Openings to Shows

[Lumenskir]

Graded and arranged with no real regard for order.

The Wire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZefpVE2U350) - I usually listen to each season's opening twice, for the first and last episode. The song's ok, and the images are specific enough to hint at what's to come while retaining enough vagueness in order to avoid spoiling anything. A fun game is watching the last episode and trying to remember which images go to which scene. (http://www.hscripts.com/freeimages/icons/human/thumbs-up/thumbs-up-clipart41.gif)

Dexter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5WpxxJpL-g) - Really effective the first time you watch it, and then steadily drops in watchability on each subsequent viewing since the surprise is gone and the music is just stilted without the unpredicability. Still, that first time is pretty good. (Grade: B(e Sharp))

Entourage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0sV4s-jzA) - Seriously, fuck you Entourage opening song, I want to watch my escapism, not listen to you caterwaul for two minutes of my 25 minute show. (But honestly, two flying fucks for whoever thought that opening even made sense.)

No Heroics (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0f25yOGdls&feature=related) - I have to give credit for showing how dull the heroes lives are in the space of a few moments each, but I always kind of wished that they made a different Couch Gag for each character every episode. If you're only going to give us six episodes a 'series' load em up you damned lazy Britons. (***+1/2*)

Big Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KeTZY6HUn4) - Great song and a scenario that's just abstract enough to work while still getting the point across. (9.5)

The Office (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itO7cOWsYM4&feature=related) - Bah-nuhhh, nanana nah, bum bum bunanana, bah-nuhhh, nanana nah [guitar riffage]bowna nowna nuh[/guitar riffage]. (tuhlingle duhlingle dum dah)

Real Chance of Love - No link because it's honestly ridiculous and I wouldn't want to foist something on NPF before you guys had the chance to properly inoculate yourself. Trust me, just like the show, it is balls deep in insanity.

Avatar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnbQTfnnwrk&feature=related) - I truly believe that any show with an unusual premise/unique world needs to make a pilot, get greenlit, and then immediately hire the people responsible for the Avatar opening. If you sat an Avatar-newbie in front of that opening, within 49 seconds they've learned the basics of the world, the main thrust of the story, and have been properly introduced to the main character, his foibles, and his weighty obligations. It's easy on the eyes, short enough to watch during multi-episode marathons...it's probably the best opening on television.

[Corel]

Life On Mars (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yYz8N-lfVV4) - Really does a good job portraying the 70's style TV and the under lying masculinity of the show.

Firefly (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LrAS20mNZUE) - The music is pretty and relates to the main protaginist quite well.

Da na na na! Da naa naaa! (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PIfuaUTH9Y4) - Pretty self explanatory really.

Edit: I've also enjoyed the opening to QI very much (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=c0do899S07M&feature=related), couldn't single it out on it's own so feel free just to watch the first 20 seconds.

..I also can't believe I missed this one (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lEx9r5enZsk) out too.

[TheWolf13]

I agree with Firefly.

Battlestar Galactica http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FsqZCIAao0

4400 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-u-wMsubQ

Sorry I don't know how to link the other way.

[Archbio]

Carnivàle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Onb-FqR74) - Original, haunting, insightful.

[Hawk]

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7dcqzAThH9c)

Angel (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BW3DNvNhfbg)

Stargate SG-1 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf439DqF9K8)

Stargate Atlantis (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdnFy28rL-k)

EDIT; Farscape (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DDEC5UE34_4&feature=related)

Prison Break (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=A7evEJMVtvg&feature=related)

These are easily my favourite versions of each of these shows.

Oh and I second the mentions of Life on Mars, The 4400 and Firefly above.

EDIT; I would also add the Dead Zone to this list, but I can't find the right opening on youtube. It's really awesome though.

[NonCon]

Toradora (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jg3uj1dsn0) Upbeat, fun, and poppy, just like the show, while also showing a bit of the character's personalities.

[Hawk]

I almost forgot one; Dark Angel (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CvaSTMdTXEI)

[Regulus Tera]

You guys fail at being nerds for not putting up the Doctor Who theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtdGwiMtZ08&fmt=18).

