Top 24 Best Short Anime That Are Great For Binge-Watching
4.7/5 - (24 votes)
Anime has a unique way of drawing viewers into captivating worlds with intricate plots, vibrant characters, and breathtaking visuals. For those looking for engaging series without the time commitment of longer runs, short anime offers the perfect solution. These shows manage to pack an emotional punch, thrilling twists, and rich storytelling into a limited number of episodes. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, action-packed adventures, or heartfelt dramas, short anime series deliver a complete and satisfying experience in under 30 episodes. Here’s a curated list of some of the best short anime you can watch in one sitting.
Best Short Anime
24. Blood of Zeus
Episodes: 8
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
Summary: A fresh take on Greek mythology where the protagonist, Heron, discovers he’s the son of Zeus and must fight to protect Earth and Olympus from demons. Despite the familiar hero’s journey, the anime offers strong character development and excellent animation.
23. Charlotte
Episodes: 13
Genre: Drama, Superpower, School
Summary: Yuu Otosaka can control others’ bodies for five seconds, using this ability for personal gain. However, his journey is more than about his powers. This show is packed with emotional depth, making it perfect for a one-day binge.
22. Death Parade
Episodes: 12
Genre: Game, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
Summary: After death, souls play a game that determines their fate. Each episode introduces unique characters and moral dilemmas, exploring themes of death, regret, and redemption.
21. WataMote
Episodes: 12
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, School
Summary: Follows Tomoko, a socially awkward girl who thinks she’s prepared for high school but quickly finds out that her virtual experiences have not prepared her for the real world. This is a humorous and relatable story.
Summary: Lucy, a member of a special breed of humans, escapes from an unethical government facility and causes chaos as she confronts her traumatic past. A violent, yet gripping series that mixes horror and psychological elements.
19. Baccano!
Episodes: 13
Genre: Action, Comedy, Historical, Mystery
Summary: Set in the 1930s, this anime weaves together multiple storylines involving immortality, mafia wars, and mysterious trains. It’s a non-linear narrative that keeps viewers on their toes, rewarding careful attention.
18. Ping Pong the Animation
Episodes: 11
Genre: Drama, Psychological, Seinen, Sports
Summary: A deep, artistic take on ping pong, exploring friendship, competition, and personal growth. Despite the unconventional art style, it’s a unique and thought-provoking sports anime.
Summary: Short episodes that revolve around Toshinari’s bizarre antics during class, distracting his classmate Rumi. This quirky and creative comedy packs in a lot of fun in just 7-minute episodes.
16. I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying
Episodes: 13
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, Seinen
Summary: A quirky short anime about a hardcore otaku husband, Hajime Tsunashi, and his wife, Kaoru, a regular white-collar worker. Despite their differences, the couple has a unique bond. The episodes, only 3 minutes long, offer a surprisingly deep look at their relationship while keeping things comedic.
15. Terror in Resonance
Episodes: 11
Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
Summary: This intense anime follows two boys, “Sphinx,” who carry out terrorist attacks in Tokyo, leaving cryptic clues behind. The story explores themes of terrorism, the search for justice, and high-pressure investigation, with strong artistic elements that set it apart from typical thrillers.
Summary: This dark, intense anime centers on Ryo Asuka, who transforms into Devilman, battling monstrous devils. The series includes heavy violence, gore, and explores complex themes about humanity, relationships, and the destruction brought by supernatural forces.
13. Goblin Slayer
Episodes: 12
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Gore
Summary: A group of adventurers is attacked by goblins on their first mission, prompting a lone warrior known as Goblin Slayer to step in. His singular goal is to eradicate all goblins by any means necessary. The anime features a dark fantasy world filled with brutal battles and high stakes.
12. Grand Blue
Episodes: 12
Genre: Comedy, Seinen, Slice of Life
Summary: This comedy series centers on the college diving club and its hilarious antics, including wild parties, alcohol, and budding romance. It’s a fun watch for anyone who loves college humor mixed with a bit of development in characters.
11. Kakegurui
Episodes: 24
Genre: Gambling, Mystery, Psychological, School
Summary: This anime follows Yumeko Jabami, a compulsive gambler who joins an elite school where students gamble their way to the top. The high-stakes gambles and unpredictable outcomes keep viewers on the edge of their seat. With its unique art and soundtrack, it’s a thrilling psychological experience.
10. One Punch Man
Episodes: 12
Genre: Superheroes, Action, Comedy, Slice of Life, Parody
Summary: Saitama, the protagonist, is so powerful he defeats any enemy with a single punch. While it sounds like a typical superhero story, the anime parodies the genre and adds deep moments of comedy and existential reflection, making it a must-watch for both action lovers and comedy fans.
Summary: Tokyo Ghoul follows Ken Kaneki, a half-ghoul who must navigate life as both human and monster. The first season is slow but gripping, with elements of horror, mystery, and psychological drama. While the anime deviates from the manga in later seasons, the first season is definitely worth the binge.
08. No Game No Life
Episodes: 12 Studio: Madhouse Genre: Game, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Fantasy
Sora and Shiro, siblings and genius gamers, find themselves transported to a virtual world. To survive, they must use their gaming skills to outsmart opponents in high-stakes games. This Isekai anime has captivated fans with its unique premise and colorful animation.
07. Kokkoku
Episodes: 12 Studio: Geno Studio Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Psychological, Time-travel, Seinen
When a family member is kidnapped, the Yukawa family enters the world of Stasis, where time is frozen. Using a mysterious stone, they must navigate the frozen world to save their loved one. This underrated anime offers a fresh take on time manipulation and suspense.
06. Another
Episodes: 12 Studio: P.A. Works Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Set in a high school plagued by mysterious deaths, Another is a gripping psychological horror anime. It weaves a chilling story that will keep you hooked with its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot twists.
05. Btooom!
Episodes: 12 Studio: Madhouse Genre: Survival, Action, Seinen
Ryota, a top player of the Btooom! game, finds himself on a deserted island where players are forced to play the game for real, using bombs to eliminate others. This survival anime mixes action with psychological tension and moral dilemmas.
04. Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Episodes: 13 Studio: J.C. Staff Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
In the city of Orario, adventurers explore dangerous dungeons in search of riches. Bell, a young adventurer, embarks on a journey of self-discovery while forming relationships with powerful allies. The mix of action, comedy, and romance makes this anime a fan favorite.
03. Mob Psycho 100
Episodes: 24 (2 seasons, 12 episodes each) Studio: Bones Genre: Action, Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural
Mob, a socially awkward boy with incredible psychic powers, seeks a normal life despite his extraordinary abilities. This anime offers a unique art style, combining humor and heart with intense action and supernatural themes.
Episodes: 63 (and counting) Studio: Bones Genre: Shounen, Comedy, School, Super Powers
In a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero, despite being born without abilities. This highly popular series follows his journey as he trains to become a hero. The anime’s success lies in its inspiring story and epic battles.
01. Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi (Erased)
Episodes: 12 Studio: A-1 Pictures Genre: Drama, Psychological
Satoru Fujinuma has the ability to time-leap to prevent tragic events. When he is wrongly accused of murder, he leaps back to his childhood, hoping to solve the mystery and save those he loves. Erased is a heart-pounding thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Conclusion:
Short anime shows prove that great storytelling doesn’t need to be drawn out over hundreds of episodes. Each of the series on this list brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a gripping mystery, a high-stakes adventure, or an emotional rollercoaster. With their concise episode counts, these anime provide the perfect balance of depth and excitement, making them ideal for anyone seeking an engaging yet time-efficient viewing experience. So, whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned fan, these top short anime will surely leave a lasting impression.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
