Summary
The theme songs of Spy x Family play an important role in attracting fans to the show's engaging story. Some openings, like “Kura Kura,” can lack cohesion, while others, like “Mixed Nuts,” set the bar high for the series going forward. The ending theme “Shikisai” captures the touching essence of the Forger family dynamic, resonating with fans.
Hit series Spy x Family has shown it values a solid opening and ending theme to attract fans. How an anime begins and ends can make or break a new fan base because of how important first impressions can be to viewers. For example, the first season of Attack on Titan became a cultural phenomenon because it had one of the most exciting openings of any show at the time. Many shows have learned from series like Cowboy BeBop and Attack on Titan to create the best opening and ending themes possible to attract viewers, and Spy x Family is no exception.
Spy x Family has become a huge hit with fans as it is about a family that secretly hides a secret life from each other and has become a huge success in the anime community. The character's humorous and charming moments made it one of the most beloved new TV series from the 2020s, spawning two seasons and a box office hit. success in Japan before launching in other countries. However, Its opening and ending helped make the film one of the most popular films todayas they hype fans up about what's coming up in the episode they're about to watch and what's to come later in the season.
6 “Kura Kura” has many good elements but struggles to bring it all together
Season 2 opening; Done by Ado
When the long-awaited second season of Spy x Family premiered in October 2023, fans were greeted with an energetic opening to get them excited for the series' best storylines – most notably, the cruise ship arc will give Yor Forger a chance to shine.
However, the opening itself seems to be more than it can chew with interesting ideas here and there that make it feel disjointed when put together. The weakest aspect of this opening is its animation, as it moves extremely quickly, with occasional short pauses that try to slow things down but disrupt the pacing. It swaps between colors at a rapid pace with seemingly odd visuals to match the show's tone, but leaves viewers questioning certain choices–most notably the moment briefly as the Forger becomes a circus performer for a few seconds before never being shown that way again.
As for the central opening song, “Kura Kura” by One Piece Film singer Red Ado is undeniably a catchy tune. The tune captivated the audience more and more with each passing week, and the brief pause in the fast-paced instrumental for Ado to sing the title lead created a satisfying rhythm. However, when combined with the bold colors and quick cuts from the opening, it makes the entire opening feel like a jumbled mess. There's no denying season 2 of Spy x Family was worth the wait as the season-long drama focusing on Yor made it as good as, if not better than, the first season. However, the opening leaves much to be desired with its fast pace, leaving fans of the series extremely disoriented.
5 “Souvenirs” are fun but too safe
Season 1 Opening 2; Made by BUMP OF CHICKEN
After a short break following the first half of the season, Spy x Family is back with a brand new opening focusing on the Forger ladies, Anya and Yor. These two characters have become instant fan favorites since the show debuted, so it makes sense to prioritize them in the second opening of season one. However, while it's undeniably adorable, the overall execution plays things a little too safe.
A lot of the problem with this OP is how it falls into a lot of the tropes that are common in many anime openings. Whether it's glimpses of iconic objects or running to some unknown destination, there's not much in this opening that fans haven't seen before. However, the use of color and lens flare really makes it stand out as a visual feast.
As for the accompanying song, “Souvenir” by BUMP OF CHICKEN is a lovely tune that has an incredible chorus when it hits. As the opening credits roll, it's a pretty simple song that's sure to make fans smile as they see the characters they grew to love in the first half of the season become more of a family in the montage. However, when the instrumental kicks in with the chorus of BUMP OF CHICKEN, as the Forgers drive together and spend time at a local fair, it instantly becomes a great song choice. The musical rhythm blends perfectly with the visuals, making each note more impactful during the opening's more heartwarming moments. The second opening of Part 1 may have played things safe, but the design and song choice ultimately helped it stand out.
4 “Comedies” started slow but immediately became iconic
Part 1, Ending 1; Presented by Gen Hoshino
The first ending to the Spy x Family journey is one of the most engaging animations the show has to offer, even if it takes a little while to get going. The visual storytelling on display in this segment is incredible because without words, viewers can understand Anya's mind as she adjusts to her new life with the Forgers.
