Best Anime Opening Songs — Fall 2022
One thing I love about anime shows are the opening and ending songs.
Some songs have grown to be mainstream hits and are arguably what makes a show successful (Gurenge from Demon Slayer, anyone?). There are also songs that are so epic and iconic that I get goosebumps every time I hear them — Shinzou wo Sasageyo! from Attack on Titan is one of them.
If you are still interested in some of the best fall 2022 anime, feel free to read the article below.
Nonetheless, in this review we will let the animation take a step back and focus on the opening songs. These songs might be chill, epic, or even catchy.
I should also mention that I am not a trained musician and only know a tiny bit of piano. I won’t go into the key details of the accompaniment, composition, underlay, harmonics, or other more technical terms. This list is solely based on what I feel and personal enjoyment.
“KICK BACK” by Kenshi Yonezu (米津玄師) | Chainsaw Man
Comedic, dark, catchy, chaotic, campy and weird. This song encapsulates what Chainsaw Man is all about and it sounds great too.
“1” by MOB CHOIR | Mob Psycho 100 III
Out of all the songs this season, this is perhaps the song that gave me the most chills. It’s fast, kinetic, psychedelic and a good indicator of what’s coming this season. The title of the song is extremely fitting of the ending and seeing Mob grow up at the very end is a joy.
“SOUVENIR” by BUMP OF CHICKEN | Spy x Family Part 2
Cheery and uplifting, this opening is just one wholesome joyride from beginning to end. I also nominate it as the most beautiful opening song this season. Almost every second is screenshot worthy and the colours are vivid and beautiful.
“PINK BLOOD” by Hikaru Utada (宇多田ヒカル) | To Your Eternity Season 2
The music itself is not different from the first season. However, that’s what gives this opening such a strong sense of nostalgia. The video really bring to remembrance all the people Fushi has met and lost without neglecting his upcoming adventures. While I initially questioned if reusing the first opening is wise, I have no qualms after watching the video itself.
“Akatsuki wo Ute (暁を撃て)” by JAM Project and Minami Kuribayashi | Muv-Luv Alternative 2nd Season
While not as grand, this song still gives strong Attack of Titan vibes. It starts off with an apocalyptic and dismal vibe, it quickly shifts the focus to mankind’s reluctance and hope even in such dark times.
“MYSTERIOUS” by Ziyoou-vachi | Raven of the Inner Palace
There is something just… mysterious about this song. This opening is just what a fairy tale would sound like in song form. I don’t know what attracts me to it — the strings, occasional glockenspiel, or how the singer drawls out at parts of the song. All I can say is that this song is definitely unique and worth listening too.
“Shukufuku (祝福)” by YOASOBI | Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
This song is quintessentially Yoasobi — the beginning may seem more innocent and laid back, but the kicker around the 50 second mark in the TV version shifts gear into more awesome territory. The animation is nothing to scoff off, and this song does give the feels.
“Maid Daikaiten (メイド大回転)” by the Ton Tokoton staff | Akiba Maid War
Have you ever received a super vague assignment but somehow managed to nail it? This is exactly what this song feels like. Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it psychedelic? Yes. Is it violent? Yes. Does it make sense? No. Is this song fun? Undoubtedly so.
I previously wrote how Akiba Maid War might just be the sleeper hit of the season. The anime rocks, and I am glad to say the opening is a banger too.
“TRUE FOOL LOVE” by Liyuu | More than a married couple, but not lovers.
Out of the several rom-com anime openings this season, this is personally the most unique and catchy one this season. Its just fun, cheery, and cute.
“HIGHEST” by OxT | The Eminence in Shadow
OxT never disappoints. This song is just plain epic and magnificent, and is hands-down the isekai opening song of the season. Ironically, this song accurately depicts what the main character’s dream life before he reincarnated into another world.
“Chaos ga Kiwamaru (カオスが極まる)” by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN | Blue Lock
While some songs might lull a bit here and there, this opening is one constant adrenaline rush. The pacing is fast and on point, which is very much like the show itself.
“Scar (スカー)” by Tatsuya Kitani | Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Very much like one of the opening and ending songs in Naruto and Bleach, this opening is one love letter to fans. If you are not familiar with the show, then this song is epic. If you were already a fan, then parts of this song will hit you hard.
“Hitamuki (ひたむき)” by SUPER BEAVER | My Hero Academia Season 6
I am personally quite on the fence about this. On one hand, I love this show and the song itself is great. On the other hand, I prefer something less optimistic (?) as I know where this season is headed.
That being said, its still a good song as the American comic-like onomatopoeia is quite unique. Perhaps you will enjoy it more than I do.
Honourable Mentions
“CATASTROPHE” by nano | The Human Crazy University
While some opening songs don’t fit the overall theme of the show, this opening makes it extremely clear what to expect from the show. It’s dark, crazy, and definitely not for the faint of heart.
“Girigiri Ride it out (ギリギリ Ride it out)” by FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE | Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Season 3
Season 1 and season 2 might have be more chill. However, this season seems to take the show in a more serious direction and it shows in this opening.
“Tensei Shitara Ken deshita (転生したら剣でした)” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets | Reincarnated as a Sword
Frantic and action packed. This show might not be the isekai of the season, but its song is very much deserving of praise. Props to the band who by the way also made the opening for Gate.
That’s all the songs I have for this article. Feel free to let me know if you enjoy, agree, or disagree with this list.
Happy listening / watching!
