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100-91 // 90 – 81 // 80 – 71 // 70 – 61 // 60 – 51 // 50 – 41
40. Eir Aoi – Innocence (“Sword Art Online” Opening 2)
Released: 2013
Though it soundtracked much of what was a complete dumpster fire, Innocence is a musically a complete triumph, standing as Eir Aoi’s strongest and most instantly potent song yet. It’s a punchy song, powering forward with a rousing melodic backbone that evokes the perfect amount of emotion whilst still retaining its bombastic nature.
39. Supercell – My Dearest (“Guilty Crown” Opening 1)
Released: 2011
Another hyper melodic pop song, My Dearest‘s string and key laden soundscape felt utterly infatuating on release and remains just as gorgeous almost 10 years later. It’s beautifully animated, accurately translating the complex sci fi themes and plot threads of the show into a tight and extremely well cut variant of the track.
38. Granrodeo – The Other Self (“Kuroko No Basket” Opening 3)
Released: 2013
A full on assault of hair raising guitar riffs and aggressive melodies, The Other Self is one of the greatest soundtracks to any sports anime ever. There’s a constant sense of propulsion throughout the entire song, a feeling that’s heightened by Taniyama’s instantly rough and recognisable vocal tone. But the real star of both the song and the opening is the chorus, which heightens the drama and truly cements The Other Self as a true moment.
37. Minami – Crying For Rain (“Domestic Girlfriend” Opening 1)
Released: 2019
Apart from being the opening to what was essentially “What are you doing step-bro” the anime, Minami’s Crying For Rain has amassed immense popularity with both anime and casual J-pop fans alike. And one listen to the song and it becomes increasingly clear why. The Guitar and Keyboard soundscape is incredibly invigorating and is only furthered by Minami’s unpolished vocals, which lend the entire think a real sense of character.
36. BRADIO – Flyers (“Death Parade” Opening 1)
Released: 2015
A magnificent display of the greatness of funk, Flyers took heavy influence from the Big band era sound of ages past to craft a track that remains a disco staple. Filled to the brim with addictive hooks and production that knows never to let up, Flyers might not accurately reflect the themes or tones of Death Parade at all but this is one of those exceptions where that literally doesn’t matter.
35. Blue Encount – Polaris (“My Hero Academia” Opening 6)
Released: 2019
Of all the openings for the ever popular “My Hero Academia” I’ve always felt like Polaris has the most heart. The song itself is brilliant and a great encapsulation of the kind of driving emotive rock anthem that I absolutely adore with a chorus to die for.
34. Nightmare – The World (“Death Note” Opening 1)
Released: 2006
Grunge Rock has always been a genre that J-Rock bands have delved into but few resulting tracks have been as instantly iconic as Death Note’s first opening, The World. It’s an opening rife with symbolism, drawing parallels between characters and certain angelic figures to further extenuate the darker more thrilling themes of this iconic of modern anime.
33. Porno Graffitti – Hitori No Yoru (“Great Teacher Onizuka” Opening 2)
Released: 2000
Home to one of the most instantly addictive melodies, Hitori No Yoru is rollicking fun time that acted as the perfect fit for all time classic, Great Teacher Onizuka. It’s one of Porno Graffitti’s best tracks, best harnessing the kind of freewheeling sound that Okano’s vocals are perfect for.
32. Man With A Mission– Raise Your Flag (“ Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans” Opening 1)
Released: 2015
A massive hype track, Raise Your Flag‘s mammoth sound was the ideal fit for the bombastic nature of a show like Iron Blooded Orphans. The flurry of strings and guitar that open the track lay way for some really grandiose production choices and the rapid fire animation that follows is the perfect compliment.
31. ClariS – Connect (“Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica” Opening 1)
Released: 2011
Anchored by the serpentine and ultra silky hook at its core, Connect served as an ultra catchy and instantly iconic first opening for the anti magical girls “Madoka Magia”. It’s got its more generic elements and the verses do little to play around with melody or structure but when you’ve got a chorus as stunning as the one here, all qualms are forgiven.
KBopped 
Grunge rock in J-Pop!!! I need to check that out ASAP.
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