August 14th, 2017
TOP 50 ANIME ED's
Anime Relations: Monster
Themegamancave's Top 50 Anime ED's
Looks like I finally got the lead out and started my Top 50 Anime ED list! This list took quite awhile to make, and I realized that through the entire process that endings are extremely underrated. Sometimes we are quick to binge forward to the next episode, but as you will see with these tracks there is plenty to listen for at the end of your favorite show. I apologize that some of these tracks are either the full versions or music videos due to an extraneous amount of copyright issues here and there... Be sure comment which songs are your favorites and be sure to let me know if I missed a few along the way!
50. Fate/Zero ED1
This is a series I certainly plan on visiting sooner than later, but I am constantly surprised by the quality of music and animation the Fate series has. This track is just a perfect example!
49. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood ED1
Familiar face SID starts off this list with a bang and delivers a song from one of anime's most prestigious franchises. Whether talking about the anime itself or the esteemed music, FMAB delivers time and time again. I especially like the backgrounds in this ED.
48. Psycho Pass 2
Psycho Pass is a series I have a strong desire to start. Whether it's the hype the music gives or the stellar cast of voice actors. This song is led by a favorite of mine Aimer, and she hits near perfection.
47. Fullmetal Alchemist ED1
Ok, I'll admit that I'm not even sure why I like this song so much... it honestly reminds me of something I would've heard of in the 80's or 90's... but it's catchy either way and soon I'm sure I'll be thinking of it a lot more!
46. Joker Game
This was one of the reasons I was so initially attracted to the 2016 release of Joker Game. This song is extremely good, and the drum part is fast and really gets you pumped. I recommend giving the full song a download!
45. Durarara! X2 Ketsu
The Durarara franchise has its fair share of good music. Whether it's the awesomely catchy OPs of the first season, or the jivey beat of Ketsu's ED, there's something for everyone to listen to!
44. Haikyuu! ED1
Nothing beats the strumming guitar riff in the beginning of this song! It's one that can instantly put you in a good mood and keep you there! One of my favorite tracks from the Haikyuu franchise!
43. Katanagatari 2013 Re-Broadcast ED
The OP correlating to the Re-Broadcast of Katanagatari does something special to capture the emotion and atmosphere that the show contains. A combination of the flutter within the singer's voice and the up-tempo beat cause this ED to really shine at the conclusion of each episode.
42. Natsuyuki Rendezvous
This track is a gentle departure from most of the anime music I tend to listen to. It's a slow ballad with powerful lyrics and soothing vocals to boot. Not only that, but it's from a series I haven't even heard of! It's a song to put on to wind down at the end of the night...
41. Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn RE0096 ED1
Pardon the sped up version! It's one of the many copyright joys of youtube.... This song is absolutely killer though! I urge you to download the full version and bask in its glory. MSG tracks always seem to take the internet by storm when they come out.
40. Naruto ED1
Ohhhh the nostalgia runs so thick :'( I, as well as many others have such a love-hate relationship with Naruto as a franchise. However, I can't deny that when this song plays I get a bit teary eyed whether from thinking of happier days or of less responsibility. Naruto being the gateway anime it was for me is probably part of the reason this is on the list at all. Such a pretty flute sound with some popping drus to go with. Love it!
39. Kokoro Connect ED3
Yep, I'm not sure how we ended up at this point. Kokoro Connect is a perfect example of anime I know about solely due to their OPs or EDs. That face-melting guitar riff just screams intensity! Wonderfully balanced by soothing female vocals, this is certainly a track deserving of a download. Enjoy the slideshow!
38. RAINBOW
As a familiar face from my Top Anime OP list, the underrated RAINBOW stakes its claim with the masterful male ballad for the ages. Galneryus makes its first of two appearances on the list, and I have to say this reminds me of so many Western tracks from big rock groups of the 80's. Killer stuff!
37. A.D. Police
Continuing on with the 80's trend is the TV dud "A.D. Police". Man, this song took me completely by surprise given how lame or lackluster the rest of the music was in the series. Strap in for a wild ride back to a different time with this track filled with bassy drums and guitar riffs!
36. Macross Frontier ED2
Another anime franchise that doesn't get the spotlight as much as similar series. Macross has been around for over 30 years, but has come to play 2nd fiddle to Gundam. The second ED of Frontier delivers an upbeat punch with rocking female lyrics and a really interesting music video.
35. M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane ED2
This song came out of nowhere for me, as I started seeing it on countless Top ED lists. It's hard to wonder why with NANO at the helm. One of the many songs Nano has put on lists around the world,
this one features a pulse-pounding beat and a kickass video!
34. Bleach ED17
Well I'd be a liar if I told you this was the only Bleach song on this list. Often heralded as having some of the best OP/EDs around, Stereopony kills it with the 17th ED. Be sure to check out the actual music video as well to watch an all girl band gone too soon play in the rain...
33. Attack on Titan ED1
In my humble anime expert opinion, AOT's first ED is far and away the best song the franchise has put out and also the must underrated. It turns from solemn and beautiful to a ballad of sorts, all within a minute and a half. Such a masterful song it's a shame too many people were binging the series to take note :D
32. Naruto Shippuden ED27
Oh no Cave-Chan! Is that "another" Naruto song??? Black Night Town Baby! This song is atypical from most of the OPs and EDs of the series, but I absolutely love it. Not to mention that scream at the end!
It's only a shame that they quickened it for some reason...Also, SASUKE!
31. Death Parade
I'm worried I might get tossed to the coals by having this one so low on my list. LOL Sorrynotsorry. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic song. But it reminds me a bit to much of a whiny English emo band at times. And it has gotten a tad overplayed. Still great though!
30. Fairy Tail ED11
FAIRY TAIL IS TRASH BRUH. 1/10, would not recommend. But hey! When was the last time a trash anime had good music? Eh, well this ED is pretty legit. Super sad sounding, but we can all cry together over how bad the series is while we bask in the glory of this song. Amirite?
29. Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road ED1
You seriously can't go wrong with a ROOKIE IS PUNK'D song, especially when it's surrounding a fast-paced sports anime like Yowamushi Pedal. I need to get around to this show eventually considering how much I love Haikyuu. I'll just add it to the backlog... which is never getting any smaller :( Oh yeah,
pardon the full version.
28. Unbreakable Machine Doll
Well, I even surprised myself with how far up the list this song got. SPIN, SPIN, FUCKING SPIN.
Well, at least the characters are cute. Oh, and it's probably one of the catchiest songs in existence. You've been warned...
27. Youjo Senki
Regardless of your thoughts on Tanya the Evil as an anime, there's little question as to how good the audio is in it. It's ED, when it WAS there was an interesting mix of techno and metal, with the added twist of a loli singing along with power. Badass in every possible way.
26. Kyoukai no Kanata
I'm a sucker for this song... seemingly like everyone else on youtube. Granted, the rest of the series doesn't look all that interesting. I just like the flow of the song mixed with the animation.
25. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood ED4
As we approach the halfway point, we're getting into the serious heavyweights of the anime ED world. FMAB is no newcomer to the realm of "great anime music" as the 4th ED is absolute amazing. You can hear every bit of emotion in the female singer's voice and I love every second of it.
24. Nobunaga Concerto
I've literally never even heard of this anime until I saw this ED... and based on its following I can understand why. This song has so many things I don't like (hi-pitched male singer, screamo etc.), but somehow when they're all blended together I absolutely love it.
23. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure ED1
I think with this song, I'm almost half-cheating because of my affinity for the band Yes. However, the way the directors incorporate this ED into the actual show while it's still playing is quite impressive...Just watch the video to get the idea.
22. Hunter X Hunter ED5
You're not a true HxH fan unless you've shed a tear or 10 to this song. Perhaps it has less to do with the quality of the song and more about my association of the series conclusion. At either rate, all true fans enjoy this one.
21. Deathnote E21
Carrying some of the angst as the 2nd OP, Deathnote's 2nd ED is just as good, and the singer shows some real emotion in this tune. I honestly can't figure out why it's left out of so many top lists around the web. Plus, with a name like Zetsuou Billy, how can you not listen!?
20. Owari no Seraph ED1
COME AND BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME! As soon as I heard that break in the song I was hooked.
Whether it's the original or the popular nightcore version, both songs contain that same amount of power.
Love this song, despite how bad the anime is.
19. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
I'll be the first person to admit how generic and disappointing Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress was last year. Despite all this, the ED collaboration was absolutely stellar and helped pave the way for me to start getting into anime EDs as well as OPs. PS- This is one of the best anime covers in existence.
18. The Tatami Galaxy
This song is equal parts sexy, eerie and entertaining. Coupled with a trippy music video, the ED from one of my favorite anime of all time is anything but boring. It was also a perfect contrast and compliment to the show itself. Pure magic folks!
17. K-On ED1
Never heard of K-On? Well, I'll gently advise you take your head out of the sand. Cute girls who play instruments and make badass music videos. What more do you need to hear. Although all the EDs are capable of finding a place on a list like this, it doesn't get much better than the energy of the original.
16. Hunter X Hunter ED1
This ED is one of the major reasons I got so hooked on HxH as fast as I did. Not only that, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas became one of my favorite Japanese bands as a result. This song doesn't let up its intensity, and the video correlates quite well.
15. Shinsekai Yori ED1
Although slightly atypical for an anime OP, this song has stuck with me out of nostalgia ever since I first watched Shinsekai Yori. The animation is so incredibly soothing as well. It's an interesting cap to each episode of the series.
14. Erased
Duuuuude, how disappointing was it to slowly and anguishingly find out that Erased was in fact NOT the Lord and Savior of the anime industry? It had a good OP, and flawless ED and everything in between. That was until, well the wheels fell off. At least we can still listen to the music and think of better times when the series was still in its infancy...
13. Myself Yourself
Oh man, another anime I had never heard anything about until I caught this ED on someone's list. This song is LIT. It also seems to completely mismatch with the subject matter of the series itself, but who the hell cares? All you have to do is listen to the song people![/size]
12. Hunter X Hunter ED2
Cave-chan, is it legal to have 3 EDs of the same anime inside the top 25?! Damn straight, I can do whatever I want if it's my list :) While it may not be your favorite, I can wrap my head around the epicness of this tune. The way the episode would flow into this was so well done!
11. Anohana ED1
I can't believe Anohana missed the Top 10! To be honest with you, this was actually the very first anime song I ever downloaded. Every time I hear it (yes, even to this day), I still get all misty-eyed. When the credits started to roll at the end of the series and this song was playing in its entirety, well there aren't that many anime scenes that get me in the feels like that.
10. Gintama ED17
Samurai Heart is one of those songs that transcends an anime OP/ED. It really is a GOOD song on its own, and I'm pretty sure it could be a single easily. It's one of the few EDs I can sing along to (for obvious reasons)... well I mean at least the chorus!
9. Ergo Proxy
Ok, so this one might also be cheating a bit since Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands in existence. Although accompanied by a blank, credit-filled background, Paranoid Android sticks out to the viewer and adds to the intriguing nature of Ergo Proxy. Truly a great song.
8. The Irregular at Magic High School ED2
Look, we all know this anime sucks. Plenty of my friends have strongly advised me to stay away from it. But the music is fair game, right? Unfortunately this song is heavily copyrighted, so I have to rely on the actual music video to explain my affinity for "Mirrors". Quite a beautiful tune, and sung with every ounce of perfection...
7. Gosick ED1
This song is actually I strong reason I plan on watching this anime soon. It's entrancing and enticing... with one of the most unique sounds of any of the songs on the list. The orchestrated score fits well with the vocals and I'm actually surprised more shows don't take advantage of this approach. This is some good she-at.
6. Kekkai Sensen
Well, I think we all knew this song would end up somewhere on my list ;) This truly has the best ED animation accompaniment I've ever seen. All the characters (good and bad) get down to the jazzy music! I will definitely advocate for checking out the full version. There are some great instrumental solos!
5. Aldnoah.Zero ED2
FRIGGIN COPYRIGHT WHORES. Anyway, aLIEz is one of the greatest anime EDs for good reason.
It features some killer vocals and the lyrics are relatively inspiring. Now I just have to find the non-English Nightcore version... Enjoy AmaLee's rendition!
4. Magical Girl Madoka Magika ED2
If I remember correctly, this is when shit got real in Madoka Magika. This ED perfectly frames and emulates the mood of the second half of the series. What was bubbly, colorful and fun has turned dark and morbid. Despite your thoughts on the "intellectual" properties of the series, this ED sure is quality.
For you guys, I give the full version... since ya know, copyright again.
3. Bleach ED27
I love this song so much! It's by far my favorite Bleach song, and the tune I like to remember the series by (since we didn't have the best breakup). Just the scene of him walking away still brings tears to my nostalgic self...By the way, we're not having the best luck with copyright :D
2. Psycho Pass ED1
This song should be number one on most everyone's lists. The techno beat is for real in this track, and for as many times as I've listened to it, the quality never seems to fade. As if that weren't impressive enough, somehow I haven't seen the source material yet! I know, I'm embarrassed :)
1. Samurai Champloo
Ladies and gents, we have finally arrived to my all-time favorite anime ending! Nujabes carries a special place in my heart, and his music helped me get through some pretty rough times so I can absolutely pay homage here. This song really puts you in the mood to watch Samurai Champloo with its atmosphere and odd beat. It's back to the old days when the source material and OP/ED matched! It doesn't get any better than this!
