10 Best HBO Series Opening Credits Sequences, Ranked

As a television enthusiast who’s spent countless hours binge-watching some of the most iconic series in history, I can confidently say that the opening sequences of both Game of Thrones and The Sopranos are masterpieces in their own right. Each one manages to encapsulate the essence of its respective show in a captivating and memorable way.

For decades now, HBO has been one of the best networks on TV. Their studio produces quality series that attract a wide viewership, as well as the best talent in entertainment. These programs often pierce the zeitgeist and go down as some of the greatest shows in television history. Look at any HBO series, and you’ll find most of these common denominators: an incredible cast and crew, fresh and intriguing stories, generous budgets, and graphic adult content. But there’s something else many HBO shows have that often goes overlooked: a great opening credit sequence.

When creating this list, we focused on HBO shows that maintained a uniform opening credit sequence across their entire series. We particularly admired the opening credits of Season 1 of “The Leftovers,” but they underwent significant visual, musical, and thematic changes in Season 2. Similarly, the opening credits of Season 1 of “True Detective” were impressive, but we can’t say the same for the subsequent seasons.

An impressive opening credit sequence is crucial, particularly for the first episode, as it frequently establishes the mood and ambiance for the entire series, giving us a sneak peek into what we’re going to experience. The opening scene may feature significant visuals that suggest the show’s characters, settings, or main plot. It might also include a score or melody that serves as the series’ theme. Hear that tune for any fan of the show, and they can instantly recognize its origin.

Occasionally, we might overlook the initial title cards or utilize them for scrolling through our smartphones. However, exceptional opening credit sequences, such as those from these ten HBO series, compel us to set aside our devices and focus on the screen – simply because they are remarkably engaging.

10 Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014)

Boardwalk Empire seemed to be HBO’s endeavor to transpose the atmosphere of The Sopranos into the 1920s and 1930s. The story unfolds during Prohibition, focusing on the ascension of Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a notorious crime lord in Atlantic City, and his illicit dealings. Notable historical characters grace the series, among them Al Capone, Arnold Rothstein, and Lucky Luciano, all of whom were real-life gangsters from that era.

A Sense of the Unexpected

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but appreciate the straightforward yet captivating opening credit sequence of Boardwalk Empire. Instead of me, it’s Buscemi’s sharply-dressed character Nucky who stands on the Atlantic City beach. He casually lights up a cigarette, reminiscent of an iconic opening scene from The Sopranos. Looking out into the ocean, he seems to be contemplating as bottles of liquor wash ashore, symbolizing his bootlegging operations. The tune “Straight Up and Down” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre plays in the background, a choice made by series creator Terence Winter to instill a sense of the “unexpected.

9 Westworld (2016 – 2022)

At one time, “Westworld” was among HBO’s most popular shows. Named after a 1973 film of the same title, this dystopian sci-fi series offers a dark glimpse into a future Disney World where visitors can indulge in their deepest, twisted urges, frequently directed towards Westworld’s artificially intelligent humanoids, who inhabit and entertain at the theme park.

The debut season of Westworld was HBO’s original series with the highest number of viewers ever. Regrettably, the subsequent seasons, which introduced a plot twist similar to The Terminator by having the robots escape from Westworld into our tech-reliant world, experienced a drop in viewership, eventually resulting in its termination.

Westworld’s Opening Creates Artificial Life

Even though Westworld was canceled, it boasted one of HBO’s most captivating and intriguing opening credit sequences. The visuals morphed from season to season, yet the underlying idea and musical motif stayed constant throughout the series. Ramin Djawadi, known for his music in another popular show on this list, enchants us with a piano melody that links to the main character, Dolores (portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood).

8 The White Lotus (2021 – Present)

The White Lotus initially debuted as a 6-episode black comedy-drama, but due to its impressive performance, HBO decided to produce a second season and transform it into an anthology series. So far, each season appears to focus on distinct characters and plots at various White Lotus resorts in exotic destinations, with events often culminating in chaos or madness.

In addition, the stars of this series often include well-known actors, like Alexandra Daddario and Sydney Sweeney for the first season, followed by Michael Imperioli and Aubrey Plaza in the second. Notably, Jennifer Coolidge has been the sole character to appear across both seasons. Despite having just two seasons, The White Lotus has earned critical praise and gained popularity among viewers, making it a hit on HBO. The highly anticipated third season is slated for release in 2025.

A Hypnotic Opening

Although The White Lotus has only two seasons so far, its captivating opening credit sequence is a standout that warrants its inclusion on this list. Despite minor visual changes between seasons, the core idea and musical theme remain consistent, creating a sense of familiarity that makes it seem as if you’re watching the same show. This consistency also aligns with the series’ anthology structure, where each season offers a new story set at the White Lotus resort in different locations – Hawaii (season 1), Sicily (season 2), and soon Thailand (season 3). Watching these transitions is like gazing at the wallpaper of that specific resort.

