4. Death Note- opening 1: "The World"- Nightmare
Chock full of symbolism, metaphors, and thought-provoking images, this rock opening perfectly captures the essence of Death Note, a complex, intense, psychological battle of the wits. For example, apples are very prevalent throughout the anime, and they make many appearances in the opening. Apples are seen as the 'forbidden fruit', where despite how tempting something may seem, indulgence is ultimately immoral and will just lead to consequence and sin. Replace the apple with the Death Note, and you get some clever foreshadowing to the plot. There is also a scene where glass breaks. This could symbolize multiple things, but I think it means two things; one, it is a reminder of Light's mortality, and two, that he is close to the breaking point. This glass is juxtaposed against one of the final scenes, one of Light portrayed in a god-like manner. This means that despite Light's new power, that makes him seem like a god, this power will ultimately corrupt him and lead to his downfall. As said in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, "Humans who would dare to play God must pay a steep price for their arrogance."
3. Cowboy Bebop- opening: "Tank!"- The Seatbelts
A very unique opening, this opening differs in that it is instrumental, and has hardly any scenes from the anime. Rather, it has silhouettes, and clip shots of the characters. A feature that makes this opening even more unique and memorable is the text in the background, all of which is about jazz music, or, to be more specific, bebop. Speaking of jazz, the music for Cowboy Bebop is almost entirely jazz, so its fitting for the opening song, "Tank!", to be jazz as well. The song is very memorable, catchy, and noteworthy, featuring a combination of elements from Latin, jazz, big-band, and hard bop. See you Space Cowboy...
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood- opening 1: "Again"- Yui
Serving as the first opening for the second version of Fullmetal Alchemist, this opening is beautiful and immersing. Yui's gorgeous vocals and fast, impressive rapping really capture the more delicate and sad moments as well as the action and ever-building plot of Brotherhood. The opening itself tells a story as well, with the opening following a somewhat linear telling of each of the characters' stories. While the video doesn't show them, the English translation of the lyrics is metaphorical and accurately explains protagonist Edward Elric's thoughts and feelings. Let's not forget the spectacular visuals as well, with some of the best the show's animators have to show. In conclusion, this is a great opening that shows every side of this complex show, and brings light to all of the characters and their individual conflicts.
1. Attack on Titan- opening 1: "Guren No Yamiya"- Linked Horizon
This opening is best described in one word: epic. Accurately displaying the grittiness, gore, action, and peril of Attack on Titan, an anime in which giant man-eating monsters, called titans, killed off most of humanity, forcing the rest to live in fear behind giant walls, this opening shows some of the best scenes within the show. It also shows us the method the remaining humans have used to try and fight them off; flying through the air on Vertical Maneuvering Equipment to attack the titans in their only weak spot- the back of their necks. The show itself has become immensely popular, almost to the effect that Dragon Ball had, and has become a must-watch for any person even remotely interested in anime. The opening received the same treatment, as well as great critical acclaim, and the songs used in both openings became so popular they are available for purchase on i-tunes. In conclusion, it is a fantastic, action-packed opening that will get you hyped for the show and one that you won't be able to bring yourself to skip.
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PA7ts5ICM4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrKevP1fh6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uq34TeWEdQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw3fN3OPk3A
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