Looks like I finally got the lead out and started my Top 50 Anime ED list! This list took quite awhile to make, and I realized that through the entire process that endings are extremely underrated. Sometimes we are quick to binge forward to the next episode, but as you will see with these tracks there is plenty to listen for at the end of your favorite show. I apologize that some of these tracks are either the full versions or music videos due to an extraneous amount of copyright issues here and there... Be sure comment which songs are your favorites and be sure to let me know if I missed a few along the way!
50. Fate/Zero ED1
This is a series I certainly plan on visiting sooner than later, but I am constantly surprised by the quality of music and animation the Fate series has. This track is just a perfect example!
49. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood ED1
Familiar face SID starts off this list with a bang and delivers a song from one of anime's most prestigious franchises. Whether talking about the anime itself or the esteemed music, FMAB delivers time and time again. I especially like the backgrounds in this ED.
48. Psycho Pass 2
Psycho Pass is a series I have a strong desire to start. Whether it's the hype the music gives or the stellar cast of voice actors. This song is led by a favorite of mine Aimer, and she hits near perfection.
47. Fullmetal Alchemist ED1
Ok, I'll admit that I'm not even sure why I like this song so much... it honestly reminds me of something I would've heard of in the 80's or 90's... but it's catchy either way and soon I'm sure I'll be thinking of it a lot more!
46. Joker Game
This was one of the reasons I was so initially attracted to the 2016 release of Joker Game. This song is extremely good, and the drum part is fast and really gets you pumped. I recommend giving the full song a download!
45. Durarara! X2 Ketsu
The Durarara franchise has its fair share of good music. Whether it's the awesomely catchy OPs of the first season, or the jivey beat of Ketsu's ED, there's something for everyone to listen to!
44. Haikyuu! ED1
Nothing beats the strumming guitar riff in the beginning of this song! It's one that can instantly put you in a good mood and keep you there! One of my favorite tracks from the Haikyuu franchise!
43. Katanagatari 2013 Re-Broadcast ED
The OP correlating to the Re-Broadcast of Katanagatari does something special to capture the emotion and atmosphere that the show contains. A combination of the flutter within the singer's voice and the up-tempo beat cause this ED to really shine at the conclusion of each episode.
42. Natsuyuki Rendezvous
This track is a gentle departure from most of the anime music I tend to listen to. It's a slow ballad with powerful lyrics and soothing vocals to boot. Not only that, but it's from a series I haven't even heard of! It's a song to put on to wind down at the end of the night...
41. Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn RE0096 ED1
Pardon the sped up version! It's one of the many copyright joys of youtube.... This song is absolutely killer though! I urge you to download the full version and bask in its glory. MSG tracks always seem to take the internet by storm when they come out.
40. Naruto ED1
Ohhhh the nostalgia runs so thick :'( I, as well as many others have such a love-hate relationship with Naruto as a franchise. However, I can't deny that when this song plays I get a bit teary eyed whether from thinking of happier days or of less responsibility. Naruto being the gateway anime it was for me is probably part of the reason this is on the list at all. Such a pretty flute sound with some popping drus to go with. Love it!
39. Kokoro Connect ED3
Yep, I'm not sure how we ended up at this point. Kokoro Connect is a perfect example of anime I know about solely due to their OPs or EDs. That face-melting guitar riff just screams intensity! Wonderfully balanced by soothing female vocals, this is certainly a track deserving of a download. Enjoy the slideshow!
38. RAINBOW
As a familiar face from my Top Anime OP list, the underrated RAINBOW stakes its claim with the masterful male ballad for the ages. Galneryus makes its first of two appearances on the list, and I have to say this reminds me of so many Western tracks from big rock groups of the 80's. Killer stuff!
37. A.D. Police
Continuing on with the 80's trend is the TV dud "A.D. Police". Man, this song took me completely by surprise given how lame or lackluster the rest of the music was in the series. Strap in for a wild ride back to a different time with this track filled with bassy drums and guitar riffs!
36. Macross Frontier ED2
Another anime franchise that doesn't get the spotlight as much as similar series. Macross has been around for over 30 years, but has come to play 2nd fiddle to Gundam. The second ED of Frontier delivers an upbeat punch with rocking female lyrics and a really interesting music video.
35. M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane ED2
This song came out of nowhere for me, as I started seeing it on countless Top ED lists. It's hard to wonder why with NANO at the helm. One of the many songs Nano has put on lists around the world,
this one features a pulse-pounding beat and a kickass video!
34. Bleach ED17
Well I'd be a liar if I told you this was the only Bleach song on this list. Often heralded as having some of the best OP/EDs around, Stereopony kills it with the 17th ED. Be sure to check out the actual music video as well to watch an all girl band gone too soon play in the rain...
33. Attack on Titan ED1
In my humble anime expert opinion, AOT's first ED is far and away the best song the franchise has put out and also the must underrated. It turns from solemn and beautiful to a ballad of sorts, all within a minute and a half. Such a masterful song it's a shame too many people were binging the series to take note :D
32. Naruto Shippuden ED27
Oh no Cave-Chan! Is that "another" Naruto song??? Black Night Town Baby! This song is atypical from most of the OPs and EDs of the series, but I absolutely love it. Not to mention that scream at the end!
It's only a shame that they quickened it for some reason...Also, SASUKE!
31. Death Parade
I'm worried I might get tossed to the coals by having this one so low on my list. LOL Sorrynotsorry. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic song. But it reminds me a bit to much of a whiny English emo band at times. And it has gotten a tad overplayed. Still great though!
30. Fairy Tail ED11
FAIRY TAIL IS TRASH BRUH. 1/10, would not recommend. But hey! When was the last time a trash anime had good music? Eh, well this ED is pretty legit. Super sad sounding, but we can all cry together over how bad the series is while we bask in the glory of this song. Amirite?
29. Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road ED1
You seriously can't go wrong with a ROOKIE IS PUNK'D song, especially when it's surrounding a fast-paced sports anime like Yowamushi Pedal. I need to get around to this show eventually considering how much I love Haikyuu. I'll just add it to the backlog... which is never getting any smaller :( Oh yeah,
pardon the full version.
28. Unbreakable Machine Doll
Well, I even surprised myself with how far up the list this song got. SPIN, SPIN, FUCKING SPIN.
Well, at least the characters are cute. Oh, and it's probably one of the catchiest songs in existence. You've been warned...
27. Youjo Senki
Regardless of your thoughts on Tanya the Evil as an anime, there's little question as to how good the audio is in it. It's ED, when it WAS there was an interesting mix of techno and metal, with the added twist of a loli singing along with power. Badass in every possible way.
26. Kyoukai no Kanata
I'm a sucker for this song... seemingly like everyone else on youtube. Granted, the rest of the series doesn't look all that interesting. I just like the flow of the song mixed with the animation.
25. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood ED4
As we approach the halfway point, we're getting into the serious heavyweights of the anime ED world. FMAB is no newcomer to the realm of "great anime music" as the 4th ED is absolute amazing. You can hear every bit of emotion in the female singer's voice and I love every second of it.
