Theme songs are a crucial but often overlooked part of show creation. They draw the audience into the show's world while giving them hints of what they are about to experience. The right theme song will be catchy and memorable, but it will also set genre expectations for the audience.
In the 1990s, the theme song also served a second purpose, as, in the days before streaming, it could also pull in viewers who were mindlessly flipping through the channels. So making a good first impression was extremely important. Because of this, the '90s was home to some of the best anime intros in history. Here are five of the best earworms that will be in your head all day.
5) One Piece - We Are!
While One Piece is currently on its 23rd intro theme, it is hard to argue that the first isn't one of the best. Recorded by Hiroshi Kitadani, "We Are!" is a fantastic song. It is an up-tempo number that is full of excellent brass flourishes. The song perfectly captures the adventurous and exciting feeling of the early episodes of the show. It also gets you pumped for what's to come in the upcoming episode. The lyrics fit the show perfectly, explaining the quest for the One Piece to the audience while also encapsulating Luffy's character, showing both his passion for adventure and his drive to make friends.
4) Pokémon - Gotta Catch 'Em All!
Pokémon has always had great themes, and while the first Japanese theme, "Aim to Be a Pokémon Master," by Rica Matsumoto, is fantastic, the American song became more iconic. Performed by Jason Paige, the song is a triumphant call to adventure that perfectly explains Ash's driven character, his relationship with his Pokémon, and the show's premise. All while being supremely catchy. This is mixed with memorable lyrics and a simple melody line, making the song easy to sing along with, something every '90s kid did at least once. A testament to the song's quality is that it is still wildly popular, despite its age.
3) Neon Genesis Evangelion - A Cruel Angel's Thesis
Arguably anime's most famous theme, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," from Neon Genesis Evangelion, was performed by Yoko Takahashi. The song perfectly fits the subversive nature of Evangelion, as while the theme sounds sort of like your usual mecha show intro, it's a little off, thanks to its slower pace and use of complex choir-like harmonies at the start. The lyrics only further cement this, as while the lyric "rise up young boy and make yourself a legend" sounds like traditional shonen fare. Lines like "the innocent eyes still know nothing of fate yet," and the references to motherhood make it clear that things are anything but regular.
2) Sailor Moon - Moonlight Densetsu
1992's Sailor Moon, while a classic, has an often overlooked soundtrack. But its theme song, "Moonlight Densetsu," is rightfully regarded as one of the best anime intros ever. Performed by the band DALI, the song is a catchy up-tempo pop song that blends lush piano, a fantastic drumbeat, and some very 90s synths. All of which perfectly captures both the show's mystery and Usagi's upbeat nature. The lyrics add to this, as they perfectly encapsulate Usagi's desire for love and her confusion about her situation while also linking back to the planetary theme found in the show. In fact, the song drops early hints about Usagi and Tuxedo Mask's backstory, way before such things are explored in the show!
1) Cowboy Bebop - Tank!
Whenever you talk about anime soundtracks, Cowboy Bebop has to be mentioned as it has some of the best music in anime history. The opening theme, "Tank!" is the perfect example of this. Composed by Yoko Kanno and performed by the Seatbelts, the song is an up-tempo jazz fusion piece that calls back to classic heist movies from the 1960s and the theme of Lupin the Third, which was a massive influence on Cowboy Bebop. It combines these with some quick and catchy brass, strings, and an extremely hummable melody. Overall, it perfectly captures the chaotic, action-packed, and messy lives of the Bebop's crew.