Toradora (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jg3uj1dsn0) Upbeat, fun, and poppy, just like the show, while also showing a bit of the character's personalities.

That theme is actually pretty good, considering it is a seiyu song.

[Magus]

I like the later opening of Death Note (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0J3CQJIMH4) since it is so ironically juxtaposed with the actual show which is not action heavy in the least, with most episodes being dialogue and suspense driven. The second ending (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtUpZRzE9y0) on the other hand seemed to have something to do with the actual show's theme (Light's non-conformity).

[Mauve Mage]

I'm partial to Paranoia Agent's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U) opening, myself. It's creepy.

[synkr0nized]

Serial Experiments LAIN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnGppxxyN94) - YouTube doesn't do it justice. A terrific song joined with quite relevant and beautifully done animation help open up each episode of this fantastic series. This will always be one of my favourite openers.

Haruhi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN7agCRd0VM) - Yes. Nothing else needs to be said, as Haruhi is superior to *. The ending is even better, though. Oh man. But we all know that.

Witch Hunter Robin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS1-7CV_t1s) - I never ended up liking this series, but I've always felt that the animation and designs were of superior quality. Much of the music was to my liking as well, including this opening and the show's ending theme. A shame the story was.. lacking.

Interesting fun: this opening appears to borrow heavily from Madonna (link (http://ansuz.sooke.bc.ca/lawpoli/cases/2004052501.php)).

This probably doesn't even need to be mentioned (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6zDfxZ4NcE), since nearly everyone agrees that it's good already.

Firefly is definitely a good one.

There are others I like, but mostly because I really like the series and characters or the music, for example, and not necessarilly because the opening is actually good. For instance, I don't think the Stargate openings are super great, but I really like them, being a fan of the shows.

[Donomni]

You guys fail at being nerds for not putting up the Doctor Who theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtdGwiMtZ08&fmt=18).

I'm wondering if you missed this on purpose, myself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YorRbV_Op9A)

Seriously, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOP76IxGzZk) doooood. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1Sc9mxJX0) :p

I'd post moar, but I'll wait to see if Jessa or phil will notice this thread yet.

[Wigmund]

Muppet Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EK-4KEKsLM)
Monty Python (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rutX0I6NxU)
Samurai Jack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUaCtgto0fo)
Superman Animated (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUcKJflBG8Q&feature=related)
Batman Animated (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEx9r5enZsk)

[NonCon]

Evangelion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgATlhZFAfs) has a pretty good opening theme in my opinion, but that's just me.

[Regulus Tera]

I'm wondering if you missed this on purpose, myself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YorRbV_Op9A)

Seriously, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOP76IxGzZk) doooood. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1Sc9mxJX0) :p

Sora Iro Days is marvelous, but you have to develop a taste for it. I started hating its cheesiness, actually. It wasn't until its use during episode fifteen that I realised I liked it.

Anyway, to make this post on-topic:

I grew (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXY9-QDQ-s0&fmt=18) up on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-snbyP-5I&fmt=18) this crap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdEoQeKIh_U&fmt=18), and it was awesome (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5T9w2jazzQ&fmt=18).

Mikami the Ghost Sweeper had a catchy tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g09V2nHv3Mo&fmt=18).

Ranma 1/2! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uHFIUYSncg&fmt=18)

Digimon had some really rad songs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj92T7T8rXs&fmt=18).

Both Shaman King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LttIYJTY7uc&fmt=18) openings are the shit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn-Ic9JUW6Y&fmt=18).

Anyone born between 1985 and 1990 in Latin America will tell you this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kk_3CjPlys&fmt=18) is a lot better than these (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjaWttEoKms&fmt=18) two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI6hsIXXUR4&fmt=18). I disagree, but it holds a really big nostalgic value for me still.

Don't hate me for loving the cheesiness of Catch You Catch Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7GEL_ptCjA&fmt=18)

And of course, Pokémon! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCiLc3KmWpc&fmt=18) I think 4Kids nailed it with the openings at the very least, even though I stopped watching it before they started making them rap songs of thirty seconds each.

