This week’s short anime series to binge-watch include Devilman Crybaby, Death Parade, Erased, Barakamon, and Tsuki ga Kirei.
Every anime enthusiast knows that while expansive series like Naruto or One Piece offers deep, intricate worlds and character arcs, not everyone has the luxury of time to explore them.
These brief tales can be just as impactful, allowing every fan to experience the magic of anime without the long-term commitment of more extensive sagas.
So, even if the daunting episode counts of renowned series like Naruto, One Piece, or The Legend of Galactic Heroes can seem intimidating, shorter alternatives await your discovery.
FLCL (6 episodes)
If you’re looking for a short anime that’s bonkers, look no further than “FLCL.” With only 6 episodes, this anime takes you on a mind-bending journey that involves robots, aliens, and a mysterious guitar-wielding woman.
The plot is a wild roller-coaster ride that will make you dizzy, but the intriguing characters and stellar soundtrack will make it worthwhile.
Erased (12 episodes)
ERASED, also known as Boku dake ga Inai Machi, stormed onto the scene as 2016’s breakout winter hit, adapting its story from the manga of the same name. Ranking among the top murder mystery animes, it’s a short anime to watch filled with suspense, time-travel, and jaw-dropping plot twists.
The plot actively engages you, making you perch on the edge of your seat as the protagonist dives between past and present, battling to alter unfortunate events.
As the narrative unfolds, the characters undergo exceptional development, pulling you in deeper and making you increasingly attached to them, especially as events take darker and more harrowing turns.
Death Parade (12 episodes)
As I age, it becomes increasingly rare to find something truly unique, but Death Parade offers a fresh perspective on the afterlife like no other. While I usually steer clear of narratives that hint at religious concepts of heaven and hell, this good short anime doesn’t dwell on that.
Right from the beginning, the anime actively engages with a well-structured storyline, sparking your imagination.
Consistently delivering in quality, it shines a light on human behavior and serves up intriguing twists. Give Death Parade a shot; given its concise length, you’ll find it’s time well spent.
Devilman Crybaby (10 episodes)
Are you looking for a dark, psychedelic, and emotionally draining journey? “Devilman Crybaby,” with 10 intense episodes, is your pick. It’s a tragic story of friendship and betrayal, humanity and horror, love and apocalypse.
The unique art style and captivating narrative are the cherries on top of this emotionally charged series. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re seeking a series with depth and unforgettable impact, “Devilman Crybaby” will stay with you long after the credits roll.
This short anime is worth watching because of the good animation, story, and concept. I watched this anime without any expectations.
Daily Lives of High School Boys (12 episodes)
Craving some high school nostalgia?
Step into the comedic world of “Daily Lives of High School Boys.” Don’t let its mundane title fool you. This 12-episode slice-of-life anime bursts with situational humor and relatable schoolboy antics and is an overall feel-good series.
It’s low stakes, great fun, and perfectly captures teenage life’s absurd and hilarious aspects. It’s just your ‘average’ school life, but there’s never a dull moment!
It is an impeccable slice-of-life short anime that masterfully blends witty humor with a touch of the crude and absurd. It resonates with real high school experiences, making it a blast to watch with friends.
O Maidens in Your Savage Season (12 episodes)
Want a glimpse into the whirlwind minds of teenagers grappling with love, curiosity, and the uneasy leap into adulthood? Dive into “O Maidens in Your Savage Season.”
This short anime, spanning just 12 episodes, actively delves into the intricacies of adolescence, presenting it with both genuine warmth and humor. As you binge-watch, you’ll find yourself laughing, empathizing, and at times, deeply moved by the characters as they traverse the often-confusing journey of youth, making it a great pick among short animes to binge.
I began this series anticipating a simple, light-hearted rom-com. While it does have its light moments, it also delves into deeper, sometimes darker themes, portraying the genuine struggles of adolescents as they grapple with newfound feelings and concepts.
Youjo Senki: Saga of Tanya the Evil (12 episodes)
The Saga of Tanya the Evil initially captivated me, making it one of the best short animes I’ve seen. The plot and characters brim with excitement. The lead character stands out with her unique backstory: a reincarnated salary-man turned into a young female soldier with a malevolent heart.
