14 Iconic Opening Themes That Make You Watch Every Time
Some TV shows and anime have opening themes so good that you never think about skipping them. Whether it is the music, the visuals, or the way they set the mood, these intros feel like part of the whole experience. Here are some of the most iconic opening themes that always make you sit back and watch from start to finish.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Friends – “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
The opening of Friends is one of those TV themes that instantly puts you in a good mood. With the upbeat clapping rhythm and catchy chorus, it perfectly captures the playful vibe of six friends figuring out life together. The fountain scenes add charm, making it hard to resist watching all the way through each time.
The song itself became a hit outside the show, climbing music charts and cementing its place in pop culture. Even people who have never seen the series recognize the opening from the first few notes. It has become a symbol of 1990s television, making it one of the most recognizable intros worldwide.
Game of Thrones – Ramin Djawadi’s Orchestral Theme
The sweeping orchestral score of Game of Thrones builds excitement before the episode even begins. The rising strings and drums create a sense of grandeur, perfectly matched by the animated map of Westeros. Each week, fans tuned in not only for the story but also to hear that music again.
What makes the theme stand out is how it combines beauty with power, transporting viewers straight into the fantasy world. The changing map details also kept audiences engaged, offering subtle hints about the episode’s focus. It’s an opening that grew into an iconic part of the viewing ritual.
Pokémon – “Gotta Catch ’Em All”
The original Pokémon theme song is pure childhood nostalgia. Its upbeat tempo and lyrics about catching and training Pokémon captured the imagination of kids everywhere. The colorful montage of Ash, Pikachu, and countless battles made every intro feel like a call to adventure.
Even now, the song sparks memories for fans who grew up with the series. It’s more than just music—it became a rallying cry for an entire generation of players and viewers. Few themes tie so directly to the spirit of a franchise the way this one does.
The Simpsons – Danny Elfman’s Theme & Couch Gag
Danny Elfman’s quirky composition for The Simpsons is instantly recognizable from its first few notes. Bright, fast-paced, and slightly chaotic, it mirrors the playful energy of the show itself. Paired with the ever-changing couch gag, the opening became something fans looked forward to each week.
What makes the intro special is its mix of consistency and surprise. The tune never changes, yet the visual gags keep it fresh after decades on the air. That balance has turned it into one of the most memorable openings in television history.
Stranger Things – Synthwave Opening
Stranger Things uses a minimalist opening that relies heavily on atmosphere rather than lyrics. Its glowing red letters and haunting synthwave score immediately set a mysterious, retro tone. Instead of fast action, it slowly pulls viewers into the show’s eerie world.
This unusual approach works because it feels so different from typical TV intros. The theme channels the mood of 1980s thrillers while creating its own identity. By the time the title fades, you’re already immersed in Hawkins, Indiana.
SpongeBob SquarePants – Pirate & Kids Singalong Intro
The SpongeBob SquarePants intro is playful from the very first shout of “Are you ready, kids?” Its singalong format gets children involved, while the pirate narrator adds a layer of silliness. Bright animation and cheerful lyrics perfectly capture the wacky undersea adventures to come.
The theme is short, fun, and impossible to forget. Kids sing it loudly, and adults know it just as well, proving its cross-generational reach. Few cartoons manage to create an intro that doubles as a party chant, but SpongeBob nailed it.
Naruto – “GO!!!” by FLOW
Naruto featured many openings, but “GO!!!” by FLOW is one of the most beloved. Its energetic rock style matched the youthful spirit of Naruto and his friends. The high-energy visuals of training, battles, and bonds reinforced the excitement.
This intro did more than set the mood; it captured the determination and drive of the characters. Fans around the world still sing along to it at anime conventions, a testament to its influence. It remains one of the most iconic anime openings to date.
The Office (US) – Jay Ferguson’s Theme
The simple piano theme of The Office might not be flashy, but it became instantly linked with the show’s quirky humor. Its upbeat melody fits perfectly with the mockumentary style, setting a light tone before the chaos of office life unfolds. The opening montage of everyday workplace scenes only adds to the charm.
Part of its appeal lies in how unpretentious it is. Just like the show, the theme thrives on subtle humor and relatability. Skipping it feels wrong, as those opening bars have become part of the show’s identity.
Dragon Ball Z – “Cha-La Head-Cha-La”
The energetic rock anthem “Cha-La Head-Cha-La” defined Dragon Ball Z for millions of fans. Its upbeat rhythm and soaring vocals captured the excitement of battles and transformations. The fast-cut visuals made the intro feel like a highlight reel of pure action.
This theme continues to resonate with fans long after the series ended. It embodies the adventurous spirit of the franchise and remains one of the most replayed anime songs worldwide. For many, the show simply doesn’t feel the same without it.
Twin Peaks – Angelo Badalamenti’s Theme
The eerie beauty of Angelo Badalamenti’s Twin Peaks theme sets a haunting mood before the first line of dialogue. Its slow, dreamy quality pairs with tranquil shots of nature and the small town, creating a sense of uneasy calm. That contrast made it unforgettable in the early 1990s.
This intro showed that TV themes could feel cinematic. Its quiet power stands in sharp contrast to louder, faster openings, making it unique. Even today, the melody lingers in the minds of fans who watched the series.
That ’70s Show – “In the Street” (Cheap Trick version)
That ’70s Show kicks off with a lively cover of “In the Street” that’s full of youthful energy. The cast singing along in the Vista Cruiser captures the carefree spirit of hanging out with friends. Its rocking vibe instantly transports viewers into the retro setting.
The intro works so well because it feels like an authentic slice of teenage life. Singing loudly in a car with friends is something almost everyone can relate to. The theme helped the show stand out as one of the most fun sitcoms of its time.
Cowboy Bebop – “Tank!” by The Seatbelts
Few anime openings are as stylish as Cowboy Bebop’s “Tank!” Its jazzy brass section and fast tempo set the tone for a space western unlike any other. The opening visuals, styled like a spy movie, gave it an extra edge.
The theme became legendary for its originality. Anime fans often point to “Tank!” as one of the greatest openings of all time, and with good reason. Its mix of music and design still feels fresh decades later.
Seinfeld – Slap Bass Theme
Seinfeld’s intro is unique for relying on nothing but quirky slap bass riffs and stand-up comedy snippets. Each episode began with a variation of the same theme, keeping it familiar yet slightly different. The stripped-down approach matched the show’s offbeat humor.
Because it avoided a traditional melody, the intro stood out from the usual TV openings. Its simplicity made it instantly recognizable, and it remains tied to the show’s signature style. To this day, the bass notes spark instant nostalgia.
Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
The theme from Cheers is warm and welcoming, perfectly fitting for a show set in a neighborhood bar. Its lyrics about wanting to go where “everybody knows your name” resonated with audiences on a personal level. Paired with old-fashioned photos, it created a sense of timeless comfort.
What makes the intro endure is how genuine it feels. It doesn’t just set up a sitcom; it invites viewers into a place of belonging. That emotional pull helped make Cheers one of television’s most iconic comedies.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.