Top 10 Underrated Anime Openings

"Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju" (2016-17)

An ex-convict sets himself straight through the world of theatre, meeting some performers who aren't what they seem. Setting a tense tone with its European jazz, the lacking sinister visuals in this intro is immediately intriguing. Highlighting the storytelling performances of the show, the close-ups make you question what each character is really up to. Alluding to some of the series more devastating moments without actually giving them away, you can never tell what's real or a performance…

"UN-GO" (2011)

With blasting sirens and miles of rubble, this opening spares no time introducing its dystopian world. Driven by the fast-paced music, it manages to give a sense of excitement and chaos to the show.

Who are these people? What’s going on?! we get a small taste of Shinjuurou and Inga's detective work without spoiling the cases they try to solve.

School Food Punishment has supplied us with plenty of awesome OPs and EDs over the years, like C The Money’s “RPG”, but this theme and the show that goes with it are severely underrated.

"Hyuoge Mono" (2011-12)

While tea and feudal Japan might seem bland, this dynamic intro livens up its source material to keep it fresh. Groovy brass and smooth vocals are only part of the fun as its flashy color spices things up even more. Showing the conflict in each character's face, the opening adds an air of intrigue as well as snippets of the on-going wars of the sengoku era. This chill-out theme might not get you hype for the episode, but it certainly sets the mood for a historical drama like no other…

"Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V" (2014-17)

Giving fans exactly what they want, this Yu-Gi-Oh instalment starts with a flurry of cards racing at the screen. Arc V has been the topic of debate for some Yugi-fans, with some loving it and others hating it – but this theme song is utterly infectious. It fits the anime’s arc perfectly, Showing off Yuya's motorcycle-based duels and highlighting them with a grand sense of optimism. It also takes a brief look at the darker side of things too, but most of the time it’ll summon a smile on your face in attack mode – sorry that was terrible…

"Welcome to Irabu's Office (aka Trapeze)" (2009)

Throughout a series of intertwined cases, Irabu's strange mannerisms drive the show's strange artistic patchwork. Taking a child-like color-scheme to an urban backdrop, its opening transitions viewers into the series wacky style. Given the shows avant-garde nature, it wasn’t exactly a blockbuster hit – so you’d be forgiven for never hearing it before, but chances are after this taster you’ll throw it on your playlist. Just like the show, it’s a beautiful blend of animation and real life, accompanied by a beat that’ll have you bobbing all the way to Irabu’s office.

"Knights of Sidonia" (2014)

This brooding tale finds humanity's last bastion of hope aboard the spaceship Sidonia. Seeking refuge from the bloodthirsty Guana, humans fight off the aliens using giant mechs known as Gardes.

This valiant intro hits you like a ton of bricks, giving the sense that the war is about to begin. There’s something jarring about this theme’s transition between sections - a dissonance that’ll have you unsettled the same way the show will. And if you dig it, we encourage you to check out Angela’s ending theme for Valvrave the Liberator.

"Mononoke" (2007)

In this mystical tale, a medicine seller wanders Japan hunting demonic spirits known as mononoke.

The use of wood-block style art with modern animation techniques establishes the quirky aesthetic that the series thrives on. Similar to Hyogue Mono, this opening mashes up Japan’s illustrious past with the smoothest jazz you’ll find in anime. And the splashes of colour against an edo-style setting brings the world to life. Just go and watch this damned show already…

"Samurai Flamenco" (2013-14)

When Masayoshi isn't working as a model, he's fulfilling his wish of becoming a real-life superhero. He quickly finds himself outmatched however as real super villains start to take over his world. Masayoshi's positive energy is hard to ignore as he runs through the city to the impactful rock of Spyair's music. Though some might argue the show is undeserving of such a theme, we’re just happy it exists. The hopeful energy of the intro balances well with the series mix of optimism and reality.

"Tsuritama" (2012)

Yuki doesn't have an easy time adjusting when he's forced to move to an island community with his grandmother. Strange friends prove easy to find however, as Yuki explores life on the seaside. This opening doesn’t exactly reflect Yuki’s timid nature, and instead alludes to the absolutely bonkers adventures he has to come. Livening up an already enchanting anime, this opener made each episode a party…and if you love the song enough, chances are you’ll be learning that lil dance.



Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions:



"Sharp" by Negoto
"Mobile Suit Gundam AGE" (2011-12)



"GravityWall" by Sawano Hiroyuki [nZk]
"Re:Creators" (2017- )



"Believers High" by Flumpool
"Captain Earth" (2014)

"Umineko When They Cry" (2009)

Following Battler and his family as they discuss the family assets, the show quickly twists into a supernatural thriller.

You’d be hard pressed to find anything that reaches the grandeur of this powerful opening theme, as the eerie vocals fit in with the horrific events to come…

Sure, the Umineko anime didn’t come anywhere near to the source material, but this opening theme more than does the visual novel justice – and that’s really saying something.