Top 5 Most Satisfying Anime Opening Songs You Can’t Skip
Ever found yourself glued to the screen, unable to press “skip” when an anime opening plays? You’re not alone. Anime openings are more than just intros; they’re emotional rollercoasters, hype machines, and cultural landmarks. The best anime OP songs blend stunning visuals, catchy anime theme songs, and lyrics that hit harder than a plot twist.
Whether it’s the iconic anime openings of the 2000s or today’s viral anime OSTs, some tracks are simply unskippable anime intros. Today, we’re counting down the top 5 anime opening songs you can’t skip, each one a legendary anime OP that shaped anime history.
Unravel” (Tokyo Ghoul) – The Cult Classic
Few anime openings carry the raw emotion and haunting beauty of Unravel by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure. From the first distorted guitar riff, this genre-defining anime theme pulls you into Tokyo Ghoul’s dark, tragic world.
Why It’s Unskippable:
- Lyrics mirror Kaneki’s suffering – The desperate vocals and chaotic instrumentals mirror his transformation.
- Visual storytelling at its peak – The OP contrasts serene imagery with violent cuts, foreshadowing the story’s duality.
- Billboard-charting anime OP – Even years later, Unravel remains a fan favorite, often topping anime music rankings.
Pro Tip: If you love Unravel, check out TK’s other works, his unique post-rock style is perfect for intense anime title sequences.
“Gurenge” (Demon Slayer) – Viral Sensation
LiSA’s Gurenge isn’t just a song, it’s a phenomenon. As the opening for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, this track dominated charts, memes, and even karaoke bars.
Why It’s Unskippable:
- Sword slashes sync with the beat drop – The animation timing is flawless, making every frame pulse with energy.
- Addictive chorus – The line “I’ll keep moving forward” became a battle cry for fans.
- 150M+ Spotify streams – Proof that anime songs go viral beyond just anime fans.
Did You Know? Gurenge spent 17 weeks at #2 on Billboard Japan, cementing LiSA as a powerhouse in anime music history.
“Silhouette” (Naruto Shippuden) – Nostalgia Bomb
KANA-BOON’s Silhouette is pure nostalgia for Naruto fans. The high-energy rock track, paired with flashbacks of Team 7, hits like a nostalgic anime intro should.
Why It’s Unskippable:
- TikTok dance challenge trend – Fans recreated Naruto’s running animation, making it a social media staple.
- Upbeat yet emotional – The song balances hype with bittersweet memories of younger Naruto.
- **One of the most hype anime openings of the 2010s.
Fun Fact: The opening’s callback to Naruto’s classic running scenes makes it a timeless anime OP.
“The Rumbling” (Attack on Titan) – Epic Chills
When Attack on Titan dropped The Rumbling by SiM, fans knew they were in for something apocalyptic. This metalcore anthem matches the series’ final season with sheer intensity.
Why It’s Unskippable:
- Lyrics foreshadow the end – Lines like “I’m killing everyone” hint at Eren’s devastating plan.
- Unmatched hype buildup – The slow start exploding into chaos mirrors the Rumbling itself.
- Controversial yet iconic – Some fans debated the shift from orchestral OPs, but it’s now a legendary anime OP.
Pro Tip: Compare this to Red Swan; another Attack on Titan OP with a polarizing but beautiful tone.
“Again” (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) – Timeless Banger
YUI’s Again is the definition of a timeless anime opening. As the first OP of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, it set the tone for one of anime’s greatest stories.
Why It’s Unskippable:
- Perfect pacing – The song’s hopeful yet determined vibe mirrors Ed and Al’s journey.
- Instantly recognizable guitar riff – Even non-fans know this iconic anime opening.
- Still used in AMVs – A testament to its lasting impact.
Did You Know? YUI retired from music, making Again a rare gem in anime music rankings.
Final Thoughts: What Makes These OPs Legendary?
The top 5 anime opening songs you can’t skip aren’t just music, they’re emotional triggers, nostalgia bombs, and unskippable anime intros that define eras. Whether it’s Gurenge’s viral energy or Silhouette’s throwback charm, these tracks prove why anime OPs are art.
Which one’s your favorite? Let us know, and if we missed any legendary anime openings, drop a comment!
Want more? Check out Crunchyroll’s official OST playlists for deeper dives into anime title sequences.
