Anime Openings That Are Famous For Being Terrible

Anime openings are a show’s first impression, setting the mood for everything that follows. Some become famous for being amazing, but others are remembered for being surprisingly bad. These openings might have strange visuals or music that doesn’t fit the show’s story. Whether it’s a poorly made English dub or a cheaply produced original, these openings stick in fans’ minds as examples of when things went wrong. They’re often talked about as some of the biggest creative failures in the anime world.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

When this show was adapted for a new audience, the original Japanese music was replaced with a rap song. This song was meant to introduce the characters and explain the story’s main goal – finding a legendary treasure. However, many viewers felt the rap didn’t fit the show’s overall tone, and its lyrics and delivery were awkward. It relied heavily on repeated phrases and sound effects, which became well-known – and disliked – by fans. The accompanying visuals were simply old clips from the show, and didn’t have the same polished animation as later episodes.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

The German version of this well-known ninja show includes an opening theme song that’s become infamous for being very strange. The song’s lyrics are all about ninjas and feature a lot of repetition. Many fans dislike it because of its loud electronic music and odd wording. Despite its poor reception, the opening has become popular with a dedicated fanbase because it’s so different from the more heartfelt Japanese versions. It’s often used as a prime example of how localizing content can sometimes miss the mark.

‘Dragon Ball GT’ (1996–1997)

Okay, so as a long-time fan, let me tell you, the English dub of this show made a really strange choice with the opening theme. They swapped out the beautiful Japanese song for this rap track called “Step into the Grand Tour.” It’s got this super heavy, industrial beat and really intense vocals, which just didn’t feel right for a series about a fun adventure. The lyrics are about finding the Dragon Balls, but they completely missed the magic of the original music. I know a few people get a kick out of it for nostalgic reasons, but most fans, myself included, think it totally clashes with the whole vibe of the show. It’s just…gritty and harsh when the animation is so bright and colorful!

‘Berserk’ (1997–1998)

The opening theme song, “Tell Me Why,” is often seen as a mismatch for the dark and violent world of Berserk. Its English lyrics and gentle rock sound feel out of sync with the series’ themes of brutal warfare and demons. Some find the vocals unpolished and the lyrics awkwardly worded. Despite the show’s serious tone, the song is surprisingly cheerful and confusing as an introduction. Ironically, this contrast has made it a popular and well-loved joke among fans.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

The second opening sequence of this thriller caught many viewers off guard with its intense heavy metal song. The music, full of screaming and chaotic sounds, mirrors the main character’s growing instability. While the first opening was more subtle and atmospheric, this one felt like a harsh change for many fans. The fast-paced, flashing visuals add to the intensity and can be overwhelming. It’s become a famously controversial opening, often remembered as one of the most divisive in anime.

‘Ex-Arm’ (2021)

The series gained notoriety for its technical problems, and the opening sequence is a prime example. The animation uses 3D models that don’t quite fit with the rest of the visuals, resulting in awkward and stiff movements. The lighting and textures often appear rough and don’t blend well with the 2D backgrounds. Many viewers found the visuals unpolished and amateurish. This opening sequence is often cited as a representation of the show’s overall visual shortcomings.

‘Pupa’ (2014)

The beginning of this horror series has been widely criticized for its unsettling and bizarre imagery, which many viewers found off-putting. The opening theme is brief and doesn’t create a strong musical mood. While the visuals aim to shock with disturbing biological imagery and transformations, the series suffers from poor production quality and a confusing style, leading to ridicule. Ultimately, it’s more known for its unusual look than its actual effectiveness.

‘Gibiate’ (2020)

Okay, let’s talk about the opening to this new action series. Honestly, I was a little let down. The music – a mix of traditional Japanese sounds and rock – felt strangely mismatched, like it couldn’t quite decide what it wanted to be. But the bigger issue, for me, was the animation. The character models felt stiff, and the transitions were just awkward. It didn’t feel polished, especially for a modern production, and frankly, it failed to grab my attention or build any excitement for the survival story it was setting up. It’s unfortunately becoming a poster child for disappointing introductions to otherwise promising projects.

‘Hand Shakers’ (2017)

This opening is known for being visually overwhelming, with extremely bright colors and lots of digital effects. The camera is constantly in motion, which many people find dizzying and hard to watch. While the animation tries to be fashionable, it feels messy and overdone. A fast-paced musical track only adds to the sensory overload. Overall, it’s often considered one of the least visually pleasing openings due to its lack of subtlety.