24. Nobunaga Concerto
I've literally never even heard of this anime until I saw this ED... and based on its following I can understand why. This song has so many things I don't like (hi-pitched male singer, screamo etc.), but somehow when they're all blended together I absolutely love it.
23. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure ED1
I think with this song, I'm almost half-cheating because of my affinity for the band Yes. However, the way the directors incorporate this ED into the actual show while it's still playing is quite impressive...Just watch the video to get the idea.
22. Hunter X Hunter ED5
You're not a true HxH fan unless you've shed a tear or 10 to this song. Perhaps it has less to do with the quality of the song and more about my association of the series conclusion. At either rate, all true fans enjoy this one.
21. Deathnote E21
Carrying some of the angst as the 2nd OP, Deathnote's 2nd ED is just as good, and the singer shows some real emotion in this tune. I honestly can't figure out why it's left out of so many top lists around the web. Plus, with a name like Zetsuou Billy, how can you not listen!?
20. Owari no Seraph ED1
COME AND BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME! As soon as I heard that break in the song I was hooked.
Whether it's the original or the popular nightcore version, both songs contain that same amount of power.
Love this song, despite how bad the anime is.
19. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
I'll be the first person to admit how generic and disappointing Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress was last year. Despite all this, the ED collaboration was absolutely stellar and helped pave the way for me to start getting into anime EDs as well as OPs. PS- This is one of the best anime covers in existence.
18. The Tatami Galaxy
This song is equal parts sexy, eerie and entertaining. Coupled with a trippy music video, the ED from one of my favorite anime of all time is anything but boring. It was also a perfect contrast and compliment to the show itself. Pure magic folks!
17. K-On ED1
Never heard of K-On? Well, I'll gently advise you take your head out of the sand. Cute girls who play instruments and make badass music videos. What more do you need to hear. Although all the EDs are capable of finding a place on a list like this, it doesn't get much better than the energy of the original.
16. Hunter X Hunter ED1
This ED is one of the major reasons I got so hooked on HxH as fast as I did. Not only that, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas became one of my favorite Japanese bands as a result. This song doesn't let up its intensity, and the video correlates quite well.
15. Shinsekai Yori ED1
Although slightly atypical for an anime OP, this song has stuck with me out of nostalgia ever since I first watched Shinsekai Yori. The animation is so incredibly soothing as well. It's an interesting cap to each episode of the series.
14. Erased
Duuuuude, how disappointing was it to slowly and anguishingly find out that Erased was in fact NOT the Lord and Savior of the anime industry? It had a good OP, and flawless ED and everything in between. That was until, well the wheels fell off. At least we can still listen to the music and think of better times when the series was still in its infancy...
13. Myself Yourself
Oh man, another anime I had never heard anything about until I caught this ED on someone's list. This song is LIT. It also seems to completely mismatch with the subject matter of the series itself, but who the hell cares? All you have to do is listen to the song people![/size]
12. Hunter X Hunter ED2
Cave-chan, is it legal to have 3 EDs of the same anime inside the top 25?! Damn straight, I can do whatever I want if it's my list :) While it may not be your favorite, I can wrap my head around the epicness of this tune. The way the episode would flow into this was so well done!
11. Anohana ED1
I can't believe Anohana missed the Top 10! To be honest with you, this was actually the very first anime song I ever downloaded. Every time I hear it (yes, even to this day), I still get all misty-eyed. When the credits started to roll at the end of the series and this song was playing in its entirety, well there aren't that many anime scenes that get me in the feels like that.
10. Gintama ED17
Samurai Heart is one of those songs that transcends an anime OP/ED. It really is a GOOD song on its own, and I'm pretty sure it could be a single easily. It's one of the few EDs I can sing along to (for obvious reasons)... well I mean at least the chorus!
9. Ergo Proxy
Ok, so this one might also be cheating a bit since Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands in existence. Although accompanied by a blank, credit-filled background, Paranoid Android sticks out to the viewer and adds to the intriguing nature of Ergo Proxy. Truly a great song.
8. The Irregular at Magic High School ED2
Look, we all know this anime sucks. Plenty of my friends have strongly advised me to stay away from it. But the music is fair game, right? Unfortunately this song is heavily copyrighted, so I have to rely on the actual music video to explain my affinity for "Mirrors". Quite a beautiful tune, and sung with every ounce of perfection...
7. Gosick ED1
This song is actually I strong reason I plan on watching this anime soon. It's entrancing and enticing... with one of the most unique sounds of any of the songs on the list. The orchestrated score fits well with the vocals and I'm actually surprised more shows don't take advantage of this approach. This is some good she-at.
6. Kekkai Sensen
Well, I think we all knew this song would end up somewhere on my list ;) This truly has the best ED animation accompaniment I've ever seen. All the characters (good and bad) get down to the jazzy music! I will definitely advocate for checking out the full version. There are some great instrumental solos!
5. Aldnoah.Zero ED2
FRIGGIN COPYRIGHT WHORES. Anyway, aLIEz is one of the greatest anime EDs for good reason.
It features some killer vocals and the lyrics are relatively inspiring. Now I just have to find the non-English Nightcore version... Enjoy AmaLee's rendition!
4. Magical Girl Madoka Magika ED2
If I remember correctly, this is when shit got real in Madoka Magika. This ED perfectly frames and emulates the mood of the second half of the series. What was bubbly, colorful and fun has turned dark and morbid. Despite your thoughts on the "intellectual" properties of the series, this ED sure is quality.
For you guys, I give the full version... since ya know, copyright again.
3. Bleach ED27
I love this song so much! It's by far my favorite Bleach song, and the tune I like to remember the series by (since we didn't have the best breakup). Just the scene of him walking away still brings tears to my nostalgic self...By the way, we're not having the best luck with copyright :D
2. Psycho Pass ED1
This song should be number one on most everyone's lists. The techno beat is for real in this track, and for as many times as I've listened to it, the quality never seems to fade. As if that weren't impressive enough, somehow I haven't seen the source material yet! I know, I'm embarrassed :)
1. Samurai Champloo
Ladies and gents, we have finally arrived to my all-time favorite anime ending! Nujabes carries a special place in my heart, and his music helped me get through some pretty rough times so I can absolutely pay homage here. This song really puts you in the mood to watch Samurai Champloo with its atmosphere and odd beat. It's back to the old days when the source material and OP/ED matched! It doesn't get any better than this!
Posted by themegamancave | Aug 14, 2017 7:08 PM | 4 comments
May 14th, 2017
TOP 50 ANIME OP's
Anime Relations: Monster
Themegamancave's Top 50 Anime OP's
Welcome to my personal list of Top 50 Anime OPs! This is something I've wanted to do for awhile, but obviously something like this takes a decent chunk of time to put together. I've spent a few hours listening to some of my favorites, and managed (barely) to come up with a list of my own favorites. There are plenty of anime on this list I have seen, and plenty I haven't. I also didn't have any rules set like "only 1 OP per anime" or "only from a certain time period". These are the 50 songs I like the best, and is in no way an "official list". Be sure to comment below to let me know some of your favorites!
