We’re back here again. It may feel as if it’s been at least a decade since the last time we did these, but it has, in fact, been only a year and change. I’m glad if you’re still here. I hope we’ll all still be here next year too.
I’m making a concentrated effort to shorten my write-ups for each entry. We’ll see how that goes. Otherwise, the format is the same: we’re counting up the top twelve of each category for the year. Links to the videos are included under each screenshot.
Rank 12 ED: “LUCKY” – City: The Animation
It’s a shame that the creditless version of this ED is the only easily accessible one, since a major charm point is the handwritten credits filling up the side of the screen. It adds to the tactile feel of the whole thing, although I suppose it comes across with just the collection of squishable mascots and scenery, and the cut-up construction paper.
This is a good tone setter to start off with. The OP for City has the same vibes too; it didn’t make the list although I do quite like it. They work as a warm-up and a cool-down, so that the show proper can punch you in the gut with random gags and surprisingly heartfelt emotion in equal measure. Let’s consider its purpose the same for this list. Hopefully you’re ready to go.
Rank 12 OP: “Hyakka Ryouran” – The Apothecary Diaries S2
This opening does not have the full strength of vibes present in director Ayaka Nakata’s previous work (I think about and rewatch The World’s Finest Assassin OP semi-regularly). When working on a bigger property like this, the result may end up safer, the quirks tidied even if still present. I imagine ideation was also difficult due to the fact that there’s not necessarily a strong throughline in this first half of the season, unlike the second half.
However, it manages to showcase a lot of strong, memorable moments from the representative imagery of each major mystery to the dripping money shot pin-ups of Mao Mao and Jinshi. Also, it understands the frog. Whether you’re a knower or a soon-to-be-knower, you’re looking at that frog.
Rank 11 ED: “Sapphire” – Ruri Rocks
The “hobby” genre is one that’s semi-unique to anime/manga. It can have plot or character development, but it’s all filtered through the hobby (the “sports” genre is also related). So, while the titular Ruri is here, and the other characters make appearances, the point of this sequence is to show Ruri surrounded by the equally titular “rocks” and other detritus, literally opening up and then rejoicing in her new interest and her new friends.
Hobby anime are also usually soothing and comfy. A few may have dramatic, comedic, or romantic undertones, but mainly they’re meant to be calming, and perhaps educational. With that in mind, the very low-key, sway-from-side-to-side song perfectly works, allowing the viewer to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Rank 11 OP: “Saikai” – The Summer Hikaru Died
The song choice for the OP startled me when I first heard it (in a bad way), and it’s never managed to stop being startling. However, it has grown on me after a little thought. This series is not exactly a straightforward horror, instead mixing and mashing with romance, mystery-solving, and general drama. The song feels like it’s trying to fit all those genres together in a single 90-second go, but it’s not completely successful.
However, series director Ryohei Takeshita’s visuals are outstanding in the same measure, balancing and merging together all those genres masterfully. I especially love the symmetry as the first set of character introductions are contrasted with their more horrifying shadowed poses at the end. There’s a monster inside every one of us, hidden away from the world.
Rank 10 ED: “Miso Soup and Butter” – Food for the Soul
The aforementioned “hobby” anime also often fall under the similarly anime/manga specific “cute girls doing cute things” genre. The appeal of this is self-explanatory. The ED follows the show’s main club on a day around town from the cafe to the mall to the karaoke. It’s a perfect little distillation of the core of this genre.
I’m a big fan of the unique characterful walk cycles we see from each of the girls as they stroll across the screen. A walking sequence is an easy pick for these things, so you better at least be putting the effort in.
Rank 10 OP: “Sacrifice” – This Monster Wants to Eat Me
Now, see, this is more what I was expecting from a horror/monster romance series musically. In many ways, this OP has less going on than the two below it or even some of the honorable mentions. It’s not bursting with incredible animation; in fact, there are a number of mostly still shots. But I simply love the mood of the result.
The prevailing cool tones are interrupted by the red of Hinako’s memories, Miko’s hair and beads, and the title card itself. It also ends in red, in the last few cuts of Shiori half going to bite and half going to kiss Hinako before cutting to a drop of blood. Classic, yet very effective. The whole thing balances the fear with the attraction.
Rank 9 ED: “UN-APEX” – Solo Leveling S2
Solo Leveling follows up its stellar first ED (which topped last year’s list) from Hiromu Oshiro with another from them in the same vein. Ultimately, I think it doesn’t come together as well, but it’s still a weirdly horror-tinged look at our protagonist’s psyche that baffles me as much as it intrigues. In fact, it might be a semi-continuation based on the hallways and the screen at the beginning.