Is it possible for us to discuss the music now? The captivating soundtrack for this show is the creation of Chilean composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, and it’s a joy to listen to. Each season brings slight variations to fit the new environment, but there’s always a distinctive flute-like melody that has come to be associated with The White Lotus.

7 Entourage (2004 – 2011)

In 2024, it’s unimaginable that a show like Entourage could air. Filled with outdated and offensive depictions of misogyny and racism, Entourage was a comedy-drama series from the early 2000s, loosely inspired by Mark Wahlberg’s life. The story revolves around Vinny Chase (Adrian Grenier), an up-and-coming Hollywood star, and his group of friends from back home as they navigate their way through the glamorous world of showbiz, indulging in numerous parties, sex, celebrity appearances, and lavish lifestyles. Essentially, Entourage serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the good life for ordinary folks yearning for a taste of it.

Living the Good Life

To numerous spectators back then, watching Entourage was a thrilling, stylish journey into Tinseltown. And that’s precisely what the show’s introductively captures – Vince and his companions driving around Los Angeles’ nightscape in a sleek 1965 Lincoln Continental convertible. They traverse Sunset Boulevard, lights flickering everywhere, gliding past iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Viper Room, Whisky A Go Go, and The Roxy. “Superhero” by Jane’s Addiction fills the air, making this introductory scene feel like a whirlwind tour of Hollywood.

6 Six Feet Under (2001 – 2005)

The show titled “Six Feet Under,” which aired in the early 2000s, is renowned for its critical acclaim. It centers around the Fisher family who manage a funeral home in Los Angeles. The narrative delves into themes of grief, death, and human mortality in an unprecedented manner. The audience has not experienced these topics portrayed in quite this way before. The show boasts a talented ensemble of actors, many of whom have since enjoyed successful careers. From its debut to its iconic final scene, “Six Feet Under” consistently delivers great drama and is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest TV series ever made.

The Show Opens with Death

The introductory scene of the program delves into the topic of death through striking visuals. It takes us on a journey from the morgue, to the undertaker’s table, finally resting in a cemetery. We witness embalming procedures, observe crows (representing death), gravestones, and old photos believed to be of deceased loved ones. The Fisher family tree, symbolic of ‘Six Feet Under’, is also featured. Throughout this journey, Thomas Newman’s signature tune, a melody that has earned an Emmy and two Grammy awards, is heard.

5 The Wire (2002 – 2008)

The Wire” is frequently hailed as the best TV series ever made, and it’s not hard to see why. This raw drama offered a realistic portrayal of police work and crime in Baltimore, seamlessly blending narratives and characters from various parts of the city. Despite premiering in the early 2000s, the show remains remarkably pertinent today. The series boasted standout performances by numerous renowned actors, such as Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams, Dominic West, and Michael B. Jordan.

A Tour of Baltimore’s Underbelly

In each new season of “The Wire”, the introductory credit sequence varies, while maintaining the same underlying idea and theme song (sort of). However, unlike previous seasons that used covers of ‘Down in the Hole’ by Tom Waits, the second season features the original version. As the track plays, snippets of drug transactions, gun violence, police documents, and surveillance activities are shown. Yet, it’s the depiction of Baltimore that sets each season apart.

Each season takes place in various parts of Baltimore, focusing on crimes specific to those locations. The opening credits of each season offer glimpses into these distinct areas, providing viewers with a glimpse of Baltimore’s gritty underside.

4 Succession (2018 – 2023)

The latest HBO drama sensation, “Succession”, has sparked discussions about being one of the greatest shows, centered around the Roy family who run a global media and entertainment empire. In this dark comedy, the Roy clan, led by Brian Cox, struggles for control over the company as well as its destiny, inspired by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp conglomerate.

Hip-Hop Meets Classical

As I settle into my seat for another episode of Succession, I can’t help but be drawn in by the captivating opening credits. The unique fusion of hip-hop and classical music by Nicholas Britell sets a tone that’s both intriguing and unsettling, reflecting the show’s exploration of traditional media clashing with modern media, and the dark, absurdist undertones that permeate the series. It’s no wonder this musical masterpiece has earned critical acclaim and numerous awards – it truly elevates the viewing experience from the get-go.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that the opening sequence is nothing short of stunning. It gives us a glimpse of modern-day New York City, the backdrop for most of the series, along with various types of media. However, what truly captures our attention are the fragments of home movies from the Roys’ childhoods. These snippets portray a life of luxury and wealth, yet there’s an unmistakable chill that permeates these home movies, setting the stage perfectly for the intriguing narrative that unfolds in Succession.

