Best Anime Openings of 2022

With over 298 million views, Zankyou Zanka is the most-watched opening of 2022. Aimer, one of the most distinctive voices in J-Pop, delivered a theme blending orchestral grandeur with her unmistakable timbre for the Entertainment District arc. The song captures the tension and tragic beauty of Demon Slayer with flawless production, confirming the franchise as an unstoppable hit machine.

Chainsaw Man's debut was the most anticipated premiere of 2022, and its opening lived up to it. Kenshi Yonezu — arguably the most important artist in contemporary Japanese pop — wrote KICK BACK, a chaotic, aggressive and addictive song that perfectly mirrors the series' punk spirit. With over 234 million views and a viral choreography, it became an instant global phenomenon.

YOASOBI brought their formula to the Gundam universe with Shukufuku, the opening for The Witch from Mercury. The duo adapted their signature narrative pop to the space epic of the most important mecha franchise in history, and the result surpassed 179 million views. Proof that YOASOBI could succeed in any genre and with any kind of series.

Official HIGE DANdism delivered Mixed Nuts for the phenomenon of the year: Spy x Family. The song combines a sophisticated pop groove with lyrics playing on the idea of a family built on lies that turn out to be true. With nearly 148 million views, it was one of the most beloved openings of the year.

For the final part of Attack on Titan, reggae-metal band SiM delivered The Rumbling, a brutal English-language opening that broke with everything the series had done before. The aggressive guitars and raw vocals matched the apocalyptic tone of the final stretch. Nearly 97 million views for one of the franchise's most forceful openings.

Spy x Family placed its second opening in the ranking with BUMP OF CHICKEN's SOUVENIR. The veteran rock band brought a melodic warmth that contrasted with the energy of Mixed Nuts, underscoring the tender, family side of the series. 36 million views for a theme many consider among the best of the second cour.

One of the year's most viral openings came from an unlikely series: Ya Boy Kongming!. Chiki Chiki Bam Bam, based on a Hungarian folk song, became a TikTok phenomenon thanks to its catchy choreography. Over 24 million views for one of the biggest surprises of the year.

Eve, an artist known for his anime collaborations, delivered Bokurano for the sixth season of My Hero Academia. The song carries the melodic energy and polished production that define the artist, perfectly aligned with the series' increasingly dark tone. Nearly 24 million views.

The third season of Mob Psycho 100 arrived with MOB CHOIR's 1, upholding the franchise's tradition of energetic, visually spectacular openings. The song accompanies Studio Bones' experimental animation with a perfect crescendo. 23 million views for the finale of one of the most critically loved series.

The Urusei Yatsura remake brought MAISONdes' Aiue, featuring Minami and SAKURAmoti. The collective, known for gathering vocaloid and Japanese underground artists, delivered a fresh, modern theme to update an 80s classic. Over 22 million views to close the year's top 10.

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