My initial impression was that handsome!Sung Jin-woo was literally preparing the former version of himself, but he seems to be instead extending a hand as a savior to him at the end. I would have liked a version that went full self-cannibalism, but perhaps that’s not on theme for the story. I would watch that version of the show.
Rank 9 OP: “KiLLKiSS” – Ave Mujica – The Die is Cast –
Now, see, this is more what I was expecting from a horror – wait, I’m being informed this is a band anime. Well then.
Ave Mujica commits unflinchingly to what it wants to be from the jump, with this OP serving as a statement of intent about the levels of absurdity it intends to reach. The prevailing themes of two-sidedness come through from start to finish from the cards to the crazed mirror reflections. And, I mean, it’s just unpredictable. The first time I watched it, I just kept being surprised by what came up next. It still surprises me after a long enough gap since watching it.
Rank 8 ED: “One More Time” – Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider
Should I even do a write-up of this? What could I add that would beat the experience of just watching it? The takoyaki goes through an intense training arc, and then it absolutely demolishes the teddy bear. Is there anything else to say? I don’t know enough about Kamen Rider stuff to say if any of this is a deep cut or not (I do obviously recognize the posing).
I will especially call out the part where it sits under the sink in an aping of the classic under-the-waterfall training. Delightful. Awesome.
Rank 8 OP: “The Eye” – Link Click: Bridon Arc
The Bridon Arc of Link Click technically started airing at the very end of 2024, but it was too late for me to consider adding it to that list. So, here it is for 2025 instead. This series so far has always had very different OPs for each of its seasons. This time, we’ve got a very emotional, very character-focused sequence, but still with plenty of inventiveness to reflect the time-hopping world-line changing plot. The standout part is Lu Guang standing still, back to the camera, as the environment rapidly changes around him, until we finally return to the basketball court from the start.
If you listen too closely to the lyrics, you may notice they make no sense. This is a song that’s more about the ear-feel than it is any sort of intelligibility. But the ear-feel is good, I’ll grant it.
Rank 7 ED: “Hare no Hi ni” – The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
A common genre of ED is the “look how pretty this girl is” genre. I feel as if it is especially prevalent in shonen romance series, although they can turn up anywhere; although boys don’t really have an equivalent “look how handsome this boy is” version. Of the several contenders among this genre this year, however, Fragrant Flower’s rises to the top. You’re right, this girl is pretty, I’m ready to frame her image in a museum. Go for it.
Eden’s apple seems a little dramatic for the Romeo-and-Juliet-lite stakes of this romance (or perhaps it’s Snow White’s), but Haruka Fujita is ex-KyoAni and their whole thing is the heightened experience of various high school relationships, so it’s to be expected. I love the detail of the apple peel as the red thread of fate. Kaoruko pushing the gingerbread schools closer together with one finger is also incredibly cute.
Rank 7 OP: “Mirage” – Call of the Night S2
Slight NSFW
I wonder if we’ll ever have another one of these lists without Creepy Nuts featuring. This is easily my favorite of their anime theme songs – we’ve got flamenco in here this time, come on. I’ve heard some takes that the visuals and song don’t really go together on this one, but I simply don’t agree. Instead, the contrast between propulsive music and more mundane depictions of life and memories says a lot about the characters and their perspectives. I may not have a strong musical ear, but this list is undeniable, sorry.
The whole opening centers around the relationship between Nazuna and Anko, to the point that main character Ko doesn’t appear at all. It’s a bold move that I can’t help but admire, even from the outside looking in. That’s what really tells me that there’s artistic intention in here.
Rank 6 ED: “I” – My Hero Academia Final Season
My Hero Academia’s previous entry onto this coveted list was the second ED of season 6, which also functioned as a look back across the whole series during a pivotal point in Deku’s development. What can I say, when it works it works. And this time we’ve got the Bump of Chicken cheat code too. There’s even a small feature of Todoroki doing Madelyn’s favorite ice blast move during her favorite arc. We love to see it.
For any pacing or worldbuilding issues that I may lay at this show’s feet, I do think that Deku’s central arc has always been steady and planned. And here, it’s laid out clearly in outline form. Well, an outline featuring impressive animation on par with some of the showcases in the show itself, so far as I’m concerned.
Rank 6 OP: “Protect the Light” – Spy x Family S3
Please excuse me if I get a little too emotional on this one. We live in The Times, and I can’t filter out that context.
