Anime is a global phenomenon expandingfar beyond Japanwith millions of devoted fans. Fans have a lot of reasons for loving anime, whether that’s the storylines, the characters, the art style, or the fandom itself. There’s one aspect not to be overlooked though: the catchy theme songs. Anime theme songs are created byfamous composers, indie artists, and pop stars alike.
Theme songs are so important to anime because they help spread awareness of a title to help it rise above the fold out of hundreds of other shows. A few bars of a catchy theme song will cause you to instantly crave abinge-watchof your favorite anime. There are so manyamazing anime openings, but a few stand out as some of the catchiest anime theme songs out there. Whether they get stuck in your head for weeks or quickly conjure fond memories of your favorite series, these theme songs are classics.
14“PHOENIX” by Burnout Syndromes from Haikyuu!
As an anime about a volleyball underdog, all theme songs inHaikyuu!are triumphant, hopeful, and full of action-packed visuals. Phoenix was the perfect choice for Season 4’s opening. The title reflects Shoya’s journey throughout the season. Like a phoenix, he’s rising from the ashes of defeat to get the team to the National Tournament. This upbeat rock track gives fans the feeling of cheering for their favorite underdog team, in the best and worst of times.
13“Starmaker” by KANA-BOON from My Hero Academia
The music choices inMy Hero Academiaaren’t always popular with fans, but Starmaker shines among the other theme songs. This bubbly pop-rock track was used as Season 4’s theme during the School Festival Arc. The beat is super catchy, the pastel visuals give us a hint of what the episodes will be like, and the sound captures the camaraderie, hope, and playful energy that makesMy Hero Academiaspecial.
12“We Are!” by Hiroshi Kitadani from One Piece
One Piecemight be the most popular anime in Japan of all time. The first season opened with the familiar cascading drum fills, epic spirit, and bounding energy of We Are! Since this anime is so popular, it’s no surprise that the theme song is so recognizable. It helps that the show’s creators loved that first theme song so much that they re-worked it a few times for different specials and movies. In one memorable version, the cast of voice actors covered the song! Nothing brings to mind the lovable band of pirates quite like this original theme song.
11“Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon from Attack on Titan
Shingeki no Kyojin,orAttack on Titanfor English-speaking fans, is a modern anime phenomenon. This anime is action-packed, often horrifying, and has intensive world building. The first theme song, Guren no Yumiya set the stage for a series of theme songs that were both catchy and super recognizable. They combine a rock sound and singing style with epic orchestral interludes. Each theme song seemed to follow the model of the first, so Guren no Yumiya stands out from the others. The signature “heeey-yah!” in the chorus makes this song a declaration and anthem that perfectly matches the tone of the show.
10“Rewrite” by Asian Kung Fu Generation from Fullmetal Alchemist
It’s difficult to choose one song from theFullmetal Alchemistoeuvre but Rewrite by Asian Kung Fu Generation stands out from the crowd. It’s the opening sequence from the anime’s final season and features incredible visuals hinting at the epic conclusion to come. The song was a huge hit, coming in at number 4 on the Oricon charts. It was chosen as the best theme song of 2007 at the American Anime Awards. Asian Kung Fu Generation is a popular name among anime fans since they’ve also contributed to hits likeNarutoandMy Hero Academia.
9“Akira” score by Shoji Yamashiro
One of the most critically acclaimed anime films,Akira, doesn’t have an opening theme song, but it would be a crime not to mention the iconic score featured in the movie’s celebrated opening sequence, or the symphonic suite that accompanies Tetsuo’s growing power. Much like the film itself, the score is often imitated, but it’s so singular it stands on its own. Fans have tried to re-create the opening sequence using different musical tracks, but it never has the same effect. There’s no better example of an effective film score as Shoji Yamashiro’s work onAkira.
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8“Bloody Stream” by CODA from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Few animes live up to their name in the wayJojo’s Bizarre Adventuredoes. This totally unique anime is characterized partly by its music, and the theme song “Bloody Stream” is quintessential Jojo. This combination of frenetic jazz and J-pop is the perfect mix for this anime. The memes inspired by Jojo tend to involve the jazz tracks like Bloody Stream. No song quite captures the character Joseph Joestar like this one.
7“Kaikai Kitan” by Eve from Jujutsu Kaisen
Eve’s vocal range is on full display in Kaikai Kitan, the opening to the first season ofJujutsu Kaisen.The opening chooses to use a fast-paced, energetic minute and thirty seconds of the track that capture the anime’s action and excitement. Listen to the full song to hear the extent of Eve’s genre experimentation and hear the hip-hop elements woven into this erratic song that really captures the mood ofJujutsu Kaisen.
Related:Here’s Why Jujutsu Kaisen is the Perfect Anime for Naruto Fans
6“Unravel” by TK from Tokyo Ghoul
Unravel is probably the most iconic opening out of the many great songs featured inTokyo Ghoul.The anime begins on a haunting note, with a hoarse voice relaying lyrics that represent Kaneki’s heart-wrenching journey. The melancholy score is interrupted with intense moments of J-rock anthem making Unravel a perfect fit for this anime and a memorable opening for all fans.
5“Tank” by Yoko Kanno from Cowboy Bebop
It’s hard to imagine the classic animeCowboy Bebopwithout the iconic opening song, Tank. The bass line to this song is amazing, and the symphonic noir feeling is perfect for the setting ofCowboy Bebop.All you need to hear is, “321, let’s jam” and you’ll instantly think of Spike and his gang of bounty hunters. This theme song set the bar for years of anime openings. Ask an anime fan about the best opening in the genre, and you’re bound to hear, “Cowboy Bebop” as a common answer.
