10 Unskippable Openings In Shonen Anime, Ranked
Plenty of shonen anime have openings that leave an impression on the viewer, either because of the music, animation, or both.
Plenty of shonen anime have openings that leave an impression on the viewer, either because of the music, animation, or both. Many nostalgic fans can remember listening to one song on loop or their excitement at discovering that there is usually a full-length version of a song (not to mention remixes.)
An opening can be tailored to the plot or be intended as a standalone song, with some even based on pop songs. Some songs even reach memetic status and become popular with fans around the world who aren't too familiar with the actual series it came from. In fact, some songs manage to win fans over decades after the anime it came from was released.
10. Devilman Crybaby - "Man Human" Is Almost Instrumental, But Perfectly Spooky

This anime's theme song's a bit of a rarity in that it's almost entirely instrumental, parts with "man human" being added in. Although its spooky atmosphere and animation looks like a moving inkblot test, this really helps set up the story. Effectively showing characters failing to escape their fate, as if they are already damned.
That said, a lot of fans would have probably liked the opening to have used a remixed version of the classic 1970s theme song, especially since one was made for the remake and proved popular with new and old fans.
9. Inuyasha - "Change The World" Gives Fans Some Perspective Of The Characters

The anime series, Inuyasha, would become known for its changing openings and ending songs. Nostalgic fans probably have a soft spot for the first, "Change the World," which seems to tell the story through Inuyasha's perspective. That's said, its famous English line, "It's wonderland," feels like something Kagome would say, what with her falling down a hole into a new world.
An English version of the song is also known to exist (which was actually created for the Italian dub, rather than the English dub) and was performed by Inuyasha's Italian voice actor. This version of the song was likely influenced by the "italo disco" music style, which favors English lyrics. Ironically, American airings of the English dub often cut the opening entirely.
8. The Ancient Magus' Bride - "Here" Proves Shonen Openings Can Be Romantic

Nobody said a shonen series can't have a romantic opening. "Here" is an opening song with strong Spanish influences and talks about a desire to survive in a new world, with a mysterious voice telling them where to go.
The opening is also known for its haunting animation, with the heroine, Chise, dancing like a puppet pulled by strings, in darkness, over rippling water, and a room of candles before the other characters are introduced. Ending with Chise floating down like a fiery phoenix into Elias' arms, the final shot is Chise with the other characters.
7. Yu Yu Hakusho - With All Its Different Endings Songs, "Smile Bomb" Wasn't Going Anywhere

The animation might change here and there, but this series would have had a hard time trying to find a replacement for its classic opening song, "Smile Bomb," despite being famous for its different ending songs. Fans of the English dub might remember their version also had an English version of the song.
The opening starts with Botan flying on her oar like a witch, although later versions show Yusuke dropping down on the city like a bolt of lightning. Slowly, the animation begins to showcase just what he and his teammates are capable of. One flaw is that it kind of spoils which of Yusuke's enemies are going to become his friends, but some fans just like anticipating their favorites characters being introduced and joining Yusuke's side. On the other hand, it can be a bit deceptive; the first opening made Yusuke's mother seem like a larger character than she was going to be.
6. Naruto - "Go" Gives Flight To Anime's Flying Dreamers

The original Naruto series has had a few different openings, not to mention songs from its spin-offs (with the fourth especially being popular among fans.)
With the opening giving focus on each of the cast, the song emphasizes the characters are fighting dreamers.
5. Beastars - "Wild Side" Is The Perfect Blend Of Stop-Motion & Jazz Music

This anime's first opening is a jazz fan's delight, with fans comparing it to the similar jazzy openings to Cowboy Bebop and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency.
But what really sells the opening to fans is its unique visuals: the animation is done in stop-motion. Legoshi can be seen chasing Haru through a dark forest, which initially appears to be made of antlers. Right when he seems to go in for the kill, the sun rises and the area transforms into a happy park. There is no danger and Legoshi helps Haru up. The two share a dance, presumably to the theme music. Unfortunately, the last second ends on a note of caution, as a disgruntled figure can be seen beside a pool of blood beneath the blood moon.
4. Dragon Ball Super - "Limit Break X Survivor" Doesn't Let You Forget What Show You're Watching

Also known as "Genkaitoppa X Survivor," this is the second theme song of Dragon Ball Super. This opening song is proud to be a Dragon Ball song, even announcing the name of the anime towards the end of the lyrics.
Fans of the English dub might recognize the English version of the song. And it also makes sure to name-drop the anime's title by the end of the song, too.
3. Death Note - "What's Up, People" Has A Place In Everyone's Dark Heart & Soul

Anime openings have a little something for everyone. The second opening of Death Note is for all fans of death metal and hardcore music.
The opening is also known for its famous animation, from the famous walk sequence, Ryuk chasing an apple, or even the blue roses.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion - "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" Is The Original Meme

This anime's famous theme song has a surprising background. Originally, the series was going to open with classical music, but it was decided that would confuse casual viewers and a J-pop song would be more appropriate. At one point, the song was also going to have a male chorus, but it was decided a main female voice emphasized a wanted maternal theme.
Of course, what makes this theme song so memorable is just how memetic it has become in recent years, with fans making videos connecting it to all sorts of things, usually whatever they want to pretend is their "favorite anime."
1. Attack On Titan - "Guren No Yumiya" Got The Whole World Speaking German

Linked Horizon already had fans in the anime community thanks to Sound Horizon, even without direct ties to anime, thanks to their music and albums connected to historical events and dark fairy tales. However, Linked Horizon would become known around the world for "Guren no Yumiya," the original opening for Attack on Titan.
The song's use of German is something of Horizon's trademark, having been especially popularized in Sound Horizon's Ido e Itaru Mori e Itaru Ido and Märchen albums. Even the lyrics, essentially encouraging the humans to rise up against the Titans left an impression on listeners. Similar to "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," the theme song quickly became a meme, although arguably in a shorter amount of time, with fans connecting it to all sorts of their favorite media.
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