Man this post just reminded of the awesomeness that was Fox Kids. Why did they have to be bought by Disney, again? =(

EDIT: Holy shit this arrangement of the Sailor Moon OP is fantastic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LBX6KWPmqU&fmt=18).

[Hawk]

Hey, you know what other shows had totally awesome intros? All (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=58uviem5vUM) of (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x4w3kgoE_Cc) these (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ0LuVVTPC0)

[NonCon]

Jesus Christ, do you know how long it's been since I've hear the TMNT intro? TOO LONG.

[Mac]

Jesus Christ, do you know how long it's been since I've hear the TMNT intro? TOO LONG.

QFT

I can sing this song still. ANd I am 23 years old.

[Kaneda]

Has Futurama not been mentioned? I couldn't easily find the original on youtube, but that opening somehow injects instant happiness and good feelings every time it plays.

[NonCon]

This is a pretty bitchin' opening, even if it is to a movie rather than a series... Paprika (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXHKjhR5YoU).

[Kaneda]

This is a pretty bitchin' opening, even if it is to a movie rather than a series... Paprika (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXHKjhR5YoU).

I'm going to guess it's by the creator of Paranoia Agent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U) (another great opening) aaaaaaand... according to wikipedia it is.

[CelesJessa]

I'd post moar, but I'll wait to see if Jessa or phil will notice this thread yet.

Oh ho, you think of me. Although everyone knows what I'll post...

Oh what the heck.

I really enjoyed the the last three openings to FMA. Rewrite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBmfIGTe7IM) was my favorite, followed by Undo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvaRil5vYCA), and then by Ready Steady Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEdtvUJbtFM).

[Corel]

Electric Guitars? (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=A1c1G24GWDg)
Power Vocals? (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xq0ZJgb-VX4)
Non Stop action? (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=M0BzBFWt8V8&feature=related)

Check!



Ready Steady Go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEdtvUJbtFM).


Agreed Completely (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SoP_JHLQKF8)

[Regulus Tera]

Agreed Completely (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SoP_JHLQKF8)


Pfft! You call that an FMA opening parody? This is an FMA opening parody (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=X_wRDJ_WpsU&fmt18).

[Corel]

Pfft! You call that an FMA opening parody? This is an FMA opening parody (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=X_wRDJ_WpsU&fmt18).

That's fantastic, thanks for sharing.

Some talented people have too much time on their hands!

Also reminds me of this Phoenix Wright intro. (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkDeuueYU8)

[Regulus Tera]

That's fantastic, thanks for sharing.

Some talented people have too much time on their hands!

Also reminds me of this Phoenix Wright intro. (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkDeuueYU8)


That's from Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3f_dLj4N2yE&fmt=18), by the way.

OBLIGATORY Rumba (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aBkJopp8mlU&fmt=18) > Bure reference

[Archbio]

I'm unforgivable in forgetting Fringe's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YoIfv-rIpk) opening.

Maybe the fact that there's literally writing in the opening might make it seem kind of too obvious, but I think it ties in well with the show and some its other, rather idiosyncratic visual elements.

And it's short enough so that the impact always remains.

[Fifthfiend]

I'm going to guess it's by the creator of Paranoia Agent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U) (another great opening) aaaaaaand... according to wikipedia it is.

I really never liked Paranoia Agent but the opening was fantastic. The bombastical soaring triumph theme with the maniacally laughing characters was just sublime. I actually used to cue it up in the mornings when they had PA episodes on Comcast On Demand just for something to get me going while I got dressed for work. It was a great way to start your day man, there's no better way to get yourself going "Fuck yeah man, I am going to rock this day so hard, I am going to be standing on top of a television tower while laughing aloud with a gun in my hand!"

Pfft! You call that an FMA opening parody? This is an FMA opening parody (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=X_wRDJ_WpsU&fmt18).

Wait, WTF?

[Eltargrim]

Baccano (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUjqlVt6y2A), because this show is awesome.