There’s a golden world out there. This is a world where a gun is just something that shoots water. Where war drums are the sound of running footsteps. Where children get to play freely together. The responsibility of the adult is to do all they can to make that world. And in their little pretend family, in their home, for just a minute, the Forgers can make a small little version of that world together. For just a moment, the more complicated one stops existing. Children should not live in a world of war. And ultimately, as trite as it may sound, everyone is someone’s child.
It feels like a good time to say go donate to feed children who are hungry or hurting – those in this country and those in others too. Do your research, add it to your budget. Because every child should get to eat, play, live, and smile. Every child deserves to be protected.
Rank 5 ED: “you are my monster” – The Summer Hikaru Died
This ED was made with this season of the show in mind, to the point that they literally re-use some footage from it in the final episode and make a point of contrasting some details from it (out of context spoiler: in the final scene on the beach, “Hikaru” is looking back when Yoshiki looks at him, unlike the Hikaru here). Now, that’s something I only know because I watched the show. Is that an unfair advantage? Doesn’t matter.
It’s impressive how mournful this ED feels when it also features an intentionally goofy zoom in on a real-life cow. But the 4:3 aspect ratio sets this firmly in the past winter, unlike the brief shots in the summer at the full aspect ratio. The face “Hikaru” makes may be the same, but some things are firmly behind them.
Rank 5 OP: “Ame to” – With You and the Rain
Once you start watching as many of these as I do, you start to see the patterns and trends in them. That goes for songs and for animation. Obviously, there are better executions of formula, and there are plenty that do find their own rhythm, but many sequences end up blending together. Which is fine! Sometimes that’s all that’s needed, and that’s alright.
All that to say, With You and the Rain’s OP stands out from the crowd. It’s not a showstopper, but it’s memorable in a way that some more sakuga-bursting sequences are not. It doesn’t look like anything else I watched this year or really like anything else I’ve watched for a while. It gets you in the zone of this woman’s life, and then the way it is gently disrupted by a so-called “dog.”
Rank 4 ED: “Roar” – Kingdom S6
I know Kingdom is quite popular (it has six seasons), but I also regularly forget it exists. It’s one of those big series that I simply have no interest in whatsoever. Its chances were cut off by the rough CG of the first few seasons, and the reply guys in Viz’s tweets every announcement go-round begging for a Kingdom manga license. They have finally done that for what it’s worth. However, I think this ED has managed to convey some of its appeal – cool guys letting down their hair. I assume that’s it.
For real though, the striking art style puts all of its characters in their best light. Literally, there are some extremely cool uses of light throughout alongside creative shot choices. And it’s all tied together with a song that manages to feel like a wind-up and a cool-down at the same time.
Rank 4 OP: “skirt” – Apocalypse Hotel
It’s been well-established throughout these lists how much I love dancing in OPs and EDs. Apocalypse Hotel joins that gold standard of dancing sequences, right there with the first Blood Blockade Battlefront ED. Each character’s moves are well considered to fit their personality, and small snatches of emotion fit in between the otherwise joyful mood. If hotel service is about putting on a fantastic show for your guests, then the staff here has it covered.
The dancing all looks great, with impressive twirling shots and dramatic camera motions that emphasize each step Also, the distance shots give Yachiyo little dot eyes which is objectively the best way to do that.
Rank 3 ED: “Kagerou” – Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle
This is one of those Monogatari imitators with the misanthrope and/or perverted main male character who slowly gets surrounded by characters (usually girls) with various psychological quirks or hang-ups. Everyone is very self-aware and clever and often treats minor things as incredibly deep or significant. Occasionally these series can be quite compelling or interesting; usually they are insufferable. I’ve never managed to give Monogatari a shot. Hence, I steered away from Chitose as a show.
However, I do love the power contained in this ending sequence, which I will continue to enjoy without context, probably for the better. Parts of it remind me of the Heavenly Delusion OP, due to how willing the animation is to completely break down the form of the character while still keeping them recognizable. There does seem to be a quick mandate at the end to not forget about the marketable girls, which doesn’t really fit the rest of the sequence. But I’ll forgive the flaw for how much the rest of it rules.
Rank 3 OP: “Yokan” – Anne Shirley
I have never actually read any of the Anne of Green Gables books, but they’re quite well-known in Japan. I believe the first book is frequently assigned in schools. Anne Shirley, the series, was unlikely to measure up to the World Masterpiece Theater version directed by Isao Takahata. However, getting Naoko Yamada for an OP and ED almost justifies the series’ existence on their own.