3 Sex and the City (1998 – 2004)

The television series titled “Sex and the City,” which gained immense popularity during the late ’90s, served as a cultural phenomenon that guided women into the new millennium, all while being set in New York City. The story revolves around Carrie Bradshaw, a newspaper columnist portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, and her three companions, who are trying to balance their careers and personal lives, including seeking love within the bustling city.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d like to share that “Sex and the City” was inspired by a real-life newspaper column in the New York Observer, penned by journalist Candace Bushnell, titled “Sex and the City.” At its inception, this groundbreaking series tackled subjects considered sensitive at the time, such as sex, sexuality, and femininity, making it revolutionary. In addition to another renowned show on this list, “Sex and the City” played a significant role in establishing HBO’s presence and remains one of the most iconic and beloved shows in their network’s history.

Carrie Bradshaw and New York City

Among the standout aspects of the “Sex and the City” introductory sequence lies its brevity. It spans merely 40 seconds, yet remains delightfully succinct. What’s astonishing is that, despite its brief duration, the introduction to “Sex and the City” ranks among the most iconic openings of any television series.

The music, composed by Douglas J. Cuomo and Tom Findlay, spices up the show with a quirky yet sexy kind of salsa music. Its star, the iconic Carrie Bradshaw, confidently struts the streets of New York City in an equally iconic outfit: a pink tank top with a white tutu. That is, until she’s soaked by a bus that’s labeled with her own advertisement. This opening is everything that Sex and the City is: it’s funny, it’s confident, it’s sexy, and it’s messy.

2 Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

The fantasy saga “Game of Thrones,” aired by HBO, became an unparalleled sensation in pop culture and television ratings from 2011 to 2019. This captivating series weaves together numerous characters and storylines across the imaginary realm of Westeros, gradually entangling them as a peril for humanity looms from the North. Originating from George R.R. Martin’s incomplete book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” “Game of Thrones” has been lauded for its exceptional acting ensemble, superior production quality, shocking plot developments, and epic battle scenes. However, a standout aspect of the show is undoubtedly its iconic opening credits sequence.

An Epic Trek Through Westeros, Past and Present

When Ramin Djawadi’s main title theme starts playing – with a cello softly weeping amidst booming drums in the background – it signals an hour filled with epic tales. As the melody plays, we get brief glimpses of computer-generated spheres, which turn out to represent the Citadel, a learning center in Westeros. We also witness computer-generated reenactments of historical events like Aegon’s Conquest and House Baratheon’s rise, as well as computer-generated animals symbolizing the major characters in the series.

Instead of saying “More notably, the sequence guides us through a large, computer-animated map of Westeros, pinpointing key locations in the story,” you could say “Notably, the sequence provides a tour of a vast, animated map of Westeros, highlighting important spots from the narrative.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while House of the Dragon attempted to replicate the essence of Game of Thrones by mirroring its opening sequence and utilizing Ramin Djawadi’s iconic theme, it fell short of capturing the same magic. The fundamental structure and concept remained consistent throughout the original series’ eight seasons, but this spin-off just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

1 The Sopranos (1999 – 2007)

The Sopranos, frequently hailed as one of the best TV series ever made, played a significant role in elevating HBO to an essential network and transforming contemporary television. The show’s remarkable success marked a trend towards complex, morally ambiguous protagonists that can be seen in acclaimed shows such as Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Peaky Blinders, and Narcos. These series have been influenced to some extent by the groundbreaking narrative style of The Sopranos.

David Chase devised this revolutionary television series that centers around Tony Soprano, portrayed masterfully by James Gandolfini, who struggles to reconcile his criminal boss duties in New Jersey with his family responsibilities. One of the aspects that viewers often recall about The Sopranos, other than its controversial finale, is its distinctive opening credit scene.

Riding the New Jersey Turnpike with Tony Soprano

A multitude of viewers found themselves captivated as they embarked on a journey along the New Jersey Turnpike alongside Tony Soprano. With one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other holding a cigar smoke-filled, it’s evident from the start that we’re witnessing a tough character. Brief glimpses of iconic New York City landmarks – the skyline, the Twin Towers, the Statue of Liberty – flash by, adding to the scene.

As Tony navigates through industrial New Jersey, the scenery gradually blends into his residential neighborhood until he reaches his charming abode. The entire journey is accompanied by the iconic show’s theme song, “Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3. This opening scene exudes a raw and authentic ambiance, mirroring the essence of The Sopranos, which sets it apart as one of the most compelling openings not just on HBO but across television.

2024-09-15 19:02