Best short anime series to add to your watchlist

For newcomers and busy fans alike, the extensive length of popular anime series like Naruto and One Piece can be daunting. Classics such as these boast hundreds of episodes, requiring a significant time commitment.
Fortunately, anime offers a wealth of excellent shorter series, each with 13 episodes or less, that quickly deliver engaging storytelling without the need for a major time investment.These best short anime series jump straight into the action, making them perfect for viewers seeking quality entertainment without the lengthy commitment.


"No Game No Life" follows Sora and Shiro, elite gamers known as The Blank, who are transported to a new realm called Disboard after defeating the god Tet in chess. They must conquer kingdoms to face Tet again.
With vibrant visuals and exceptional art, "No Game No Life" stands out in the isekai genre. Despite its shorter length, it remains highly regarded even years after its debut. Perfect for those seeking a shorter isekai experience, it offers a refreshing break from longer series like "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime."

"Baccano!" is a unique anime set across three different timelines in 1930s America: involving a mafioso and the search for an alchemical elixir, a transcontinental train with a killer on the loose, and a young woman's quest to find her missing brother. These plotlines intersect in unexpected ways with interconnected characters.
Adapted from light novels, "Baccano!" offers action, mystery, and humour in a distinctive 1930s American setting rarely seen in anime. It's a celebrated series known for its originality and storytelling prowess.

"MegaloBox" is a sci-fi boxing series created to honour the iconic "Ashita no Joe" (Tomorrow's Joe). Boxers in "MegaloBox" use special gear to amplify their punches, adding excitement to the sport. The story follows "Junk Dog," an underdog fighter striving for recognition and success in a gritty cyberpunk setting. While there's a spinoff/continuation called "Nomad," it's not essential for enjoying "MegaloBox."

"Deadman Wonderland" follows Ganta Igarashi, a young boy framed for murder and sent to a prison amusement park where inmates battle to the death. Ganta discovers he can control blood and meets a mysterious albino girl named Shiro with ties to his past.
The anime features intense battles as Ganta fights to survive against insane inmates. While based on a manga, the 12-episode series covers only the beginning chapters, leading to an open-ended conclusion. Despite this, "Deadman Wonderland" remains an enjoyable watch.

"Eden of the East" starts with Saki encountering a naked man named Akira with a gun and a cell phone in front of the White House. After a peculiar encounter, Saki becomes entangled in Akira's mysterious circumstances, leading to a compelling and head-scratching mystery.
This anime original series keeps viewers hooked as Japan's fate hinges on the unlikely duo. For those craving more, there are two follow-up films to delve deeper into the story.

".hack//Legend of the Twilight Bracelet" is a standalone series within the .hack// franchise, ideal for newcomers. It follows twins Shugo and Rena, who reunite in an online game with special avatars.
The series offers a mix of action and comedy, exploring MMO gameplay with a unique slice-of-life perspective. While it becomes more dramatic towards the end, it retains its humour throughout. Based on a manga, the anime diverges from its source material, offering something fresh even for manga fans.

"Katanagatari" follows an ambitious woman and her warrior guardian on a quest across Japan to collect 12 legendary blades, some of which are unconventional weapons like armour or handguns.
Featuring striking character designs, exceptional animation, and compelling dialogue, "Katanagatari" is a must-watch anime. Each episode is 45 minutes long, making it a bit longer than typical single-season series, but well worth the investment for fans seeking a captivating story.

"Bloom Into You" follows Yuu Koito, a teenager on a journey of self-discovery about her feelings towards romance. When a boy confesses to her, she realises she lacks the expected excitement, leading her to explore her true interests with the help of another female student.
This romance anime stands out for its focus on same-gender relationships, offering a sweet and engaging coming-of-age story. With a growing demand for LGBTQ anime, "Bloom Into You" remains a standout series. Despite its 13-episode length, it's well-paced and satisfying, a rarity in the romance genre.

"Odd Taxi" is a unique blend of slice of life and crime anime featuring anthropomorphic animal characters, with the main character being a walrus taxi driver. The story revolves around his encounters with eccentric passengers and his involvement in a missing person's case, leading to entanglements with the police and yakuza.
This delightfully strange series lives up to its name, offering a compelling mystery and engaging characters. Despite the animal designs, "Odd Taxi" is not family-friendly. Fans of crime dramas will appreciate its heart and intricate storytelling, making it worth a second watch.

"Yuri!!! on Ice" follows a figure skater recovering from a devastating loss, aided by a world champion skater who becomes his mentor. Together, they discover new directions for their careers.
The anime gained immense popularity for its outstanding animation and portrayal of same-sex relationships. Fans eagerly await the sequel film, "Yuri!!! on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence," seven years after the original series aired. While the central relationship is implied rather than confirmed, the implications are clear throughout the series.

"The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting" follows a yakuza member tasked with babysitting his boss' young daughter to learn restraint. This unexpected situation leads to a humorous and dramatic storyline, with a yakuza navigating the challenges of caring for a seven-year-old.
The anime is both humorous and heartwarming, featuring Kirishima, a complex yakuza character, and Yaeka, an endearing child. Their dynamic drives the series, showcasing their growth and bond throughout the story.

"Violet Evergarden" is based on a 2015 light novel exploring the meaning of love. The story follows Violet, a former soldier turned transcriptionist, who embarks on a journey to understand the concept of love after hearing her mentor's final words. Through telling others' stories, Violet learns about love and its impact.
While the anime consists of 13 episodes, it also spawned two subsequent movies, offering fans a deeper exploration of the story beyond the series.

"Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster" is a notable early work from Studio Gainax and Hideaki Anno, known for "Neon Genesis Evangelion." This retro anime combines '80s training montages with a war story about relativistic time during space travel, holding up as a classic. Its sequel, "Diebuster," adds depth to the story and is worth watching alongside the original. Anime history fans should not miss "Gunbuster" for its influence on the industry and Anno's career.

