Anime Opening and Ending Themes: How They Work and Why Fans Love Them

Almost every anime episode begins with an opening (OP) and finishes with an ending (ED), each usually about ninety seconds long. Together they set the tone, credit the staff and give the series musical identity.

How themes are chosen

Themes are typically commissioned from recording artists and tied to the series by the production committee, which often includes a music label. This is why a hit single can come from a series and why the song may be released as a separate record before the first episode airs.

Why they change

Many series have a new OP and ED each cour (a block of roughly twelve episodes). Long-running series may change more often. The animation that goes with a theme, called the sequence, is produced separately and often features different directors and animators than the episodes.

Creditless versions and spoilers

A creditless opening removes the staff text and is often released on disc or on official channels. Some openings contain scenes from later in the story, so viewers sensitive to spoilers skip them on first watch, which is why you will hear fans talk about skipping the OP. Some series even rework the opening mid-run for dramatic effect.

Is it worth watching them?

For a first viewing, it depends on your tolerance for spoilers. Rewatching is a different story; many fans consider a great sequence part of the experience. Our article on how anime is made covers the people involved in producing them.

Listening legally

Official music is available on licensed streaming services and publishers' channels. Buying or streaming from them supports the artists directly.

How a sequence is made

An opening sequence begins with a brief from the director and the music. Storyboarders map the visuals to the beats of the song, key animators draw the highlight moments, and compositors add lighting and effects. Because the sequence is short, studios often assign their strongest animators to it. That is why an opening can look better than the average episode.

Terms you may hear

• Cour: a roughly three-month broadcast block, around twelve episodes.
• Insert song: a song played within an episode, usually at a key moment.
• Full version: the complete song, longer than the television cut.

Frequently asked questions

Why are some themes only a minute long?

The TV cut of a song is edited to fit the available time, around 89 seconds in a standard slot.

Do donghua have openings and endings?

Many do, though some skip them or use a short title card. Practices vary by platform.

Are lyrics translated officially?

Streaming services subtitle the lyrics in the sequence. We do not reproduce lyrics on this site.