The 20 Best Anime Opening Themes You Still Can’t Skip, Ranked by Catchiness

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Anime openings are more than just intros—they’re bursts of energy that pull you into a show’s world with killer music and stunning visuals. A great theme sticks in your head, hyping you up for every episode and sometimes outshining the series itself.

I’ve ranked these 20 anime openings based on their pure catchiness, the kind that makes you sing along or hit replay. From jazzy classics to modern bangers, these tracks are impossible to skip, each one a perfect blend of melody and vibe.

20. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014) – Departure!

20. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014) - Departure! Poster
Madhouse

Masatoshi Ono’s ‘Departure!’ is the sole opening for ‘Hunter x Hunter’, a cheerful J-pop metal mix that’s oddly bright for the show’s dark twists. Its upbeat tempo and soaring vocals make it an instant earworm.

The song’s infectious energy, paired with visuals of Gon’s journey, keeps you hooked. It’s a track that feels like an adventure in itself, perfect for hyping up fans.

19. ‘Black Butler’ (2008-2010) – Monochrome no Kiss

19. ‘Black Butler’ (2008-2010) - Monochrome no Kiss Poster
A-1 Pictures

SID’s ‘Monochrome no Kiss’ for ‘Black Butler’ sets a spooky tone with eerie rock and synths. The haunting melody grabs you right away, matching the show’s gothic vibe.

Its catchy chorus lingers long after the episode starts. The visuals, showing Ciel and Sebastian’s dark world, make this a theme you’ll never skip.

18. ‘Haikyuu!!’ (2014-2020) – PHOENIX

Burnout Syndrome’s ‘PHOENIX’ opens ‘Haikyuu!!’s fourth season with a rock anthem that screams determination. Kazuumi Kumagai’s vocals and the driving beat capture Karasuno’s rise to nationals.

The chorus is pure adrenaline, paired with visuals of Hinata soaring on the court. It’s a track that pumps you up every time.

17. ‘My Hero Academia’ (2016-Present) – Starmarker

17. ‘My Hero Academia’ (2016-Present) - Starmarker Poster
BONES

KANA-BOON’s ‘Starmarker’ for ‘My Hero Academia’ season four is a bubbly pop-rock bop. Its catchy hook and upbeat vibe fit the School Festival arc’s lighter tone perfectly.

The song’s melody sticks instantly, with visuals of Deku and friends shining. It’s a feel-good opener that’s hard to skip.

16. ‘Bleach’ (2004-2012) – D-tecnolife

16. ‘Bleach’ (2004-2012) - D-tecnolife Poster
Pierrot

UVERworld’s ‘D-tecnolife’ for ‘Bleach’ is a high-energy rock track that defined the Soul Society arc. Its raw vocals and driving guitar riffs scream 2000s anime nostalgia.

The melody is unforgettable, paired with Ichigo’s stylish visuals. Every fan knows this one by heart, making it a must-listen.

15. ‘Noragami’ (2014-2015) – Kyouran Hey Kids!!

15. ‘Noragami’ (2014-2015) - Kyouran Hey Kids!! Poster
BONES

The Oral Cigarettes’ ‘Kyouran Hey Kids!!’ for ‘Noragami’ season two is a high-octane rock banger. Its relentless energy and catchy chorus match the show’s kinetic action.

The visuals, bursting with Yato’s chaotic world, keep you glued. This opener’s raw vibe makes skipping it impossible.

14. ‘Digimon Adventure’ (1999-2000) – Butter-Fly

14. ‘Digimon Adventure’ (1999-2000) - Butter-Fly Poster
Toei Animation

Koji Wada’s ‘Butter-Fly’ for ‘Digimon Adventure’ is a defining 90s anthem. Its upbeat J-rock and whimsical lyrics capture the show’s mix of fantasy and heart.

The chorus is relentlessly catchy, with visuals of the DigiDestined in action. It’s pure nostalgia that still hits hard.

13. ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012-Present) – Bloody Stream

13. ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012-Present) - Bloody Stream Poster
Warner Bros. Japan

CODA’s ‘Bloody Stream’ for ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ is a funky, jazzy bop that screams style. Its catchy beat and bold vocals fit Joseph Joestar’s flair perfectly.

The vibrant visuals, packed with JoJo’s iconic poses, make this a standout. It’s an opener that demands your attention.

12. ‘Code Geass’ (2006-2008) – Colors

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FLOW’s ‘Colors’ for ‘Code Geass’ is a J-rock explosion of energy. Its fast-paced rhythm and catchy guitar solo hook you from the first note.

