Anime is awesome, right? I have been watching it since I was a child, and for me it is right up there with video games. In fact, the two tend to go hand-in-hand in my mind, which is probably why I love JRPGs so much. Despite not speaking much Japanese I still really enjoy the soundtracks featured in many anime series. With a lot of anime, the opening and closing sequences are tied with some great music. Today on Nerd Tunes we are going to list our 10 favorite opening tracks featured in anime series. This being an article about music we will not be looking at the visual component, but only the audio. Also only one entry per series, this is important since many anime go through several different openings during their broadcast runs. Lastly, these aren’t in any particular order. Now then, let’s get to the music.
#1 Initial D – Break in2 The Night
https://youtu.be/rErpljP7nKk
Performed By: M.O.V.E
This was a difficult decision. Initial D has in my opinion some of the greatest openings in all of anime. I could have easily filled this list with just tracks from this one show. I actually have an Initial D playlist that I use when I am playing Gran Turismo, or just driving around town. I had to sit and listen to the various openings several times to narrow it down to just one. Ultimately this track won through though. It has always been my favorite. I remember the first time I heard it play I knew I would be listening to it for a very long time to come.
#2 Gundam X – Resolution
Performed By: ROMANTIC MODE
You didn’t pick Gundam Wing? What is wrong with you? I know Wing is by far the most popular choice among people, but I just like Gundam X’s openings a bit more. It still wasn’t an easy choice, but honestly it was either this or the other X opening “Dreams”. This isn’t going to be the only anime featuring giant robots on this list.
#3 Outlaw Star – Through The Night
Performed By: Arimachi Masahiko
Outlaw Star is awesome. I still remember watching it on Toonami, I was absolutely hooked. This track is intense, very upbeat and fits well with the action-oriented nature of the series. The first entry on the list with male vocals, this songs is just plan awesome. I’d fly around space in a grappler ship listening to this anytime.
#4 Soul Eater – Resonance
https://youtu.be/WeCEjloQ-qE
Performed By: T.M.Revolution
I discovered this series a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. When I heard the opening I knew it was going to be awesome. It is extremely fast-paced and absolutely fits well with the show. Sounds like it was tailor made to go with a montage of different character showcasing their abilities. Since first hearing it this one has been a favorite on many of my playlists.
#5 Bleach – D-tecnoLife
https://youtu.be/PEBevNq8Np4
Performed By: UVERworld
I really enjoyed Bleach. I know that a lot of people think it had some serious issues when compared to the manga, but I still liked it. The series has several excellent opening sequences, but after some consideration we picked the 2nd one as our favorite. It has a serious, almost desperate sound to it. The song goes very well with the events that transpire during that time in the series, and overall is just a really great sounding tune.
#6 Lupin III – Opening Theme
https://youtu.be/PSLFZdzgCLw
Composed By: Yuji Ohno
The first (mostly) instrumental track on this list. I use this one as the alarm on my phone. It’s exciting and unique, definitely catchy. Just hearing it you can imagine Lupin and his gang on international adventures and during heists. The distinctiveness of this tune makes it very recognizable and that along with the fact that it gets stuck in your head easily lands it on this list.
#7 Record of Lodoss War – Adesso e Fortuna ~ Honoo to Eien
Performed By: Sherry
I love Dungeons and Dragons and I love anime, so I somewhat feel like Record of Lodoss War was made for me. This opening is so beautiful, so subtle, and just a delight to listen to. With emotion filled vocals, and an excellent instrumental track, this is one of my favorite openings, and so easily makes the list.
#8 Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood – Period
Performed By: Chemistry
With the popularity of this show it was bound to make the list. Both Full Metal Alchemist series have great soundtracks, making this a tough choice. After listening to all of the shows opening tracks numerous times though, we ultimately decided to go with the 4th opening “Period”. They are all good, but this one has a certain energy and quality to it that made it our choice.
#9 Cowboy Bebop – Tank!
https://youtu.be/n6jCJZEFIto
Composed By: Yoko Kanno
One of the great anime of all times, (and I know you agree with us). It would be a travesty if this didn’t make the list. Yoko Kanno is legendary for a reason, and this track is a perfect example of why. This jazzy tune that you just can’t help but enjoy sets the tone for the entire show. Even non-anime fans can appreciate this one.
#10 Neon Genesis Evangelion – A Cruel Angel’s Thesis
https://youtu.be/FypOhA09sNs
Performed By: Yoko Takahashi
Told you we would have more giant robots. I really like Evangelion, although not with the fanaticism of some fans. This opening track though is amazing in all regards. Very upbeat and optimistic for a show that is at times downright depressing. At this point this song is somewhat iconic, with Evangelion being one of the most prolific anime. It was a shoo-in for our list.
That’s it for now, it was a lot of fun. There were plenty of runners up that almost made the list, in light of that I might make a second one of these at some point in the future. Also I am planning on doing a “Top 10 Anime Endings” as well. If your favorite didn’t make the list remember this is just an opinion piece and not all inclusive. If you have any comments about one of miss please feel free to let me know though. As always please feel free to check out the rest of The Nerd Stash for other great articles. Thank you, and goodbye for now.
