Please be aware of these things before reading the list:
1. I did my best to include credits sequences of series which I have watched/which I have watched past when that particular credit segment was used (e.g in long/long-ish anime where they change intro and credits partway through), but I had to make a few exceptions to this rule.
2. I did my best to be unbiased in my credit picks and not necessarily put credits to my favourite anime further up in the rankings. This list is based purely on songs and visuals (and their relevance to the feeling of the anime).
3. I will try and post the name of the actual track and artist/s where I can, along with the title of the anime in which they appear.
With that said, here is my list!...
40. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure - Roundabout by Yes.
OK, OK, I give credit (no pun intended) to the creators of this divine series for including a song by a British band. :-) That's very cool in my British book. But... Meh... To be perfectly honest, I'm not a really big fan of this part of the song, it gets better later on (and listening to the whole thing made me realize they used other parts of the song in the actual anime itself and not just the credits, which is pretty clever). Also, I feel that the song doesn't fit particularly well with this anime, one reason being that the era that this song was written in doesn't match with the era(s) of the show. The passionate songs they had for the intros I felt went much better, hell, the Mexican aspects of both of the songs worked really well and fit in a lot with the series. I guess you could argue that this credits song is English and Dio and Jojo are both English.... Nrghgh.
Oh well, enough rambling. The visuals are relevant, and the blood effect is quite clever, but for me they were just boring.
This credits song, along with the visuals, is a lot more lively than the first credits sequence in the series, in my opinion, and probably more related to the show itself in most respects. It's especially lively compared to the second intro, which is almost depressing in some ways. It's a nice enough, if slightly generic song, I believe, which is why it's featuring so low on the list.
38. Elfen Lied - Be Your Girl by Cheiko Kawabe.
Right... OK. This one irritates me, because I like the song a great deal. It's catchy, it's nice, but.... IT DOESN'T REALLY FIT IN WITH THE ANIME in my humble (if loud) opinion. Also, there is only one still shown in the credits and nothing else to engage the viewer. Some might argue that the still shown provides sufficient entertainment to make the credits unskippable but... It still could have been more interesting. (Especially compared to most of the credits higher up this list). The reason that this is so high up in the list is because of the song, but that doesn't make it a good credits sequence for Elfen Lied.
37. Cowboy Bebop - Real Folk Blues by Seatbelts.
While this credits song and visuals are not as electric and memorable as the opening, they still fit the series' tone, or at least the side of the series that is unexplored in the opening song. It also helps to lower blood pressure if you've watched a particularly intense episode, he he. I'm not so keen on the visuals for this one, although they do reveal a side of Spike's character which we don't often see, which is nice. The song itself is a little slow, but pleasant to listen to. I guess I'm going to be biased against this song because of the outstanding opening, but I'm trying not to be...
36. Sakamichi no Apollon - Altair by Motohiro Hata.
I have a few problems with this anime, many of which are reflected in this credits song. There are so many good points about this show, particularly the fantastic jazz music, yet this is not at all reflected in the credits. Instead, it concentrates on all of my least favourite parts of the show, where the miserable main character reflects on how miserable he is and how miserable his life is. Grr. He irritates me, in case you hadn't got that. Luckily the opening is a lot more positive, highlighting the show's good points, but even then it isn't as jazzy as it could have been. It's a shame, because in its own right the song in this credits sequence is actually very nice, which is why this song is as high as it is on this list.
35. Nurarihyon no Mago - Sparky Start by Katate Size.
Despite the fact that this is is a slow ending, on closer inspection it has its values. For example, the different parts of the song are sung by the different characters, represented by chibis doing their own wee dance routines. Cool! :-) Secondly, the song itself is good, if verging on generic. It's not an outstanding anime, and this credits sequence doesn't capture the serious side of the anime (which really needs to be emphasized, I think), but it's not awful by any means.
34. Ao No Exorcist - Wired Life by Meisa Kuroki.
I wasn't particularly blown away by this ending when I first watched it, but on rewatching it, I can see its values. I'm picking it over the first credits sequence in the series because... Well. I slightly preferred this song to that one, also I felt the visuals and interesting, "boxy" design of this one suited the show more than driving really fast along a road... Seriously, what has that got to do with the show? There is a slight feeling almost of disconnection in this song, which suits the second season of the show quite well. So, that's why I picked it. Not my favourite credits song/visuals ever, but I like it.
