This list is by no means a ranking. These are just a few that I personally like and get me pumped. If you’ve got an inspiring theme song I missed, throw it in the comments for everyone.
Degrassi: The Next Generation
While this song about ten zillion iterations (no seriously, we did a whole article about it), I’m going with the early version simply for the gospel style singer doing backup vocals. I recite these lyrics to myself at least a few times a day. Simple yet effective. Note that I nearly chose the Degrassi Junior High theme, but I’m limiting myself to one theme song per franchise.
Ultraman Nexus
Man, no one does an inspiring theme tune quite like Japanese special effects shows, do they? Sure, some of those lyrics may seem a bit childish. After all, Ultraman and other Tokusatsu shows are usually made for children, but sometimes the words we tell our kids are the words we need to be reminded of when we’re older.
Good Times
I love the jubuliation in this song. The celebration at every little thing that goes right in a crazy world. Sometimes finding the ‘good times’ amongst the bad takes all the strength we have.
Ace Lightning
Never heard of Ace Lightning? Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one. The biggest aspect of the show that drew me in was its theme. Just listen to it, what middle school kid wouldn’t want to imagine a whole superhero series with that as its theme tune? Yeah, I did that and it was awesome! Major shout out to the band Four Square for performing this. But we don’t have to play this game all alone cause there’s a hero in us all! I really tried to find the TV size version of the theme but there aren’t any English copies on YouTube. Just listen to the full theme anyway, you’ll thank me.
Code Lyoko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKNDZLZbEZE
Any theme song that’s been translated into about twenty languages is a song I can get behind. You need a team or group of friends to fight off evil in this world and this songs reminds us of that.
A Different World
At one time or another in our lives we go through big changes. Moving, a new job, a different career path, etc. Just focus on what your dreams are and you can make it.
Digimon Tamers
I know it’s a fandub of a Japanese song but hot damn if it is not one of the best fandubs I’ve ever heard. Never give up on your dreams people, even if others stand in your way. Flying farther, flying faster!We can reach it if we tryTomorrow’s now, so take a bowKiss your past goodbye!
Friends
Oh come on, this one’s a gimme. What fandom hasn’t done a mashup of their favorite show or movie with this theme? We’d all like to imagine that even our heroes can exist in our world where their biggest problems can be solved while hanging out on a couch. I’ll be there for you.
Kamen Rider Hibiki
Sometimes you don’t need lyrics to get your blood pumping. This departs from conventional Tokusatsu show openings in favor of a rousing orchestral score with a heavy focus on drums. Kind of feels like you’re about to watch the most badass nature documentary ever, yeah? Perfect mood to bring you out of your funk.
Perfect Strangers
Cybersix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z22seoMxgpI
This one isn’t quite as upbeat as the other so far, but it’s a bit more comforting in its lyrics. It’s not a call to arms like the Code Lyoko or Ace Lightning themes, but it’s reassuring that no matter what you’ll survive. Sometimes that’s the most inspiring thing of all.
Animorphs
This song is a beacon of hope in a sea of darkness. Even against insurmountable odds, you have power to fight back.
DC Super Hero Girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFAIYsc6iSI
I think the official description of this song says it all. “Every superhero needs a theme song. This catchy beat will get you PUMPED to get your cape on and save the day!”
Dance Academy
Perfect if you’re about to go in for an audition. Because hey, if those crazy Australian teens can survive a dance academy? You can make it through anything.
Power Rangers Dino Charge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmdlUVDHLDU
There have been so many incarnations of Power Rangers over the years it would seem this would be a hard choice. While I don’t consider the Dino Charge to be the BEST Power Rangers theme (Dino Thunder, what’s up!) I do think Dino Charge manages to be a bit more inspiring simply because its lyrics are a bit more generic. That way, it can apply to situations outside the plot of the show. It’s not just about fighting monsters, it’s about fighting for survival.
The Proud Family
Even if your own biological family isn’t the greatest, this song still speaks to the families we make for ourselves. There are people out there who will always have your back, even if you don’t know it yet.
Naruto Shippuden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzeaz-yWO90
Naruto has had a lot of great upbeat tracks in its long run but the beat here combined with these lyrics makes it the stand out. Make some noise because soon the heroes will come back!
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
They don’t play this during the Olympics for nothing. Another rousing score to keep the fire in your heart alive.
Steven Universe
Steven Universe is a show that just makes you feel good about, well, the universe. It gives you hope, it gives you representation unlike any other series, and it’ music puts a smile on your face. It’s like a warm hug, telling you everything will be okay. We all need that, especially now.
Living Single
This is one of the most 90’s things I’ve ever heard. Which means it’s amazing. The ’90s was so filled with optimism and this song could be a good candiate for personifying that. Even with that upbeat tune, its lyrics still reminds that you’ve got to fight but it’s allright, you’ve got your friends to the left and to the right. As I said at the top, this list is not exhaustive. If you’ve got an inspiring TV theme you think I missed, throw it in the comments. We could all use some good tunes. He was Shamus, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. Follow him on Twitter!
