Anime: The best openings from the 2000s

There's no opening without an anime, and there's no anime without an opening. Even feature films like "Koe no Katachi" and "Your Name" have one. So, we decided to celebrate this beloved aspect of anime by choosing the top 20 anime openings from the 2000s.

Who knows, you might rediscover a forgotten favorite or even find something new! Let's dive in!

Before we list the openings, it's important to note that they are presented in order of release, not by quality.

2000

Anime: "Yu-Gi-Oh!"

Opening: "Yu-Gi-Oh! Theme" by Shunsuke Kazama

"Yu-Gi-Oh!" follows Yugi Muto, a shy boy who solves an ancient Egyptian puzzle, releasing the spirit of a pharaoh. Together, they face numerous challenges, mainly through magical card duels. The "Yu-Gi-Oh! Theme" is as nostalgic as it is good, evoking the famous phrase "It's time to duel!" that inspired many to try card games.

Anime: "Digimon Adventure 02"

Opening: "Target Akai Shougeki" by Kouji Wada

Continuing the Digimon Adventure saga, "Digimon Adventure 02" introduces a new generation of DigiDestined who must protect the Digital World from new threats with the help of their Digipartners. "Target Akai Shougeki" transports us directly to the Digital World with it's vibrant energy.

2001

Anime: "Hellsing"

Opening: "Logos Naki World" by Yasushi Ishii

"Hellsing" follows the Hellsing organization as they combat supernatural creatures in England. Led by Sir Integra Hellsing, with the powerful vampire Alucard at her side, they face vampiric threats and monsters. The opening "Logos Naki World" captures perfectly the dark and stylish essence of the anime.

Anime: "Fruits Basket"

Opening: "For Fruits Basket" by Ritsuko Okazaki

"Fruits Basket" tells the story of Tohru Honda, an orphan who ends up living with the Sohma family, members of which are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when under great stress or hugged by the opposite sex. The opening "For Fruits Basket" is calm and emotional, setting the melancholic and sweet tone of the series.

2002

Anime: "Naruto"

Opening: "R★O★C★K★S" by Hound Dog

"Naruto" follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. With the nine-tailed demon fox sealed within him, he faces numerous challenges and makes friends along the way. The first opening, "R★O★C★K★S," may not be the best of the series, but it's unforgettable for introducing many to the world of Naruto.

Anime: "One Piece"

Opening: "We Are!" by Hiroshi Kitadani

"One Piece" follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the legendary treasure, One Piece, to become the Pirate King. Known for its epic adventures, memorable characters, and vast world, "We Are!" is a vibrant and iconic opening that sets perfectly the adventurous spirit at the beginning of the series. We know "We Are!" is from 1999, but its dubbed release came much later, explaining its position on this list.

2003

Anime: "Fullmetal Alchemist"

Opening: "Melissa" by Graffitti

"Fullmetal Alchemist" follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to restore their bodies after losing them in a failed human transmutation. They search for the Philosopher's Stone to recover what they lost. "Melissa" is an iconic opening that captivates fans with it's powerful melody.

Anime: "Naruto"

Opening: "Haruka Kanata" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation

Once again, Naruto appears on this list. "Haruka Kanata" captures the intensity of new challenges with a captivating and lively melody, representing the continued growth of Naruto and his friends as ninjas, making it one of the most memorable of the classic series.

2004

Anime: "Bleach"

Opening: "Asterisk" by Orange Range

"Bleach" follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who becomes a Shinigami (Soul Reaper) after an encounter with Rukia Kuchiki. He must protect the living from evil spirits and guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife. "Asterisk" was the perfect introduction to the world of Shinigamis and Hollows, with a vibrant and energetic opening.

Anime: "Fullmetal Alchemist"

Opening: "Ready Steady Go" by L'ArcenCiel

Another entry for FMA on this list, this time with "Ready Steady Go." Fullmetal Alchemist is known for having great openings.

2005

Anime: "Eureka Seven"

Opening: "Days" by FLOW

"Eureka Seven" follows Renton Thurston, a young boy who joins the mercenary group Gekkostate and forms a special bond with the mysterious Eureka. Together, they pilot mechas in aerial battles and explore a world in conflict. "Days" is an emotional and lively opening, perfectly capturing the spirit of adventure of the series.

