DivideByZer0’s Top 35 Anime Openings (Part 1), Version 1.0: Thematic Anime-Related Discussions (T.A.R.DIS)

Disclaimer:  This list is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect my biased tastes in music in any way, shape, or form.  I do not own the videos used in this article and all credits go to their respective owners.

Anime openings are kinda like…well, little musical introductions.  They provide us with a little heads-up of what we’re about to go into (most of the time), compliment the theme of the show, and basically ensnare our attention and get us immersed, even for a little while.  Opening themes for any medium of visual entertainment, animated or not, in general, are important for the same reasons.   From cartoons to live-action sci-fi series, opening themes often-times grow to be associated with their representing shows, further proof of their importance and influence.  While many openings are able to do their solemn duty of filling up the silent void at the beginning of every episode, there are quite a few that are memorable for a multitude of reasons, ranging from the art style, to its musical structure, or even nostalgia.  This list has the same criteria.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Kenji Cruz, and welcome to DivideByZer0’s Thematic Anime-Related Discussions, or T.A.R.DIS for short.  Today, the top 35 anime openings that made an impact on my music-loving self, plus the reasons why, of course, and then some.  So, now that my thesis about the importance of opening themes that I wrote in 5 minutes is out of the way, shall we begin?

A little extra disclaimer:  these are all my opinion.  If the list seems a little meta, or if it’s lacking in meta, then that’s my own business.  Criticisms are welcome, but no snarky comments.  I would actually love it if you guys made your own list!  It would be interesting, and I may even find something I missed, something I can put in a second version of this list.  I will post things a few at a time, so stay put for the countdown!  Without further ado, shall we start? (YES YOU TWAT START ALREADY!)

35.) “Watashi ga Motenai no wa dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui!” by Konomi Suzuki and Kiba of Akiba 

 Watamote OP 1

To be honest, I didn’t really think of much about Watamote (more details coming up in a review).  However, this opening was one of its saving graces.  With impressive vocals and interesting animation and art style, this mouthful of a song is an epic opening song to a pretty much common slice-of-life anime.  That’s basically all there is to it.  ‘Nuff said.

34.)   “Irony” by ClariS

Oreimo OP 1

Seriously, this opening is such a light-hearted one.  I didn’t really find anything special about this opening at first, but after having my friend re-watch Oreimo with me, I’ve come to like how cute the opening sounds.  A combination of graceful vocals and visuals, “Irony” compliments Oreimo  perfectly and is a perfect match for the show’s theme.

33.)  “Uragiri no Yuuyake” by Theatre Brook

Durarara! OP 1

One of the finer points of Durarara! is how it’s opening themes convey the show’s…unique style.  This opening theme, in particular, fits the show to a T.  It just oozes coolness, pretty much the same amount of coolness that the show has.  Its animation style is pretty and interestingly different, coupled with an awesome rock tune and art style.  Definitely a must-see, both the anime and the opening.

32.)  “Motteke!  Sailor Fuku” by Aya Hirano, Emiri Katou, Kaori Fukuhara, and Aya Endou

Lucky Star OP 1

Aaaaah, Lucky Star.  Such a colorful show, you are.  And with that colorful and funky theme compliments an equally colorful and funky opening.  Combining a colorful and wacky art style, choreographed dancing (something that I like seeing more often), and a REALLY catchy tune, “Motteke! Sailor Fuku” is a lovely opening song that WILL GET STUCK IN YOUR HEAD.

31.)  “No pain, No game” by Nano

Btooom! OP 1

For such an action-packed show, an action-packed opening theme is necessary  (well, not always).  Here comes “No pain, No game”.  This particular opening is just…good and action-packed to the brim, which totally compliments the show.  Explosions, bombs, mines, and booms galore:  my type of opening.

30.)  “Secrets of the Goddess” by Oratorio The World God Only Knows

The World God Only Knows:  Goddesses OP 1

While a lot of people may argue that the 1st opening of the 1st season of TWGOK is the best opening of them all, I beg to differ.  To me, out of the three, this opening song had the most resemblance to its season.  It really felt regal and angelic, just like the series it portrays in.  Beautiful vocals and superb animation and art style definitely make this opening top off the other openings from the same series.

29.)  “Sakura Kiss” by Chieco Kawabe

Ouran High School Host Club OP 1

This song…is one of those songs that I never knew I would be in to.  When I first heard this song, I believed it to be girly as fudge.  Now, in the present, I still think it’s girly as fudge; I just don’t care though, I like it.  It’s sweet, it’s light, it’s fluffy, it’s Ouran, and it definitely fits the shows romance style.  Beautiful background pink coupled with a catchy-as-hell song makes this opening a memorable one for me.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!  SEE YOU IN THE FUTURE!