From Original to Spin-off: Ranking 8 Best Naruto Anime Openings
Dora NaletilićShare
In anime, a great opening song isn't just an introduction — it's an emotional ignition. It sets the stage, wraps the current story arc in sound and feeling, and often becomes the first thing fans remember (and the last thing they forget). The Naruto series mastered this art like few other series ever have. Across both the original series and Naruto Shippuden, each opening wasn't just a song; it was a promise — of friendship, of loss, of battles, of dreams. From heart-pounding shonen anthems to bittersweet ballads, the music of Naruto elevated every arc to something unforgettable. Let's dive into the 8 greatest Naruto openings!
"Diver" by NICO Touches the Walls (Shippuden Opening 8)
A personal favorite of mine, "Diver" truly affected me as a fan, especially during the "Five Kage Summit Arc," which truly put Sasuke as the main villain of the story. Of course, the whole opening sees Naruto trying to save his friend from darkness. Truly underrated opening of the whole series.
"Haruka Kanata" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation (Original Naruto Opening 2)
High-energy and full of grit, this opening became the true battle cry of the original Naruto series. A classic that still pumps fans up even today and still brings the incredible quality of the original Naruto.
"Silhouette" by KANA-BOON (Shippuden Opening 16)
A fan favorite for its nostalgic tone, incredible animation, and epic foreshadowing. It mirrors Naruto’s journey from a boy to a hero. Absolutely remarkable opening that still brings chills.
"Hero's Come Back!!" by nobodyknows+ (Shippuden Opening 1)
First opening after the time-skip, "Hero's Come Back" presented the Naruto Shippuden series in style! It felt bold, fresh, and exciting — exactly the energy the time skip needed.
"Go!!!" by Flow (Original Naruto Opening 4)
One of the coolest shōnen openings to this day, "Go!!!" brings energy, hype, and one of the best story arcs the Naruto series has seen.
"Blue Bird" by Ikimono Gakari (Shippuden Opening 3)
Instantly recognizable even outside anime fandoms. Dreamy vocals, soaring visuals, and Naruto's growth arc make "Blue Bird" one of the most beloved anime songs ever.
"Closer" by Joe Inoue (Shippuden Opening 4)
Upbeat, emotional, and packed with symbolism. It captured the vibe of Naruto and Sasuke's drifting paths so well. Plus, Joe Inoue’s voice is pure magic.
"Sign" by Flow (Shippuden Opening 6)
Besides Silhouette, "Sign" is truly one of the best Naruto openings. It beautifully reflects the pain and hope surrounding Naruto’s fight to save his friends. Flow’s return to the series made this an absolute masterpiece — it’s a perfect storm of feels, visuals, and meaning.
