What are the best evolving anime openings with symbolism for a playlist?

[DennisR]

I'm putting together a playlist of the best anime openings to get a friend into the medium, and I'm trying to balance iconic classics with recent bangers that showcase great animation and catchy music. I've got the obvious ones like "Tank!" from Cowboy Bebop and "Gurenge" from Demon Slayer, but I feel like I'm missing some hidden gems from the last few years that have incredible visual storytelling paired with a perfect song. What are your personal favorite openings that you think are masterpieces in their own right? I'm especially interested in ones where the sequence evolves over the course of the season or cleverly incorporates symbolism that ties directly into the show's themes.

[EvelynDT]

Nice choice on Tank! If you want some newer openings that feel like mini-movies, Chainsaw Man's Kick Back (2022) stands out. The visuals shift with the tone of the arc, color and imagery echo the themes of power and vulnerability, and the chorus sticks with you.

[Nathan8]

Jujutsu Kaisen's Kaikai Kitan (2020) is a classic, but it still hits hard with surreal imagery and rapid pacing that rewards rewatching. The way it layers mythic symbols with everyday scenes really ties into the show's balance of spirit vs humanity.

[StevenTW]

Spy x Family's Mixed Nuts (2022) is a gem for something lighter but still thoughtful. It plays with family dynamics and social performance, and the animation sneaks in clever details about each character's role—great for when you're introducing someone to anime.

[Charles.P]

If you want something more thematic, look for openings that use a steady color progression and recurring motifs (doors, masks, stairs) to map character arcs. A few late-2020s titles nail that approach and feel like you’re watching a story blueprint unfold in real time. I can point you to specific examples if you tell me what moods you’re after.

[Zachary76]

Want me to build a short watch-list of 6 openings across genres (action, sci-fi, slice-of-life) with notes on what to look for in the visuals and music? If you share a couple shows you’ve liked recently, I’ll tailor it so you can present a quick, spoiler-light recommendation to your friend.