Top 10 Best Anime Openings of All Time (Ranked 2026)

A great anime opening gets you hyped before the episode even starts. These short songs, called OPs, are about 90 seconds long, and some of them are so good that fans replay them for fun. So what are the best anime openings of all time? Here is my top 10, with the song, the artist and a YouTube link for each. I only name the songs. I do not copy any lyrics.
IN THIS GUIDE
Quick answer
My number one is "Guren no Yumiya" by Linked Horizon from Attack on Titan. Number two is "Unravel" from Tokyo Ghoul, and number three is "Again" from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Do you agree? Tell me yours in the comments.
How I ranked them
Ranking music is personal, so treat this list as my opinion. I looked at four things:
- The song: is it great to listen to on its own?
- The fit: does it match the mood of the anime?
- The impact: is it famous and instantly recognizable?
- The replay value: do people keep coming back to it?
The top 10 best anime openings of all time
Attack on Titan
♫ "Guren no Yumiya" by Linked Horizon
It sounds like a war march. The big orchestra, the dramatic choir and the powerful voice made the opening instantly famous, and it set the tone for the whole series.
▶ Watch on YouTubeTokyo Ghoul
♫ "Unravel" by TK from Ling tosite sigure
Haunting, fast and full of pain. The high, sharp vocals match the dark world of the story, and it is still one of the most replayed anime songs online.
▶ Watch on YouTubeFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
♫ "Again" by YUI
A hopeful rock song that makes you want to start a journey. It fits the brothers' story perfectly and has great energy.
▶ Watch on YouTubeDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
♫ "Gurenge" by LiSA
A huge modern hit. LiSA's strong voice, the fast beat and the fighting scenes in the opening make a perfect mix.
▶ Watch on YouTubeOne Piece
♫ "We Are!" by Hiroshi Kitadani
Pure adventure. This is the very first One Piece opening, and it still feels like a call to set sail with your friends.
▶ Watch on YouTubeNaruto Shippuden
♫ "Blue Bird" by Ikimono-gakari
Emotional and warm. Many fans connect it with the story's heart, and it brings back strong memories for people who grew up with the show.
▶ Watch on YouTubeJujutsu Kaisen
♫ "Kaikai Kitan" by Eve
Stylish, strange and full of energy. The quirky vocals and the sharp animation give the opening a modern feel that fans love.
▶ Watch on YouTubeNeon Genesis Evangelion
♫ "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi
A 90s classic that even non-fans recognize. It is bold, dramatic and has been used and remixed all over the internet.
▶ Watch on YouTubeCowboy Bebop
♫ "Tank!" by The Seatbelts
A cool jazz opening that is mostly instrumental. The brass and the beat feel like a movie, and the style has inspired many other shows.
▶ Watch on YouTubeMy Hero Academia
♫ "Peace Sign" by Kenshi Yonezu
Bright, catchy and full of youth. It shows the heroes growing and has a sound that many fans put on repeat.
▶ Watch on YouTubeAnime CalculatorBest Anime Directory
Pick an opening by mood
Love the characters in these shows? See who wins our debates in Naruto vs Goku and Itachi vs Madara, or vent with the top 10 most hated anime characters.
Honorable mentions
These openings just missed the top 10, but they are still amazing:
- Naruto Shippuden: "Silhouette" by KANA-BOON
- Bleach: "Rolling Star" by YUI
- Your Lie in April: "Hikaru Nara" by Goose house
- Hunter x Hunter (2011): "Departure!" by Masatoshi Ono
- My Hero Academia: "The Day" by Porno Graffitti
Watching the new season of Tokyo Revengers? See the Tokyo Revengers watch order before you start. If you like cartoons too, read what happened to Korra before Seven Havens.
How to watch and listen
- Official uploads: look for the official YouTube channel of the publisher or the artist.
- In the episode: the best way to enjoy an opening is with its animation, in the show.
- On a bigger screen: openings look great on a laptop. See the best gaming laptops under $500.
- If your phone is slow: try our Android lag fix guide.
- Fans speak a special language: new to anime words? Read our gaming slang explained guide.
Best anime openings: FAQ
What does OP mean in anime?
OP means opening. It is the short theme song, usually about 90 seconds long, that plays at the start of an anime episode. ED means ending.
What is the best anime opening of all time?
There is no single answer, because it is a matter of taste. Many fans often name songs like Guren no Yumiya, Unravel and Again. Our ranking puts Guren no Yumiya from Attack on Titan first.
Who sings Unravel?
Unravel, the first opening of Tokyo Ghoul, is performed by TK from Ling tosite sigure.
Who sings Gurenge?
Gurenge, the first opening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is performed by LiSA.
How long is an anime opening?
A TV opening is usually around 90 seconds. Full versions of the songs are often longer and are released as music singles.
Where can I watch anime openings legally?
Watch them on official YouTube uploads or in the episodes on the show's streaming page. Our Best Anime Directory can also help you find legal places to watch.
Final words
These are my top 10 best anime openings of all time, but every fan has a different list. Which opening would you rank number one, and which one did I miss? Tell me in the comments, and I will include the best suggestions in the next update.
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