50. Watamote
This song starts out with authority, and easily fits the recurring heavy rock theme I've got going through this list. I also like how the main character animations flow with the song itself. The contrast of the female vocalist gives it a nice depth and complexity as well. Nice music to just headbang to.
49. Soul Eater OP 2
Another strong performance by a female vocalist. Although I personally haven't seen the series, it appears as though this OP follows a story of sorts. The guitar line is one of my favorites for sure.
48. Haikyuu! OP 2
I just love the energy this track brings. One of my favorite tracks from one of anime's best franchises right now. This is one to sing with the windows down (if I spoke Japanese that is...)
47. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso OP 1
This one is a bit of an enigma to me. The emotion poured out into this song easily puts it into contention for one of my favorites, but the fact that it and Shigatsu's 2nd OP weren't swapped around makes no sense. This track clearly illustrates the second half better than the other OP. Also, cue the feels :'(
46. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 4
Although FMAB's 4th OP is the favorite of many of its fans, it's not mine. Maybe it has to do with the fact I haven't seen it yet (yeah I know, kill me later). A powerful vocal track makes "Period" one of the best pieces to FMAB's exceptional soundtrack.
45. ACCA 13-ku Kansatsu-ka
Now this one breaks the JPop mold for anime OPs right in two. A smooth jazz accompaniment reminiscent of Baccano!, this track features striking vocals and some brass/woodwind funk. A fun song for sure.
44. Kill la Kill OP 2
Given the intensity and epicness of the show it's associated with, Kill la Kill's 2nd OP is stunning both visually and audio-wise. Featuring some heavy strings and upbeat bass, this track gets viewers pumped up for each episode. PS- The Nightcore version may actually be better than the original!
43. Paranoia Agent
By far the most unsettling and haunting track on the list, Paranoia Agent's OP is disturbingly curious. Laughing characters juxtaposed with malevolent backgrounds accompanied by some epic vocal belting. It's so creepy and I love it. Rumor has it that Satoshi Kon picked this track as the OP to wake viewers up because the show was given such a late timeslot, while the lucidity of the ED will put the viewers to sleep. Weird...
42. Sakamoto desu ga?
Man this track rocks. Easily my favorite of that season, the OP features our Lord and Savior Sakamoto-kun doing some extraordinary things. Singing with a broom as a mic, straightening his glasses and a whole lot more. The drum part is one of my favorites as well.
41. Divine Gate
Although I've heard the show is a dud, the OP has some quick guitar riffs and a techno-esque drum part that makes it work. Kind of makes you want to put your fist in the air!
40. Fate/Stay Night: UBW OP 2
BRAVE SHINE AT #40?!? Yeah, I'll admit I was surprised at this as well, but the song is SO immensely popular that I think I got burnt out on it from hearing it everywhere. Aimer is still the G.O.A.T. but perhaps the song is beginning to wane on me.
39. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 2
My 2nd FMAB track on the list, this one feels a little more like my style. I also like the vocals a lot more in this one. If you read the lyrics, there's a lot more to this song than what you can catch on the first go around...
38. Deadman Wonderland
A song created proprietarily for the anime, the chorus still rings in my head from the first time I heard it. Due to Deadman's availability, it's easily one of the most widely known anime OPs of present day.
37. Bunguo Stray Dogs
I might be in the minority on this one, but this is the best track in both S1 and S2 of BSD. There's something about the lead singer's voice I find interesting, and coupled with the deep, guttural guitar riffs, this song is pretty darn catchy.
36. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 1
Now here's a song that most every anime fan knows. Again is just as iconic as tracks like Bebop's "Tank" or NGE's "Cruel Angel's Thesis" and showcases some of the coolest Japanese vocals I've ever heard. Another one that's probably lower on my list due to the sheer amount of times I've heard it, but still a fantastic song.
35. Durarara! OP2
An OP famous for topping many anime fan's lists, Durarara's 2nd intro is just as funny as the first, and features some interesting Japanese rapping to boot!
34. Yamada kun and the 7 Witches
I'm not really familiar with the source material for this song, but I love the mix of piano and strings to a simple drum beat. The airy vocal change from the lead singer also sounds great with the flow of the song itself. One of the few anime OPs not copyrighted yay!
33. Mobile Suit Gundam- Iron Blooded Orphans OP 1
Man With a Mission has really busted onto the anime scene in the recent past, and it's easy to see why with their newest track for the Gundam series. Be sure to check out the actual music video as well to see some heavy metal men in wolf masks!
32. Cowboy Bebop
This is surely the anime OP that needs no introduction. The Seatbelts bring the lively atmosphere that Cowboy Bebop flourishes on and sets the tone for the entire series with Tank! As my favorite for quite some time, it's no question this OP gets a lot of love from the community and still holds up almost 20 years later.
31. Noragami
An anime OP both fun to listen to and cool to look at as well. Between this and Arogoto's OP, Studio Bones could give anyone a run for their money in visual creativity. I love how fast and heavy this track is, and the ending is epic!
30. Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider
Damn that bass line dog!!! This OP is rather new for me, but I love the lead by the bass as well as the vocalist. The visuals in the background with the dancing figures are entrancing and fun to watch as well. Good stuff!
29. Steins;Gate
Now it wouldn't be much of an anime favorites list without Stein's;Gate eh? This OP has grown on me over time, and the nostalgia hits like a ton of bricks. I don't think I appreciated this as much during my initial viewing because I was bingeing it so badly. "Hacking to the gate!"
28. Barakamon
Oh man, the feels are strong with this one! Coming from one of my favorite anime ever, Barakamon's OP has a certain fun factor to it, much like the series itself. It's just so endearing, and the animation tells a small story. If you ever find the extended version, be prepared to shed a tear or two!
27. Mekakucity Actors
This OP punches you in the face with an intense blast of guitar and drums... along with corresponding animation. Led by a strong female vocalist, this is another track that ensures the proper mood is set entering each episode of Mekakucity Actors
26. Overlord
What better way to open up an anime with a skeleton lord as a main character than with a vicious metal track? Overlord's OP experiments a bit with autotune, but not enough to be incessant, and its guitar riffs and double bass will echo in your mind long after it's over.
25. No Game No Life
As we approach the halfway point, we're getting into the serious heavyweights of the anime OP world. "This Game" opens with a beautiful piano solo, and slowly crescendos into an epic track. The visuals are captivating as well, making this OP worthy of a spot atop many people's lists.
