The 15 Most Epic Anime Theme Songs, Ranked

Are you guilty of skipping anime intros? Don't miss out on these epic anime themes that are actually awesome!

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The next episode of the anime you're binge-watching begins, and you have a very important decision to make. Do you fast-forward to the two-minute mark and skip the intro, or do you wait it out?

Mediocre songs get a swift drag on the playback bar. Only the most epic of anime theme songs are worthy of being listened to over and over again—like these ones!

15. Tokyo Ghoul: "Unravel"

Listen to Tokyo Ghoul's "Unravel"

Unlike many other anime intros, this song starts out relatively slow and quiet. Its haunting tone leads into more dramatic instrumentals and vocals towards the end.

You might be tempted to hit the fast-forward button and dismiss the song as boring, but listening to the whole thing will let you appreciate its beauty.

14. Danganronpa: "Never Say Never"

Listen to Danganronpa's "Never Say Never"

Admit it: this song is bumpin'. And yes, this anime revolves around a talking teddy bear that forces students to kill each other.

Not surprisingly, the song is a lot more lighthearted than the show itself. But don't let that stop you from listening!

13. Dragon Ball Super: "Chozetsu Dynamic"

Listen to Dragon Ball Super's "Chozetsu Dynamic"

This song is awesome, just "Saiyan." All puns aside, the Dragon Ball series boasts some of the most beloved theme songs, like Dragon Ball Z's "Cha-La Head-Cha-La."

When you listen to Chozetsu Dynamic, I think you'll agree that it joins the high ranks of its predecessors.

12. Gangsta: "Renegade"

Listen to Gangsta's "Renegade"

Manglobe produced both Gangsta and Samurai Champloo, so you can expect that Gangsta has a phenomenal theme song as well. Take a listen, Gangsta definitely stacks up! It combines three genres into one song: EDM, rap, and rock.

Since Manglobe has gone bankrupt, we might not see themes as good as Gangsta's and Samurai Champloo's any time soon.

11. Nana: "Rose"

Listen to Nana's "Rose"

Although Nana is a lesser-known anime, it still has a rocking soundtrack and an intro sung with passion.

The main character, Nana Osaki, has dreams of becoming a famous musician. This song, along with many other headbangers, are featured throughout the show.

10. Hetalia: "Marukaite Chikyuu"

Listen to Hetalia's "Marukaite Chikyuu"

Beware of listening to this song—it'll permanently scar your mind with its obnoxious lyrics and so-called "cute" way of singing. But, it's only fair that an anime with such a strange concept has an equally strange song.

If you're not familiar with Hetalia, keep in mind that all of the characters represent an exaggerated persona of the countries involved in WWII. This song, sung by "Italy," embraces many Italian stereotypes, and includes lyrics about wine, bolognese, and pasta.

9. Initial D: "Around the World"

Listen to Initial D's "Around the World"

Initial D has plenty of amazing 80s-style EDM tunes on its soundtrack, and its first intro song doesn't disappoint.

Its addictive guitar riff and fast-paced rapping will make you want to hop in your car and start drifting.

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8. Attack on Titan: "Guren No Yumiya"

Listen to Attack on Titan's "Guren No Yumiya"

The Attack on Titan theme song has become iconic for its incorporation of German lyrics and chanting choir.

After enough listening, you'll soon have the words: "Sie sind das Essen und Wir sind die Jaeger!" engraved in your mind. It roughly translates to: "You are the prey and we are the hunters!"

7. Yu-Gi-Oh!: "Yu-Gi-Oh!"

Listen to Yu-Gi-Oh!'s "Yu-Gi-Oh!"

"It's time to d-d-d-duel!"

This song symbolizes the days of owning other kids at school with a trap card, or (if you were like me) carrying around a deck of strange cards without having any idea how to play. Nevertheless, it still revolutionized a card game as a new way to battle.

6. One Punch Man: "The Hero!!"

Listen to One Punch Man's "The Hero!!"

You can't beat a combination of One Punch Man and screamo. The high-pitched "One Puuunch!" that opens the song just attests to the epicness of this show.

This song might seem to contradict the personality of the bald-headed protagonist, but it actually embodies his true unbeatable power.

5. Death Note: "The World"

Listen to Death Note's "The World"

I don't know about you, but this song gives me flashbacks of my emo phase. The sinister sound of "The World" sets the diabolical mood of Death Note, serving as a precursor to all the twists and turns that follow.

Here's a helpful hint: if you listen to this song enough, you might be able to erase the Netflix original Death Note movie from your memory. Oh, if only we could...

4. Durarara!!: "Uragiri No Yuuyake"

Listen to Durarara!!'s "Uragiri No Yuuyake"

As if a show centered around a headless motorcycle rider can't get more awesome, its intro song makes it even better.

The singer, Taiji Saito, uses his gravelly voice to drag out certain lyrics, intensifying the song further.

3. Samurai Champloo: "Battlecry"

Listen to Samurai Champloo's "Battlecry"

If you don't sing along to this song every time it plays, then you're a liar. Maybe you don't know all the words to the song, but at the very least, you've probably bobbed your head and chimed in with "Battlecry" during the chorus.

Whoever thought to combine hip hop with samurais should have genius status. This song's chill beat and intense lyrics make you actually want to listen to it at the beginning of every Samurai Champloo episode.

2. Blue Exorcist: "Core Pride"

Listen to Blue Exorcist's "Core Pride"

This song will have you headbanging. It starts off with the sounds of jazz and rap before it quickly switches to full-on rock music. Great vocals paired with prominent guitars and drums make this song an instant replay.

1. Assassination Classroom: "Seishun Satsubatsuron"

Listen to Assassination Classroom's "Seishun Satsubatsuron"

This is such a fun and catchy song if you don't know how to speak Japanese. However, just one look at the English lyrics reveal a much darker undertone.

The students happily sing: "Young people's discourse on bloodthirst," as the first line in the song. I guess when you have to assassinate a teacher that's planning on destroying the Earth, you have to be upbeat about it, right?

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