10 Best Opening Credits in TV History (#1 Is So Iconic, It Got Used Twice)

While opening credits aren’t essential to a show’s success, they can definitely make it better. A good title sequence establishes the show’s mood, gives viewers a preview of what’s to come, and even tells the story of the series without using any dialogue. These sequences can be created in countless ways, from dynamic animations to carefully designed visuals.

It’s common for TV opening sequences to be forgettable, given how many shows there have been. However, some openings are instantly praised, while others become beloved classics. These exceptional opening credits can truly stand out as works of art.

Bob’s Burgers Features Little Changes

“Queen Latifah, give me strength!” is a memorable line from *Bob’s Burgers*, a funny animated show that ran for 11 seasons. The series centers around the Belcher family – Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise – and their everyday lives in the made-up town of Seymour’s Bay, New Jersey. Bob and Linda run a restaurant, but they often have trouble with finances, keeping their kids in line, and just managing the stress of it all.

The beginning of each *Bob’s Burgers* episode features a quick look at the Belcher’s restaurant and its neighborhood, set to upbeat, easy-listening music. What’s neat is that the little details in the opening sequence – like the signs on the stores – change every time, adding a playful touch. It’s a great way to show that time is passing and keep the show interesting.

Severance Is All-Around Unique

If you’re looking for a great show on AppleTV+, definitely check out *Severance*. It’s become their most popular series, and for good reason! This psychological thriller, created by Dan Erickson and primarily directed by Ben Stiller, centers around employees who choose to undergo a procedure that completely separates their work and personal lives. They have no memory of each other, creating a fascinating and unsettling dynamic.

This sci-fi series is stylish and thought-provoking, with a strong cast headed by Adam Scott. It begins with a captivating animated opening sequence that slowly reveals details about Scott’s character, his workplace at Lumon Industries, and the central concept of ‘severance.’ The sequence is beautifully made and even received an Emmy award for its design.

The Sopranos Features Iconic Shots

In the early 2000s, *The Sopranos* revolutionized television. This HBO crime drama, famous for its unresolved ending, centers on Tony Soprano and the world of organized crime – including his associates and rivals. A prequel movie, *The Many Saints of Newark*, came out in 2021.

The opening sequence of *The Sopranos* is a brilliant introduction to the show’s overall tone and themes. It shows Tony driving home on the New Jersey Turnpike, with carefully chosen scenes. Originally, the sequence included the Twin Towers, but after 9/11, those shots were removed. The sequence is perfectly complemented by the show’s theme song, “Wake Me Up Again” by Alabama 3.

Black Sails Is an Underrated Gem

Although it didn’t last as long or gain as much fame as some other shows, *Black Sails* is a hidden gem. This Starz series, set in the early 1700s, follows a crew of pirates trying to build their fortunes and protect their base on New Providence Island. The show features compelling characters inspired by real historical pirates like Blackbeard, Israel Hands, and Anne Bonny.

The opening sequence of *Black Sails* is captivating and deliberately crafted, making it difficult to skip. The striking black and white visuals showcase detailed sculptures locked in intense battles. Combined with Bear McCreary’s powerful music, these credits are visually stunning, deeply intriguing, and evoke strong feelings even before the show begins.

Succession Exemplifies Complex Dynamics

Though often labeled a satirical black comedy, *Succession* feels more like a compelling drama. The HBO series centers on the Roy family, who are incredibly wealthy and powerful. At its heart, the show explores the complicated relationships within the family as they battle for control of Waystar RoyCo, their massive media and entertainment company.

The opening of the show *Succession* is striking and memorable because it’s so unusual and makes you think. It shows a series of quick clips of the Roy family, jumping between different times without explanation – like a brief shot of a man walking away. Despite being a contemporary show, the opening looks like it’s made up of old home movies. The music, created by Nicholas Britell, is a perfect fit, being both beautiful and subtly unsettling.

Stranger Things Is Simple, But Effective

After a long wait, *Stranger Things* will conclude with its fifth and final season, releasing in three parts between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2025. The popular Netflix horror series, which had a huge impact on pop culture when it first came out, centers around a group of teens who uncover sinister forces taking over their town. The show boasts a large cast, including Millie Bobby Brown as the character Eleven (Jane Hopper).

The opening sequence of *Stranger Things* is short, but very effective. It seems simple – white lines appear on the screen until the title is shown. However, these opening credits brilliantly establish the show’s spooky and captivating atmosphere. This is largely thanks to the memorable and unsettling theme music created by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Is Incredibly Catchy

The opening credits of *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* are instantly recognizable, largely thanks to its incredibly popular theme song. Even people who never watched the ’90s sitcom likely know the famous lyrics: “In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days.” The show ran for six seasons on NBC, totaling 148 episodes.

The opening sequence of *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* is incredibly engaging and fun, so most people don’t want to skip it. The theme song is instantly memorable and still popular on streaming services like Spotify. The vibrant visuals are distinctly ’90s, and Will Smith’s charisma really shines through.

Peacemaker Is Hilariously Delivered

The beginning of the show *Peacemaker* might seem confusing at first, but it’s a really fun and clever setup. The series centers around Peacemaker (played by John Cena), a somewhat questionable mercenary who first appeared in the movie *The Suicide Squad* (2021). The second season, which takes place after the events of *Superman* (2025), originally aired between August 21st and October 9th, 2025.

The opening sequence of *Peacemaker* is surprisingly simple: the characters all dance to loud metal music, completely expressionless. It’s done incredibly well in both seasons, mostly because of how perfectly ridiculous it is. Why are they dancing? There’s no reason – they just do! The credits are long and detailed, almost like an anime opening, and you definitely shouldn’t skip them.

The Simpsons Is Downright Iconic

It’s amazing that *The Simpsons* has been on television for nearly 40 years and is still going strong—Season 37 actually premiered on September 28, 2025! The show, set in the made-up town of Springfield, follows the everyday life of the Simpson family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Over the years, *The Simpsons* has included appearances by countless famous people and has even seemed to predict real-world events on several occasions.

For over 36 years, the opening sequence of *The Simpsons* has remained remarkably consistent. It always begins with heavenly music and a camera panning through clouds towards the Simpson house. While some details change – Bart’s chalkboard message and Lisa’s saxophone solo are different each time – the overall sequence has stayed the same, offering viewers a comforting and enjoyable experience for decades.

Game of Thrones Is Recognized Universally

The opening credits of *Game of Thrones* were so well-made, the show actually reused them. While the series’ controversial ending damaged its overall reputation, *Game of Thrones* had already become a huge part of popular culture. The credits themselves are instantly recognizable – even if you’ve never seen the show – and feature a detailed, three-dimensional map of the fictional world, with different locations highlighted depending on the episode.

The iconic opening credits of *Game of Thrones*, created by Angus Wall, have become so well-known that even shows like *The Simpsons* have paid homage to them. These same credits were also used for the 2022 spin-off series, *House of the Dragon*, as a deliberate way to connect the two shows. This choice creates a strong link, both in terms of storytelling and visual style, that resonates with viewers.

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2025-10-06 06:43