TOP 10 iconic music screensavers from popular anime

Usually, all anime series begin with musical introductions — openings, which some viewers are annoyed to skip, while others are happy to listen to and add to their favorite playlists. If you’re looking for something to add to your collection, we’ve compiled the top 10 iconic anime theme songs that impress with their beauty and atmosphere, and are easily recognizable from the first notes.

Of course, it is simply impossible to tell about all the interesting openings in a short article. That’s why we chose them primarily based on the originality of the musical theme. If there are any options that you think have been unfairly ignored, please add them in the comments, as always.

Unravel — anime «Tokyo Ghoul»

Performer: TK from Ling tosite sigure
Genre: J-rock, alt-rock, math-rock

Even people who are extremely far from Japanese animation will instantly recognize the emotional composition by Japanese musician TK from Ling tosite sigure, which became the opening song of the first season of the anime «Tokyo Ghoul». In the world of the series, humans coexist with humanoid cannibals «guls», and the protagonist’s life has turned into a fierce battle to preserve humanity. Therefore, Unravel is imbued with a sense of anxiety, which is reflected in the song with confusing rhythms and a choppy chorus.

Unravel has garnered over 180 million views on YouTube. And it will be difficult to find a more popular music screen saver in our review (except for 2 openings «Attack of the Titans» and the sensational Idol). By the way, if you like alternative rock with a Japanese flavor, pay attention to the album by TC «Fantastic Magic» (2014).

My War — anime «Attack on Titan»

Performer: Shinsei Kamattechan
Genre: J-rock, alt-rock, symphonic rock

The cult anime «Attack of the Titans» gave us not just one, but a whole series of wonderful openings that we remember for a lifetime. The fourth opening tune of the epic saga of the war against giant humanoid monsters was the song «My War» by the Japanese band Shinsei Kamattechan. This is one of the most experimental opening sequences in anime in recent years, which at first provokes with a somewhat cartoonish chorus, and in a few seconds really impresses with a combination of classical opera and symphonic rock.

The composition conveys perfectly the dark nature of the show and, at the same time somehow makes each subsequent listen more intense than the previous one. But it really shines in the last two minutes after a short operatic interlude, when the central melody and vocals gradually rise to explode with new power and then give way to a stunning piano finale.

Gurenge — anime «Demon Slayer»

Performer: LiSA
Genre: J-rock, rock

It is noteworthy that LiSA’s powerful vocals and inspiring lyrics made the song a hit not only among anime fans and J-pop lovers, but also among esports players. Thus, members of the Japanese team Detonation FocusMe (DFM) announced Gurenge as their anthem. According to players, the best anime song of all time always keeps their morale up during League of Legends tournaments.

Tank! — anime «Cowboy Bebop»

Performer: Yoko Kanno and Seatbeltsi
Genre: jazz

The jazz composition Tank! by the Seatbeltsi big band under the direction of Japanese composer Yoko Kanno was created to recreate the sound of 1960s spy movies. In the legendary anime «Cowboy Bebop», this cheerful musical theme became the personification of a unique futuristic world in which a space cowboy and his eccentric team of bounty hunters set off on exciting adventures.

Kick Back — anime «Chainsaw Man»

Performer: Kenshi Yonezu
Genre: J-rock

The anime series «Chainsaw Man» immerses us in a dark and bizarre world where demons exist alongside humans, and the main character has a touching friendship with a small chainsaw demon. The opening song performed by Japanese singer Kenshi Yonezu clearly demonstrates what to expect from the show and impresses with a mixture of bizarre characters, real chaos and epic battles to the roar of a chainsaw.

It is interesting that there are as many as 12 different endings per Kick Back in the series. When asked why there are so many of them, the manga creator Fujimoto Tatsuki said that he simply wanted all his favorite artists to join the anime. He also personally chose the performers, including the singer TK from the band Ling tosite sigure, whose song Unravel we wrote about above.

P. S. The screening offers an interesting challenge to attentive viewers: to find hints of cult films and anime on the screen, which the authors have hidden under two dozen: from «Pulp Fiction» and «The Big Lebowski» to «The Texas Chainsaw Massacre» and «Evangelion».

Idol — anime «Oshi no Ko»

Performer: Yoasobi
Genre: J-pop

After its release in 2023, the anime «Oshi no Ko» about the dark secrets of showbiz stars became a real sensation. And its opening with the Idol theme performed by Yoasobi has garnered a staggering 598 million views on YouTube. What is the reason for such popularity?

Firstly, everything related to idols traditionally arouses a keen interest of the Japanese public. Secondly, the show is based on a popular manga with a complex narrative and frankly depicts the dark side of the entertainment industry.

Thirdly, Yoasobi’s new hit has something to surprise: harsh basslines are combined with choral singing, unexpected rhythm changes alternate with rap fragments and an upbeat chorus that explodes with colorful synthesizers, leaving an unusual aftertaste for J-pop. No wonder the composition received prizes for Best Song and Best Opening Scene at the annual Anime Awards 2024.

Bling-Bang-Bang-Born — anime «Mashle»

Performer: Creepy Nuts
Genre: hip-hop, J-pop

Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts soared to the top of the Billboard charts with their humorous song Bling-Bang-Bang-Born, when attempts to recreate the comic dance from the video clip took over TikTok. In the anime «Mashl: Magic and Muscles», this viral hit perfectly captures the comedic atmosphere, encouraging viewers to watch the screensaver again and again.

Kyouran Hey Kids! — anime «Noragami»

Performer: The Oral Cigarettes
Genre: alt-rock

When someone starts praising an anime about a high school girl who saves a minor god from a bus, the conversation always turns to the opening song Kyouran Hey Kids! From the very first seconds, the song attacks listeners with uplifting chords that instantly draw attention to the phrase «Today we honor the hero» and the incredible guitar solo that begins right after it. And usually, it doesn’t even take 30 seconds for you to start singing along to «Hello kids!».

A Cruel Angel’s Thesis — anime «Evangelion»

Performer: Yoko Takahashi
Genre: J-pop, synth-pop

Probably the most influential opener of all time, which has received over 100 million streams, was named the best anime track in TV Asahi’s 2024 poll, has received hundreds of cover versions. Even a decade after its release, it remains the most popular Japanese karaoke song.

Shinzou wo Sasageyo — second anime opener «Attack on Titans»

Performer: Linked Horizon
Genre: J-rock, art rock

Probably one of the most famous musical themes in anime, which has become the unofficial anthem of the «Attack of the Titans» fans. Perhaps because the chorus is easy to sing along to. Or maybe it’s because the visual elements, together with the heroic music, miraculously transform into pure energy that gives hope for victory over the strongest of the titans.

For those who prefer metal, let’s recall another opening with «Attack of the Titans» — this composition The Rumbling (English: — «Rumble») by the Japanese alt-metal band SiM. It became the main theme of the second part of the final season, and this is the case when heavy guitar riffs and raspy growling convey perfectly the gloomy atmosphere of the cult series.