8 Anime Openings That Completely Lied About the Show’s True Darkness

Summary

Anime openings can deceive viewers: intros like Narutaru and School-Live! Mislead before revealing darker themes.
Misleading anime openings add depth: Death Parade’s deceptive intro enhances the true story.
Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen have epic openings that foreshadow events but mislead creatively.

Anime openings often serve a dual purpose: they tantalize viewers and provide a window into the anime universe they are about to explore, fostering excitement for characters, storylines, and even victories yet to come. Yet, there are exceptional cases where such openings can be deceptive – they intentionally mislead the audience. These opening sequences can create illusions, obscure the actual tone of the series or foreshadow events that will only become clear much later on. This is not a cheap ploy by creators to generate more buzz, but rather a deliberate use of red herrings to elevate the overall production.

The openings of certain anime may be misleading, presenting an optimistic or dramatic scene that hides underlying psychological horror, or featuring characters who seem heroic but struggle in the early episodes. Despite this deception, these beginnings effectively set up incorrect expectations that ultimately contribute to the show’s success. Here are eight examples of anime where the opening was intentionally deceiving yet improved the series as a result.

1. Narutaru (Shadow Star) – Opening 1

A Pastel Daydream Hiding a Nightmare

Upon initially viewing Narutaru, it seems like a cheerful magical girl show, characterized by its introduction filled with innocent wonder, harmonious tunes, and playful visuals. The series introduces charming animal friends and sparkling skies to create an everyday fantasy atmosphere that is delightful and endearing.

After shattering the initial perception, the series Narutaru proves to be not only psychologically dismal but also physically brutal. The subjects it delves into are abuse, suicide, and human inhumanity. The violence is persistent, and the cute mascots quickly turn into weapons. This contrast between the opening and the actual content makes the viewing experience significantly darker and more startling.

2. Your Lie In April – Opening 1

Warm Melodies Hiding Bittersweet Goodbyes

The debut scene of “Your Lie in April” is vividly portrayed, brimming with anticipation about the future. The application of soft lighting, rich colors, and harmonious duets between the main characters give an impression of a romantic odyssey where music serves as the guiding force, enabling personal growth for the characters.

Within the gleaming piano keys lies a poignant tale, one that explores themes of trauma, loss, and the weighty memories that can’t be reclaimed. The deceptively cheerful introduction is like an unresolved melody, a final chord that lingers. This opening isn’t merely misleading, but it dons a veil to conceal the intensity of pain the music will evoke once it reaches its end.

3. Elfen Lied – Opening 1

Angelic Artistic Imagery That Cloaks Carnage

As I watch the captivating intro of Elfen Lied, I’m struck by its striking resemblance to Gustav Klimt’s artistry – a subtle hint at the symbolic and poetic journey ahead. The solemn choir music and serene visuals create an atmosphere that is reverent, tender, and tinged with sorrow. It leaves me with the expectation of a thoughtful, leisurely-paced narrative or an art-house television series.

Experiencing Elfen Lied for the first time? Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of bloodshed, brutality, and limb loss, all unfolding mere minutes into the opening episode. This series is notoriously known for its raw and intense storyline, coupled with dramatic content that leaves viewers utterly spellbound. The juxtaposition of the classically beautiful opening theme against the gruesome horror of the show itself is undoubtedly one of the most effective and successful bait-and-switches in the entire anime universe.

4. Death Parade – Opening 1

Party Vibes, But Everyone’s Already Dead

In a lively and vibrant manner, the beginning of “Death Parade” stands out as one of the most dynamic openings among any anime series. The energetic J-rock tune and the characters dancing and laughing in sync give off an unusual comedic vibe, all while set within the eerie atmosphere of a bar that hints at the supernatural.

The truth is, “Death Parade” delves into the psychological realm, exploring the ethical worth assigned to the human spirit. Each episode tackles heavy subjects such as remorse, pain, and mortality in a thought-provoking manner. Interestingly, the initial scenes may seem light-hearted or even comical, but this is done deliberately to mask the profound examination of human hardship that lies at the heart of the series.

5. Jujutsu Kaisen – Opening 1

Welcoming A New Friend Who Never Stays

In the beginning of Season 1 of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” Junpei is introduced as part of the primary group. He’s seen socializing, strolling to school, and even sharing jokes with the principal characters. His presence suggests an upcoming storyline focused on redemption and camaraderie.

Instead, a sad turn of events unfolds as Junpei fails to integrate into the team. His emotional breakdown and subsequent death shortly after meeting Yuji are heartbreaking. The deception in his character arc, initially hinted at by the introduction but ultimately proven false, is a powerful twist that ranks among the most impressive misdirections in contemporary shonen manga.

6. School-Live! (Gakkou Gurashi!) – Episode 1 OP

Bubbly And Cute – Until It Isn’t

In the debut episode of School-Live!, viewers are treated to a delightful and adorable opening scene, filled with playful dialogue, miniature characters, and the humorous aspects of school life. To someone unfamiliar with it, this series presents a charming, everyday comedy centered around four cheerful girls.

Eventually, the climax of the episode arrives. It features a post-apocalyptic landscape overrun by zombies, but it also delves into the troubled psyche of the main character. The contrast between the lighter opening and the grim series is brilliantly executed, making the final revelation even more impactful.

7. Attack On Titan – Season 2 Opening

Dinosaurs? Whales? What Timeline Is This?

In a somewhat grander fashion than usual, the opening sequence for Season 2 of “Attack on Titan” appears to have an undercurrent of spiritual connotation, featuring immense beasts such as dinosaurs, whales, and long-extinct creatures rushing wildly across the landscape.

In reality, these creatures are not part of the actual storyline. Instead, they serve as symbolic images that foreshadow the broader themes and evolutionary aspects of the series, while also adding a layer of intrigue for future viewings. Some elements may be misleading intentionally, contributing to the stylistic complexity of the narrative.

8. Made In Abyss – Opening 1

Adventure Beckons, But The Abyss Devours

The beginning of “Made in Abyss” entices you with the promise of a grand journey. Wide vistas, inspiring music, and two clever kids embarking on an expedition invite us to delve into the mystery and uncover secrets hidden within an unexplored world.

Hidden beneath its surface, there’s an unsettling terror. The Abyss is cruel and filled with gruesome creatures, gory sights, and mental distress. It’s significantly darker than most anime shows. Initially, the upbeat opening seems sinister, a clever trick that lures viewers into a nearly desensitizing viewing experience, which only a handful of anime have successfully achieved in recent times.

2025-07-06 21:05