Top 10 Greatest Animated Tv opening Sequences and Theme Songs.

When it comes to theme songs we already touched on some of my very favorite live action television themes but now it’s time to get into the top 10 of what I think are the best, classic and most memorable themes from some of the best, classic and most memorable animated tv series. So the bell just wrung and it’s off to the races: Yabba Dabba DOOO!

10. The Rugrats.

The Rugrats managed to crawl their little feet into our hearts and this intro is to this day just one of the many reasons the show is still so iconic. The visual style and POV of the opening sequence is classic too.

9. Ed Edd N Eddy.

Earning cool points not just for a catchy tune and whistling but also for the creative and entertaining sequence with the Eds’ very distinctive personalities on fully display. It’s always been a theme I would think of at random and feel nostalgic the moment I think of it or watch again. It’s so simple and that’s what makes it so perfect.

8. Static Shock Opening 3.

This is the theme I remember waking up every saturday morning excited to hear. The moment Virgil would shock the boom box to play I always got excited and still do to this day! Lil Romeo was huge back then and perfect to spit the bars of this classic theme song. It’s also a great opening sequence just seeing a typical morning for Static right before he gets to school illustrating that Static is also Virgil Hawkins and vice versa.

7. King of The Hill.

Yep, Yep, Yep, Mmhm. The hardcore country rock for King of The Hill is killer and the opening sequence with life passing by the four guys at the fence at super speed is a classic. King of The Hill’s definitely wins for one of the most replayable theme songs in my book.

6. Jonny Quest.

So much went into this theme song. The score was composed by legendary composer Hoyt Curtin who made the lazy studio musicians who thought they were above doing a kids’ cartoon theme song but Hoyt put them to work with so many complicated arrangements and a crazy fast tempo, but as you can see the results were stellar and this theme really is one of the most unique and musically rich cartoon intros of all time. The opening sequence itself is action packed and definitely grittier and more adult centric with machine guns and scary creatures in abundance giving Jonny Quest a unique style for the time as a show both kids and adults could enjoy equally.

5. Batman The Animated Series.

Certainly one of the darkest of any animated opening in any era. The intro, like the entire series is masterful in its film noir take on the seedy, dark visuals with silhouettes and somewhat violence sequences of the dark knight taking down two thugs. From the epic changing of the WB logo to a dark shape with headlights for eyes to the ending shot of Batman in silhouette with lightning striking is masterful. Also most notable that the title doesn’t even appear in this opening.

4. Hey Arnold.

One of my favorite intros from my childhood and I appreciate it even more as an adult. Just a cool jazzy theme that established Hey Arnold’s retro flavor and quirkiness. Also gotta love the whole build up of Helga trying to get Arnold’s attention the entire opening to end with “move it football head!”

3. Batman Beyond.

Remember how we talked about the Batman the animated series opening being dark and gritty? Yeah, well Batman Beyond took it to a whole other level throwing in some kick ass grunge rock with that futuristic sound to it. The visuals are insane and they extra points for “Apathy” “Greed” “Corruption” “Power” and “Hope.” Before Batman Beyond premiered a lot of folks were skeptical if what was suspected of being “Batman Lite” would actually work. I’m pretty sure his wildly creative and insanely ear worming intro changed their minds real quick.

2. The Simpsons.

One of the most memorable and iconic opening sequences and theme music of all time! This intro gives you both a satirical homage to 1950’s-60’s type tv shows and of course the iconic couch gag that has become a staple in our culture. The couch gag in this one happens to be my very favorite and one I can’t help but keep rewinding over and over again. The Simpsons may have lost its cool over the last 20 plus years but this opening sequence is still just as amazing and beloved as it was when the show was at its peak.

1. The Flintstones.

Number 1 for me couldn’t have been anything else but “Meet The Flintstones”, the bonus is the classic closing theme as well. This opening is just so catchy and memorable that you could literally say a few lines of it in any part of the country and I guarantee you that no matter who you do it to they’ll know exactly where it’s from and probably will sing along with you. The opening moment when Fred gets off work and screams “Yabba Dabba Dooo!” and the ending of the closing where Fred is kicked out and locked out by the Sabertooth screaming “WILMA!” is so iconic in pop culture and really put The Flintstones ‘s opening (and closing) sequences over the top as the greatest animated opening theme song of all time. The theme is so iconic and beloved that the 1994 live action movie with John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rick Moranis, Rosie O’Donnell, Halle Berry and Elizabeth Taylor recreated for live action in all its glory. The recreation of the opening and closing are easily the best parts of the movie:

Honorable mentions:

1. The Jetsons.

2. The Powerpuff Girls.

3. C-Bear and Jamal.

4. Dexter’s Laboratory.

5. Kim Possible.

6. Hong Kong Phooey.

7. The Proud Family.

8. Inspector Gadget.

Now, I really had to wind this list down so there are so many other amazing cartoon openings that I would’ve loved to have included but couldn’t but I hope you enjoyed the trip down memory lane as much as I did! ’Til next time, folks!