Hey there, anime fans! I’m super excited to share my picks for the best anime openings and endings from the past year. As someone who’s been obsessed with anime for as long as I can remember, I always look forward to the start of a new season and the fresh batch of OP and ED themes that come with it.
In this article, I’ll be breaking down my top choices for the most memorable, catchy, and downright awesome anime openings and endings of 2024. From heart-pumping rock anthems to hauntingly beautiful ballads, these tracks have left a lasting impression on me and countless other fans. So, get ready to add some new tunes to your playlists!
The Hype-Inducing Openings
There’s nothing quite like an amazing opening sequence to get you fired up for the upcoming episode. These OPs had me pumping my fist and singing along from the very first note.
One of my personal favorites was the opening for the highly anticipated “Demon Slayer” movie. The intense rock track, coupled with the breathtaking visuals, perfectly captured the essence of the series and had me on the edge of my seat every time.
Another standout was the OP for the new season of “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The energetic rap verses and hard-hitting chorus made for an incredibly hype intro, setting the tone for the high-stakes action to come.
And let’s not forget the opening for the beloved “One Piece” series. After so many years, the iconic anime still manages to deliver fresh, catchy OPs that get fans of all ages hyped for the latest adventures of the Straw Hat crew.
The Emotional Rollercoasters
While high-energy openings are great for getting you pumped, sometimes you need an OP that tugs at your heartstrings. These emotional themes had me feeling all the feels, perfectly capturing the essence of their respective shows.
The opening for the highly acclaimed “Vinland Saga” season 2 was a standout in this category. The haunting vocals and melancholic instrumentation perfectly encapsulated the show’s gritty, somber tone, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Similarly, the OP for the slice-of-life drama “Fruits Basket” was a beautiful, bittersweet ballad that perfectly complemented the show’s themes of family, love, and personal growth.
And who could forget the opening for the beloved “Attack on Titan” series? With its soaring vocals and poignant lyrics, this OP never failed to evoke a sense of determination and resilience, mirroring the struggles of the show’s characters.
The Genre-Bending Gems
While some openings stick to more traditional styles, others push the boundaries and incorporate unique genre influences. These genre-bending OPs caught my attention with their fresh, unexpected sounds.
The opening for the wildly popular “Spy x Family” blended elements of jazz, funk, and even a bit of Latin flair, creating a quirky, upbeat vibe that perfectly matched the show’s offbeat humor.
On the other end of the spectrum, the OP for the dark fantasy series “Chainsaw Man” featured a heavy, industrial-tinged track that oozed grit and intensity, setting the stage for the show’s gory, no-holds-barred action.
And let’s not forget the opening for the beloved “Cowboy Bebop” series. While not a new release, this classic OP remains a standout with its seamless fusion of jazz, blues, and funk elements, perfectly capturing the show’s cool, retro vibe.
The Catchy Earworms
Some openings are so darn catchy that they get stuck in your head for days (or weeks) on end. These earworm-inducing themes had me humming and singing along, even when I wasn’t watching the show.
The opening for the highly anticipated “My Hero Academia” movie had an infectiously catchy pop-rock vibe that had me bopping along from the first listen.
Similarly, the OP for the beloved “Haikyuu!!” series featured an upbeat, energetic track with an incredibly catchy chorus that was impossible not to sing along to.
And let’s not forget the opening for the hit isekai series “Re:Zero.” With its blend of J-pop and rock elements, this earworm of an OP had me humming and tapping my feet for days on end.
The Visually Stunning Masterpieces
While the music is undoubtedly important, the visuals of an opening sequence can be just as impactful. These OPs caught my eye with their stunning animation, creative direction, and overall aesthetic appeal.
The opening for the critically acclaimed “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” was a true visual feast, with its neon-drenched cityscapes and sleek, stylized character designs perfectly capturing the show’s gritty, futuristic vibe.
Similarly, the OP for the beloved “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” series never failed to impress with its bold, dynamic visuals and creative use of colors and patterns.
And let’s not forget the opening for the hit series “Demon Slayer.” With its breathtaking animation and seamless blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, this OP was a true work of art.
The Underrated Gems
While some openings and endings receive widespread acclaim, others fly under the radar despite their quality. These underrated gems deserve more love and attention from the anime community.
One standout in this category was the opening for the slice-of-life series “Bocchi the Rock!.” With its catchy pop-punk sound and charming visuals, this OP was an absolute delight that deserved more recognition.
Similarly, the ending theme for the beloved “Mob Psycho 100” series was a hauntingly beautiful ballad that perfectly captured the show’s introspective tone, yet seemed to go unnoticed by many fans.
And let’s not forget the opening for the underrated gem “Ranking of Kings.” With its whimsical, fairytale-inspired visuals and upbeat, folksy instrumentation, this OP was a true hidden treasure.
The Nostalgic Throwbacks
While new openings and endings are always exciting, there’s something special about revisiting classic themes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. These throwback OPs and EDs took me on a trip down memory lane.
The opening for the beloved “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series remains a standout, with its iconic visuals and haunting, emotionally charged theme song that still resonates with fans decades later.
Similarly, the ending theme for the classic “Cowboy Bebop” series was a laid-back, bluesy number that perfectly captured the show’s cool, retro vibe and never failed to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
And let’s not forget the opening for the beloved “Dragon Ball Z” series. With its high-energy rock anthem and iconic visuals, this OP was a staple of many childhoods and still holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
The Genre-Defying Wildcards
While most openings and endings fall into familiar genres like rock, pop, or ballads, some defy categorization altogether. These genre-defying wildcards caught my attention with their unique, hard-to-define sounds.
The opening for the surreal, avant-garde series “Sonny Boy” featured a haunting, experimental track that blended elements of ambient, glitch, and even a touch of industrial, creating an otherworldly vibe that perfectly matched the show’s trippy visuals.
Similarly, the ending theme for the beloved “Monogatari” series was a genre-bending mashup of jazz, hip-hop, and electronica that was unlike anything I’d heard before.
And let’s not forget the opening for the hit series “Dorohedoro.” With its gritty, distorted sound and unconventional instrumentation, this OP defied easy categorization and left a lasting impression.
The Unexpected Covers
While original themes are always exciting, there’s something special about hearing a fresh take on a beloved classic. These unexpected covers breathed new life into iconic openings and endings.
One standout in this category was the cover of the iconic “Cowboy Bebop” opening theme, performed by a popular indie rock band. Their unique spin on the classic track added a raw, gritty energy that felt both familiar and fresh.
Similarly, the cover of the beloved “Neon Genesis Evangelion” opening by a renowned J-pop artist offered a beautiful, stripped-down interpretation that highlighted the haunting melody and poignant lyrics.
And let’s not forget the cover of the “Dragon Ball Z” opening by a renowned metal band. Their heavy, high-octane take on the classic theme added a whole new level of intensity and energy that was simply electrifying.