For "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," stick with it until at least the fourth episode to fully appreciate its unique take on the magical girl genre. The plot unfolds in unexpected ways beyond the initial premise. While the original twelve-episode series stands alone, there are sequels and adaptations that fans consider essential viewing, including upcoming sequel movies.

FLCL, a standout OVA from Studio Gainax, features wild animation and a unique visual style. Naota's life changes when he's struck by a space woman's guitar, leading to bizarre adventures with a fighting robot sprouting from his forehead. Despite its eccentricity, FLCL delves into mature themes of adulthood and transition, wrapped in fluid animation and humour. With only six episodes, it's a classic worth watching for its innovative approach.

Devilman Crybaby is a standout reboot of the influential Devilman manga. It follows Akira Fudo, who transforms into the powerful Devilman, triggering a series of catastrophic events. In just 10 episodes, this adaptation packs in more action and gore than many longer series. It fearlessly explores mature themes, making it one of the goriest and most impactful anime of all time.

Kaiba is an anime that delves into dark and tragic themes despite its simple aesthetic. In this world, memories are stored in chips, granting eternal life to a privileged few. The protagonist, lacking memories, sets out with only a locket as a clue, uncovering deep questions about identity and class. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Kaiba is visually inventive and thematically engaging, with every moment offering something unique and compelling.

In "A Place Further Than The Universe," four high school girls embark on an ambitious journey to Antarctica, showcasing incredible determination. Despite its exotic setting, the series feels realistic and compelling, with the characters' struggles portrayed authentically. Over twelve episodes, viewers witness profound individual and group development, culminating in an emotionally charged climax that makes this anime truly inspiring and uplifting.

In "Death Parade," souls compete in games after death, leading to reincarnation or placement in The Void based on their conduct. This surreal and thought-provoking anime presents a compelling twist on the death game genre, with an anthology-style approach that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

"Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day" follows Jinta Yadomi, a young shut-in haunted by a past tragedy. When the ghost of his friend Menma reappears, she asks him to fulfil her final wish. Gripping and emotional, this series is a must-see for fans of tear-jerking anime, combining heavy themes with a poignant slice-of-life story that lingers long after its short 11 episodes.

"Terror in Resonance," created by Shinichiro Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop fame, is a 2014 anime produced by studio MAPPA. The series follows high school student Lisa, who becomes involved with two young terrorists named Nine and Twelve. Lisa's association with them entangles her in a broader geopolitical conflict with significant implications for Japan and the world.
Despite its title and premise, "Terror in Resonance" delves into specific themes with stunning animation and a haunting soundtrack by Yoko Kanno. It's a visually striking and thought-provoking series, particularly appealing to those interested in Japanese politics.

Fans of romance, college life, and mind-bending time-loop narratives will love "Tatami Galaxy." Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for "Devilman Crybaby," this anime's unique aesthetics and funky tone have made it a favourite among fans worldwide. It follows a college student caught in a time loop, navigating love and surreal challenges. For those who enjoy its energy, check out Yuasa's film "The Night is Short, Walk On Girl," based on a book by the same author as "Tatami Galaxy."

"Haibane Renmei" follows Rakka, a young girl born as a "Haibane" (similar to an angel) in an unfamiliar world. As she learns about her fellow Haibane and the world's mysteries, the series delves into deep emotional themes. Its strength lies in subtlety, with nuanced characters and a unique, engrossing setting. This slow-burn, meditative anime is a must-see for its thoughtful exploration of internal conflicts and likeable cast.

"Chainsaw Man" is a standout manga from Weekly Shonen Jump, and its anime adaptation lives up to the hype with stunning visuals and intense fight scenes. While its future beyond the first season is uncertain, the anime remains a must-watch for fans, with a movie in the works. With its faithful adaptation, "Chainsaw Man" has quickly become one of the top short anime of all time, leaving fans eager for more.

"Paranoia Agent" is celebrated as one of the top horror anime series, known for its surreal and intricate storytelling. The show follows a string of attacks by a mysterious baseball bat-wielding boy named Lil' Slugger, delving into the lives of victims and investigators. With its deep social commentary and genre-bending narrative, "Paranoia Agent" remains a standout work from the late Satoshi Kon.

"Sound of the Sky" is a peaceful war story set in a world in decline, following five young soldiers stationed at an unimportant fort. The anime focuses on their day-to-day experiences with a slice-of-life tone, while conveying a sense of melancholy and beauty amid a dark backdrop. Despite the world's sadness, the series emphasises the value of protecting what remains.

"Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" is a series set in the world of Mike Pondsmith's Cyberpunk RPG, preceding CD Projekt Red's video game. It follows David, a young man who becomes an Edgerunner after a life-altering tragedy. The anime is known for its heartbreaking story and powerful character arcs, making it one of the best cyberpunk anime.

"Erased" is a 2016 anime adaptation of the manga directed by Tomohiko Ito. It follows Satoru Fujinuma, who has the ability to travel back in time to prevent a murder. This psychological thriller is a must-watch with its gripping story and quick pace, spanning just twelve episodes. Fans can delve deeper into the manga and its other adaptations for more of the captivating world of "Erased."

"Sonny Boy" is a 2022 anime about high school students trapped in an alternate dimension with strange powers. Led by Nagara, they seek to return home while facing surreal challenges. The series stands out for its stunning visuals and as a deconstruction of the isekai genre, packed into twelve impactful episodes.

"Serial Experiments Lain" is a thought-provoking anime ahead of its time, exploring technology's impact on alienation. Released in 1998, it defies norms with a surreal and open-ended narrative that invites viewers to draw their own conclusions.
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