UlasanAnime.com – Anime opening sequences are masterfully crafted to serve multiple purposes: they are aesthetically pleasing, provide a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, and act as a direct pitch for the show itself. Furthermore, they set the pace and can even be used to deliberately mislead the audience, functioning as a powerful marketing tool.
This led me to contemplate my personal top 10 anime openings, viewed through these various lenses. I used to maintain updated top 10 lists, treating them as actual rankings rather than mere vague recollections or nostalgia-tinged preferences disguised as objective metrics. Therefore, I will discuss a selection of OPs that resonate with me. I aim for a systematic approach to enhance enjoyment, though this will likely not devolve into a “your OP is worse than mine” style of ranked list.
This is the first part of a two-part series, primarily because compiling these selections is a time-consuming process, and delving into older material proves increasingly challenging. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of insufficient sleep, a consequence of being engrossed in iM@S. The reasons remain unclear.
I may also explore other categories at a later time, though no firm promises can be made.
Since I am organizing these by date, some of my “honorable mentions” (though this isn’t a strict top 10, so their classification might not be critical) are presented first. This particular OP was a subject of extensive deliberation before its inclusion. Primarily, I questioned its long-term appeal, leading to its designation as an “honorable mention.”
What it undeniably possesses, however, are its catchy direction, robust character animation, and a remarkably cool bridge. Such exceptional bridges are a rarity in anime music. While OP1 might be catchier and its song arguably superior, I believe OP2 surpasses it in overall impact. Moreover, the increased emphasis on dancing surely counts for something, wouldn’t you agree?
- Pleasing? DANCING!
- Teaser? Well, not much left to tease.
- Pitch? 8/10
- Pace? Very spot on
- Marketing power? As much as Takane’s hair is white
Rank: A-
Rank comment: ENCORE WA NAI LIFE
This OP earns its place here due to its exceptional ability to establish the show’s mood through its narrative elements, while also subtly hinting at the underlying story. The magic lies not only in the music but also in its remarkably distilled yet masterfully directed framing.
When combined with astute color direction and a restraint rarely found in anime aimed at mature audiences, the result is truly remarkable, even if it appears to lack overt points of interest. Or does it?
- Pleasing? I love “less is more”
- Teaser? Kinda, yeah
- Pitch? It’s really opaque but it’s there.
- Pace? Slowly and methodical
- Marketing power? 5/10
Rank: B
Rank comment: For srsbzns OP analysis and OPED types only
This OP barely makes the cut, primarily for its concise and stylish encapsulation of the story’s core concept. The majority of the animation in this OP utilizes 3D CG, executed competently if somewhat oversimplified. The song and visuals seamlessly melded, much like a perfectly matched couple.
It conveys a sense of violence and anger, yet also incorporates elements of fun and just the right amount of sarcastic despair characteristic of a typical SHAFT adaptation. The key is not to take it too seriously.
- Pleasing? Sorta
- Teaser? Totally
- Pitch? Parabola
- Pace? Just like the song
- Marketing power? 7.5/10
Rank: A-
Rank comment: Kobayashi’s big break
You might also be interested in : Rinko’s Encounter with 765 Pro
The song was arguably the most striking aspect of this OP, deviating from the typical anime fare with its electric-rock driven animation. The unique presentation of Xam’d, being one of the few anime available to Americans before its Japanese release, digitally, was a watershed moment. It signaled the arrival of the future in anime distribution, albeit at a cost of $4 per episode. It effectively served as a marketing tool, evidenced by my own collection of merchandise and an autograph from Boom Boom Satellites. Sony’s decision to feature the OP as the primary trailer underscored its quality.
However, the animation itself is the true crown jewel of this OP. It bears repeating that animating an opening sequence is a time-consuming and relatively expensive endeavor compared to the rest of a television series. While the classification of Xam’d as a TV series is debatable, its visual appeal is undeniable. The dynamic camera work, shifting perspectives, and the depiction of the mailman’s run contribute to its captivating nature. It effectively sets expectations for a mysterious action narrative intertwined with a Nausicaä-esque naturalism, which Xam’d indeed delivered. The pacing, however, remains a point of contention.
- Pleasing? Yes
- Teaser? Sure
- Pitch? 8/10
- Pace? Fast and explode-y
- Marketing power? Lots.
Rank: A
Rank comment: I’d loop it. Repeatedly.
Kannagi OP [LOL gimme a link]
This OP is quite straightforward. It falls into a category of “honorable mentions,” where applying digital artistry to a choreographed idol dance might be considered standard practice by Kannagi’s standards. The post-Haruhi ED era, which also merits honorable mentions, craves such content, much like the unique special episode 6 ED of Kannagi. Similarly, the two OPs for IdolM@ster were arguably the best.
The song is catchy, albeit plain. The dance is simple, yet the animation elevates it to an outstanding and mesmerizing level. The end result, however, somewhat diminishes the overall experience. One feels that there could have been more, but ultimately, it remains a rather plain anime OP.
- Pleasing? Sure.
- Teaser? Like a whore
- Pitch? 95mph
- Pace? 9/10
- Marketing power? Some
Rank: B
Rank comment: There are a lot of better OPs out there.
This is likely the last Megumi Hayashibara song I will fondly hum to myself, marking the end, hopefully, of an era where my understanding was limited. In all likelihood, that limitation persists. The more significant aspect of this OP is its resemblance to another quality work from recent memory, the Hourou Musuko OP, in that the opening tells a story if one delves deep enough. It might even be a controversial story. Initially, it did spark genuine controversy when complaints arose that it outright glorified graffiti and school vandalism. Most viewers opt not to look beyond Manabi Straight’s peculiar exterior and its moe/kuukikei style.
However, for those who did explore its depths, the OP proved to be exceptionally rewarding. A beautiful thematic symmetry exists within the show, and the OP expresses it just as effectively, encapsulating the show’s essence. It is only then that the lightness of the OP’s theme song makes sense, juxtaposed against the harsh reality it parodied.
For clarity, the linked OP is the original; a “digital ink” version replaced it after the graffiti complaints.
- Pleasing? JET SET RADIOOO
- Teaser? It doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination at first, but much more in context.
- Pitch? 5/10
- Pace? Just like the show
- Marketing power? It cries forget-me-not.
Rank: A-
Rank comment: One single tear
…. And I believe that will suffice for now. I have approximately 9 other OPs that I deem worthy of mention but that fall just below the threshold (I’m uncertain if MariaHolic is above or below this line) between the Manabi Straight OP and the first entry in the next post. Sigh. This is going to take an eternity.