33. Sword Art Online - Yume Sekai by Haruka Tomatsu.
This song is pretty good in my opinion and the visuals are pretty, but are a bit boring for me, it's just a profile of the two main characters down... A sword... OK, that sounds wrong, but it's actually OK and not inappropriate. I felt they could have included a heavier song in the credits (i.e rock/metal), especially as the one in the intro is of a similar vein to this one, but it's not appalling, in fact it's good. So there.
32. Shugo Chara - Love Rider by Buono.
The credits for Shugo Chara kind of blended into one for me by the end of the series, but in terms of the song itself, this one stood out the most for me, and its visuals are probably the least boring and are pretty cute to boot. The visuals and song fit in well with the tone of the series, better, in my opinion, than the other credits. While other people may disagree with my choice, I stand by it.
31. Last Exile - Over the Sky by Hitomi Kurioshi.
This song is nice to listen to and is... Kind of relevant to the anime... I guess.... Well, the visuals are more so, and the visuals in the credits and the song do go pretty well together. The visuals shown are a combination of stills and animation, which is nice, showing two characters in particular, one of whom happens to be my favourite character in the series, which is fortunate. :-) It's a little slow as an ending, but peaceful, especially compared to the more action-packed episodes.
30. Kuroshitsuji II - Bird by Yuya Matsushita
While you could say that these credits are a little slow, I liked the butterflies. He he, OK, that's not the only thing I liked about it. I felt it was pretty relevant to the show and the song itself is lovely to listen to, if also a little slow. A pretty beautiful set of credits, which leaves a more lasting impression on you than you'd think from first watching them. The only thing that slightly irritates me about this credits sequence is the emphasis on Ciel asleep, which is pretty predictable, but I guess it's what you'd expect.
29. Tokyo Ghoul - Seijatachi by People in the Box.
There's a really nice song in this credits, and despite the fact that the visuals are stills, they are all a lovely art style and are really nice to look at (although, in my opinion, not necessarily capturing the feel of the show, at least not yet, I haven't got far with it). The song sort of fits in with the show, but I like it too much to get too fussed about it, I guess. I feel that a more hardcore credits would have been more suitable, but at the same time, they did a pretty good job with what they had.
28. Higurashi no Naku No Koro ni - Why, or Why Not by Hiroyuki Oshima ft. Rekka Katakiri.
To my surprise, this credits sequence was pretty engaging, despite its slow pace and its slow song. The visuals are creepy enough and beautiful enough to be interesting and the song, (despite its slightly distracting Engrish) overall seems to fit the tone of the series well so far (although I've barely scratched the surface of it as I write this). It's nothing to rave about, but the song and visuals together are pretty mesmerizing, which I think is a good quality for certain anime credits.
27. Gintama - Bubble Gum by Captain Straydum.
I haven't watched much of this series, and my viewings have been very much on and off, but the credits song, in particular, has left a favourable impression on me. It fits in with the series and is a pretty good song in its own right. However, I find the visuals a little boring, but they do fit in with the tone of the series, showing all of the main characters and a nice view of earth from space. Overall, a pretty good credits sequence, but I particularly like the song.
26. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Lithium Meth by Scott Flower.
Even though I like this song, I found it quite skippable while watching the anime. I guess the fact that only stills are shown is a little boring, plus the song does not really capture the essence of the series, in my mind, or at least not compared to the mindblowing opening song. However, I like it enough for it to have a place on this list, and some of the stills are interesting and relevant.
25. Blood Lad - Bloody Holic by Yuuka Nanri.
While this credits isn't nearly as memorable or action-packed as the intro, it is noteworthy, and looks at the calmer side of the anime, concentrating on the relationship between two of the main characters, which is nice to see, as this is not the anime's main focus much of the time. The song is ballad-y, which suits what is being shown quite well. The colours and the animation are just as good as they are in the actual show, with clips rather than stills being shown, which is always a bonus. Satisfying credits for a pretty good anime!
24. Fairy Tail - Kanpeki gu~no ne by Watirirouka Hashiritai.
This credits sequence is more what I'd expect from a intro sequence, bright, colourful, catchy and comedic, but I guess they wanted to save the more serious elements for the intro to show that this show isn't all cutesy. I like the song, it's catchy and gives a positive ring to the show, which certainly matches the earlier part of the series. I dunno, the visuals are quite sweet and engaging, but I felt that they could have perhaps been a little more serious at times, but hey, I shouldn't complain too much. I don't know why, but I never really got into the visuals, but they're actually pretty OK.