Embracing her villainous nature comes effortlessly to her. Set in a world mirroring ours during WW1, but with the twist of magic, this anime boasts thrilling action, intricate military strategies, and plenty of comedic moments.
While the World War setting might be off-putting for some, as it’s a theme I typically find dull, this anime spins it in an engaging way.
The soundtracks are fantastic, and Tanya’s character is undeniably captivating.
Anohana (11 episodes)
Given my usual preference for dubbed versions, I opted for the English dub when watching this short anime series. The anime captivated me with its inspiring storyline.
After binging all 11 episodes, I can confidently say I have no regrets. Though it started slow, prompting me to consider dropping it after the initial episodes, I’m thrilled I pushed through.
The art style and animation stand out, harmonizing perfectly with the character movements and dialogues. The attention to detail is evident, especially in the meticulously crafted backgrounds, leaving no room for inconsistency.
Additionally, the anime’s theme song caught my attention. It enlivens each episode and complements the series’ ambiance beautifully. The music harmonizes seamlessly with the visuals, enhancing the overall experience.
Sweetness and Lightning (12 episodes)
“Sweetness and Lightning” delivers a delectable 12-episode journey, mixing touching tales with tempting recipes. A widowed father and his daughter team up with one of his students to embark on a culinary adventure.
Rather than focusing solely on cooking techniques, the series highlights the love and bonds formed over shared meals. Every episode offers a delightful bite of life’s simple and beautiful moments, urging viewers to relish “Sweetness and Lightning” leisurely.
Tsumugi steals the show with her cuteness, making this one irresistibly sweet and endearing short anime series.
Kino’s Journey (13 episodes)
This series stands apart from other anime I’ve encountered. While it doesn’t overflow with action or laughter, it doesn’t entirely lack them, either. Its animation boasts a distinct style – seemingly simple at first glance but radiating undeniable beauty.
It’s one of those hidden gems you stumble upon during a late-night binge session, making it an excellent short anime to binge.
You’ve never heard anyone mention it, you’re searching for something new, and the cover art doesn’t hint at yet another action-packed vampire romance.
Charlotte (13 episodes)
Charlotte delves into an alternate world where children develop supernatural abilities upon hitting puberty. Yuu, possessing such powers, manages to live an ordinary life by hiding them.
This anime consistently surprises its audience. It avoids many cliches, strikes a deep and dramatic tone, yet interjects light jokes to pull the viewer’s attention back to lighter moments.
The storyline excels, with barely any noticeable plot holes. Both the narrative and characters evolve and adapt continuously.
Yuri!!! On Ice (12 Episodes)
Yuri on Ice is a figure skating-themed Japanese sports anime TV series, produced by MAPPA.
Differing from most sports-centric anime that focus on team dynamics, Yuri carves its own niche in the realm of short sports anime.
It narrates the journey of a prominent figure skater grappling with the consequences of a crushing defeat. A world-champion figure skater steps forward to mentor him, and together, they navigate the murky waters of an uncertain future.
Even after over six years since its premiere, the anime has a strong fanbase, with many eagerly clamoring for a second season.
No Game, No Life (12 episodes)
“No Game No Life” masterfully weaves together elements of strategy, humor, and high-stakes drama. In this short 12-episode anime, viewers journey to an enchanting realm where every challenge, down to the fate of vast empires, rests on the outcome of intricate games.
Upon entering this mesmerizing dimension, two gamer siblings face trials that stretch their gaming prowess to its limits. As you immerse yourself in this vivid and eccentric universe, prepare for a thrilling adventure.
Remember, every moment pulses with the excitement of the game in play!
Made in Abyss (13 episodes)
Made in Abyss revisits classic fantasy elements without leaning on the RPG-style world or drawing from Tolkien or C.S. Lewis.
It starts off with a bright, cheerful tone, sprinkled with hints of darker undertones that pique your curiosity. As the story progresses, it delves deep into the harshest facets of humanity.
Yet, it never overwhelms the viewer with despair. Instead, the two main characters’ relentless hope, determination, and endearing innocence balance out the narrative’s darker moments.
Katanagatari (12 Episodes)
Katanagatari follows the powerful martial artist, Shichika, and the self-proclaimed genius strategist, Togame. Together, they embark on a quest to collect the twelve “Deviant Blades” for the shogunate. Yet, each blade already belongs to a unique owner, pushing Shichika to claim these swords through combat.
