Top 10 Visually Stunning Anime Openings

Script written by Garrett Alden

“Wind Breaker” (2024-) CloverWorks produces some of the most gorgeous anime, and “Wind Breaker” is no exception! The delinquent series’ first opening “Absolute Zero” does a great job introducing its cast of do-gooder punks in style. The lighting effects are beautifully rendered, with some scenes tinged with green to match their uniforms. Meanwhile, the “camera” remains in near-constant motion bringing the opening just as much energy as the music. Whether we’re watching the boys of Bofurin get into scraps or spinning down the halls of their school and town, “Absolute Zero” never lets up on its incredible visuals!

“Detective Conan” (1996-) There are dozens of openings for “Detective Conan,” but this is perhaps the most striking. Unlike most openings, “RAISE INSIGHT” is a blend of live-action and animation. The animated characters and a few vehicles are instead overlaid onto real world locations in Tokyo. We haven’t been this impressed by the seamless degree to which the two mediums are mixed since “Who Framed Roger Rabbit!” Seeing Conan and company brought into our world is beautiful enough, but there are some other great touches, like jumbo TV screens displaying song lyrics or Conan speeding along a freeway on his skateboard, that add even more visual flair. “RAISE INSIGHT” raises the bar for what’s possible for anime openings.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-) You’d be hard pressed to name a “JoJo” opening that isn’t a feast for the eyes and ears! Yet the inaugural intro really goes all out! The animation in general is quite unique, as it’s a sort of blend between 2D and 3D. The opening summarizes most of the major events in “Phantom Blood,” the first part of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” although it does so through dynamic sequences that transition beautifully from one to the next. The intro truly feels like the “JoJo” manga has come to life and leapt off the page, an impression that’s reinforced by the sound effects displayed throughout and basically animating a few actual panels. “Sono Chi no Sadame” is as rich in detail as it is in epic execution.

“Call of the Night” (2022-) They didn’t have to go this hard for a vampire rom-com’s opening, but they did, and we’re thankful for it! “Daten” features some creative and beautiful uses of colors. From several minimalistic shots in various shades in the beginning to the vibrant shots of the stars and cityscape reflecting one another, this opening is positively sparkling with exquisite hues. The cast of characters falling through the air, as well as the assorted shots displaying the lyrics of the song on-screen also adds some fun visual style to the proceedings too. It’s no wonder we’ve all “fallen” for this opening.

“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-) This supernatural action series is another one whose openings rarely miss. Yet its second opening, “VIVID VICE” arguably has the best visuals. Directed by famed animator Yamashita Shingo, who’s known for his work on anime openings and action sequences, “VIVID VICE” brings a spectacular level of detail to its animation. The fight scenes are fluid and exciting and the camera work is evocative and creative. The use of lighting and colors are especially impressive, with the detail on the shadows and reflections looking downright realistic! From its beginnings to its rapidly rewound conclusion, “VIVID VICE” is fantastically, well, vivid!

“Spy x Family” (2022-) CloverWorks strikes again! “Spy x Family” has a beautiful animation style and its second opening showcases the absolute peak of what it can do. We’re treated to various scenes of the Forger family engaging in everyday activities, from going on drives to walks in the park. The colors are bright and gorgeous in practically every scene, with elements like flowers, bubbles, fall leaves, and carnival lights really helping them pop. The realistic lighting and fluid animation lend “SOUVENIR” a joyful atmosphere that just makes us want to dive through our screens to experience even more of these stunning sights!

“The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace” (2021) This underrated series may have gone under many viewers’ radars, but its opening is wild enough that we’ll never forget it! “Seija no Koushin” or “Paradise of Saints” primarily depicts the series' cast, most of whom are shown splitting apart in various ways. Bursting with various colors and featuring plenty of bizarre, abstract imagery, the opening also utilizes some unique visual effects such as lines akin to those from an old CRT television. “Seija no Koushin”, much like the characters it depicts, is coming apart at the seams with creativity.

“Mob Psycho 100” (2016-22) It didn’t seem possible that “Mob Psycho” could continue to one-up itself with its crazy openings, yet somehow this anime did just that - with its animation, at least. The show’s final opening “1” continues the tradition of insane, abstract imagery, mixed with depictions of its cast of characters. The lyrics of the song are also displayed throughout, albeit in creative and increasingly odd ways. The visuals are absolutely wild, yet despite how bizarre they can get, they’re still beautifully rendered, feel perfect for “Mob Psycho 100,” and feature some fantastic transitions. It may not be number one for us, but we can definitely see how “1” could be your “one and only one.”

“Ranking of Kings” (2021-22) Although the animation of “Ranking of Kings” may look simple, its art style only makes the lovingly rendered details of its second intro stand out even more! Another opening storyboarded by the legendary Yamashita Shingo, “Naked Hero” is packed from beginning to end with evocative shot after evocative shot! Whether it’s depicting its cast of characters in various wonderfully lit and perfectly transitioned scenes or showing various sweeping landscapes, this opening is jaw droppingly gorgeous! There is beauty in simplicity, and “Naked Hero” is a prime example of both that saying and an absolutely stunning anime opening.

“One Piece” (1999-) This long running series has had plenty of openings, yet we’d argue that it has reached a new high with “UUUUUS!” The show’s 26th opening is overflowing with beautiful imagery and dazzling colors. The Straw Hats’ arrival on Egghead is marked by some of the most fast paced and gorgeous animation the series has ever seen! The transitions between scenes, characters, and even outfits are incredibly creative and utterly smooth. “UUUUUS!” is also filled from top to bottom with Easter eggs, callbacks, and foreshadowing, such that it’s practically impossible to catch everything on first viewing! And no matter how many times we watch it, it never fails to take our breath away! Is there a jaw dropping anime opening that you believe should be on this list? Let us know your favorites in the comments!