24. Blue Exorcist OP 2
The first season of Blue Exorcist had two fine OP's to go along with it, but the 2nd clearly stands out as one of the most catchy OPs in recent memory. The pulsing bass drum at the beginning sets this song of right, with powerful vocals and shredding guitar.
23. Baccano!
Baccano! gets its audience pumped with a mix of a jazzy beat and character introductions similar to Durarara! I was actually pretty close to getting my jazz band director to let us play this song a few years ago...
22. Gintama OP 13
We all knew it was a matter of time until this song popped up. Probably lower than most would expect, Gintama's 13th OP stands far above the rest due to the sheer passion in the lead singer's voice. It's a standup performance for sure, and it'll have your finger itching to click repeat after it concludes.
21. Fullmetal Alchemist OP 4
Finally we get something from the original FMA! Fans of the 2003 version will surely recognize the show's 4th OP by one of the most iconic Japanese bands, Asian Kung-fu Generation. This song packs a punch and is one I've really amped up listening to it as of late.
20. Durarara! OP 1
Ok, so I'll admit I'm probably one of the few people who actually like Durarara's first OP more than the second. I think the rapping felt a bit off to me, so I'm sticking with this one. Huuuuuuuuuuuh!
19. Assassination Classroom S2 OP 2
This OP is just so damn catchy. Almost as catchy as that Apple Pen song. I've tried hard to put it down but it just ends up cycling on repeat every so often. From what I understand, there's a fair amount of feels for fans of the series when this song comes up. Bye Bye Yesterday... foreshadowing??? I'll leave it at that.
18. Black Butler- Book of Circus
Say what you want about Black Butler, but there's no denying that Sid nails it again with this OP. It's a regular rock song but something about it with the mix of animation fits so damn well. Another head banger :D
17. Hajime no Ippo- The New Challenger
I actually just discovered this song a few weeks ago and I have to stress, listen to the full version. This is a very underrated anime OP and definitely one of the better Japanese rock songs I've ever heard. Plus, the animation shows Ippo beating the crap out of you from a first person view... what could be more badass than that???
16. Naruto Shippuden OP 13
I have a plethora of issues with Naruto as a franchise, but I will have to say it has its fair share of catchy OPs. Oh, and the animation is dandy in this one
15. Mushishi
Mushishi has a notorious "love it or hate it" mentality surrounding it, and the same can be said for its opening. The "Sore Feet Song" breathes some of the biggest nostalgia of the first time I watched Mushishi and how I was so captivated by the world Ginko lived in. As plain as the animation is, I found it incredibly soothing to listen to. Just don't pay too much attention to the lyrics... they're kind of weird.
14. Outlaw Star
This may be the biggest surprise on the entire list. Nothing screams 80's and 90's more than a show like Outlaw Star, a truly underappreciated anime of its time. The OP is highly entertaining and has one of the coolest beginnings of any on this list. I highly recommend checking out the soundtrack if you haven't listened to it before.
13. Mob Psycho 100
My runaway pick for the best anime OP of 2016, Mob Psycho delivers a solid piece of music here. I like the mix of electronic and rock, and the animation sequences are the trippiest imagery I've probably ever seen. I feel like this series will be seen as a cult classic in the future and with an OP like this, it'll only help its cause.
12. Deathnote OP 2
PORRRRRRRRRRRN! FREE PORRRRRRRRRRRN! Despite whatever interpretation you may have for the lyrics, Deathnote's 2nd OP is a face-melting masterpiece in metal. It completely took me offguard in a good way the first time I heard it, and it seethes with anger and ferocity. A purely kickass OP.
11. Tokyo Ghoul
Oh man, we're in the heavy hitters now. Unravel is probably the most played anime OP of the last five years, and for good reason. TK from Ling Tosite Sigure delivers one of the most bone-chilling, emotional ballads in anime history, and I absolutely love it. There's so much raw power and angst behind his voice that it's almost palpable. And don't forget that ending.
10. RAINBOW
As we enter the top 10, I can't really say a bad thing about any of these songs. RAINBOW's OP has one of the best intros known to man, if not THE best. It got me so incredibly pumped for each episode, and I never skipped it once. The way it was incorporated into some of the episodes really added to the scene progression as well. Magic.
9. Naruto Shippuden OP 16
Undoubtedly my favorite Naruto song in existence, KANABOON really set the bar high for all future songs from the franchise. I don't know why I like this song so much, but I've often found myself blaring it with the windows down :)
8. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure OP 2
This song is so incredibly underrated. Jojo is known for it's whimsical moments and diverse OST, and Bloody Stream is no exception to that rule. The animation works so well together with the OP to create a fluid sequence that can be entrancing to watch. I've also often attempted to sing along to no avail...
7. Shingeki no Bahamut
Along with Deathnote, Shingeki no Bahamut has one kickass OP. Not only is the OP awesome, but the way it's choreographed with the animation is meticulous and offers something quite visually stimulating. This is a song to pump your fist to.
6. Bleach OP 13
Whaddya know? SID shows up again with one of the greatest tracks from Bleach. You can really feel a sense of urgency and tension from this song, especially how it fits with the animation. That trippy sequence at the end adds to the chaos in one of the greatest anime OPs of all time
5. Gangsta
From what I can gather, most people were disappointed with Gangsta as a series, but this OP breaks the mold for sure. I love the mix of techno, rock and dubstep all into one entity. It sure as hell is fun to listen to, and if you ask me, it sounds like it could be played in any mainstream club across the world. This is an example of an OP that transcends past anime.
4. Kekkai Sensen
So.... Bump of Chicken is not necessarily the most attractive name for a band, but they absolutely nailed it with the OP for Kekkai Sensen. If you ask me, this sounds right in line with the type of music I would normally listen to... it just so happens to be the OP for an anime, that's all.
3. Parasyte the Maxim
If you've read my review for Parasyte, you can attest to how much I adore this song. It's like the perfect blend of scream-o, techno, and something else I can't put my finger on. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas had a great stint in anime OPs, and I hope they continue to release songs like this.
2. Magi- The Labyrinth of Magic OP 1
My man SID rocks it again with the OP for Magi- The Labyrinth of Magic. This song is a slight departure from SID's normal music, but V.I.P. is the V.I.P. of anime OPs. This tune is absolutely catchy, and is a real feel-good song as well. Not to mention the version I listened to on youtube for the longest time had Arabian Nights from Aladdin playing at the end XD
1. Noragami Arogoto
Those of you who've seen my old Top 25 list, know my strong affinity for this song. I can't really explain why I like it so much, but it's upbeat, catchy, and I can't get enough of it. Sometimes when you listen to a track over and over again it can become stale (like my experience with unravel and brave shine. However, this never seemed to happen with Arogoto's OP, and until something ousts it, I have to say I think this is the greatest anime OP out there!