Visually, the anime stands out as a masterpiece. While the dialogue can sometimes feel verbose, causing occasional lapses in attention, the intricate character designs and innovative stances make up for it.
The absence of clichéd anime poses and typical fight scenes results in more dynamic and tension-filled encounters.
Bloom Into You (13 Episodes)
In the short anime series, teenager Yuu Koito embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She revels in romance stories, but when a boy declares his love for her, she doesn’t experience the expected thrill, prompting her to question why.
After seeking help from another female student, she unravels the possibility that she might not be interested in boys.
Unlike the typical romance anime, Bloom Into You uniquely focuses on same-gender relationships, crafting a coming-of-age story that blends sweetness and fun.
She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points
This stunning short film accompanies the Voices of a Distant Star DVD. In just five minutes, it immerses you in the world of a cat named Chobi and his life with his beautiful owner, whom he affectionately calls “She.”
I won’t delve too deep to avoid spoilers. You can choose from three viewing options: digest, 3-minute, or 5-minute. I recommend the 5-minute version; you’ll appreciate the richer details it offers.
The Tatami Galaxy (11 episodes)
This anime series follows an unnamed college student in Kyoto, lamenting his perceived wasted years, marked by a lack of romantic involvement and only two friends: the irredeemable Ozu and a first-year student, Ms. Akashi.
At first glance, the average viewer might find the anime odd, primarily because of the rapid narration from the protagonist, ‘Watashi’, and its distinctive, freeform art style.
While the story appears to loop through repetitive scenes in the early episodes, it cleverly employs the concept of parallel universes as its foundation.
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War Is An Intense Rush (12 Episodes)
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War enthralls horror fans with its gripping plot. Every 12 years, the Zodiac Tournament erupts, where 12 warriors face off in brutal combat.
Without giving away too much, each episode primarily spotlights a single fighter. This pattern becomes predictably tedious after some time, and you’ll understand why.
The battles engage viewers, the introduction captivates, and the animation quality impresses. I initially watched it as episodes released weekly, but I believe binge-watching would enhance the experience. If action-packed anime excites you, this series won’t disappoint!
91 Days (12 Episodes)
In the town of Lawless, black market sales of bootleg liquor thrive. After a long absence, Avilio returns to Lawless to seek vengeance for his family’s murder in a mafia feud.
The anime boasts crisp animation and perfectly captures the 1930s ambiance. The main character’s struggles will draw you in from the start.
While the show heavily emphasizes the theme of cold revenge, it presents intricate dynamics between the protagonist and his adversaries, making their ultimate confrontations emotionally charged. I admire how the show develops its villains, portraying them as distinct individuals rather than just faceless, cold-hearted killers.
Angel Beats! (13 Episodes)
Angel Beats! plunges you into an afterlife narrative where the rebellious Yurippe forms a resistance group to combat an army, led by Angel, intent on erasing them permanently.
While I aim to keep spoilers at bay, the series offers a refreshingly distinct, non-religious perspective on the afterlife. This approach crafts a narrative style seldom seen in anime.
The central characters stand out for their eccentricity and humor, yet they epitomize true friendship and camaraderie.
OVA Shorts (Original Video Animation)
Anime with 1-7 episodes is usually classified as OVA (Original Video Animation), ONA (Original Net Animation), or specials. These are often released directly to home video or, in recent years, online.
They can act as a standalone series or supplement a longer anime series. Here’s a list of notable short anime series:
- Voices of a Distant Star (1 episode)
- She and Her Cat: Everything Flows (4 episodes)
- Tsumiki no Ie (1 episode)
- There She Is!! (5 episodes)
- Golden Boy (6 episodes)
- Pale Cocoon (1 episode)
- Alien Nine (4 episodes): This 4-episode series follows elementary school girls chosen to protect their school from alien attacks.
- Candy Boy (7 episodes): A yuri-themed ONA series about the life and relationships of twin sisters in high school.
- Hori-san to Miyamura-kun (4 episodes): These 4 OVA episodes are the basis for the later anime series “Horimiya.”
- Video Girl Ai (6 episodes): This 6-episode OVA is a romantic drama about a young man who rents a video tape, and the girl in it comes to life.