Ask John: What Are The Best Anime Opening Animation Segments?

Question:
I’m curious which show’s opening animation do you find the most impressive, because I believe the opening animation is an independent art sychronizing with music.

Answer:
Because I addressed a similar question in 2000, rather than reiterate what I said then, I’ll concentrate on the anime that has come since then. Much to my dismay, I can’t watch literally every anime, so there will almost doubtlessly be noteworth opening animation sequences that I’ve personally never seen. And while I’ll attempt to be objective, my selections will be somewhat subjective. Furthermore, since seven years and countless anime opening sequences have passed, this may be a long list, but I’ll try to keep it concise.

Honestly, possibly until Production IG distinguished the third opening animation sequence for Blood+ as, “unusual and arty film of just 90 seconds,” last year, I don’t think that I ever consciously thought of opening sequences as independant short films, even though they are sometimes produced by independant animation staffs. Even now I still tend to think of opening sequences as an integral part of their anime rather than think of them in isolation. But examining opening animation films independantly does help distinguish those which are very good from those which are especially outstanding. In addition to the third Blood+ opening animation sequence, a few other especially impressive opening animation sequences that I think are worth mentioning are: Azumanga Daioh, Blood+ second opening, Fullmetal Alchemist third opening, Inukami, Mezzo, and Renkin 3 kyuu Magical? Pokaan.

Now, briefly, there are a selection of additional, especially good opening animation sequences which I’d like to comment on.

The opening animation for Rahxehpon was filled with lushly drawn and strikingly enigmatic imagery. More importantly, I can’t think of any other opening credits sequence since 1995’s Evangelion that more deftly synchronizes its imagery, editing, and opening theme song to create an evocative atmosphere.

When director Satoshi Kon, animation studio Madhouse, and composer Susumu Hirasawa work together, the results are consistently magical. The opening animation for Paranoia Agent combined a haunting song with brilliant editing, framing a mysterious and unforgettable image of people laughing. The opening credits for both Millennium Actress and Paprika are strikingly unique because they’re edited so creatively and brilliantly. The credits for these two films seem like a stroke of creative genius.

The opening animation for the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex television series was memorable particularly for its use of Origa’s etherial Russian theme song. The opening for Stand Alone Complex Second Gig easily outshone the first series opening by again using an exceptional Origa song, but by also employing brilliant editing and alternately stark and dynamic imagery to create an impressive and memorable opening that easily stands on its own as a brilliant short film.

I’m quite a fan of director Akiyuki Shinbo’s distinctive visual flair. That creative individuality is especially evident in the unique and exceptional opening animations for Tsukuyomi ~Moon Phase~ and Negima!? The Tsukuyomi openings brough a spirit of French chic to anime and gave the fan community the catch prhase “nekomimi mode.” The Negima!? opening is strikingly unique because it’s monochrome, it’s highly kinetic (with a small bit of amusing “service”), and its animation quality is exceptional.

The first Honey & Clover series opening is a wonderful treat for viewers because it’s not conventional anime at all, but rather a display of supremely inventive and surprising stop-motion animation perfectly synchronized with its opening theme song.

In my mind I associate Kamichu and Manabi Straight because they’re both adorably cute “moe” shows, and because both feature highly creative and dynamic opening animation sequences. Kamichu’s opening is leisurely paced and displays a wondrous sense of creative spirit. The Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight opening is faster paced and works wonders with camera movement and cinematic camera angles rarely ever seen in anime.

Similar to the case of the Mezzo television series opening, the opening animation for Tenjho Tenge may be the best part of the show. Director Rin Taro shows off why he’s one of the most respected directors in the anime business with his dynamic and memorable opening that features great animation a very stylized cinematic trickery that create a fun opening that hints at a tone of conflict and strife.

Finally, the opening credits sequence for the first Freedom OAV, merges Hikaru Utada’s vogue song “This is Love” with animation, live action footage, and digital manga to create a futuristic multimedia fusion that could easily live on its own as a short promotional video.