Naruto Shippuden was one of the anime where fans couldn't wait to see what openings it would have. The more that viewers watched the anime, the more they wondered who would be picked to sing the next song — and if it would be a hit or miss. Over the years, Naruto Shippuden has had twenty openings in total.

While some songs were only alright, a majority of the songs were absolute bangers that made fans come to a consensus: the producers behind the anime had a good ear for music. As such, we're going to choose the best Naruto Shippuden opening songs and rank them.

Updated by Brianna Albert and Ajay Aravind on December 6, 2023: The original Naruto series featured some of the best anime openings, endings, and soundtracks of all time. From the highly-acclaimed GO to the solemn ending Wind, Naruto Shippuden didn't let up when it came to crafting some of the greatest openings. Throughout the years, some were hit-and-miss, though some quickly emerged as fan-favorites.

15 Light Of A Firefly Featured Several Classic Moments

"Light Of A Firefly" was the opening for episodes 103 to 128. This anime opening is a classic and featured some of the most screen-captured moments. This song was originally performed by the pop duo Ikimono-gakari.

The scenes range from Sasuke dipping into water and slashing Orochimaru to him activating his Sharingan before switching to Naruto. This is also the long-awaited return of Ikimono-gakari, who also sang another opening called Blue Bird.

14 Size Of The Moon Was Disliked By Some Fans

"Size Of The Moon" was sung by Nogizaka46 and was the opening for episodes 333 to 356. Despite not being the most well-liked opening among some fans for being sung by an idol group, there is no doubt this song is excellent.

It probably would have been put to better use if it wasn't during Sasuke and Itachi's battle against Kabuto, however. The spy-feeling and jazz sound this opening brings is unique and makes this one of the openings that stays in the fans' minds for a while.

13 If Was Perhaps The Last Time Sakura Cried In An Opening

"If" was sung by Daisuke and was the opening for episodes 282 to 306. This was perhaps the last time fans saw Sakura cry in an opening, which was a good sign, mostly because the fandom didn't like seeing her so upset.

This opening occurred after Naruto met both Minato and Kushina, and battled against the Fourth Raikage for wishing to pass and join the war. This opening isn't the most memorable to some fans, but it does bring a unique sound and visuals to the table.

12 Lovers Covered The Hokage Summit Arc

"Lovers" was sung by Seven Oops and was the opening for episodes 206 to 230. This opening occurred when Naruto was learning how to control Nine-Tails chakra mode, as well as one of the best arcs: the Hokage Summit.

The opening features great visuals that match with the music and the internal conflict of Sakura wanting to kill or let Sasuke live after all of his horrendous deeds. "Lovers" is packed with energy and enthusiasm, but it's certainly not the best Naruto Shippuden opening song on this list.

11 Crimson Lotus Showed Naruto In Sage Of Six Paths Mode

"Crimson Lotus" was sung by DOES and was the opening for episodes 357 to 379. Because this opening was produced before the fan-favorite Silhouette by KANA-BOON, a lot of fans may forget about it. However, that doesn't mean it should be pushed aside.

Opening 15 provides a rock vibe, highlighting a young Madara and Hashirama. This was also the opening present when Kakashi and Obito had their amazing battle. On top of that, this was the first opening that fully showed Naruto in Sage Of Six Paths mode.

10 Line Was First Heard In The Last: Naruto The Movie

"Line" was sung by Sukima Switch and was the opening for episodes 432 to 458. We first heard of Sukima Switch from The Last: Naruto The Movie as they were used for the theme song of the film. This song, like the visuals of this opening, is both tender and bittersweet.

It shows each character reaching for a shard of light, which is presumably the memories they created throughout the years of their deceased loved ones, as Kushina lifts the first shard at the beginning. The opening even changes the character at the end to each main character, with the last appearance coming from Itachi.

9 Blue Bird Highlights Naruto And Sasuke's Fluctuating Relationship

"Blue Bird" was sung by Ikimono-gakari and was the opening for episodes 54 to 77. This harks back to the beginning of Naruto Shippuden when Sasuke was an antagonist on Orochimaru's side. It begins with cuts of Naruto and Sasuke both feeling very different about their long-awaited reunion.

Naruto has tears in his eyes while Sasuke looks down coldly at his past Team 7 comrades. Opening 3 acts as a callback to the first opening's flash-forward as well. The contrast shown between Naruto and Sasuke is depicted, not to mention Naruto falling through the sky. At the very end, he picks up a bluebird's feather with a somber expression.