Welcome to my personal list of Top 50 Anime OPs! This is something I've wanted to do for awhile, but obviously something like this takes a decent chunk of time to put together. I've spent a few hours listening to some of my favorites, and managed (barely) to come up with a list of my own favorites. There are plenty of anime on this list I have seen, and plenty I haven't. I also didn't have any rules set like "only 1 OP per anime" or "only from a certain time period". These are the 50 songs I like the best, and is in no way an "official list". Be sure to comment below to let me know some of your favorites!
50. Watamote
This song starts out with authority, and easily fits the recurring heavy rock theme I've got going through this list. I also like how the main character animations flow with the song itself. The contrast of the female vocalist gives it a nice depth and complexity as well. Nice music to just headbang to.
49. Soul Eater OP 2
Another strong performance by a female vocalist. Although I personally haven't seen the series, it appears as though this OP follows a story of sorts. The guitar line is one of my favorites for sure.
48. Haikyuu! OP 2
I just love the energy this track brings. One of my favorite tracks from one of anime's best franchises right now. This is one to sing with the windows down (if I spoke Japanese that is...)
47. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso OP 1
This one is a bit of an enigma to me. The emotion poured out into this song easily puts it into contention for one of my favorites, but the fact that it and Shigatsu's 2nd OP weren't swapped around makes no sense. This track clearly illustrates the second half better than the other OP. Also, cue the feels :'(
46. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 4
Although FMAB's 4th OP is the favorite of many of its fans, it's not mine. Maybe it has to do with the fact I haven't seen it yet (yeah I know, kill me later). A powerful vocal track makes "Period" one of the best pieces to FMAB's exceptional soundtrack.
45. ACCA 13-ku Kansatsu-ka
Now this one breaks the JPop mold for anime OPs right in two. A smooth jazz accompaniment reminiscent of Baccano!, this track features striking vocals and some brass/woodwind funk. A fun song for sure.
44. Kill la Kill OP 2
Given the intensity and epicness of the show it's associated with, Kill la Kill's 2nd OP is stunning both visually and audio-wise. Featuring some heavy strings and upbeat bass, this track gets viewers pumped up for each episode. PS- The Nightcore version may actually be better than the original!
43. Paranoia Agent
By far the most unsettling and haunting track on the list, Paranoia Agent's OP is disturbingly curious. Laughing characters juxtaposed with malevolent backgrounds accompanied by some epic vocal belting. It's so creepy and I love it. Rumor has it that Satoshi Kon picked this track as the OP to wake viewers up because the show was given such a late timeslot, while the lucidity of the ED will put the viewers to sleep. Weird...
42. Sakamoto desu ga?
Man this track rocks. Easily my favorite of that season, the OP features our Lord and Savior Sakamoto-kun doing some extraordinary things. Singing with a broom as a mic, straightening his glasses and a whole lot more. The drum part is one of my favorites as well.
41. Divine Gate
Although I've heard the show is a dud, the OP has some quick guitar riffs and a techno-esque drum part that makes it work. Kind of makes you want to put your fist in the air!
40. Fate/Stay Night: UBW OP 2
BRAVE SHINE AT #40?!? Yeah, I'll admit I was surprised at this as well, but the song is SO immensely popular that I think I got burnt out on it from hearing it everywhere. Aimer is still the G.O.A.T. but perhaps the song is beginning to wane on me.
39. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 2
My 2nd FMAB track on the list, this one feels a little more like my style. I also like the vocals a lot more in this one. If you read the lyrics, there's a lot more to this song than what you can catch on the first go around...
38. Deadman Wonderland
A song created proprietarily for the anime, the chorus still rings in my head from the first time I heard it. Due to Deadman's availability, it's easily one of the most widely known anime OPs of present day.
37. Bunguo Stray Dogs
I might be in the minority on this one, but this is the best track in both S1 and S2 of BSD. There's something about the lead singer's voice I find interesting, and coupled with the deep, guttural guitar riffs, this song is pretty darn catchy.
36. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OP 1
Now here's a song that most every anime fan knows. Again is just as iconic as tracks like Bebop's "Tank" or NGE's "Cruel Angel's Thesis" and showcases some of the coolest Japanese vocals I've ever heard. Another one that's probably lower on my list due to the sheer amount of times I've heard it, but still a fantastic song.
35. Durarara! OP2
An OP famous for topping many anime fan's lists, Durarara's 2nd intro is just as funny as the first, and features some interesting Japanese rapping to boot!
34. Yamada kun and the 7 Witches
I'm not really familiar with the source material for this song, but I love the mix of piano and strings to a simple drum beat. The airy vocal change from the lead singer also sounds great with the flow of the song itself. One of the few anime OPs not copyrighted yay!
33. Mobile Suit Gundam- Iron Blooded Orphans OP 1
Man With a Mission has really busted onto the anime scene in the recent past, and it's easy to see why with their newest track for the Gundam series. Be sure to check out the actual music video as well to see some heavy metal men in wolf masks!
32. Cowboy Bebop
This is surely the anime OP that needs no introduction. The Seatbelts bring the lively atmosphere that Cowboy Bebop flourishes on and sets the tone for the entire series with Tank! As my favorite for quite some time, it's no question this OP gets a lot of love from the community and still holds up almost 20 years later.
31. Noragami
An anime OP both fun to listen to and cool to look at as well. Between this and Arogoto's OP, Studio Bones could give anyone a run for their money in visual creativity. I love how fast and heavy this track is, and the ending is epic!
30. Subete ga F ni Naru: The Perfect Insider
Damn that bass line dog!!! This OP is rather new for me, but I love the lead by the bass as well as the vocalist. The visuals in the background with the dancing figures are entrancing and fun to watch as well. Good stuff!
29. Steins;Gate
Now it wouldn't be much of an anime favorites list without Stein's;Gate eh? This OP has grown on me over time, and the nostalgia hits like a ton of bricks. I don't think I appreciated this as much during my initial viewing because I was bingeing it so badly. "Hacking to the gate!"
28. Barakamon
Oh man, the feels are strong with this one! Coming from one of my favorite anime ever, Barakamon's OP has a certain fun factor to it, much like the series itself. It's just so endearing, and the animation tells a small story. If you ever find the extended version, be prepared to shed a tear or two!
27. Mekakucity Actors
This OP punches you in the face with an intense blast of guitar and drums... along with corresponding animation. Led by a strong female vocalist, this is another track that ensures the proper mood is set entering each episode of Mekakucity Actors
26. Overlord
What better way to open up an anime with a skeleton lord as a main character than with a vicious metal track? Overlord's OP experiments a bit with autotune, but not enough to be incessant, and its guitar riffs and double bass will echo in your mind long after it's over.
25. No Game No Life
As we approach the halfway point, we're getting into the serious heavyweights of the anime OP world. "This Game" opens with a beautiful piano solo, and slowly crescendos into an epic track. The visuals are captivating as well, making this OP worthy of a spot atop many people's lists.