‘Mega Man’ (1994–1995)

The North American version of this cartoon’s opening theme has been criticized for being repetitive and irritating. It mainly consists of the show’s title being shouted over a basic electronic beat. The visuals are just a collection of action scenes without a clear story or style. While some who watched it as kids might feel nostalgic, it’s generally considered simple and repetitive, especially when compared to the more elaborate and memorable music from the original games.

‘Sonic X’ (2003–2005)

The “Gotta Go Fast” English opening is known for being upbeat and energetic, but it can get repetitive quickly. The song’s lyrics are simple, mainly emphasizing speed, and lack depth. Some listeners find the rock vocals harsh after hearing it a few times. The visuals rely heavily on stock footage and basic editing, and aren’t particularly impressive. Despite these shortcomings, it’s a memorable opening because of its catchy, straightforward hook.

‘Shaman King’ (2001–2002)

The English-dubbed opening theme for this show is a classic example of a Western adaptation trying too hard to be cool. It uses a rock song with lyrics that simply explain what happens in the series, and it’s not very creative. The singer sounds forceful, lacking the subtlety of the original Japanese version. Fans often cite this opening as a symbol of all the changes made when the show was localized for English-speaking audiences, and it’s frequently discussed as a prime example of anime theme songs from that time period.

‘Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy’ (2002–2004)

As a big anime fan, I remember this opening theme for the wrestling anime being…intense. It’s a really heavy rock song, and honestly, the lyrics get stuck in your head because they just repeat the same things about how strong the main character is and his wrestling history. It’s all delivered with a lot of shouting, which some people, myself included, found a little overwhelming every week. The animation itself wasn’t bad, just a pretty typical mix of action scenes – nothing really special that made it stand out. It’s mostly remembered as one of those loud, over-the-top openings that were common with early 2000s English dubs.

‘Beast Wars: Transformers’ (1996–1999)

The Japanese version of the show’s opening sequence is quite different from what Western audiences see. It’s bright and energetic, using a catchy pop song and colorful visuals that give the impression of a fun, lighthearted adventure. This is a stark contrast to the often dark and serious themes of the actual episodes, which many fans find confusing and amusing. The opening also unintentionally showcases how basic 3D animation looked on television at the time.

‘Speed Racer’ (1967–1968)

The opening theme song to this beloved series is well-known, but many find it repetitive and its tune quite simple. It mainly features a basic horn sound and repeats the main character’s name in the lyrics. Although it was common for television shows of that time, today’s viewers often consider it old-fashioned and annoying. The animation itself also reflects the late 1960s, using repeated images and still backgrounds. It’s a good example of how far the animation industry has come over the years.

‘Psychic Wars’ (1991)

The intro to this animated video is noticeably rough around the edges, with simple visuals and a forgettable soundtrack. The colors are dark and unclear, making the action hard to follow. The animation itself is basic, and the characters don’t move very fluidly. The rock song is generic and doesn’t really stand out. Overall, it feels like a typical product of the nineties and doesn’t hold up well compared to other animations from that era.

‘Skelter+Heaven’ (2004)

This anime is often called one of the worst ever created, and the opening sequence perfectly illustrates why. The animation uses noticeably bad computer graphics, resembling those from very old video games. The characters move unnaturally and lack detail, making them look bland. The music is a simple, forgettable electronic track that doesn’t improve the visuals. In fact, many anime fans watch it specifically to experience just how bad it is.

‘Mars of Destruction’ (2005)

This single episode’s opening sequence is infamous for its rough animation and unclear presentation. It relies heavily on still images and basic transitions, clearly made with a limited budget. The overly dramatic orchestral music clashes with the low-quality visuals, and many viewers find the whole thing unintentionally comical. It’s a frequently cited example of a production that fell short technically in almost every way.

‘Vampire Holmes’ (2015)

The opening sequence of this series is frequently criticized for its basic animation and unusual character designs. It’s repetitive, with limited movement that makes the characters appear stiff and puppet-like. The accompanying song is an odd pop tune that doesn’t match the show’s mysterious and vampire-focused storyline. Many viewers were disappointed by the apparent lack of polish in the visuals, and the series consistently receives low ratings on anime fan sites.