Anime: "Bleach"

Opening: "D-Technolife" by UVERworld

The second entry for Bleach on this list. "D-Technolife" is one of the most remembered openings of the series, with a catchy and intense melody.

2006

Anime: "Death Note"

Opening: "The WORLD" por Nightmare

"Death Note" follows Light Yagami, a student who finds a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to cleanse the world of evil, but is pursued by the world's best detective, "L." "The WORLD" is a dark and impactful opening that sets the tone for the psychological battle between Light and L. Additionally, in 2006, rock music was still very popular, contributing greatly to the opening's popularity.

Anime: "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion"

Opening: "COLORS" by FLOW

"Code Geass" tells the story of Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who obtains a special power called Geass. With it, he leads a revolt against the Britannian Empire to avenge his mother and create a better world for his sister. "COLORS" is vibrant and full of energy, capturing the revolutionary essence of the series and Lelouch's desire for change (while ignoring the series' vengeful side).

2007

Anime: "Naruto Shippuden"

Opening: "Hero's Come Back!!" by nobodyknows+

"Naruto Shippuden" continues the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, now older and stronger. He returns to Konoha after intense training with Jiraiya, ready to finally rescue his friend Sasuke. "Hero's Come Back!!" is an epic opening that marks Naruto's triumphant return. As the first opening of Naruto's continuation, it's no surprise it made the list.

Anime: "Gurren Lagann"

Opening: "Sorairo Days" by Shoko Nakagawa

"Gurren Lagann" follows Simon and Kamina, who live in an underground village. They discover a giant mecha and fight to free humanity from the oppression of the Beastmen, facing ever-greater challenges. "Sorairo Days" is inspiring and energetic, aligning with the indomitable spirit of the anime.

2008

Anime: "Soul Eater"

Opening: "resonance" by T.M. Revolution

"Soul Eater" takes place at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, where students train to become Soul Reapers. Maka Albarn and her partner, the talking scythe Soul Eater, face various supernatural creatures to collect corrupted souls. "resonance" is an electrifying opening that perfectly matches the unique atmosphere of the series.

Anime: "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2"

Opening: "O2" por ORANGE RANGE

The opening of the second season of Code Geass, "O2," brings a renewed energy to the continuation of the saga.

2009

Anime: "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"

Opening: "again" por YUI

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is the faithful adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's manga, once again following the Elric brothers in their quest for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies. The series is praised for it's deep story and character development. "again" is a powerful and emotional opening that deeply resonates with fans and is still considered one of the best ever made.

Anime: "K-On!"

Opening: "Cagayake! GIRLS" por Aki Toyosaki, Yōko Hikasa, Satomi Satō, and Minako Kotobuki

"K-On!" follows a group of high school girls who form a band in their school's light music club. The series is known for it's charm, humor, and catchy music. "Cagayake! GIRLS" is a cheerful and infectious opening, perfectly reflecting the light and fun spirit of the anime.

2010

Though 2010 is technically not part of the 2000s, we decided to include these two as a small bonus, as they begin the new decade and are also just very good songs.

Anime: "Angel Beats!"

Opening: "My Soul, Your Beats!" por Lia

"Angel Beats!" is set in an afterlife world where students fight against fate in a mysterious school. The series combines action, comedy, and drama in a touching story about acceptance and redemption. "My Soul, Your Beats!" is an emotional and striking opening, setting the tone for the characters' introspective journey.

Anime: "Durarara!!"

Opening: "Uragiri no Yuuyake" por Theatre Brook

"Durarara!!" is set in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, where various stories intertwine, involving gangs, supernatural entities, and eccentric characters in a plot full of mystery and action. "Uragiri no Yuuyake" is a dynamic and enigmatic opening, perfectly fitting the chaotic and intriguing setting of the anime.

Honorable Mention - Pokémon

It would be strange not to include Pokémon among the most popular openings of the 2000s, but it would be even worse if we didn't mention it at all. After all, anyone who grew up during this time must remember watching this show in the morning and singing along with the TV.

Now the nostalgic journey is complete.

Most of these openings are expected to be among the most listened to of their respective years, with some exceptions. Even so, this article filled us with nostalgia as we remembered our favorite classics.

Did your favorite opening make the list? If not, please let us know which one was missing, and until next time!