The way it opens with her walking down a hallway, highlighting the things she's never had before, that only open up when she finds her family and discovers a whole new world is handled very well. Good. How she stumbles across a spy agency and gets through a crossword puzzle is a great approach to showing, not telling. Plus, when it ends with her dancing with Yor and Loid in her colorful new home, it's a touching ending to an incredibly lively ending.
However, the last song made this ending possible. The way the animation combines with Gen Hoshino's “Comedy” is very fluid, making the drumming even more satisfying. However, there are times when it feels like it goes on a little too long. Around 45 seconds into the ending, the listener may feel tired waiting for the final chorus to end, but it lasts another 15 seconds. However, when she reunites with Loid and Yor, the song is immediately played again as the touching theme begins, emphasizing Anya's joy at being with her new parents. If the song and ending were shortened a bit, this would be the perfect Spy x Family theme. However, that doesn't stop it from becoming completely iconic.
3 “Shikisai” highlights what fans love most about counterfeiters
Season 1, Ending 2; made by yama
Serving as legitimate proof of how an ending can be better than the anime's OP, this interesting thread comes straight out of the secret lives of the Forgers. Instead, this ending plays like a normal day at their home as they spend precious moments with friends and family., leading to a touching cooking scene between the three. It's a brilliant performance that shows that Spy x Family's appeal never came from the overarching plot, where each of the Imposters lied to each other to keep their secrets. Rather, it was their dynamic of starting a family that made them one of the most beloved anime trios of all time.
Accompanying the ending is Yama's song “Shikisai,” and it's the perfect choice to bring home the most touching elements of the story. It's a fast-paced yet adorable theme and pairs perfectly with the animation as it brings a positive light to the Forger family. Using the chorus when they cook and eat together is a great way to show how they bring out the best in each other. It's an exciting ending theme that has made its way into the hearts of many fans as it highlights what made them love Forgers in the first place.
2 “Mixed Beads” Make a Great First Impression
Season 1, Opening 1; performed by Official HIGE DANdism
The first Spy x Family OP left such a huge impression on anime fans around the world that it not only stands out as the best opening of the series, but also one of the best openings 2022. The animated film is the perfect combination of comic-book action with Anya's Simplified Worldview. What makes these elements work, however, is how they pay homage to other spy media throughout the years. The simple style in which the viewer follows Anya is reminiscent of countless openings to spy films like James Bond, the stylized opening credits to their credits. Plus, the editing of the opening is well-paced, making it easy to follow and excited about what's to come.
Of course, this opening would have been nearly impossible without HIGE DANdism’s “Mixed Nuts” theme accompanying the animation. The song's fast tempo matches the frenetic nature of the opening, making fans feel like they're entering a new spy series with excitement at every corner. Plus, the smoothness of the song blends so well with the animation, making it feel like the song is the driver of a car that's quickly leading fans through a new world of endless possibilities. The opening of Part 2, “Kura Kura”, is clearly trying to recapture what made “Mixed Nuts” successful, but the editing and pairing of the song with its visuals makes the latter part become better.
1 “Todome no ichigeki” is an animation masterpiece
End of Part 2; made by Voundy
A recurring theme surrounding the opening and ending of Spy x Family is how most of them see the world through Anya's eyes. Her innocence and thirst for adventure have made her the undeniable star of the series, so it's understandable how these introductions and outros focus on her perspective. about the world. However, among them, ED's second season stands out as the show's masterpiece.
The animation was created to look like a cardboard diorama, with each member of the Forger family made to look like they were cut out from a series of drawings and placed in 3D space. Additionally, with one segment featuring a cycle of characters running in an endless circle to create a kaleidoscopic effect, the ending itself is a treat.
Of course, a good ending would be nothing without its theme, and Vaunty's song “Todome no ichigeki” featuring Cory Wong is a touching piece that encapsulates the joy of finding a new family Anya's perfectly. It's easy to listen to and brings the best elements of Forgers home through an enjoyable audio experience. Plus, with season 2 being best known for its tense cruise ship arc, this was a much-needed break from the heavier story that the finale was about to wrap up. Season 2's ED is easily the best theme Spy x Family has to offer plenty of openings and endings, and with the film continuing to be a huge hit, there are sure to be more classics to come.
Source: TOHO Animation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)