great and all, but I'm just here for some hyped up chain slashing action. Also, Power and Denji dancing ain't bad.
8. "Blue Bird" – Naruto Shippuden
Artist: Ikimono Gakari
Do any of your friends play a piano? If yes, I'm sure you've probably heard them play this one. If they haven't, they should probably learn it. The show was full of filler, but this song helped fill the void left from the wasted time watching some of these episodes. Not hating on the story, just the fillers.
9. "Black Catcher" - Black Clover
Artist: Vickeblanka
Black clover surprisingly has some of my favorite anime openings despite how average the show feels. If you haven't watched the show, that's cool, but maybe just scroll through the opening songs because the animation and music rarely disappoint.
10. "Grandeur" - Black Clover
Artist: Snow Man
Asta is randomly a Chad now? Tbh, he looks a bit weird, but this song got me hyped for him anyways. It definitely provides a nice contrast to all of Asta's endless screaming.
11. "Again" – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Artist: Yui
Of course one of the reigning top anime has one of the top OPs. An opening that you shouldn't skip for a show you shouldn't miss. I should probably watch the show again.
12. "Unravel" – Tokyo Ghoul
Artist: TK from Ling Toshite Sigure
Catharsis.
13. "Gurenge" – Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Artist: LiSA
You can catch me jamming out to this while waiting for the Infinity Castle arc to come out.
14. "The Rumbling" – Attack on Titan (Final Season)
Artist: SiM
If you’re not caught up with Attack on Titan, it’s best to skip the opening video. For those who have finished the show, there's something striking about the destruction depicted; the opening does a fantastic job of capturing Eren's pent-up rage. Whether you love it or hate it, the series undeniably evokes strong emotions.
15. "SPECIALZ" – Jujutsu Kaisen (OP 4)
Artist: King Gnu
There is definitely a lot of black and red in this opening. I have absolutely no idea why the creators went with that choice, but I think I'm Gojo's special.
16. "Shikairo Days" – My Deer Friend Nokotan
Artist: シカ部 (Deer Club)
Sometimes I might be wrong, and this might be one of those times. I wouldn't keep this on my playlist, but I also wouldn't skip this OP while watching Nokotan. It's cute, and it makes me want to shake my butt (Oh deer?).
17. "Abyss" – Kaiju No. 8
Artist: YUNGBLUD
Who would've expected YUNGBLUD to do an anime opening? Not me becuase I've never honestly heard of him before, but he did an amazing job. Trippy visuals with a song that helps portray the seemingly hopeless world that the story takes place in. My only issue with this intro is that it feels way too short.
18. "Sunny / Haru" – Sousou no Frieren
Artist: Yorushika
I'm not sure how to express my feelings about this opening theme, but if I had to, I’d say it feels like receiving a warm, comforting hug on a sunny spring morning (and I hope nobody I know sees this!). It evokes a cozy, mellow vibe that just makes me want to smile. It’s truly the perfect show to unwind with on a Friday evening, transitioning me from the work week into the weekend. I can’t be the only one who feels this way about it! There’s definitely a reason this show soared to the top of the anime charts, and the music surely plays a significant role.