The Allure of Anime Openings

Anime openings serve as a crucial gateway to a series, often setting the tone and piquing viewers’ interest. A captivating melody,striking visuals,and dynamic editing can leave a lasting impression,as evidenced by the enduring popularity of classics like Cha-La Head-Cha-la from Dragon Ball Z. The power of a well-crafted opening cannot be overstated. Here, we present our selection of the top ten anime openings from the current decade, acknowledging that personal preferences may vary. We encourage you to share your own favorites in the comments below.

The Countdown Begins: Our Top Picks

The Art of the Anime Opening

Anime openings are more than just introductions; they are carefully crafted experiences designed to set the tone,introduce characters,and hint at the narrative’s core themes.A great opening can elevate an anime from good to unforgettable, becoming a cultural touchstone in its own right.Let’s delve into some of the most impactful anime openings that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

#6: “The Rambling” by SiM (Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2)

A Descent into Darkness

For the concluding chapter of Attack on Titan, Studio MAPPA took on the daunting task of adapting the final season, dividing it into two parts. The weight of expectation was immense,considering the series’ established status as a defining anime of the 2010s,largely thanks to the earlier seasons produced by Wit Studio. Music played a pivotal role in the anime’s popularity from the start, particularly the iconic openings by Linked Horizon. For this final act, MAPPA enlisted the Japanese metal band SiM to create “The Rambling.” Its metalcore intensity perfectly foreshadows the darkness and intensity that awaits viewers in the concluding episodes.

With its metalcore atmosphere, the opening announces the color perfectly: the final season will be of great darkness.

#5: “Otonoke” by Creepy Nuts (dandadan)

Genre-Bending Brilliance

Studio Science Saru, known for its innovative approach, successfully adapted Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, DanDaDan. Emerging as a standout title in Shōnen Jump, DanDaDan masterfully blends science fiction, horror, and romantic comedy, centering on the budding romance between a UFO enthusiast and a rebellious high school girl with a psychic grandmother.The opening theme, “Otonoke,” composed by the duo Creepy Nuts (previously known for “bling Bang Bang Born” from MASHLE), perfectly encapsulates this fusion of genres. Its wild energy and combination of rap, funk, and pop, along with references to ufology and the occult, create a truly unique and memorable experiance.

Illustrates to perfection this merger of genres.

#4: “Love Rockets” by The Birthday (The First Slam Dunk)

A Master’s Return

The First Slam Dunk marked the return of the legendary mangaka Takehiko Inoue (Vagabond) to the world of Slam Dunk, this time as both author and director.This film revisits the iconic final match from the manga, but through the eyes of Ryota Miyagi. the film features an opening sequence set to the music of Japanese garage rock band The Birthday, with the characters of both teams gradually drawn by Takehiko inoue himself. It’s a testament to his enduring talent and a visual treat for fans.

The feature film is entitled to an opening: on music from the Japanese rock garage group The Birthday,the characters of the two teams are gradually drawn by Takehiko Inoue.

#3: “Special Z” by King Gnu (Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2)

Shibuya’s Descent into Chaos

In 2023, MAPPA delivered the highly anticipated second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, adapted from Gege Akutami’s manga.Following the five episodes dedicated to Satoru Gojo’s past, fans eagerly awaited the Shibuya Incident arc, widely regarded as the manga’s most compelling storyline. During halloween,Geto and his allies launch a massive attack on Shibuya to trap Satoru Gojo,turning the famous Tokyo district into a battleground that reshapes the world of exorcism.

Fans were impatiently awaiting the diffusion of the arch of the shibuya drama, still considered the most mastered of the manga.

The Art of the Anime Opening: More Than Just a Theme Song

Anime openings are a unique art form, frequently enough serving as a microcosm of the entire series. they blend captivating visuals with unforgettable music, setting the tone and hinting at the narrative to come. These openings are meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression, and some have achieved iconic status, garnering millions of views and becoming cultural touchstones. Let’s explore some of the most compelling anime openings that have recently captured our attention.

#1: “Vortex” by Kamasi Washington (Lazarus)

Shin’ichirō Watanabe, the visionary director behind classics like Cowboy bebop and Samurai Champloo, made a triumphant return in April 2025 with Lazarus. This series, produced by Mappa, plunges viewers into a world where a group of agents hunts down a scientist who has doomed humanity. True to Watanabe’s signature style, music plays a pivotal role in Lazarus. Following in the footsteps of collaborations with Seatbelts (Cowboy bebop) and Nujabes (Samurai Champloo),Watanabe enlisted the talents of american jazz musician kamasi Washington,along with British DJs Bonobo and Floating Points,for the soundtrack.

Washington’s track, Vortex, serves as the opening theme, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop. The opening is both haunting and captivating, perfectly setting the stage for the series’ complex themes. The fusion of jazz and animation creates a truly immersive experience, highlighting the power of music in storytelling. Kamasi Washington, known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, brings a unique sensibility to the anime world, further solidifying the importance of diverse musical influences in the medium.

#2: “Kick Back” by Kenshi Yonezu (Chainsaw Man)

Chainsaw Man, which premiered in 2022, quickly became a sensation among anime enthusiasts and fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga. The first season boasted extraordinary direction and animation. A key element of Chainsaw Man‘s success lies in its music, masterfully composed by Kensuke Ushio, and its unforgettable opening sequence.

Kenshi Yonezu, who also composed the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s final film, The Boy and the Heron, provides the vocals for Kick Back. The opening is a cinephilic homage, reflecting the significant influence of cinema on Fujimoto’s work. The opening became a cultural phenomenon, amassing over 100 million views on YouTube by January 2024.This demonstrates the power of a well-crafted opening to elevate an anime’s popularity and cultural impact. The song’s energy and the visuals’ dynamic nature perfectly capture the chaotic and thrilling world of Chainsaw Man.

#3: “special Z” by King gnu (Jujutsu Kaisen)

King Gnu’s Special Z, the opening for Jujutsu Kaisen, is a striking example of how an opening can foreshadow the intensity of upcoming events. Dominated by red and black hues, the opening features pivotal scenes from the arc, either directly or through clever visual metaphors, such as Nobara Kugisaki concealing an eye. The opening sequence quickly gained traction, surpassing 10 million views on YouTube within four days of its initial broadcast. This rapid success underscores the opening’s effectiveness in capturing the audience’s attention and generating excitement for the series.

The Enduring Appeal of Anime Openings

Anime openings continue to evolve, pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide. They are a testament to the power of collaboration between musicians, animators, and directors, resulting in miniature masterpieces that enhance the overall viewing experience.As the anime industry continues to grow, the importance of a compelling opening will only increase, serving as a crucial gateway to the worlds and stories within.