Opening credits are the on-screen names of the cast, crew, producers, studios, etc. These credits may be superimposed over an opening scene or a black or still background.
When these opening credits are given a standalone "sequence," or a series of shots created especially to present them, we call that a title sequence. A title sequence is a section of the opening credits of a television program or motion picture that is devoted to showing a title card and giving credit to the cast and crew.
Often, the title sequence is intertwined in making a TV show or movie memorable and iconic. In television, this could be the repetition of the title sequence that most stands out within the whole series. Title sequences can say something important to the viewer.
**Disclaimer: This article consists of the writer's opinion.**
Listing 10 shows with the best opening credits
1) True Detective
"From the dusty mesa, Her looming shadow grows. Hidden in the branches of the poison creosote..."
These are unmistakable lyrics. Far From Any Road by The Handsome Family fitted the opening credits for True Detective season 1. The striking visuals were perfectly complemented by the song, hence speaking about the show's core themes.
Three seasons in, season 1 is still the one standing out in complexity and dark tone. It's an apocalyptic feeling throughout the whole season, and that reflects in the lives of characters in Louisiana-really well presented in the opening credits.
The title sequence was created by Patrick Clair and his studios Elastic and Antibody. From the beginning, Clair and his colleagues understood Pizzolatto's world - a vast industrial Louisiana landscape and the troubled characters who inhabit it.
True Detective begins with a brutal murder and disappearance and the subsequent investigation by two homicide detectives, played by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. As the story unfolds, so do the dark secrets of the town and its people, which Clair's team did a fantastic job of capturing in the opening credits.
2) Game of Thrones
The opening credits of Game of Thrones are just brilliant and, for the most part, some of the best from HBO. It features an elaborately articulated map of Westeros, introducing the viewer to each episode, setting the stage for a large fictional world, and visually telling the story.
It shows how the political and geographical landscape is shifting; it shows key locations and power struggles throughout each episode. This is a masterpiece, visually just stunning in 3D. From Elastic and scored by Ramin Djawadi, the opening credits are both informative and functional, which makes them required viewing.
3) Stranger Things
The opening sequence of Stranger Things stands apart. For some, it is perhaps a little too early to call it one of the best, but it seems different than those other shows with slick openers that fade away. This opening was made to be timeless.
It's highly inspired by the films of John Carpenter and the era of the 1980s, filling in an itch that most fans never knew they had. Feels like an amazingly genuine, electric, neon affair, and not a poor imitation. A charming show introduced through its title font and moving letters.
4) Westworld
True Detective intro creator Patrick Clair returns to create the title sequence for Westworld, easily making it one of HBO's best. The 1:40 intro, set to Ramin Djawad's haunting score, visually lays out the show's main idea: 3D printing life-like hosts.
Blurring the lines between humans and AI, the imagery is thought-provoking. The combination of natural beauty and man-made wonders hints at some of the show's larger themes. Rather than a cursory overview, Westworld's opening credits accomplish the rare feat of informing the viewer of how complex the story will be and what's to come in an intro that's pretty hard to skip.
5) BoJack Horseman
The BoJack Horseman opening credits are kind of like a twisted, surreal take on The Simpsons'. Both take you on tours of the show's settings, featuring character appearances and surprise elements.
However, whereas The Simpsons does something different each week, BoJack Horseman's opening sequence changes with the story. If something happens to a character's possessions in an episode, it is reflected in the credits. The animation is impressive, and the theme song-courtesy of Patrick and Ralph Carney is catchy.
6) The Sopranos
The Sopranos did things very differently in the intro with their super simple way of changing the game. This was a time when credits were explaining the show, and they kept them mysterious. It's just one man cruising from New York into New Jersey like he's going home from work.
This unusual approach gets the viewers deeply invested in the main character, Tony Soprano, although there is much more to his life. Great visuals combined with the catching tune Woke Up This Morning by Alabama 3 create an awesome vibe, establishing the tone of the series. Becoming captivating and yet not giving too much away, this opening sequence is a TV landmark.
7) True Blood
One of the best opening sequences has to go to HBO again but for True Blood. This intro gets a lot of praise because it is visually stunning and has deep meanings behind its content. It perfectly captures the southern feel of the show's fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, while also addressing issues of discrimination, bigotry, and religion.
The opening credits are set to Jace Everett's Bad Things, which makes the opening credits sequence highly sensual and brings out the true seductive nature of the vampire characters. The designers at Design Kitchen did a wonderful job of encapsulating the show's complex, dark storylines.
8) The Simpsons
We've looked at many different ways to make a title sequence compelling. Some shows introduce the main characters in their daily lives, while others give a glimpse of what's to come. The Simpsons' opener stands out because it's like a mini-episode in itself.
The Simpsons intro is surprisingly short, lasting only a minute and a half. But in that short time, you get to see every member of the family and even follow a mini story with cool character details and fun little surprises.
What makes it special is that it's always a little different. From the chalkboard jokes at the beginning to the hilarious couch moments at the end, you'll want to watch it again and again because it's never the same.
9) Friends
Watching the opening credits of the 90s sitcom Friends is a big part of the fun, just like Chandler's quick wit.
Friends still have one of the most iconic opening credits of all time, even 25 years after its debut. While many shows have moved away from traditional sequences and opted for simpler title cards, Friends remains one of the best.
The original opening credits showed the six main cast members - Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc - having fun in front of a large fountain.
They'd dance and goof around to the I'll Be There for You theme song by The Rembrandts. Then, they'd jump into the fountain and the montage would show more funny moments. As the seasons went on, the original opening was mixed with cast introductions.
10) Sex and the City
The opening sequence of Sex and the City is iconic in the realm of pop culture. Who can forget the addictive jingle or Carrie Bradshaw's infamous pink tutu? The stylish portrayal of New York City is like a love letter to the vibrant setting that's just as important as the characters.
The show is similar to the Mary Tyler Moore Show, but modern and funnier. One hysterical scene is when Carrie sees her ad and then gets splattered by a bus in slow motion. It sets the tone for how love and life in New York City can be unpredictable.
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