Over the past 4 decades, Gundam has given us some of the best opening themes in anime. Welcome to the second article in a series where we rank the best Gundam Openings for each decade!
This time, we’ll be looking at the best openings of the 1990s, which is one of the most popular decades for the franchise. It’s also a decade which had the most number of series and OVAs, which made it very challenging to pick the best songs worthy of a top-10 selection. If you missed it, you can take a look at the best Gundam Openings of the 1980s before diving through this list.
Let’s get to it!
Honorable Mention: Kimi wo Mitsumete (The Time I’m Seeing You) – Mobile Suit Gundam F91
Gundam F91 is one of the more interesting Gundam works, as it was planned to be a 50-episode TV series, before being turned into a 2-hour feature film. This meant that a lot of content had to be compressed, and some storylines removed and altered. This includes having no proper opening theme, which was supposed to be Kimi wo Mitsumete.
While it may not have been an actual opening, it didn’t stop fans from creating their own versions on how it could have looked like. And I can say, the results are pretty cool.
10. Turn A Turn” (Tān Ē Tān) – Turn A Gundam
Turn A Gundam is arguably one of the more unique entries in the franchise. With unusual mobile suit and mobile armor designs (the Turn A and Turn X being the most prominent), and a timeline that connects all Gundam universes together, it’s surely a treat to watch.
The first opening is also really great, as it shows you right off the bat that this isn’t your normal Gundam series. While it’s not your usual opening theme, it’s still a song that will get in your head now and then.
9. The Winner – Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
Stardust Memory is one of the best Gundam OVAs thanks to its great animation, intense action, and a story that Zeon supporters will love. It also has two kick-ass opening themes that just keeps your energy up all throughout the show.
The first opening theme, The Winner, starts of slow but soon escalates into an adrenaline-fueled rush that makes you excited for the next episode.
8. Resolution – After War Gundam X
Arguably one of the most underrated Gundam series of all time, Gundam X had the unfortunate fate of being cancelled before finishing its intended 50-episode run, being cut down to just 39. However, that didn’t stop the series to have a strong following after, becoming one of the more loved AU series in the process.
The show’s second opening, Resolution, is a powerful introduction to the Gundam Double X, to to the second half of the story in general. What’s better than one Satellite Cannon? Two of them!
7. Stand Up To The Victory – Mobile Suit Victory Gundam
One of the darkest Gundam series out there, Victory Gundam also has some of the most upbeat opening themes. The cheery tone of the show’s opening songs might betray the amount of death and destruction the series has, but it also helps give it a ray of hope that things may turn out right in the end.
Still, Stand Up To The Victory is still a banger of an opening theme.
6. Rhythm Emotion – New Mobile Report Gundam Wing
Gundam Wing is the first Gundam anime I watched as a kid, and while it might no longer be one of my all-time favorites, it still helped introduce me to the whole franchise. Plus, it still had some of the best set of opening themes out of any Gundam show.
The second opening, Rhythm Emotion, stands out as an exhilarating song that just intensifies even more. A perfect way to introduce the second half of the show, along with the newly-upgraded Gundams of the iconic main cast.
5. Men of Destiny – Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
While The Winner was a strong Gundam opening theme, Men of Destiny ups the intensity even more. You get a no holds-barred song that ramps up the excitement, and introduces the GP-03 Stamen in the most perfect way possible.
Couple that with the equally-excellent animation, and you have the right formula for an awesome opening sequence.
4. Arashi no Naka de Kagayaite (Shine in the Storm) – Mobile Suit Gundam: 08th MS Team
08th MS Team stands out as one of the most realistic entry into the franchise. Being set in an intense ground war at Earth, it showed a grittier tone compared to the space battles of the original series. It also has some of the best animation around, with mobile suit movements looking smooth and visuals that feel timeless.
Arashi no Naka de Kagayaite is also an awesome opening theme in its own right. While it’s another song that betrays the gritty atmosphere of the show, it’s a pop banger that’s always fun to listen to.
3. Just Communication – New Mobile Report Gundam Wing
Since Gundam Wing is the first Gundam show I watched, Just Communication is also the first opening theme I ever heard. One of the most iconic opening songs of the 90s, it may not be my choice for the best theme in this decade, but it has sentimental value that makes it a great listen even after all those years.
P.S. RIP to that poor Leo that got caught in the blast radius near the end.
2. Dreams – After War Gundam X
I love Gundam X, and Dreams is one of those opening themes that just sound close to perfect. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic environment ravaged by war, giving a bleak atmosphere from the start. However, Dreams help give a ray of hope that make us think there might be something good waiting for us in the end.
And the best part is how the opening animation changes as the show goes on, introducing new characters, and even the Gundam X Divider. I can listen to this theme all day.
1. Flying in the Sky – Mobile Fighter G Gundam
And here we are at number 1. Just Communication and Dreams may give off great nostalgia vibes, but Flying in the Sky takes the cake for the best opening theme of the decade. G Gundam was the first series to deviate from the classic war story/ space opera formula of the franchise. Instead, giving us a setting and story much closer to the likes of Street Fighter.
While the show may have gone to ridiculous heights (along with a crazy amount of stereotyping) it’s a show with a lot of heart.
Flying in the Sky captures the heart of the show, while being a fun song to listen to. Plus, the first 10 seconds of the opening is just beautiful animation galore.
And there you have it, our 10 best opening themes of the 90s! The 2000s and 2010s are coming real soon, and those were also very challenging to rank as well. Look out for that!
About the Author
A former teacher and guitarist, Jude (Twitter, Instagram) is currently a writer that covers video games and is one of the co-hosts of The Geeky Juans. Apart from hosting the podcast, you can also catch him streaming at Dude It’s Jude on Facebook.
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