DivideByZer0’s Top 35 Anime Opening Themes (Part 4), Version 1.0: Thematic Anime-Related Discussions (T.A.R.DIS)

12.)  “Rage On” by Oldcodex

Free! OP 1

Sprots anime and heart-pumping opening themes go hand-in-hand almost all the time.  Therefore, it is no surprise that the opening theme for a sports anime would have a place on this list.  With gorgeously “fluid” animation and an action-packed beat, it’s no doubt that “Rage On” went swimming into number 12.  (Sorry, I’m out of water puns)

11.)  “Cagayake!  GIrls” by Aki Toyosaki, Yoko Hikasa, Satomi Satou, and Minako Kotobuki

K-On! OP 1

Another anime with multiple amazing opening themes, “Cagayake!  Girls” goes into this spot for being, well…darn brilliant and cute, I guess.  Sure, all the other openings were great, but nothing beats your first love, right?  No?  Oh well, I tried.  Combining KyoAni’s expertise in animation with a cutesy catchy song sung by the lead voice actresses themselves, this opening provided the anime with its much-needed initial energy.

10.)  “Kuso Mesorogiwi” by Yousei Teikoku

The Future Diary OP 1

CONFESSION TIME:  I was really frightened by this opening theme when I first saw it.  The theme was just so scary and bloody and violent that, at that time, I got scarred after a friend introduced me to it.  But now that I as more mature and sophisticated (*wink wink*), I view its bloody and violent nature to be brilliant for a show such as Mirai Nikkki.  The gorgeous visuals and beautiful choir tracks made me appreciate the opening’s merits.  Oh, and also I like how the first few lyrics of the song are actually the names of the Roman gods.  It’s pretty fascinating.

9.)  “Hacking to the Gate”  by Itou Kanako

Steins;Gate OP 1

To be honest, this opening deserves more credit than what the anime community is giving it.  I know people who don’t think much of this opening theme, and that’s perfectly fine.  But, to me, the overlapping effects and the song itself is brilliant for a sci-fi-based show such as Steins;Gate.  If I can go back to the past to persuade people to love this opening theme, I probably would…*sees a blue police box outside*

8.)  “Resonance” by T.M. Revolution

Soul Eater OP 1

Deciding whether to add this or Soul Eater’s second opening theme, “Papermoon”, was the most difficult decision I had to make in my existence thus far.  Both have their merits, both are cool, and both fit the show to a T.  In the end, “Resonance” wins by 0.241% for getting me pumped up for the show slightly more than “Papermoon”.  This song basically can get you pumped up for anything:  basketball matches, gym workouts, homework (HAHA, just kidding.  Nothing can make anyone pumped up for homework!).

7.)  “Kyoukai no Kanata” by Minori Chihara

Beyond the Boundary OP 1

The first few seconds of this opening theme is a breath-taking example of just how beautiful Kyoto Animation can animate.  Beautiful lighting and a gorgeous color pallet mix that’s light and easy on the eyes, fused with Minori Chihara’s majestic voice, makes this opening theme one of the reasons why Beyond the Boundary is one of my favorite anime.  Also, I have this thing for anime openings that insert themselves into certain scenes (see Gurren Lagann).  So, if you take that fact and insert it into one of the more climatic moments of the series, and you get sublime beauty.

6.)  “Goya no Machiawase” by Hello Sleepwalkers

Noragami OP 1

The most recent anime opening to hit this list (as it is currently airing at the time of this list), “Goya no Machiawase” is fast-paced, action-packed, and stylish; everything that compliments this anime.  What I particularly liked about this opening is their use of the gray-scale color pallet, mixed with patches of color in certain parts (like the hair and eyes), and chromatic aberration, combined with fluid camera movements; a combination that I rarely see nowadays.  And that is why this marvel of an opening is on the number 6 spot.

THE TOP 5 IS UP NEXT!  STAY TUNED FOR IT AND SEE YOU IN THE FUTURE!

One Comment

  1. I recognize a few of these, but there’s actually a lot on this part of the list I haven’t seen.

    Kuso Mesorogiwi is a fantastic opening song and I loved it from the very first time it played. It fits quite well with the series (as does the second opening) and it was a blast to listen to. Interestingly enough, all of the diary holders (I’m pretty sure at least) have names that reference the Roman gods, something I didn’t know about until I attempted to look for examples of such allusions myself. As for creepy anime openings, personally I’d say Future Diary’s is nowhere near as creepy as Higurashi’s first opening.

    Hacking to the Gate is a song I’ve always been fond of so it’s disappointing that people don’t think much of it. I always enjoyed this one as well, for the longest time I liked it more than the ED but recently it’s been hard to pick since both of them are brilliant.

    Kyoukai no Kanata’s opening is good, the visuals are nice and it definitely displays KyoAni’s great production values. I like the song as well, though I wouldn’t call it one of my favorites personally.