8 Best Anime Theme Songs - Investment Policy

Anime opening themes serve as much more than mere preludes for beloved shows; they’re significant cultural landmarks that can whisk us away to key episodes in both cherished series and our personal memories. A well-crafted theme song encapsulates the spirit of an anime, establishing the emotional backdrop and occasionally offering subtle foreshadowing about the adventure ahead.

Here I’ve compiled a list of my top 8 favorite theme songs that didn’t simply accompany the narrative but took it to new heights. Each one is a perfect blend of music and storytelling that resonates deeply with me as a fan.

8. Idol

Oshi No Ko

In April 2023, when “Oshi no Ko” debuted as an anime sensation, “Idol” was chosen as its captivating opening theme. Composed by YOASOBI, a Japanese duo made up of Ayase on composition and Ikura handling vocals, the track brilliantly encapsulates the paradoxical nature of the entertainment world – it’s both stunningly beautiful and deceptively dangerous, enticing yet unforgiving.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible impact that song had, transcending the boundaries of anime fandom. In a matter of months following its release, it exploded into a global phenomenon, garnering over 300 million streams on Spotify alone! The infectious chorus and pulsating rhythm made it an instant earworm, while the lyrics subtly echoed the series’ themes of stardom, fanaticism, and the heavy toll of fame.

The anime series “Oshi no Ko” narrates a tale about a doctor who is reborn as the child of his beloved idol following her assassination, offering audiences a peek behind the scenes into the sinister aspects of Japan’s showbiz world.

7. Colors

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Remembering oneself… even amidst the world…,” this phrase instantly whisks fans back to when Lelouch adopts his Zero persona. The song “Colors” by FLOW premiered as the opening theme for Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion in 2006, accompanying the series throughout its primary storyline arc.

In a fresh rephrasing, we can say: FLOW, renowned for their energetic rock tunes, infused the track with a spirited blend of chaos and determination, echoing the anime’s recurring themes of power struggles and ideological conflicts. The lyrics, penned by vocalist Kōshi Asakawa, encapsulate ideas of defying destiny, seizing control, and shaping your own path – themes that resonate strongly with Lelouch’s actions when he acquires the Geass power.

The release time of the song significantly contributed to its legendary standing as well. In the mid-2000s, anime theme songs were shaping fan identities, and “Colors” emerged as a popular anthem for rebellion and self-expression. It remains the track most linked with the emergence of a tyrant who pursued noble objectives.

6. Fly High!!

Haikyuu!!

Fly High!! wasn’t Haikyuu!!’s debut opening, but it resonated the most profoundly. Released as the theme song for Season 2 in 2015, Burnout Syndromes’ tune encapsulated the spirit of Karasuno’s underdog story, deeply connecting with viewers.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself captivated by a track that Kazuma Kumagai has masterfully crafted. It echoes the rhythm of the anime, starting off with a subtle tension that gradually intensifies, reminiscent of the pulsating energy in a high-stakes match. The lyrics are a powerful call to self-improvement and overcoming personal barriers, making me feel like I can conquer any challenge that comes my way.

The animation in the opening sequence perfectly matched the rhythm: swift transitions, meaningful silhouettes, and airborne spikes that gave each leap an ethereal quality. The lyrics in the chorus shout “Don’t Look Back,” a fitting motto for a team struggling to emerge from obscurity.

5. Hikaru Nara

Your Lie In April

There’s a special reason people continue to feel emotional when they hear the introductory chords of Hikaru Nara. This track, released by Goose house in 2014, was carefully crafted with a blend of bittersweet optimism that beautifully echoes the central motifs of Your Lie in April – sorrow, reminiscence, and the therapeutic influence of music during healing processes.

The song, composed by the band’s members, expresses an idea that a light illuminates when two individuals interact harmoniously. This sentiment becomes profoundly poignant upon finishing the anime. Kousei’s rediscovery of the piano was facilitated by Kaori’s inspiration, and Hikaru Nara beautifully encapsulates this connection.

What truly made it memorable was how it harmoniously combined lively music with visuals that had a narrative of their own, featuring sunrays streaming through windows, delicate cherry blossoms descending slowly, and characters immersed in emotional solitude. It evoked the feeling of spring, even as the tale managed to tug at our heartstrings.

4. A Cruel Angel’s Thesis

Neon Genesis Evangelion

1995 saw the debut of Neon Genesis Evangelion, opened with a surprising burst of energy by Yoko Takahashi, which starkly contrasts with the psychological labyrinth that unfolds subsequently.

Neko Oikawa penned the lyrics without knowledge of the show’s plot, but her themes of dreams, destiny, and growing up resonated remarkably well. The song’s upbeat tone mirrors the superficial mecha action in the anime, however, it eventually delves into profound existential despair.

3. Again

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

In 2009, when Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood made its comeback, it faced the challenge of living up to the legacy set by its predecessor, which had left an indelible mark in anime lore. The opening episode aimed to make a powerful impact, and with the song “Again” by YUI, it accomplished just that.

2009 saw the return of YUI following a break, with her song released on April 22nd serving as a refreshing personal and storytelling reawakening. Her heartfelt and intense vocals, accompanied by lyrics penned by herself, express regret, determination, and reconstruction from errors – themes that echo the Elric brothers’ odyssey.

Initially, the scenes depict the reversal of the boys’ lives, starting with Alphonse’s empty armor and moving back to their carefree, childlike years. This brief sequence poignantly illustrates the price paid for human alchemy.

2. Unravel

Tokyo ghoul

The song “Unravel,” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure, released in July 2014, quickly came to symbolize the heartrending journey of Kaneki Ken into despair.

The song starts off with a falsetto that seems fragile, foreshadowing Kaneki’s change. Composed and written by TK, the melody is saturated with emotional turmoil: “Please, someone, let me cease breathing.” These aren’t merely lyrics; they echo the despair of a soul on the verge of collapse.

The animation showcases a pristine white figure, presumably Kaneki, getting drawn into pieces, while crimson spiderweb-like patterns spread throughout the scene. This visual representation symbolizes the complex duality of his human and ghoul persona, as well as the turmoil that accompanies it.

Beyond just anime communities, Unravel gained acclaim for its powerful emotional impact and intricacy. TK’s guitar work, with his skillful use of sliding chords and layered distortions, transformed the opening into a unique fusion of various musical genres.

1. Blue Bird

Naruto Shippuden

If you’re a fan of Naruto, it’s likely that the song “Blue Bird,” by Ikimono Gakari, has left an indelible mark on your memory. This song was introduced as the third opening theme for Naruto Shippuden back in 2008, during the “Itachi Pursuit Mission” storyline. The tune mirrored the narrative’s tone beautifully, with its upbeat rhythm, a hint of sadness, and a strong sense of determination.

Yoshiki Mizuno crafted lyrics brimming with imagery reminiscent of Naruto’s odyssey: battling to soar, enduring the anguish of parting, and pushing onward relentlessly. The initial visuals, particularly the sequence where Naruto dashes towards the horizon accompanied by Team 7, resonated profoundly on an emotional level.

The Blue Bird transcended being just a motif; it evolved into a symbol embodying Naruto’s adolescence, a time marked by fractured friendships, reopened wounds, and dreams that grew increasingly costly. Ikimono Gakari acknowledged this impact when they shared that fans from all over the globe still approach them, expressing how this song was their introduction to anime itself.

2025-04-18 17:10