LogFAQs > #976230242

4. Ready Steady Go - Fullmetal Alchemist 03 OP2 (FMA theme 1 of 2)
https://animethemes.moe/anime/fullmetal_alchemist/OP2-NCBD1080

This is the defining shounen OP to me - in fact, it's the highest-ranked on the list. It might not be strictly my favorite, but it's absolutely the correct song for this arc for this anime, and at syncing the images to the song at every turn. It blew my mind the first time I watched it and it still blows my mind every time now. I kind of can't believe this was only used for like twelve episodes, but from the hard intro to the LET'S GET STARTED READY STEADY GO, virtually every cut executes a beautiful shounen OP trope flawlessly:

- lingering image of important symbols
- singular cuts to characters with a cool visual flare
- character opens his eyes at exactly the point where the song really kicks into gear and the perspective shifts dramatically
- title card appears on the sky
- protagonists start running across the world
- leading into the first great musical section, Ed's hand clasps at exactly the right moment of the beat
- every main good guy appears in a montage in rhythm as the song bursts into a more melodic, joyous section
- quick glance of Scar, a future villain
- exciting short snippet of a battle scene with more villains
- PLEASE TRUST ME as the melodic section ends with Ed, on his knees, being offered salvation from Winry's hand
- rockin' quiet intro-outro with more flash-cut images including a sneaking shot of Ed and Al followed by Bradley followed by Ed reaching for the sky

Everything about those just hits exactly the right button with me, and watching it fills me with so much joy.