Top 10 Legendary Superhero Opening Themes

An immediate departure from the campy nature of the sixties’ Batman, the animated series intro perfectly and wordlessly summaries the Dark Knight. From the very first note the atmosphere becomes saturated with tension emphasized perfectly by the visuals. Then things get turned on their head as the music kicks into high gear. A variation of the theme used in Tim Burton’s Batman movie, the instrumental escalates into an adrenaline fuelled rush while still retaining its gothic edge. All of this leads to a darkly triumphant piece that many still believe to be the definitive theme of the World’s Greatest Detective.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has reached new heights with its jump to Netflix, and it was The Man Without Fear who got things off the ground. Alluding to the viscerally dark source material, Matt Murdock’s battle against the likes of Wilson Fisk and the Hand was already drenched in a gritty atmosphere, with the opening theme only solidifying it. While we’re treated to a haunting parade of images as many of New York’s landmarks are recreated out of what appears to be blood, the sombre, low key score slowly builds. Capturing a sense of uneasiness, by the time the title bleeds onto the screen you’re already on the edge of your seat.

Are you ready to get dangerous? Mixing together the dark tones of Batman with the hit comedy you’d expect from a classic Disney cartoon, not only did audiences get the best of both worlds, but it also came with an incredibly catchy opening theme. While the terror that flaps in the night might not always have been the slickest of heroes, no one can deny that having a rocking theme with an accompanying choir is just plain awesome. Three, two, one!

With a series that takes a closer look at the life of Clark Kent before he donned his red and blue costume, you need a track that puts emphasis on the “man” in “man of steel”. Luckily alternative-rock group Remy Zero were there to lend their song “Save Me” as the opening theme. While the whole saving aspect certainly plays up to the Superman lore, the almost desperate vocal tone and lack of gravitas that we’re so used to associating with the character helps to bring out the more human aspect that the show prides itself on. Not to mention it also gives a hint that Clark’s life is not going to be an easy one.

Cartoon Network’s most adorable yet kickass trio of girls certainly knew how grab the viewers’ attention, with their opening being part backstory and part theme. After we get a quick reminder of how the Powerpuffs were created, we’re greeted to a musical explosion. Seriously, the theme ends with an explosion. To be fair that’s warranted given that the music builds and builds as the girls kick the ever-loving crap out of their rogues’ gallery. With slight musical shifts that adhere to each of the girl’s personalities, by the time the opening is over you’re already pumped to see them save Townsville all over again!

Yet another return to the sixties and to an opening theme just as cheesy as you’d expect. However, this particular one has remained a staple of the character to the point where it’s almost impossible to take a look at modern incarnations and not see even a minor reference to it. While the show itself might be more known for its memes these days as opposed to its actual episodes, the vocals and musical backing remain just as catchy as they were back then.

There may be a few superhero-themed anime out there, but none have left quite the impact like this one. As the titular hero who can vanquish evil with a single blow from his fists, Saitama not only gave us some of the most shockingly one-sided fights in recent memory, but also one hell of a badass opening. Taking the already aptly named rock/metal track “The Hero” by Jam Project, we’re treated to a blend of stunning and downright crazy visuals as Saitama continually punches increasingly huge and deadly enemies, all the while the music keeps on building, driving home the already obvious point that the One Punch Man is truly the strongest hero of them all. I mean, after Goku OBVIOUSLY.

The heroes in a half shell have many opening themes under their belts now, but one that stands above all the rest is the original. Taking the best parts of the series i.e. kicking butt and eating pizza, and turning it into a light-hearted, radical jam that is unapologetically eighties. While the modern movies and animated shows tend to borrow more from the darker elements of the brothers’ comic book origins, at its core remains the fun and goofy hijinks of these four ninja.

Ah, the glory days of Adam West. While this show was undoubtedly cheesy beyond belief as well as a huge departure from the darker elements of the comic book, this series still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Even if you aren’t fond of the countless puns, chances are you’ve still heard the opening theme. With its signature driving rhythm, the constant echoing of the word Batman, not to mention those sharp hooks that will have you practically seeing onomatopoeia, this theme may be on the campy side of things but there’s no denying its immense popularity has earned it a solid spot in pop culture.

Before we reveal our number one pick here are a few honourable mentions.

“Teen Titans” (2003-06)

“Wonder Woman” (1975-79)

“Justice League” (2001-04)

Three words: those guitar riffs. From the moment this theme starts playing it is nothing but non-stop action. Its signature guitar work has been ingrained into the minds of fans, constantly building as each of the X-Men are introduced on screen. The action brings us from ruined cities to the danger room, climaxing with the X-Men rushing head on into a whole cast of villains. Interestingly enough, the theme’s composer, Ron Wasserman also composed the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers theme song.


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