Let’s be real—anime openings are so much more than just introductions. They’re cultural touchstones, viral hits, and the type of earworms you’ll find yourself singing in the shower months down the line. Whether you’re a hardcore anime watcher or someone who carelessly wandered into the universe of Japanese animation on Netflix, there’s a good chance an anime song has dominated your mind at some point or another.
From action-packed fight themes to retro ballads that hit you right there, these songs have not only identified their franchise but also contributed to anime making waves in the world of music. So, for all our fellow anime fans and karaoke addicts out there, here are 10 classic anime songs that swept the globe off its feet—one memorable chorus at a time.
10. “99.9” – Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is a visual ride, but it’s also a musical one. “99.9” by Mob Choir is wild, thrilling, and impossible to get out of your head. The song’s combination of frenetic instrumentals and Sana’s piercing vocals gives the impression of an inspirational chant for psychic warriors. It’s strange, straining, and utterly unrememberable—much like Mob himself.
9. “Share The Light” – Assassins Pride
This one’s a sleeper hit. “Share The Light” by Run Girls, Run! could’ve gone under the radar because Assassins Pride wasn’t the biggest hit, but the opening theme? Complete earworm. With catchy hooks and refined production, it’s the type of song you find yourself playing on repeat even if you’ve never watched the show. Occasionally, the OP is better than the anime.
8. “Kaijuu” – Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Atmospheric, haunting, and exquisitely layered, Sakanaction’s “Kaijuu” hits the note for this singular medieval-meets-science show. What makes it stand out is the way the opening animation changes with each episode throughout the series— adapting to the shifting cast and tone. It’s not a song—it’s an integral part of the narrative.
7. “Inferno” – Fire Force
If hype sounded a particular way, it’d be “Inferno” from Mrs. Green Apple. This blazing intro rivals Fire Force’s explosive energy beat for beat. The song has a rhythmic thrum that winds up like a runaway train, and its fusion of urgency and feeling makes it ideal for any workout playlist—or a karaoke mic drop finale.
6. “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” – Mashle
Creepy Nuts delivered chaos in the best way with “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born.” It’s zany, catchy, and tailor-made for going viral. Whether it’s the rapid-fire lyrics or the unhinged visuals, this track took over TikTok, YouTube, and everyone’s mental playlist in 2025. One listen and you’re humming it for days.
5. “The Hero!!” – One-Punch Man
From the initial call of “ONE PUNCH!” you realize this song punches differently. JAM Project’s powerful vocals transform “The Hero!!” into a soundtrack adrenaline injection. It’s brash, exaggerated, and just what One-Punch Man required to debut a hero who finishes battles in, ahem, one punch. A sing-along anthem for anyone who has ever fantasized about being invincible.
4. “Butter-Fly” – Digimon Adventure
Time to put on your nostalgia glasses. Kōji Wada’s “Butter-Fly” is a staple of anime childhood, particularly for those who spent their childhood watching Digimon. The Japanese version has that perfect blend of adventure, emotion, and awe that has not aged a day. Even now, it’s a karaoke favorite that never disappoints and always ends up putting smiles—or tears—on people’s faces.
3. “Kick Back” – Chainsaw Man
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Kick Back” is raw controlled anarchy—just like Chainsaw Man itself. From the genre-jumping arrangement to the tear-your-eyes-out visuals, this OP felt like a declaration. Both fans and critics adored it, and karaoke patrons continue to attempt (and fail) to hit those high notes. It’s that song that perfectly encapsulates a show’s essence.
2. “Gurenge” – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
You can’t discuss anime music without mentioning Gurenge. LiSA’s full-throated singing and the sweeping instrumentation propelled Demon Slayer into international superstardom. The song became a cultural reference point, chart-topping in Japan and clogging karaoke rooms around the world. Even if you’ve only watched one episode, you recognize this tune—and likely adore it.
1. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” – Neon Genesis Evangelion
No surprise here. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is the anime anthem. Released back in 1995, it’s still lighting up karaoke rooms, conventions, and playlists nearly three decades later. Yoko Takahashi’s iconic vocals, combined with the opening’s unforgettable visuals, made this song a generational classic. According to Japan’s karaoke stats, it’s still the most sung anime track among non-Japanese speakers—proof that great music knows no language barrier.
So why are these songs so memorable? It’s not just catchy tunes—there’s the emotion, the context, and the way they match up exactly to the stories we adore. Anime music is now a global phenomenon, with fans singing along in Tokyo and Toronto. Whether you’re crying over classic favorites or grooving to the new viral sensation, one thing is for certain: anime songs are here to stay—and we’ll be singing them for decades to come.