The Best Anime Bops
Let's be honest - an anime is only as good as its opening and ending songs. These themes have the ability to instantly transport you back in time, filling your brain with memories of watching the show and how you felt in that moment. It's a beautiful thing looking at what music can do, so let's visit some of the best! Combining the best of both animation and music, these 10 anime openings and 10 endings are considered fan favorites you'd find hard to disagree with. There's a mix of new and old here!
1. Silhouette - KANA-BOON
All anime lovers can always agree on one thing: that "Silhouette" by KANA-BOON is the official anime anthem. Even if you never watched Naruto before, we wouldn't be surprised if you've heard this song multiple times in your life. With its adrenaline-pumping, upbeat tune that immediately gets you hyped up, it's the perfect song to match the show's equally exciting storyline and fight sequences.
2. ReawakeR - LiSA
One of the newer songs on this list, Solo Leveling has become one of the most beloved, most highly-rated animes in recent times. People love it for its amazing animations, awesome fight scenes, and cool character moments. And the only way to make the show better? Start it off with a banger opening song like "ReawakeR" by LiSA that really gets your blood going.
3. Inferno - Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Even if you're not a fan of the show, Fire Force, "Inferno" is just one of those songs you can love regardless. The strong guitar and intense drum line make it hard not to bop your head as you watch the awesome animation paired with it. It's an opening that really prepares you for the show.
4. Kyouran Hey Kids!! - The Oral Cigarettes
This opening song by The Oral Cigarettes sure makes the characters in Noragami Aragoto look cool (even if they aren't!). Its fast-paced nature immediately gets your feet tapping while that awesome guitar solo gets you pumped up. They really don't make openings like this anymore.
5. Hikaru Nara - Goose House
Taking a turn from the more punk rock themes on this list, "Hikaru Nara" by Goose House sounds like a song full of energy, spirit, and love. It has a bright and bubbly feel to it that fans love, with many deeply wishing that the anime will end just like its opening.
6. Crossing Field - LiSA
Arguably the most iconic anime tune, LiSA cemented herself as one of the anime greats by singing the opening song for Sword Art Online, "Crossing Field." It beautifully echoes the feelings of the show, matching the intense battles with strong and powerful vocals. Talk about a great opening that has a timeless quality to it.
Carter McKendry from New York, NY, United States on Wikimedia
7. Sincerely - TRUE
Not everyone enjoys a fast-paced anime filled with supernatural beings and high-tempo storylines, some people want slow-burners filled with emotional storytelling. And that's exactly what you get from Violet Evergarden. This anime is beloved by fans for its beautiful animation and writing, with many praising its opening song for accurately capturing the essence of the show. It's hard to put into words, but there's a bittersweet quality to the song that might already have you in tears before the episode starts.
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
8. Feuerroter Pfeil und Bogen - Linked Horizon
With Attack on Titan standing tall as one of the greatest animes ever created, it's hard to beat the first opening song of the series, "Feuerroter Pfeiil und Bogen." It's certainly an unconventional song compared to others on this list, but it's no doubt iconic. It comes in full force and instantly has you ready for the episode feeling hyped and excited for what's to come. This song certainly helps you put your battle face on.
9. Fly High!! - BURNOUT SYNDROMES
Who knew an anime about volleyball could be so touching and exciting? Haikyu!! really delivers on all fronts when it comes to excellent storytelling, but what makes this show even more addictive is the awesome music it's paired with. Namely, the opening songs! "Fly High!!" is a stand out, perfectly echoing the dreams of the main character in the show and his desire to become the best volleyball player.
10. Pokémon Theme Song - Jason Paige
It doesn't matter if you were born in the 80s, the early 2000s, or in the 2010s. No matter how old you are, you'll definitely know what it means to want to be "the very best." That's how iconic the Pokémon opening song is! The lyrics, sang by Jason Paige, continue to resonate with Pokémon trainers around the world.
1. LOST IN PARADISE - Ali
When Jujutsu Kaisen premiered, the whole world went crazy! Fans of anime fell in love with the premise of the show, with its fantastic world-building, storyline, and slew of amazing characters (Gojo most notably). But to really put the cherry on top, the show creators also ended episodes with this banging ending song, "LOST IN PARADISE" by Ali. It's groovy, funky, and pairs well with the fun animations.
Christiano Sinisterra on Pexels
2. Fukai Mori - Do As Infinity
Although it's been many years since InuYasha aired with this beautiful ending song, fans keep going back to it. "Fukai Mori" has such a lovely sound, and when paired with the deep and powerful voice of the singer from Do As Infinity, it creates a wistful song that has you looking back on the episode and the journey so far.
3. Uso - Sid
It would be incredibly disappointing if an anime as esteemed as Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood was given a terrible ending song that ruined the feel of the episode; thankfully, this isn't the case! "Uso" is the kind of moving song that sends you back in time the moment you hear the artist utter the opening words. It's just that memorable.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
4. Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!) - Spyair
Though Gintama has an entire collection of ending songs, many fans will always say "Samurai Heart" is their favorite one. The punky guitar in the background paired with Spyair's unique and strong vocals really make this one to constantly come back to. And with each "hey!" they sing, the more invested you get.
5. Alumina - NIGHTMARE
After an intense episode filled with mind games, what better way to end it than with a rock song that fully captures the dark and intense themes of the show? "Alumina" isn't the most conventional song here, but for fans of Death Note, it's hard to think of a more perfect outro, especially when paired with the visual animations.
6. Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari - Supercell
Catchy, upbeat, and with some awesome piano tunes, "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" is a fun way to end any episode from the Bakemonogatari series. The contrast between the intense instrumentals and the softness of the singer's (Nagi Yanagi) voice somehow work well together, with many fans stating the song represents many themes found within the anime.
7. Mashi Mashi - NICO Touches The Walls
Just like the Jujutsu Kaisen ending, Haikyu!! follows suit in the funky songs category with the beloved fan favorite, "Mashi Mashi" by NICO Touches The Walls. It's a fun way to end every episode, especially given the anime is so light-hearted and energetic (though not without its emotional moments too). Viewers also just love watching the paired animation that features every volleyball player seen thus far.
clogz from Espoo, Finland on Wikimedia
8. U Can Do It - DOMINO
You could make a massive playlist filled with just Naruto openings and endings, but by far one of the most beloved endings of the show is "U Can Do It." Not only does the song have a cool, relaxed tone to it, there's something hopeful about it that perfectly reflects what the show is about. It's not the most exhilarating ending song, but it doesn't need to be.
9. Hunting For Your Dream - Galneryus
Capturing a bit of old school cool, "Hunting For Your Dream" is an amazing outro for the show Hunter x Hunter. There's a quality to the song that has you riding the high of the episode until the last beat plays. It's exciting, upbeat, and will have you swaying your head waiting for the next one to start.
10. Shikisai - Yama
Although Spy x Family is too new to be considered a classic, the show wowed viewers not just with the story itself, but with its awesome songs. The ending, "Shikisai" in particular, perfectly captured the entire show with its catchy beat, quickness, and playful sound. It's as sweet and mysterious as the Forger family!