23. Death Note - Alumina by Nightmare.
I felt that in this series they overdid it on the heavy metal aspects of both the opening and credits, so I'm a lot keener on the opening and credits of the first half of the series, even though they don't necessarily fit the series as well as the later ones. Oh well, I guess it's about personal preference here. I like this song, particularly with the visuals, which are unsettling, as is the show itself. However, at the same time, it's not too much in your face, it's more subtle and less flashy. Occasionally I need that in my anime credits. Good song, good visuals.
22. Fate/Zero - MEMORIA by Eir Aoi.
I really like this song, even if it doesn't necessarily fit into the anime... Actually, it kind of does. Although I felt they could have had a more hardcore intro/ending to this (at times) pretty hardcore series (which I still have yet to complete), but at the same time, there is a feeling of drama to this song that matches the show and the good range of visuals in the credits which, despite the fact that they are pretty much all stills, are surprisingly engaging. A good credits sequence, that's all I have left to say.
21. Tiger and Bunny - Hoshi no Sumika by Aobozu.
For some reason, I never really got into this credits sequence when I first watched the anime. Maybe it's because the visuals are a little predictable and, arguably, a little slow, but on rewatching it, I realize just how much I like the song. It not only fits the show well, but is engaging and enjoyable to listen to in its own right. The visuals give a good idea of the series, being atmospheric with the emphasis on electric lighting, which, now that I have finished the series and have fond memories of it, I really like. Tsk, you never know what you've got until you've finished it...
20. Kyousou Giga - Shissou Ginga by TEPPAN.
This ending is pretty different from many of the credits I've mentioned here, particularly because of its abstract visuals which, funnily enough, are pretty relevant to the anime. It's interesting having that little touch at the end with one of the characters seeming to look out at us. The song is electric and exciting as well, being engaging and fitting with the tone of the series pretty well. It's not necessarily as memorable a song as some of the others on this list, but it's certainly packs a punch without being too heavy or in-your-face.
19. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - Underground by High Voltage.
The main thing about this credits sequence for me is the song, I liked it when I first heard it and I still like it now. I feel it also fits in with the series, although perhaps not as well as the one in the intro. Overall, the credits sequence pales in comparison to the phenomenal intro of this series, but the soundtrack throughout is good, so in the musical sense it's still good. The visuals, however, are just the main character and his... Erm... Pet.... Walking, with basically one still shown in the background. It's not totally boring, but it's not the most engaging credit sequence ever. It's saved by the song.
18. Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus - Aoiki Tsuki Michite by Akira
Despite the fact that the visuals emphasize the more... Erm... Yaoi aspect of this show, I still really like these credits. I like it mainly because of the song, but the calm, beautiful atmosphere of both the song and the visuals gives a really good impression, and helps to end the often very exciting episodes with a much more sedate feel. I think I would like these credits even more without the yaoi emphasis, but ignoring it as much as I can, I like this.
17. Persona 4: The Animation - Beauty of Destiny by Shihoko Hirata ft. Lotus Juice
Despite the fact that the song here is not really my type, it grew on me, as the series did, and along with the (BLUE,) pretty visuals it was pretty electric and helped emphasize the more action-packed, serious side of the anime, without being over-the-top about it. Of course, there was going to be emphasis on Yuu Narukami,but hey, can't complain too much. Overall I prefer the song to the visuals, but both go well together and relate well to the first part of the series.
16. Bleach - Life is Like a Boat by Rie Fu.
I was immediately struck by the American accent of this singer of this song when I first heard it. I originally thought it was by an American artist, until the song progresses to the Japanese language (which I assumed wasn't with an American accent, although to be perfectly honest I wouldn't be able to tell). I've since discovered that the singer grew up in America for a time and, because she is bilingual, sings well in both languages and many of her songs are translated entirely. It's a lovely song that fits in with the solemn feel of this credits sequence, which reflects in particular how one character, Rukia, feels throughout much of the show. The visuals are beautiful as well, if a little slow, but the song more than makes up for it.