Clannad ~After Story~ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFc8nFFSJcY); I haven't had a chance to start watching the show, but I fucking love this song.

Vision of Escaflowne (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1VBwBdVQtw): Because win OP is win.

Moyashimon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahU-mkc_zSA): Because I want an Oryazae plushie.

Read or Die (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqmq-WiSKI0).

Sola (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk3LhhBlJKM) yes I know this is the ending shut up it's better.

And that is all for now.

OH WAIT! Tales of the Abyss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK7ROyZtsIg). It's the same as the game, but that's all right, because it's awesome.

[Regulus Tera]

You know a show rocks when the main character fights using bread (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLxWM2fq7o&fmt=18).

Wait, WTF?

Welcome to the world of Nico Nico.

OH WAIT! Tales of the Abyss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK7ROyZtsIg). It's the same as the game, but that's all right, because it's awesome.

DOES NOT COMPUTE

[Mike McC]

Man, look at all of y'all who went the anime route. Can't say I can get behind those. Except those who pointed out stuff from shows by Satoshi Kon, and synk for pointing to Cowboy Bebop's opening.

So now I need to go the total opposite direction of all you nerds and post a bunch of stuff from totally awesome shows from my childhood in a totally not nerdy way at all! So there!

My contributions:

The Tick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Yx6VuKeQQ)
Eerie, Indiana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU-DAWveB_g)
The Adventures of Pete and Pete (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcqSfAHvuAo)
You Can't Do That On Television (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5agWqCvs8)
DuckTales (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbc2VB1ad48)

And, some more adulty shows.

Northern Exposure (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoM6IM1w7Hg)
MacGyver (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1uw40An-A4)

And, if you want endings....

Red Dwarf (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZFLKXINNns)
Count Duckula (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV8MYaZ3AWs)

That's all I got right now.

[Invisible Queen]

I like the Evangelion opening. Especially the part near the end where they put like 50 different subliminal messages in one second - I've tried freeze framing it and I swear they show more than one frame per frame.

Firefly is tops, though. The song is just perfect in every way.

[Eltargrim]

DOES NOT COMPUTE

Hey, just because the show is done for the lulz, and the game wasn't spectacularly good, doesn't mean that the opening wasn't good.

[Sky Warrior Bob]

Here's a few that I consider greats...

Metabots (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPkRBd4qoWA)
Farscape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDEC5UE34_4)
Babylon 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNoXW-rkMY)

The Invisible Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JCTUIQq02A&feature=related) (Sorry for the subtitles, but this was the best version I could find, the only other one that's up there seemed to start late, and wasn't entirely in sync.)

And...

Nowhere Man (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StgSV_x3HHk&feature=related)

SWB

[Archbio]

The phrase "Nowhere Man" made me think of The Lost Room and now I have no choice to do yet another post for its opening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybMUnF1q14Y), which mostly just has a great theme.

[Sky Warrior Bob]

One more, that I can't believe I forgot...

The Prisoner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AL7npkSXZE).

Kevin

[G.I.R.]

How can this be forgotten? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uS5b8aQ6z8) The openening narrated by Optimus Prime! and that song!!!

Oh... and this one too (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzAQu23t19A)... because this song always gets stuck in my head...

[Regulus Tera]

Oo ooh ohh oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo ooh ooh ohh oo-oo!

Oh-ee-yeah
Oh-ee-yoh
Oh-ee-yeah
Oh-ee-yoh
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Spin it
Let's begin it
Bear 'n grin it
When you're in it
You can win it
In a minute
When you spin it, spin it, spin it!
So spin it!
Tale Spin! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=dKe91DO-5iA&fmt=18)

Yeah, I made this post once before (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showthread.php?t=28430).

EDIT: Japanese Ninja Turtles for the mindrape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMfb60lc14&fmt=18).

[Archbio]

It's... it's an adaptation black hole.

[G.I.R.]

It's... it's an adaptation black hole.

It was like... TMNT got raped by the Power Rangers, had the horrid rape baby who then grew up and was raped by Ronin Warriors... But with a poppy Japanese Soundtrack to the whole thing where the bad porn soundtrack should have been... I... I think I'm going to go kill myself now.