8 Not Even Sudden Rain Can Defeat Me Debuted The Kages Vs. Madara Fight

"Not Even Sudden Rain Can Defeat Me" was sung by NICO Touches The Walls and was the opening for episodes 307 to 332. This opening debuted the first animated fight between the Kages and Madara, and it did not disappoint. It showed each fighting against the mighty foe with the Jutsu of their villages, as well as Naruto attempting to crack Tobi's mask.

It also did something no one thought would ever happen while watching the original series: Naruto and Kurama finally coming to an understanding. Fans couldn't help but cheer at the end, where the opening shows Naruto in Yang Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

7 Hero's Comeback!! Brought Naruto Shippuden Roaring To Life

"Hero's Comeback!!" was sung by nobodyknows+ and was the opening for episodes 1 to 30. The first Naruto Shippuden opening takes the seventh spot on our list. After finishing the original series, fans needed something to excite them about the sequel.

Opening 1 did precisely that and more: it was catchy, the animation was fluid, and it made viewers wonder what was going to happen. The part where Gaara reaches out his hand before disappearing into sand is especially sad as a foreshadowed moment, not to mention all the characters reaching out to him.

6 Blood Circulator Is One Of The Darker Opening Sequences

"Blood Circulator" was sung by Asian Kung-Fu Generation and was the opening for episodes 459 to 479. During Naruto Shippuden's run, openings with Team 7 fighting together were scarce, as well as ones where viewers see Naruto losing hope entirely. As such, this is one of the darker ones.

Opening 19 shows all the characters sinking into a deep red sea with their expressions locked into Sharingan/Rinnegan, sleeping deeply within the Infinite Tsukuyomi. It isn't until after Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi are fighting against clones of the characters and yelling at Naruto to get up that he gets back on his feet. The opening ends with all of them about to face off with their last foe, Kaguya.

5 Empty Heart Depicts All The Characters In Their Adult Forms

"Empty Heart" was sung by Anly and was the opening for episodes 480 to 500. This is the only one where viewers see all of the characters in their adult forms. After all the turmoil that the fans went through because of Madara and Kaguya, it was nice to have the last opening be so uplifting.

Opening 20 begins with a homage to Asuma with Shikamaru sitting near a shogi table and looking up into the sky. It ends with Naruto and Sasuke walking by each other, giving the other a high-five to show the new place they are in their friendship.

4 Diver Shows Naruto Sinking Into The Ocean Before Seeing Sasuke

"Diver" was sung by NICO Touches The Walls and was the opening for episodes 180 to 205. This was the first time this band sang an opening for Naruto Shippuden before returning for the other entry on this list, "Not Even Sudden Rain Can Defeat Me." It depicts Naruto sinking deeper and deeper into the ocean before coming face-to-face with Sasuke.

After hitting him in the chest with Chidori, Naruto begins to drop even further until all the people who support him push him into the sky. Now high in the air, Naruto puts on his headband before falling once again, this time to face Sasuke, now possessing a more powerful Sharingan.

3 A World That Was Transparent Is Likely To Make Naruto Fans Cry

"A World That Was Transparent" was sung by Hata Motohiro and was the opening for episodes 154 to 179. Fans know exactly how Opening 7 is capable of making them cry. After Jiraiya's death, Naruto must defeat Pain to stop him from wreaking havoc on the village as well as get revenge for his befallen teacher.

The song is gentle yet powerful and shows the destruction Pain is causing, such as taking the soul out of a kunoichi and fighting against Sakura Haruno and the other female characters. At the end, it prepares the fandom for the upcoming fight between Naruto and Pain by having them clash.

2 Sign Highlights The Fatal Battle Between Jiraiya And Pain

"Sign" was sung by FLOW and was the opening for episodes 129 to 153. Held as the fan-favorite Naruto Shippuden opening years after its debut, Opening 6 shows the fatal battle between Jiraiya and Pain, as well as his death.

Jiraiya's peaceful face as he falls and Naruto's shocked expression just before a single tear trickles down his cheek are still etched into the minds of many fans. Opening 6 also depicts the fight between Sasuke and Itachi, and ends with both Naruto and Sasuke at the grave for their loved one.

1 Silhouette Is Widely Considered The Best Naruto Shippuden Opening

"Silhouette" was sung by KANA-BOON and was the opening for episodes 380 to 405. Fans are delighted to have this gem of a song take the No. 1 spot. This opening has everything, from Naruto as a powerless child in the beginning to becoming a powerful force to be reckoned with in the end.

There's also tons of action, such as Madara breakdancing kunais away from him and Sasuke's Susanoo riding atop Kurama while shooting an arrow. There's also foreshadowing at the end about what occurs to Naruto and Sasuke. Because of how action-packed and meaningful this opening is, Silhouette is the best of all the Naruto Shippuden openings.