15. Space Dandy Welcome to the X Dimension by Etsuko Yakushimaru
Despite the fact that this ending, especially the child-like animation, does not necessarily fit into the overall tone of the show, I really like it, and the fact that it has colourful animation and shows the characters in a bizarre, sci-fi setting makes it similar enough to the show for it to be relevant. Also, other people probably wouldn't have got this, but the animation, and even the song, to a certain extent, remind me of Sesame Street. Yeah, like I said, it's probably just me, but it helped me to really enhance my personal opinion of the credits sequence, and, unlike the actual show itself, it makes the credits sequence nostalgic, friendly and familiar for me. Arguably, this isn't required for a credits sequence, but, I dunno, I like it anyway.
14. Romeo x Juliet - Cyclone by 12012.
I wasn't sure what to think of this credits sequence when I first saw it, but I have to say it's really grown on me and I'm not even a quarter way through the series yet. Even though the song doesn't necessarily fit in the series (oh wait, IT DOESN'T, except the lyrics themselves do basically fit in with the tone of the series), it's a fab song in its own right, and the visuals fit in with the show. Even though the visuals aren't overly interesting, they are quite pretty and the animation of the different patterns and artistic stills of some of the characters is pretty well done and somehow fits with both the song and the series.
13. Black Rock Shooter - Bokura no Ashiato by Supercell, sung by Koeda.
Considering the heaviness of the anime in terms of animation and plot, you'd expect at least the theme song to have pretty heavy elements, e.g heavy metal. But no, both of the songs are very ballad-y, particularly the credits song, which actually, when you think about it, works quite well with the tone the series is trying to convey. The visuals of the bird in the storybook in the credits sequence are a good way to soften the tone of many episodes, but they also make you wish for the characters' personal freedoms more. The soft, but very sad tone of the song works well, while helping to lower your blood pressure a little. I like it. :-)
12. Nichijou - Zzz by Sayaka Sasaki.
This is a series for which I have only watched a handful of episodes, but keep meaning to restart it because - well, it's Nichijou. I think I'd enjoy it more now than I did when I first watched it. Anyway, its credits... Aww. Lovely. Great match with the series, with a lovely, sweet song and fantastic visuals. The parts with the curtains and the puppets are very nostalgic for me, actually, as they remind me a lot of a puppet set that I saw a lot when I was child. But that's my personal opinion, anyhow. Arguably this credits sequence could reflect better the craziness of the show, but I feel that the intro does that already, it's pretty full-on.
11. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion - Yukyo Seishunka by Ali Project.
It was a hard choice picking between this and the series' second opening credits sequence, but my final decision was based on the fact that this suits the feeling of the anime better, plus the visuals that go along with the song here are more relevant, I think (although both sets of visuals are good). It's an engaging song, certainly better than the show's openings in my opinion. It's got a blend of modern and almost classical which is quite interesting, conveying the blend of Brittania, and Area 11, in a way. Check it out if you haven't already. :-)
10. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders - Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles.
I have not got very far through this series yet, but I'm already REALLY enjoying the credits, the visuals are a huge improvement on the last credits sequence and, for me anyway, the song fits in much better with the anime than the last one did (aka the one in the 2012 Jojo series). I'm probably biased because I already knew the song well before I heard it used in the credits, but come on, they're going to Egypt! It works (or at least it does for the episodes I've watched so far)! I personally feel that, in terms of both song and visuals, this fits in much better with the epic intros in both of the Jojo series than the previous credit song. It's colourful, it's catchy, it leaves you wanting more, what else would you expect from an anime credits sequence? ;-)
9. Usagi Drop - High High High by Kasarinchu.
I really like both the show and its lovely ending. The song is fab in its own right and fits in perfectly with the series and the beautiful, child book illustration-style visuals fit in well with the series and reflect what we saw in the intro. It emphasizes the warm, fuzzy feeling that you usually have with the ending of each episode. What more do I need to say, it has everything I would hope for in an anime credits sequence!
