Anime theme songs have transcended their role as mere musical introductions; they have become cultural phenomena that evoke emotional connections to both the series and our own lives. The ideal opening theme encapsulates an anime’s core essence, establishing its emotional tone and offering subtle insights into the unfolding narrative.
Here, we present a countdown of the eight most impactful anime theme songs that transcended their supportive roles, significantly enhancing the storytelling experience.
8 Idol
Oshi No Ko
Performed by the dynamic duo YOASOBI, “Idol”serves as the opening theme for the hit anime “Oshi no Ko, ”which burst onto the anime scene in April 2023. This song adeptly captures the dual nature of the entertainment industry—a place that can be both mesmerizing and treacherous.
Achieving over 300 million streams on Spotify soon after its release, “Idol”garnered global acclaim. Its infectious chorus combined with insightful lyrics touches on deep themes of stardom, obsession, and the hidden costs of fame, perfectly aligning with the anime’s narrative of an obstetrician reincarnated as the child of his favorite idol following her tragic death.
7 Colors
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
With its opening lines, “Jibun wo… sekai sae mo…, ””Colors”by FLOW immediately transports listeners back to pivotal moments in “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.”This high-energy rock anthem debuted in 2006, accompanying the series’ intricate power struggles and philosophical debates.
“Colors”resonated deeply with fans, tapping into the era’s identity-defining theme songs, becoming an enduring anthem of rebellion and self-discovery, and drawing connections to Lelouch’s complex character arc.
6 Fly High!!
Haikyuu!!
“Fly High!!, ”the Season 2 opening for “Haikyuu!!, ”released in 2015 by Burnout Syndromes, quickly became synonymous with Karasuno High’s exhilarating underdog journey. Written by Kazuma Kumagai, the song captures the spirit of determination, paralleling the characters’ growth as they strive for victory.
With its explosive chorus and rhythmic pacing, “Fly High!!”captures the essence of sports—capturing moments of tension and exhilaration. The accompanying animation complements the song beautifully, highlighting their struggle and triumph as they forge their path to success.
5 Hikaru Nara
Your Lie In April
The opening chords of “Hikaru Nara, ”sung by Goose house in 2014, continue to elicit emotional responses from audiences. This song encapsulates the themes of “Your Lie in April, ”combining elements of nostalgia, loss, and the therapeutic nature of music.
Its poignant lyrics speak to the profound connection shared between two musicians, capturing the transformative influence of Kaori on Kousei’s life. The vivid imagery and upbeat melodies stand in stark contrast to the heart-wrenching narrative, effectively memorializing the beauty and pain of their story.
4 A Cruel Angel’s Thesis
Neon Genesis Evangelion
“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, ”released in 1995 and performed by Yoko Takahashi, ignites “Neon Genesis Evangelion”with vibrant energy that contrasts sharply with its psychological complexities. The lyrics explore themes of dreams and fate, mirroring the series’ deeper existential crises.
3 Again
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Upon its return in 2009, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”faced the challenge of living up to its predecessor, and the opening theme “Again”by YUI rose to meet that expectation. Released on April 22, 2009, this song marked YUI’s return from hiatus, resonating with the show’s themes of rebirth and redemption.
The opening visuals depict the brothers’ journey, symbolically capturing their past struggles and sacrifices, a clever introduction to the emotional depth of their quest.
2 Unravel
Tokyo Ghoul
Defining not just a character but an entire narrative arc, “Unravel, ”performed by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure in 2014, encapsulates Kaneki Ken’s harrowing descent into darkness. The emotional intensity of TK’s falsetto mirrors Kaneki’s struggle and transformation.
The animation accompanies the song with striking visuals—showing Kaneki’s fragmentation and turmoil—symbolizing the chaos of his dual existence. The track is celebrated not only within anime fandoms but also recognized for its artistic complexity in broader musical landscapes.
1 Blue Bird
Naruto Shippuden
For many, “Blue Bird, ”performed by Ikimono Gakari as the third opening for “Naruto Shippuden”in 2008, remains a key memory of growing up with the series. It perfectly captured the essence of the “Itachi Pursuit Mission”arc—imbuing it with urgency, warmth, and a bittersweet nostalgia.
Yoshiki Mizuno’s lyrics evoke profound themes of aspiration, loss, and endurance, illustrating the ongoing struggles of Naruto and his companions. This song has evolved into an emblem of the transformative years in Naruto’s journey, marking pivotal changes in friendship and ambition, and continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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