The opening theme of an anime is responsible for setting the tone and introducing viewers to the rest of the show. The original opening themes do this while setting the tone for the rest of the series. There are some anime where the theme songs are never changed, such as Hunter X Hunter. While all openings are important to their respective series, the original opening sometimes does the best overall job.
Sometimes, the later openings are better than the initial song. However, quite a few anime have never quite topped their original opening themes, and some songs just fit certain anime better than others.
10 Fire Force Never Found Another Opening Theme As Good As "Inferno" By Mrs. GREEN APPLE
"Inferno" by Mrs. GREEN APPLE is the first opening theme of Fire Force. It serves as a perfect exposition to the story. The opening itself starts with a bunch of flames as Shinra appears on screen, fighting infernals with a smile. It introduces each character and what they face throughout the first season.
The lyrics are straightforward and euphoric in how they poke fun at the mundane, complaining about how the lack of interesting stimuli only makes us lazy. The later openings of Fire Force don't quite top this one at all.
9 Nothing Can Quite Set The Tone Of Blue Exorcist Like "CORE PRIDE" By UVERworld
"CORE PRIDE" by UVERworld is an upbeat song that set the tone for Blue Exorcist quite well during the anime's first season. One of the most recognizable parts of the anime is when it cuts to the title, and the brass section cuts in when the song starts.
It does a good job introducing each character, especially showing off Rin's blue flames. The lyrics are empowering and reflect Rin's feelings of wanting to become a good exorcist despite being the son of Satan.
8 "Monochrome No Kiss" By SID Was Perfect For Black Butler
"Monochrome No Kiss" By SID is the first opening of Black Butler. It's one of the most iconic parts of the anime. The song is equal parts catchy and eerie. The lyrics describe a monochromatic connection between people, and the narrator describes themselves as troublesome ice as they melt. The song describes loneliness in a monochrome world and the search for a form of love.
The anime never quite topped this opening. The anime opens with a pentagram engraved on someone's hand as blood rolls down between their fingers. It's the perfect sequence for such a spooky anime.
7 "Guren No Yumiya" By Linked Horizon Is The Best Attack On Titan Opening Theme
Many anime fans regard "Guren No Yumiya" by Linked Horizon as one of the best anime opening themes of all time. It also happens to be the best opening theme for Attack On Titan.
It's upbeat, but the group vocals at the beginning are ominous when they all yell, "Sie sind das essen und wir sind die Jager." The phrase roughly translates to "You are the prey, and we are the hunters." The lyrics describe the new life ahead of Ern as he fights against the Titans beyond the walls.
6 "TRASH CANDY" By GRANRODEO Did A Great Job Setting The Tone Of Bungo Stray Dogs
Sung by Chuya Nakahara's voice actor, "TRASH CANDY" by GRANRODEO sets the tone for Bungo Stray Dogs perfectly. The song is a hard rock song mixed with overwhelming synths throughout the song. The lyrics talk about achieving your dream, even if it seems out of reach.
The opening sequence starts with Dazai falling backward off a high building, with the city lights of Yokohama in the background. The characters are introduced as Dazai falls through the air. It does a pretty good job summarizing each character and their powers.
5 "Gurenge" By LiSA Perfectly Describe Tanjiro's Journey
LiSA performed Demon Slayer's first opening song, "Gurenge." It starts off slow, with LiSA's voice a haunting element over a piano. Then, the rest of the instrumental kick in and becomes a passionate song. LiSA's vocal talent encapsulated the desperation of Tanjiro's situation.
The lyrics summarize Tanjiro's journey as the lyrics describe someone moving forward as they take their past with them to remain strong. The openings for the Mugen Train Arc and season two never quite topped this one.
4 "The WORLD" By NIGHTMARE Describes Light's Dream Of A New World
"The WORLD" by NIGHTMARE is a heavy rock track that talks about the idea of somebody pledging a vow to "the revolution." It describes Light's perspective perfectly, and it's the best Death Note opening.
In Light's case, this is his dedication to using the Death Note to create a new world; one free of criminals and those who he deems "unworthy" to live. The lyrics describe the future using the "forbidden fruit" analogy, probably in reference to Ryuk's enjoyment of apples while referring to how Light felt he obtained knowledge to become a god.
3 "Kaikai Kitan" By Eve Describes The Dire Situation Yuji Found Himself In
"Kaikai Kitan" by Eve is the first opening of Jujutsu Kaisen. The lyrics perfectly describe the direness of the situation Yuji found himself in when he chose to swallow Sukuna's finger to save Megumi's life. Perhaps one of the most haunting lyrics in the song is, "And now, I can only imagine my future taken away by a curse."
It could be about Sukuna entirely taking over or about someone executing Yuji. The lyrics also talk about the darker aspects of human nature, such as deception, manipulation, and mercilessness.
2 "Seishun Satsubatsuron" From Assassination Classroom Is Chaotic In The Best Way
"Seishun Satsubatsuron" is the first opening of Assassination Classroom. The VAs of Nagisa, Karma, Kaede, Isogai, and Maehara sing this track. It starts with an eerie instrumental before they all start shouting, "Youth of....savage theory!"
It shows the more lighthearted side of the situation that the students of Class 3-E found themselves in when they were tasked with killing Koro-Sensei. Lyrics like "Because we're unable to do it, it is unbearable (you can do it if you try, c'mon)" show a back and forth between the students while they encourage each other to keep trying new assassination attempts. The song is chaotic in the best way possible.
1 "Unravel" By TK from Ling Tosite Sigure Is A Classic Anime Opening
The first opening of Tokyo Ghoul, "Unravel," is sung by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure. His voice is haunting, and every anime fan recalls when they first heard this song.
At the very beginning of the song, he sings, "Tell me; oh tell me the way it works. Who is that inside of me?" and every avid fan of Tokyo Ghoul recalls how chilling it is to hear his meek voice after witnessing chaos during every episode. No other Tokyo Ghoul opening quite outdid this one.