8. Higashi no Eden - Futuristic Imagination by School Food Punishment.
This ending is pretty electric, especially in terms of the inventive, stunning visuals. The song is very good as well, although the visuals made more of an impression on me when first watching the credits. You're probably thinking, if you haven't seen it already, "inventive, stunning visuals? Ooh, I wonder what she means?" Well, watch it, I won't reveal. ;-)
7. Bakemonogatari - The Story You Don't Know by Supercell.
I was quite interested to find out that this was done by the same band as the one who did the Black Rock Shooter song formerly mentioned, and I have to say, for several reasons, I prefer this song. Firstly, I find it more engaging, but it also has the rock elements that I like that the former song didn't have. The visuals that go with this are better than the BRS credits, as well, in my opinion, with the creepy animation that matches with the show's creepiness. Granted, I haven't got far through the series of Bakemonogatari, but credits like these certainly help me stay more engaged and I'm interested to see whether these credits continue to fit so well with Bakemonogatari itself.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood - Uso by SID.
I LOVE this song. I've become almost obsessed with it. I was really wanting to put this higher up the list, but I can't because... Well, because everything above it is just that little bit better, but not by much, I have to add. If there was one thing I could nitpick about this intro it's the child-like style of the visuals, but even then, that grew on me as the show progressed, as it emphasized Edward and Alphonse as children, which is something I really like. I have no major complaints about this credits sequence whatsoever, which is the same for the other anime in the rest of the list.
5. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica - Magia by Kalafina.
Wow. The impact of this series in general is just... Shocking. It's really not what you think it's going to be. This song along with its visuals in the credits capture the eerie-ness, desperation and sadness of the show perfectly. It sends chills down me spine, it does... It's interesting how much more fitting this song is compared to the opening song, which contrasts greatly with the show itself. I don't think I need to say any more.
4. Gosick - Resuscitated Hope by Lisa Komine.
While the second credits song for this series was nice, fitted the series well and was pleasant to listen to, this fitted the same criteria I preferred this one overall. I found it engaging, along with the beautiful, well designed visuals. It gives a sad, slightly eerie feeling, without being too over-the-top (yeah, the visuals for the second one are labouring the point a bit, unlike this one). Listen to the song if you want, it's fab out of context of the anime, although, admittedly, is even better when watched with this gem of a series.
3. Chuunibyou demo Koi go Shitai - Inside Identity by Black Raison d'etre
I REALLY like this credits song. Especially compared to the opening, which in my opinion is pretty dull. The visuals are pretty good too, darker than much of the anime (until towards the end). I picked this over the credits sequence of CdKgS Ren, which is also a good credits sequence, but is a little more generic in my opinion. This one is just a good song in general, the kind I'd listen to regularly alongside other music (which is not the case with most of the credits songs in this list). If you haven't listened to it already, check it out (it's one of those openings for which you don't need to be an anime fan to enjoy it).
2. Kuroshitsuji - I'm Alive - by Becca.
Yeah, I know it's typical to like this ending, but frankly, it's the best from Kuroshitsuji so far. :-) It's nice to have an English-speaking singer again, and it's surprising how well her song actually goes with the series (although I didn't think that when I first watched it, I now see how well the lyrics fit, and the music as well, to a degree). The visuals are cute, detailing the more comedic elements of the series, which I like (although they don't necessarily go along with the song). It's a good song in its own right, I find myself listening to it often.
And my favourite credits sequence in anime is......
1. One Piece - RUN! RUN! RUN! by Maki Otsuki.
I have recently finished the last arc which features this fantastic, lively credit song and images, and even though (as I have discovered) the previous credits song was performed by the same artist, I think this one is far superior, especially in terms of visuals (although the song is REALLY catchy). I like how the visuals show the characters as children, when they were happier and more carefree (apart from Luffy, who so far, still seems pretty childish, but there you go). I'm hoping that the credits are going to stay as good or get even better from here! :D
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I realized, as I made this list that, in general, anime credits sequences are worse than intros. Why? Because first impressions, people. That's what it boils down to. For some anime I've watched, there's a fantastic opening sequence, and then it has a shitty credits sequence that you don't even want to consider putting on a Top list. Originally this list was going to be a Top 50 list, but, I realized, that even considering I've spent a year watching anime, there are only a few that have at least one decent closing sequence.
OK, there are exceptions, like Chuunibyou and Bakemonogatari, but the above paragraph was just an overall observation. I think it will be MUCH easier for me to make an "openings" list, as there are a lot more good ones out there.
Do you agree with this list? If there are credits I haven't included that you think I should have, that's probably because I haven't watched the anime, but mention them to me anyway! I haven't been watching anime for that long, so, as I'm well aware, I have a lot to catch up on. But from now on, I'll be looking out for good credits in anime, because I'm just picky that way.
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