Every once in a while I’ll decide to punish myself by looking at lists of what people think are the greatest anime openings evAR!zomg!!1. Half the entries are usually composed of the various openings from Naruto, and the rest are from shows premiering no more than two years ago. Well, I decided to compile my own list. It started out as a top 15, then a top 20, a top 25, and finally a top 30, just so I could include all of my favorites. Hopefully, it will also get you youngsters out there interested in checking out some older anime series as well. Part two will be posted next week.
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30.) Elfen Lied – Lilium by Kumiko Noma
Its got haunting music and stunning visuals. Using imagery reminiscent of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting The Kiss, this opening is certainly one of the most unique ever made. Also, the tone of the song matches that of the series quite well.
29.) Slayers Next – Give Me a Reason by Megumi Hayashibara
Good beat, nice character introductions, and sung by one of the most famous Japanese voice actresses of all time. It’s the best opening from the entire Slayers canon.
28.) Wolf’s Rain – Stray by Steve Conte
A showcase of incredibly detailed, not to mention fluid, animation. The song is good, and revvs up as it progresses. It also has a hint of sadness to it. One thing particularly good about this is that it is the only opening I am aware of that ties in directly with the plot of the series. Bonus points for that.
27.) Aim for the Top 2! Diebuster – Groovin’ Magic by ROUND TABLE ft. Nino
Why? Groooooooooovin’ Magic. That’s why.
26.) Haibane Renmei – Free Bird by Kou Otani
A friendly acoustic guitar song that just chills you out in preparation for this masterpiece series. The visuals do a good job of establishing the setting and characters of the show. As the main character falls to the earth you are also imbued with a sense of wonder.
25.) Nadia: Secret of Blue Water – Blue Water by Miho Morikawa
Catchy song, old school animation, and a dash of Engrish thrown in for good measure.
24.) Baccano! – Gun’s&Roses by Paradise Lunch
Perhaps the jazziest opening I’ve seen since Cowboy Bebop. It also has the most ingenious way of blending the opening animation with character introductions ever.
23.) Chobits – Let Me Be with You by ROUND TABLE ft. Nino
A cool, 70s style song, and simple visuals that focus on the series’ two main characters. I also like the bits at the beginning and end where Hideki’s and Chii’s lips move in synch with the words being sung. It was certainly a nice touch.
22.) Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann – Sky Colored Days by Shoko Nakagawa
This series had three similar versions of the same opening song. The visuals changed depending on which story arc they were currently on. As the final arc was my favorite, and certainly the most epic, that’s the one I decided to go with.
21.) Bleach – Asterisk by Orange Range
While it may be cliche to add Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece openings to a best openings list, I couldn’t resist putting this one here. The song is good, and the animation flashy. I particularly like the use of bright, bold, contrasting colors. While the show may have descended into complete garbage, its very first opening is one to remember.
Awesomely Shitty 
Asterisk is also one of my favourite becoz it actually really captured the style of the manga well– something which the aniem itself didn’t manage to.
How far did you get through bleach before it died on you? lol
Season 3, I think.
I would put deadman wonderlands opening in here
I haven’t seen the series. I checked out the opening, not too bad.