24. Blue Exorcist OP 2
The first season of Blue Exorcist had two fine OP's to go along with it, but the 2nd clearly stands out as one of the most catchy OPs in recent memory. The pulsing bass drum at the beginning sets this song of right, with powerful vocals and shredding guitar.
23. Baccano!
Baccano! gets its audience pumped with a mix of a jazzy beat and character introductions similar to Durarara! I was actually pretty close to getting my jazz band director to let us play this song a few years ago...
22. Gintama OP 13
We all knew it was a matter of time until this song popped up. Probably lower than most would expect, Gintama's 13th OP stands far above the rest due to the sheer passion in the lead singer's voice. It's a standup performance for sure, and it'll have your finger itching to click repeat after it concludes.
21. Fullmetal Alchemist OP 4
Finally we get something from the original FMA! Fans of the 2003 version will surely recognize the show's 4th OP by one of the most iconic Japanese bands, Asian Kung-fu Generation. This song packs a punch and is one I've really amped up listening to it as of late.
20. Durarara! OP 1
Ok, so I'll admit I'm probably one of the few people who actually like Durarara's first OP more than the second. I think the rapping felt a bit off to me, so I'm sticking with this one. Huuuuuuuuuuuh!
19. Assassination Classroom S2 OP 2
This OP is just so damn catchy. Almost as catchy as that Apple Pen song. I've tried hard to put it down but it just ends up cycling on repeat every so often. From what I understand, there's a fair amount of feels for fans of the series when this song comes up. Bye Bye Yesterday... foreshadowing??? I'll leave it at that.
18. Black Butler- Book of Circus
Say what you want about Black Butler, but there's no denying that Sid nails it again with this OP. It's a regular rock song but something about it with the mix of animation fits so damn well. Another head banger :D
17. Hajime no Ippo- The New Challenger
I actually just discovered this song a few weeks ago and I have to stress, listen to the full version. This is a very underrated anime OP and definitely one of the better Japanese rock songs I've ever heard. Plus, the animation shows Ippo beating the crap out of you from a first person view... what could be more badass than that???
16. Naruto Shippuden OP 13
I have a plethora of issues with Naruto as a franchise, but I will have to say it has its fair share of catchy OPs. Oh, and the animation is dandy in this one
15. Mushishi
Mushishi has a notorious "love it or hate it" mentality surrounding it, and the same can be said for its opening. The "Sore Feet Song" breathes some of the biggest nostalgia of the first time I watched Mushishi and how I was so captivated by the world Ginko lived in. As plain as the animation is, I found it incredibly soothing to listen to. Just don't pay too much attention to the lyrics... they're kind of weird.
14. Outlaw Star
This may be the biggest surprise on the entire list. Nothing screams 80's and 90's more than a show like Outlaw Star, a truly underappreciated anime of its time. The OP is highly entertaining and has one of the coolest beginnings of any on this list. I highly recommend checking out the soundtrack if you haven't listened to it before.
13. Mob Psycho 100
My runaway pick for the best anime OP of 2016, Mob Psycho delivers a solid piece of music here. I like the mix of electronic and rock, and the animation sequences are the trippiest imagery I've probably ever seen. I feel like this series will be seen as a cult classic in the future and with an OP like this, it'll only help its cause.
12. Deathnote OP 2
PORRRRRRRRRRRN! FREE PORRRRRRRRRRRN! Despite whatever interpretation you may have for the lyrics, Deathnote's 2nd OP is a face-melting masterpiece in metal. It completely took me offguard in a good way the first time I heard it, and it seethes with anger and ferocity. A purely kickass OP.
11. Tokyo Ghoul
Oh man, we're in the heavy hitters now. Unravel is probably the most played anime OP of the last five years, and for good reason. TK from Ling Tosite Sigure delivers one of the most bone-chilling, emotional ballads in anime history, and I absolutely love it. There's so much raw power and angst behind his voice that it's almost palpable. And don't forget that ending.
10. RAINBOW
As we enter the top 10, I can't really say a bad thing about any of these songs. RAINBOW's OP has one of the best intros known to man, if not THE best. It got me so incredibly pumped for each episode, and I never skipped it once. The way it was incorporated into some of the episodes really added to the scene progression as well. Magic.
9. Naruto Shippuden OP 16
Undoubtedly my favorite Naruto song in existence, KANABOON really set the bar high for all future songs from the franchise. I don't know why I like this song so much, but I've often found myself blaring it with the windows down :)
8. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure OP 2
This song is so incredibly underrated. Jojo is known for it's whimsical moments and diverse OST, and Bloody Stream is no exception to that rule. The animation works so well together with the OP to create a fluid sequence that can be entrancing to watch. I've also often attempted to sing along to no avail...
7. Shingeki no Bahamut
Along with Deathnote, Shingeki no Bahamut has one kickass OP. Not only is the OP awesome, but the way it's choreographed with the animation is meticulous and offers something quite visually stimulating. This is a song to pump your fist to.
6. Bleach OP 13
Whaddya know? SID shows up again with one of the greatest tracks from Bleach. You can really feel a sense of urgency and tension from this song, especially how it fits with the animation. That trippy sequence at the end adds to the chaos in one of the greatest anime OPs of all time
5. Gangsta
From what I can gather, most people were disappointed with Gangsta as a series, but this OP breaks the mold for sure. I love the mix of techno, rock and dubstep all into one entity. It sure as hell is fun to listen to, and if you ask me, it sounds like it could be played in any mainstream club across the world. This is an example of an OP that transcends past anime.
4. Kekkai Sensen
So.... Bump of Chicken is not necessarily the most attractive name for a band, but they absolutely nailed it with the OP for Kekkai Sensen. If you ask me, this sounds right in line with the type of music I would normally listen to... it just so happens to be the OP for an anime, that's all.
3. Parasyte the Maxim
If you've read my review for Parasyte, you can attest to how much I adore this song. It's like the perfect blend of scream-o, techno, and something else I can't put my finger on. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas had a great stint in anime OPs, and I hope they continue to release songs like this.
2. Magi- The Labyrinth of Magic OP 1
My man SID rocks it again with the OP for Magi- The Labyrinth of Magic. This song is a slight departure from SID's normal music, but V.I.P. is the V.I.P. of anime OPs. This tune is absolutely catchy, and is a real feel-good song as well. Not to mention the version I listened to on youtube for the longest time had Arabian Nights from Aladdin playing at the end XD
1. Noragami Arogoto
Those of you who've seen my old Top 25 list, know my strong affinity for this song. I can't really explain why I like it so much, but it's upbeat, catchy, and I can't get enough of it. Sometimes when you listen to a track over and over again it can become stale (like my experience with unravel and brave shine. However, this never seemed to happen with Arogoto's OP, and until something ousts it, I have to say I think this is the greatest anime OP out there!
Posted by themegamancave | May 14, 2017 7:18 PM | 5 comments