Anime fan for 15 years. Covers shonen, seasonal previews, and the occasional deep dive.
Best Anime Opening Songs of 2026 (So Far)
2026 has already been an enormous year for anime music. Between Winter and Spring, multiple flagship shows landed openings that are dominating playlists and YouTube algorithms. Here is the current ranking — focused exclusively on this year, no all-time greats sneaking in.
10. Re:ZERO Season 3 Part 2 — "Reincarnation"
A return-to-form opening that leans into the show's darker palette. Stylish, choral, and the visuals weaponise the show's biggest emotional callbacks.
9. Apothecary Diaries Season 2 — "Hyakka Ryōran"
Traditional Japanese instrumentation layered over modern production. Distinct, gorgeous, and a perfect fit for the show's Tang-dynasty-inspired setting.
8. Frieren Movie Tie-in OP — "Yūsha no Kakera"
Composed for the Frieren franchise's continuing expansion. Soft, melancholic, and devastating in context.
7. Sakamoto Days Season 2 — "Rebroadcast"
A high-energy J-rock banger that matches the show's kinetic action sequences beat for beat.
6. Dandadan Season 2 — "Otonoke Returns"
Creepy Hands sequel energy. Funky, weird, structured like a 70s grindhouse soundtrack with modern production.
5. My Hero Academia Final Season — "Last Spark"
The MHA team's last opening. Sentimental without being saccharine, with key visuals that pay off seven seasons of setup.
4. Solo Leveling Season 2 — "Reawaken"
Heavier, more electronic than the first season's OP. The visual sync with Jinwoo's shadow army sequence is unmatched.
3. Chainsaw Man Movie Tie-in — "Crime Without Punishment"
A continuation of the franchise's tradition of bringing in different artists for each opening. This year's contribution is darker, slower, and lingers longer than the show's previous OPs.
2. Mushoku Tensei Season 3 — "Path Eternal"
The franchise's musical identity has always been outstanding. Season 3 raises the bar. Sweeping, orchestral, with vocals that match the show's emotional weight.
1. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Final Cour — "Endless"
The ending of the ending. A song designed to be the last impression Bleach ever leaves on its audience. It delivers. It belongs on every "best anime OPs of the decade" list.
Honourable Mentions
- Witch Hat Atelier OP — Whimsical, painterly, and one of the most beautiful sequences of the year.
- Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 OP — Pure pop-rock energy.
- Spy x Family Season 3 OP — Comfort-food TV at its most polished.
Where to Listen
Most of these openings are officially uploaded to YouTube via the respective rights-holder channels (Aniplex, Toho, Sony Music Japan). Search the song title plus the show name for the official upload — supporting the original artists matters.
Discover More Music-First Anime
If you obsess over anime soundtracks, our Vibe Search lets you filter by mood — find shows that match the emotional palette of your favourite OP, not just the genre.