[Hawk]

EDIT:[/b] Japanese Ninja Turtles for the mindrape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMfb60lc14&fmt=18).

What. The. Fuck.

Goddamnit Japan, must you ruin everything? Goddamn it Tera, must you show us Japan ruining everything?! I honestly feel violated right now.

[Regulus Tera]

What. The. Fuck.

Goddamnit Japan, must you ruin everything? Goddamn it Tera, must you show us Japan ruining everything?! I honestly feel violated right now.


Hey now, it's not like the US has not ever ruined anything Japan or the rest of the world has made in the past.

[Mesden]

Especially the English Language and the Silent Hill series!

[POS Industries]

Especially the English Language
To be fair, there are a lot of Brits that mangle the language far worse than any American could.

[Corel]

To be fair, there are a lot of Brits that mangle the language far worse than any American could.

Y'wa? Ye jess say wa' I thun' ye' jess say? Oill fookn' av ya! Ya muss' b' barmy 'f ya thenk wee c'n speak r' owen language!

Innn-gurrr-luunnndd! Innnn-gurrr-luuunnddd!

Edit: Sorry rest of the world, probably a percent of the English population actually speak with the Queen's English. But I didn't tell you that for English people want to keep their charm somehow!

[Smarty McBarrelpants]

To be fair, there are a lot of Brits that mangle the language far worse than any American could.

Yeah but that's because Britain isn't the place colonised under the moniker of "Better Britain".

Also:
Life is like a hurricane, here in Duckburg.
Race cars, lasers, aeroplanes - it's a duck blur.
You might solve a mystery, or rewrite history
Duck Tales!
Woo-ooh.

The lyrics are terrible but the song and the images were awesome.

[synkr0nized]

*%$^&%$^#$

That theme was shoved into my head, where it still resides, earlier today over lunch conversations. It popped back in this evening after some meetings and work. And now you are just reinforcing it.

[POS Industries]

Yeah but that's because Britain isn't the place colonised under the moniker of "Better Britain".
And yet all they ended up with on that one were sheep and orcs as far as the eye could see.

Also, I see your Ducktales and raise you Darkwing Duck. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czCqMWRFVg4)

[Smarty McBarrelpants]

And yet all they ended up with on that one were sheep and orcs as far as the eye could see.

Also, I see your Ducktales and raise you Darkwing Duck. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czCqMWRFVg4)

And the most neutral English pronouncation in the world! Proved by science!

The thing about Darkwing duck intro is that it works the first time you see it but doesn't sustain multiple viewings. It lacks a catchy jingle.

[POS Industries]

I feel it makes up for it with awesome bass slapping.

[Hawk]

Oh oh oh, I just remembered another slice of Ultra-Cheesy Classicness. This (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DLiqvyYmYeU).

You couldn't get away with making shit like this these days.

[Hatake Kakashi]

Haruhi was excellent, I agree, synk.

That reminds me of another project the same company produced. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e4Fc9MHg4A)

And that, of course, gave us something that Brian was kind enough to show us one day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z2WjZwM3C8).

And this Cowboy Bebop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdCrDZ6_V3A) opening was awesome too.

[NonCon]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6t2N0Wjtc) is pretty fuckin' sweet.

Trippy, crazy, funny, and all that good stuff.

[Kaneda]

THEEEEEEEEEY'VE GOT A POWER AND A FORCE THAT YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0KOfTV1dbc)

And that, of course, gave us something that Brian was kind enough to show us one day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z2WjZwM3C8)

Huh, that song is sung by the author of Scott Pilgrim. What a mildly interesting coincidence.

[Krylo]

Oh oh oh, I just remembered another slice of Ultra-Cheesy Classicness. This (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DLiqvyYmYeU).

You couldn't get away with making shit like this these days.

You know that was at least two movies BEFORE it was ever a cartoon, right?

[Hawk]

Yeah, but I only ever remembered seeing the cartoon. And seeing as this is a thread about show openings it was worth mentioning.