‘Flowers of Evil’ (2013)

The series’ opening sequence used a rotoscoping technique that sparked a lot of debate among fans. Many viewers found the characters’ realistic but slightly off-putting appearance unsettling and unattractive. The accompanying music is eerie and unusual, contributing to the sequence’s uncomfortable feeling. Though this was a deliberate artistic decision, it turned off many viewers who preferred more traditional animation styles. It’s often cited as an example of an experiment that didn’t quite resonate with a broad audience.

‘Divine Gate’ (2016)

The opening sequence for this series has received criticism for being visually overwhelming and lacking a consistent artistic style. Many viewers found the abundance of text and symbols on screen distracting and pointless. While the animation is quick, it often appears chaotic and unorganized. The accompanying rock music doesn’t help clarify the confusing visuals. It’s frequently used as an example of a modern opening that attempts to do too much at once.

‘W’z’ (2019)

As a huge cinema fan, I have to say this opening felt very typical of this studio – just packed with visual effects. Honestly, all the bright neon and shaky camera work made it a bit exhausting to watch. A lot of people I talked to felt it was over-the-top and lacked a certain elegance. It almost felt like the animation was relying on digital tricks to cover up some underlying issues. It’s definitely a memorable style, but it’s also one that really divides audiences – you either love it or you don’t.

‘Kingdom’ (2012–2013)

The initial opening sequence of this epic story is often criticized for its early use of 3D animation, which appears stiff and doesn’t quite fit with the 2D backgrounds and elements. Many fans of the original manga were let down by the visual quality of this introduction to such a large-scale story. The action scenes feel unnatural and lack the punch you’d expect from a war-themed series. While the animation improved considerably in later seasons, this first opening continues to be a common point of criticism.

‘Shadow Skill’ (1998)

This series’ opening sequence is memorable for its unusual music and simple animation. The song itself is quite different from typical openings, with a strange structure and vocals that some people don’t enjoy. The animation relies heavily on dark settings and shadowy figures, likely to mask its limitations. Viewers often find the pacing slow and the sequence generally lacks excitement. Overall, it’s an opening that didn’t quite connect with the audience.

‘Rave Master’ (2001–2002)

The English version of this series’ opening theme replaced the original music with a typical rock song from the early 2000s, featuring simple lyrics and vocals reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons. Many fans of the original Japanese manga felt this new music didn’t fit the fantasy world or the emotional impact of the story. The accompanying visuals are a standard scene compilation and don’t offer anything particularly new. It’s generally considered inferior to the more memorable and fitting Japanese opening themes.

‘Baki the Grappler’ (2001)

This martial arts series starts with a truly odd and unusual opening sequence. The song features very high-pitched vocals and a jumpy, unpredictable melody that many people find unpleasant. The animation style, which combines static images with minimal movement, looks quite old-fashioned. Fans often describe the pairing of this strange music with the powerfully built characters as really bizarre. It’s become well-known as one of the most unique and divisive openings from that time period.

‘Twinkle Nora Rock Me!’ (1985)

This video is infamous for how poorly it was made, and the beginning is a prime example. The animation is extremely limited, with characters appearing to barely move. The music sounds cheap and was likely recorded using low-quality equipment. Viewers are often surprised by how much basic animation techniques – like making movements feel natural and weighty – are missing. It’s a notable case of a project being released even though it was clearly not finished.

‘The Reflection’ (2017)

The show has a unique visual style, drawing inspiration from American comics, but its animation proved divisive. The initial scenes appear flat, and characters don’t move very fluidly. Many viewers felt the simple designs, lacking shading and detail, made them look like paper cutouts. The synth-pop soundtrack also didn’t quite fit the superhero setting. While the show aimed for an experimental look, many fans found it didn’t translate well to television animation.

‘Record of Ragnarok’ (2021)

Honestly, I was really let down by the beginning of this series. Instead of showing the epic fights, they used a bunch of still images – like colored manga panels. It just didn’t feel right for such a highly anticipated adaptation, and honestly came across as cheap and rushed. Everyone loved the music, but that opening? It’s consistently brought up as one of the most disappointing I’ve seen in a long time. It just didn’t live up to the hype!

Share your thoughts about these infamous anime openings in the comments.

2026-02-07 10:20