This whole sequence is classic Yamada (Anne reminds me a lot of Totsuko from The Colors Within here – it might just be the microbangs and the braids). Anne is bestowed with charm and pluck, with Ghibli-esque dramatic fabric flooshes and a confident walk. There’s a ton of fun motion to the beat too, from Anne’s own feet at the start to the popping up of the little forest weasels.
Rank 2 ED: “WALTZ” – Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc-
Returning from the previous season’s ED, Oka Okazaki tackled a more ambitious sequence that delves into Ciel’s history and relationships through dance. I said that Apocalypse Hotel belonged in the upper echelon of dancing sequences, but I think this equally earns a spot for the way it uses the idea of dancing. Ciel is mostly tossed from partner to partner as he is perpetually left behind, up until before the end where he dances with his servants, each in their own way.
This is also probably one of my favorite songs of the year with an almost overwhelming vocal production that lets you hear every vibration in the singers’ throats. The boys are literally inside my head. It makes me feel a little short of breath to listen to it. And the little added touch of the shoe squeaking on the floor lends it even more immediacy.
Rank 2 OP: “Watch me!” – WITCH WATCH
Megumi Ishitani has only done a few OPs at this point (the other ones on One Piece), but her style is instantly recognizable. This sequence is filled to the brim with moving parts, capturing the gag-to-gag nature of most of the manga. The editing and the flow are incredible. For all the variety, everything still seems to go together.
She also has a lot of fun with titles and credits, with “Witch Watch” itself dominating and pulling together a good third of the sequence. There’s also Morihito spilling out of the TV into a manga panel, with credits contained in his speech bubbles, and Nico energetically pointing out the name of the song. Yoasobi can get old, but this is one of their songs where it feels like they’re having fun.
Best ED of 2025: “BAN” – Gachiakuta
I liked Gachiakuta’s first ED pretty well, whereas the OPs traded off song and visual quality (the second OP is maybe my least favorite song of the year, so that’s a little mean to the first OP’s visuals which are at least unique). But this second ED outshines everything else. Two characters’ histories are put in parallel, sometimes literally, providing harmony and disharmony in equal measure until they blur together.
It also showcases a lot of visual variety with methods I can’t quite figure out just by looking. I believe the theater stage parts are CGI made to look handcrafted, while the ripped up live action photographs of trash are real? But I couldn’t tell you that confidently. And I’m not sure if the shots of the flying birds are real footage or drawn. I guess I’ll just have to take the hardship of watching it several more times until I figure it out.
Best OP of 2025: “Martian” – Shoushimin S2
A single cool idea can be all an OP needs to climb the ranks here. A functional OP works perfectly well, of course, and it’s better than an OP with a bad idea (of which there are many). However, the reason there are so many OPs out there without one good idea is because the Shoushimin season 2 OP has stolen all of them.
Every moment of this OP is a delight. Just like the Gachiakuta ED, it combines a lot of styles and techniques, but it takes it to the absolute extreme. It’s overwhelming how many powerful images this sequence can cram together while still making everything flow perfectly. The semi-conventional character introduction part is a needed relief, a moment to take a breath before it starts hitting you with sick stuff again, at double time.
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Honorable Mentions & Wrap-Up
I have several! She says, in an understatement.
- Do I need to tell you about Chainsaw Man? Kenshi Yonezu absolutely exploded this year, and, in conjunction with the property’s own colossal pull, this was the clear winner among his many hits. Just the opening video has 34 million views. The music video has about four times that. I’ll share JANE DOE too, just for Utada (NSFW).
- There was a prevalence of very web animation core EDs, either in inspiration or literally made by viral web animators. Dandadan‘s almost made the list, but I find the song annoying unfortunately.
- If you’re looking for impressive animation: Solo Leveling, One Piece, Guild Receptionist, and One Piece again have you covered.
- If you’re looking for memorable drawings: See Sanda and Ave Mujica.
- Stuff that just didn’t quite make it:
- Lazarus‘s ED makes me a bit motionsick, but it’s otherwise quite well put together and concepted.
- Detective These Days Are Crazy‘s OP commits wholeheartedly to its silly bit.
- Dress Up Darling‘s OP is very cute, and I watch the zoom in on Gojo near the end whenever I want a giggle.
- Gnosia‘s OP has some clever shots and a song that stands out.
- May I Ask for One Final Thing‘s ED has some fun flourishes tied to the music.
I also wanted to share this SakugaBlog post from earlier in the year that I found quite fascinating and elucidating. The OP and ED are unique pieces of the puzzle of “an episode of anime” that I love, but it is important to keep the context behind their creation in mind, just as the rest of it.
Thank you for reading (and watching!) again. Let’s hope we can do this next year as well.