Anime theme songs are a perfect way to set the tone for a series. Whether it’s through metaphoric lyrics or melody characteristics, opening themes reflect traits of characters, storyline, or even visual style. Some songs also allowanother way for lovers of various anime to connectas a community as there are many shows which are recognized for theircatchy appealthat make it impossible to not sing along to.
Most importantly, what makes these songs most memorable is how successful they are in embodying the characteristics of an anime series that are most cherished by fans collectively.
Here are some anime series that had absolutely unforgettable theme songs.
Based on thePokémonvideo game series, the show was loved by millions becoming the number one anime to air in America for nearly a decade. The show wasn’t just known for its lovable characterslike Pikachu, but rather for its first original theme song which has a total of sixty-nine million views on YouTube. The song has a cheer-like feel to its melody and vocals which makes it fitting for the show’s premise on Ash’s journey through battling different people with his friends. The song also notably uses the tagline “gotta catch ‘em all” which establishes this consistency seen throughout different mediums of the franchise. Being a show that was popular among the youth in America in its early stages, it’s no surprise that this unforgettable tune has become a collective childhood memory to many.
9Death Note
Performed by one of Japan’s most known Visual Kei rock bands, Nightmare, “The WORLD” is full of groovy basslines and operatic vocals fits in well with the dark mystery that isDeath Note. Being notorious for its fantastical and psychologically thrilling plot line, this classic Shonen engulfs its audience in through its intro. The title sequence previews the intense rivalry between L and Light Yagami all while emphasizing some importance Light has with his association of godly characters.
The first theme song added immense power to visuals while hinting that within “the spreading of darkness" the vow of revolution is to come, but it isn’t clearly revealed what the revolution is or who will be the one to lead this. The song leaves room for interpretation ofwhat could happen in the serieswhile also bringing in an ominous touch that refuses to go unnoticed.
8Hunter X Hunter
Reaching twenty-nine million streams on the CrunchyRoll Collection Youtube channel,Hunter x Hunter’s opening soundtrack Departure! proves to be a popular anime theme song that people can’t get enough of. It serves as an intro to the first arc of the plot but stays present as the show develops through different seasons. The track is full of theatrical and cheery vocals that make for an exciting first impression of the show. Even though the show only has one opening theme and limits the way each season is introduced, it never fails to hold up in relevance and strength as an intro to fans as the plot develops.
A musical-drama anime loved by many fans of rock music and the lifestyle that comes with it,Nana’s theme song is by far one of the best openers to have set the tone for a series perfectly. The show surrounds the lives of rock singer Nana Osaki and her friend Nana Komatsu or Hachi. These two friends learn to live independently in Tokyo while going through issues in dealing with complicated romance and young adulthood.
Full of crying guitar melodies back dropped by the punchy bassline that creates an edge to this confessional piece, the intro sung by Nana lyrically speaks on the intense desire to feel loved through metaphorical language. Sung by Anna Tsushima, this relatable punk rock hit peeks into the emotionally touching yet angsty world of these two friends, and sweeps viewers into it.
Related:The Best Anime Soundtracks, Ranked
6Black Butler
The second opening theme ofBlack Butleris performed by another popular Japanese Vkei rock band known as The Gazette, who deliver the gothic and somber feel this show has through fast and rhythmic guitar and verses sung through deep vocals. Even though this song was featured on the second season ofBlack Butlerit remains to stand out and is darker and heavier musically compared to the first seasons opener, which points to characterization changes the viewers are yet to be aware of. Ultimately, it serves as an introduction to characters such as Alois and Claude, who are like a different version of Sebastian and Ciel, and their contribution to plot development.
As a series that plays off main character Satoru Fujinuma’s ability to time travel back to childhood,Erased’s opening track bright and upbeat sound is reminiscent of youthfulness and holds a memorable charm. The song’s musical direction seemingly also pairs well with the intro initially, but becomes a mystery as the visuals insinuate the plot involving some sort of violence taking place. Though lyrically the song also possesses a melancholic tone as the singer reflects on missing out on a chance to confess his feelings to someone, or rather missing out on a chance to live a moment the way he wants to. The theme’s lyrics align with Sartoru’s journey in re-living the past when wanting to prevent a tragic fate of losing his mother, while also reflecting on the fate he brought upon himself throughout the series. The indie rock becomes another way of prefacing the character’s heartfelt story.
4Serial Experiments Lain
Sung by English alternative rock band Bôa,Serial Experiments Lainopens with a hazy montage of the main character Lain paired with a dreamy and melancholic ballad that’s easy to hum along to after one listen. Even though the show is futuristic in nature, the song’s unexpected use of moments with harmonic indie melodies intertwined with Jasmine Rodgers’ rich but elegant vocals perfectly parallels the mood of Lain’s universe.
The unique use of genre also mirrors the show being experimental in visual style and plot. To some extent the audience goes in not knowing what to expect, and the song feeds into that unpredictability. Lain’s main conflict in detachment with reality shows up in the theme song lyrically as well, as there’s an emphasis on the feeling of fading away and being drowned out. The tune is so in touch with Lain as a character that it nearly becomes a representation of her.
Related:The Most Visually Stunning Anime, Ranked
3Paradise Kiss
A popular Josei anime,Paradise Kisscenters the life of a teen girl, Yukari Hayasaka who gets wrapped up in becoming a model for designer students who have a brand called Paradise Kiss. The chimey and catchy theme song is reminiscent of music that could be heard in a fashion show and creates the perfect atmosphere for the series. Sung by Tomoko Kawase,
“Lonely in Gorgeous” is ultimately an electro pop piece which combines the life of luxury and glamour and the feeling of being undesired. The song refers to the experiences Yukari faces while exploring the fashion world with the group Paradise Kiss and while getting involved in a romantic relationship through it.
2Neon Genesis Evangelion
Sung by musician Yoko Takahashi, this Japanese pop melody doesn’t just make it easy to get in the habit of singing along to, but it also puts the viewer in a trance. Having the song titled “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” full of lyricism alluding to engaging in a robot-human war set in 2015 completely offsets the upbeat jazz influenced melody that is consistent throughout the song.
The opposite direction between the lyricism and the musical tone of the song creates music that could be heard in a dystopian society, and instills a sense of uneasiness upon taking both elements into context. The pace of the song paired with the rapid speed of visuals inNeon Genesis Evangelion’s intro title sequence during the last verse also contributes to uncertainty in where the series leads to. Though the genius in the composition lies in putting the audience in the dark, while also passively dropping the hint of what “cruel angels” may signify.
1Tokyo Ghoul
Last but certainly not least, “Unravel,” sung by TK of rock trio Ling Tosite Sigure doesn’t hold back in making a stunning intro forTokyo Ghoul. Accumulating a view number of sixty-two million on YouTube the track starts off with isolated whispery vocals quickly followed by an ethereal progression of piano and guitar chords which create a haunting effect. As the singer progresses into lyrics about holding it together, the instrumentation dramatically quickens creating a tense mood. After a short pause the track suddenly becomes a floodgate of emotion as the vocals transforms into a bold soprano and the instruments accompany them by becoming a colorful and harmonious orchestra.
The song’s structure literally unravels and introduces the characters through verses about their isolating perspective of being different in a way that no one outside of them can understand. Though the lyrics could be interpreted as specifically centering Kenai’s experience in being half ghoul-half human, it also refers to the main conflict of ghouls and human beings not being able to coexist with each other. Ultimately the theme song becomes as the perfect way to express feelings and conflict towards figuring out identity, and brings that message in with a memorable musical direction.
