Top 10 Unforgettable Opening Theme Songs for TV Shows

Tags: #TrueDetective ,   #PeakyBlinders ,   #GameOfThrones ,   #Friends ,   #TVShow

Hannah White

Hannah White

Last updated:  2023-05-15 06:00:04

Not all TV shows have memorable opening themes, but some are so impressive that they're hard to skip! Therefore, they find a way into our minds and stay there until we replace them with another. It's a never-ending cycle, as we're sure one is on repeat in your head right now. It seems like some of them haunt us! So, start humming, as these are our top ten unforgettable TV show opening themes.

10. True Detective

"Far From Any Road" is longer than most TV show themes

The song "Far From Any Road" is played by the alternative country band The Handsome Family. Hearing this melody in season one of "True Detective" makes you think about Louisiana's beautiful sunset landscapes and one of the iconic TV duos of all time - Marty and Rust. 

This part of the song lyrics perfectly describes the feeling: "In the hushing dusk, under a swollen silver moon, I came walking with the wind to watch the cactus bloom." We must admit that this "True Detective" theme song is longer than average, but we can't resist listening to it until the end. The intro for season two is excellent as well as Leonard Cohen's harsh voice in the theme "Nevermind" left a great impression on us. Which opening theme do you like better?

9. Peaky Blinders

"Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave is perfect theme for Peaky Blinders

As you press the play button and turn on this song, the Order of Peaky Fookin' Blinders accompanies you in your thoughts. It makes you feel the spirit of Birmingham back in the 19th century. After hearing the first beats of the theme song of "Peaky Blinders," you'll want a cigarette and a lighter ASAP.

Let the smoke surround you while enjoying the hauntingly beautiful "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. It's like the song was made just to be played in this TV show, but the fun fact is that Nick Cave released it in 1994. You may have already known it from other TV shows and movies, such as the "Scream" franchise.

8. Dark

"Goodbye" is perfectly dark for "Dark"

The opening theme song for this show gives you chills from the very beginning of an episode. The performer is Apparat, and the title is "Goodbye." We could describe this intro with the same word as the show's title - Dark. 

Moreover, we were hooked from the first moment we heard it. One more time, Netflix did a fantastic job finding the intro amazingly suitable for the show's genre. Listening to it evokes melancholic and euphoric feelings, giving you goosebumps every time. Imagine yourself listening to this beautiful gloomy song on a rainy day while looking at the raindrops dancing on your window.

7. Breaking Bad

Enjoy the extended version of famous "Breaking Bad" intro

Skipping this badass intro was never an option, as we always wanted it to last a little longer. Luckily, we live in a YouTube era, and we can enjoy this masterpiece for as long as we want to. Without a single word, this instrumental leaves a strong impression on everyone.

Every time you hear this song, it immediately transforms your antisocial Walter White personality into a more rebellious Heisenberg one. You'll find an extended version of this famous intro in the video above. You're welcome.

6. Better Call Saul

Why is "Better Call Saul" theme so short?

This guitar riff at the beginning of every "Better Call Saul" episode was always a pleasure to hear because it's pure art. Many thanks to the guys from the English rock band Little Barrie who put their hearts and souls into creating it.

Like its prequel, "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul" also has a problem with the intro's length. It wouldn't have bothered us if they played the whole thing before every episode. Just press the play button!

5. Sons of Anarchy

"This Life" will take you into "Sons of Anarchy" world

Starting with the opening theme song, the TV show "Sons of Anarchy" is filled with quality music. The performers are Curtis Stigers and The Forest Rangers, and the song is "This Life." Many other great musicians contributed to this show.

The feeling you experience when listening to "This Life" is as good as described in the lyrics: "This life is short, baby that's a fact. Better live it right, you ain't comin' back." It makes you feel alive while you imagine yourself riding a Harley-Davidson, somewhere on the open road, with the wild wind in your hair and freedom in your soul.

4. Narcos

"Tuyo" by Rodrigo Amarante has that catchy Latino vibe

This terrific TV show, "Narcos," makes us repeat its theme song over and over again. The song title is "Tuyo," and the artist is Rodrigo Amarante. It perfectly fits the show and instantly transports you to the authentically portrayed Escobar's world. 

Those insanely catchy Latino vibes make you nod your head and move your body to the rhythm of this bolero. That will happen even if you're glued to your comfy armchair, as we all are while watching our favorite TV shows. We fell in love with this intro from the first time we heard it.

3. Vikings

You feel epic when listening to "If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray

The moment this theme song begins, our heart starts beating to the Viking war drums' rhythm, as if it was made exclusively for this great show. That's the exact description of how we felt every time we heard it. Fever Ray performs the song, and it's called "If I Had a Heart."  

"This will never end 'cause I want more," say the lyrics, and indeed, we want more of this song. It's one of those tunes you start googling the first time you hear it. We believe that those edgy chords will awaken the Viking spirit hiding inside you. It feels like you're ready to join Ragnar, Lagertha, Rollo, and the rest of the crew on the battlefield.

2. Stranger Things

"Stranger Things" theme sounds like it's created in the 80s

This piece of art is created by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein from the electronic band Survive, and it will indeed find its place in your playlist. Dark dreamy synth sound sends you straight back to the 80s as these guys successfully created a beautiful nostalgic atmosphere filled with just the right amount of strangeness. 

The Stranger Things intro makes you see the mystery coming from the beginning of every episode, making an excellent choice for the opening theme. Well done, Netflix.  

1. Game of Thrones

"Game of Thrones" intro will live forever

We believe that no single person in the whole wide world didn't hear of this masterpiece. This is the most famous opening theme song ever made and the best one. Its composer, Ramin Djawadi, made us start trembling at the beginning of every GoT episode. It's significant to mention that this theme won many awards, including Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series. 

Skipping this intro is the thing you just can't let yourself do. Can you imagine yourself riding a dragon across Westeros, feeling powerful while this theme is playing in the background? We sure can!

Which of these intros would you have on your playlist? What is your favorite TV show opening theme song? Feel free to tell us your opinion in the comment section.

Cover photo: Free-Photos-pixabay.com


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