By Gemma Williams
There are many Fantasy shows out there and such a range of opening titles. Some are long and tell part of a story in themselves whereas others are just the name of the show in fancy font with little else. Here, I will be picking my top five fantasy opening credits and explaining why.
There are many Fantasy shows out there and such a range of opening titles. Some are long and tell part of a story in themselves whereas others are just the name of the show in fancy font with little else. Here, I will be picking my top five fantasy opening credits and explaining why.
Supernatural
It’s very basic and minimal but I love how it’s adapted to suit the season. The first season, the name popped up and flashed around the screen as though there was otherworldly interference as the series was about introducing the viewers to the Hunters world of ghosts and demons. The second season had the name engulfed in fire as it focused more on demons than supernatural occurrences. Season three enters the name in the midst of a lightning storm; season four has flashes of wings to signify angels before a plain black screen; season five with blood which looks like it’s mixing in water; season six has broken shards of glass or a mirror to signify the fragility of Sam from the previous season; season seven is like a splatter of "paint" which spells out the word; season eight has a lava like substance; and finally season nine has fiery angel wings on a white, angelic background behind the name of the show. Whereas this may sound irrelevant to those who don’t watch the show, the opening sequence reveals a lot about the season as a whole with just one image and this is impressive. My favourite so far is the season nine opening as it is the season about angels losing their Grace and wanting to retrieve their wings. So many angels have turned their backs on God; the opening is fitting.
It’s very basic and minimal but I love how it’s adapted to suit the season. The first season, the name popped up and flashed around the screen as though there was otherworldly interference as the series was about introducing the viewers to the Hunters world of ghosts and demons. The second season had the name engulfed in fire as it focused more on demons than supernatural occurrences. Season three enters the name in the midst of a lightning storm; season four has flashes of wings to signify angels before a plain black screen; season five with blood which looks like it’s mixing in water; season six has broken shards of glass or a mirror to signify the fragility of Sam from the previous season; season seven is like a splatter of "paint" which spells out the word; season eight has a lava like substance; and finally season nine has fiery angel wings on a white, angelic background behind the name of the show. Whereas this may sound irrelevant to those who don’t watch the show, the opening sequence reveals a lot about the season as a whole with just one image and this is impressive. My favourite so far is the season nine opening as it is the season about angels losing their Grace and wanting to retrieve their wings. So many angels have turned their backs on God; the opening is fitting.
Game of Thrones
My next favourite show title is Game of Thrones. I usually hate lengthy opening sequences but I get goose bumps as soon as the music begins. It’s so interesting seeing the map and the mechanics of the kingdom in such a literal way, yet it’s on parchment like an actual map. I am engrossed by the layout of the kingdom and remembering who lives where and where they currently are situated in the story.
My next favourite show title is Game of Thrones. I usually hate lengthy opening sequences but I get goose bumps as soon as the music begins. It’s so interesting seeing the map and the mechanics of the kingdom in such a literal way, yet it’s on parchment like an actual map. I am engrossed by the layout of the kingdom and remembering who lives where and where they currently are situated in the story.
American Horror Story
American Horror Story is another show whose sequence changes each season along with the story arc. The music is bone chilling and gets the blood pumping before even seeing any scenes. You know this isn’t a normal show. I love how there are hints throughout the whole thing at the major plot points and yet the audience rarely figure them out. Season three has recently ended but one person had managed to figure out who the Supreme was by one small scene in the opening title. Whereas this could potentially ruin the show altogether, the scenes don’t make sense until you’re a few episodes in and you can start piecing the puzzle together.
American Horror Story is another show whose sequence changes each season along with the story arc. The music is bone chilling and gets the blood pumping before even seeing any scenes. You know this isn’t a normal show. I love how there are hints throughout the whole thing at the major plot points and yet the audience rarely figure them out. Season three has recently ended but one person had managed to figure out who the Supreme was by one small scene in the opening title. Whereas this could potentially ruin the show altogether, the scenes don’t make sense until you’re a few episodes in and you can start piecing the puzzle together.
Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time is a short yet sweet opening. The background is always of a forest with a blue overtone. Yet depending on what the episode is about, a character or creature will appear hiding in the trees or running across the screen. For example, if there is a fairy in the episode who will have a major role in the story, a fairy will be flying in the forest. The seven dwarves have once trumped across the screen too. As I said previously, short and sweet but oh so effective.
Once Upon a Time is a short yet sweet opening. The background is always of a forest with a blue overtone. Yet depending on what the episode is about, a character or creature will appear hiding in the trees or running across the screen. For example, if there is a fairy in the episode who will have a major role in the story, a fairy will be flying in the forest. The seven dwarves have once trumped across the screen too. As I said previously, short and sweet but oh so effective.
Teen Wolf
My absolute favourite opening is Teen Wolf. The music, is spot on! It’s full of suspense, like the show, and is so catchy. The music was sped up for the January 27th episode with a dubstep remix. It is unknown whether that was for the one episode (which featured a rave) or if it is now permanent but it was effective. The main characters are all given a few seconds on screen to themselves and this time is used to get across important points about the characters; Alison fights using a bow and arrow; Derek is a werewolf; Lydia is vulnerable yet strong. The opening is so dark and eerie; it’s perfect. It ends with Scott’s red eyes, the meaning of which was a mystery until a few episodes in.
My absolute favourite opening is Teen Wolf. The music, is spot on! It’s full of suspense, like the show, and is so catchy. The music was sped up for the January 27th episode with a dubstep remix. It is unknown whether that was for the one episode (which featured a rave) or if it is now permanent but it was effective. The main characters are all given a few seconds on screen to themselves and this time is used to get across important points about the characters; Alison fights using a bow and arrow; Derek is a werewolf; Lydia is vulnerable yet strong. The opening is so dark and eerie; it’s perfect. It ends with Scott’s red eyes, the meaning of which was a mystery until a few episodes in.
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