The visuals, showcasing Lelouch’s rebellion, amplify the song’s intensity. This is a theme that never gets old.

11. ‘One Punch Man’ (2015-Present) – The Hero

JAM Project’s ‘The Hero’ for ‘One Punch Man’ is a fist-pumping rock anthem. Its epic vocals and Saitama’s one-punch visuals scream superhero vibes.

The chorus is pure hype, impossible to resist singing along. This opener captures the show’s absurd energy perfectly.

10. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010) – Again

10. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010) - Again Poster
BONES

YUI’s ‘Again’ for ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ is a soulful J-rock track with a killer guitar riff. Its fast tempo and emotional vocals hit hard, matching Ed and Al’s journey.

The visuals, with clever match cuts, keep you locked in. This catchy bop is a playlist staple.

9. ‘Demon Slayer’ (2019-Present) – Gurenge

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LiSA’s ‘Gurenge’ for ‘Demon Slayer’ is a blockbuster hit with 106 million YouTube views. Its powerful vocals and vibrant visuals set the show’s intense tone.

The melody’s emotional hook grabs you instantly. It’s a modern classic you can’t skip.

8. ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007-2017) – Silhouette

8. ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007-2017) - Silhouette Poster
TV Tokyo

KANA-BOON’s ‘Silhouette’ for ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ is a nostalgic J-rock banger. Its catchy lyrics and visuals of Naruto’s growth hit fans right in the feels.

The upbeat chorus is impossible to forget, making this a fan-favorite opener. You’ll sing along every time.

7. ‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004-2005) – Battlecry

7. ‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004-2005) - Battlecry Poster
Manglobe

Nujabes’ ‘Battlecry’ for ‘Samurai Champloo’ is a hip-hop masterpiece with a mellow beat. Shing02’s rap and the samurai visuals create a chill yet gripping vibe.

Its unique rhythm sticks in your head, setting the show’s tone perfectly. This one’s a timeless gem.

6. ‘Death Note’ (2006-2007) – The World

6. ‘Death Note’ (2006-2007) - The World Poster
Madhouse

Nightmare’s ‘The World’ for ‘Death Note’ is a dark, driving J-rock track. Its intense beat and L’s iconic visuals capture the show’s psychological tension.

The chorus is insanely catchy, pulling you into Light’s twisted game. You won’t skip this one.

5. ‘Pokemon’ (1997-Present) – Pokemon Theme

Jason Paige’s ‘Pokemon Theme’ for the English dub is a 90s icon. Its ‘Gotta Catch ’em All’ hook and Ash’s adventure visuals are pure childhood magic.

The song’s energy is infectious, making it a global anthem. No fan can resist this banger.

4. ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014-2018) – Unravel

4. ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014-2018) - Unravel Poster
Marvelous

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure’s ‘Unravel’ for ‘Tokyo Ghoul’ is a haunting rock earworm. Its shifting tones and Kaneki’s raw visuals mirror the show’s emotional chaos.

The chorus hooks you instantly, with over 88,000 fans voting it a top intro. It’s unskippable.

3. ‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998-1999) – Tank!

3. ‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998-1999) - Tank! Poster
SUNRISE

Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts’ ‘Tank!’ for ‘Cowboy Bebop’ is a jazzy masterpiece. Its blasting horns and James Bond-esque visuals scream cool from start to finish.

The upbeat rhythm is pure ear candy, hooking fans worldwide. This opener’s vibe is unmatched.

2. ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995-1996) – A Cruel Angel’s Thesis

2. ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995-1996) - A Cruel Angel’s Thesis Poster
GAINAX

Yoko Takahashi’s ‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ for ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ is a nostalgic pop banger. Its upbeat melody contrasts the show’s dark themes, making it iconic.

The catchy chorus and Shinji’s visuals keep you singing. This classic never loses its charm.

1. ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-Present) – Guren no Yumiya

1. ‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-Present) - Guren no Yumiya Poster
Production I.G

Linked Horizon’s ‘Guren no Yumiya’ for ‘Attack on Titan’ is a symphonic metal beast. Its marching beat, German lyrics, and epic visuals of Eren’s fight make it a blood-pumping anthem.

The chorus is relentlessly catchy, turning any day into an adventure. This is the ultimate unskippable opener.

Which anime opening gets you hyped every time, or did I miss a banger? Share your faves in the comments!

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