Best nostalgic anime openings that capture visuals, animation, and music

[LaylaAT]

I've been on a nostalgia kick revisiting classic series, and it's reminded me how much a phenomenal opening sequence can set the tone for an entire anime. While modern CGI openings are impressive, I keep returning to the raw energy and iconic hand-drawn style of '90s and early 2000s openings. I'm curious what others consider the best anime openings of all time, not just for the song, but for how perfectly the visuals, animation, and music capture the essence of the show.

[EmmaLR]

Neon Genesis Evangelion's opening, A Cruel Angel's Thesis, still feels like a thesis itself. The visuals swing from stark, simple lines to explosive color as the song ramps up, echoing the show's themes of awe and unease. It's rare to see a sequence that blends mood and meaning so cleanly.