20+ Short Anime Series to Watch This Week

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.

For lovers of mystery and suspense, “Erased” is a 12-episode thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a tragedy triggers Satoru’s unique ability to travel back in time, he’s sent back to his childhood years to prevent a series of unsolved kidnappings and murders.

Packed with suspense, emotions, and a captivating storyline, “Erased” is a time-travel treat that will compel you to hit the ‘next episode repeatedly.’

Death isn’t the end but the beginning of an unexpected journey in “Death Parade.” This 12-episode series dives into the afterlife, where the deceased must play games that reveal their true nature, determining their final resting place.

“Death Parade” goes beyond mere entertainment, offering a deep exploration of human nature and the value of life itself. It’s dark, dramatic, and filled with gripping moral dilemmas. Short but incredibly profound, this series is a must-watch.

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.

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!

Ever wanted to peer into the minds of teenagers navigating love, curiosity, and the awkward transition into adulthood? “O Maidens in Your Savage Season” lets you do just that.

This 12-episode anime thoughtfully explores adolescence with a refreshing and authentic take. It’s tender, funny, and occasionally poignant. Watch as the characters wade through the baffling waters of youth, and maybe, you’ll decode the teenage enigma.

“Reincarnation” meets “World War I military” in “Youjo Senki: Saga of Tanya the Evil.” This 12-episode saga introduces us to Tanya Degurechaff, a reincarnated salaryman turned militaristic child prodigy in an alternate universe.

It’s a rich, engaging narrative that’s loaded with politics, war strategies, and supernatural elements. Strap in for a wild ride with Tanya as she takes on the forces of… well, literally everyone, including God.

“Anohana” is an 11-episode emotional roller coaster about a group of childhood friends who drifted apart after a tragic accident. When their deceased friend Menma appears as a ghost, the group must confront their unresolved issues and buried emotions.

Combining sweet childhood memories with the sour taste of regret and loss, “Anohana” offers a compelling narrative that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

“Sweetness and Lightning” is a 12-episode series that serves a delectable blend of heartwarming stories and mouth-watering recipes. It’s about a widowed father and his daughter learning to cook with one of his student’s help.

It’s less about culinary skills and more about the love and connection found through food. Each episode is a tasty morsel of life’s simplicity and beauty, making “Sweetness and Lightning” a series you’ll want to savor slowly.

“Kino’s Journey” is a 13-episode series that takes you on an exquisite tour of the human condition. Each episode takes place in a different country with unique customs and traditions.

But this isn’t your regular travelogue. It’s an introspective exploration of philosophical and societal themes, presented through the lens of Kino and her talking motorcycle, Hermes. Jump aboard for an absurdly acute adventure that will leave you musing long after the credits roll.

Imagine waking up one day and finding out you have superpowers. Cool, right? “Charlotte” might make you reconsider. In this 13-episode series, teenagers with special abilities must navigate the treacherous world of exploitation, secrecy, and life-changing choices.

It’s a unique, heart-rending story that unravels the threads of fate, friendship, and sacrifice. With each episode, you’ll be more deeply entangled in its web.

Unlike the majority of sports-centric anime, which emphasize team dynamics, Yuri instead tells the tale of a distinguished figure skater battling the aftermath of a devastating loss. A world champion figure skater extends his hand to aid him, and in each other, they find the guidance they need when their future paths appear uncertain.

Despite more than six years since its original broadcast, the anime’s popularity remains strong, with fans persistently demanding a second season.

“No Game No Life” is a delightful blend of strategy, comedy, and otherworldly stakes. This 12-episode anime transports us to a world where everything, including the fate of entire nations, is decided by games.

When two sibling gamers find themselves in this fantastical universe, their gaming skills are put to the ultimate test. So, take a quantum leap of faith into this vibrant, eccentric world – and don’t forget, the game’s afoot!

“Made in Abyss” is a 13-episode series that takes you on a journey into the depths of a mysterious abyss. This anime disguises itself as a children’s adventure story but quickly morphs into a dark, compelling tale filled with danger, discovery, and the desperate pursuit of paradise.

With its stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, this series will plunge you into a world where curiosity and danger intertwine, and the abyss’s depths mirror the depths of the human spirit.

Nisio Isin’s renowned light novel, Bakemonogatari, is the source material for the thrilling anime series Katanagatari. The story follows an ambitious woman and her somewhat dense warrior companion as they journey across Japan to retrieve 12 legendary blades.

With visually stunning character designs, exceptional animation, and captivating dialogue, Katanagatari is an unmissable experience.

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” is a touching 4-episode short anime series that explores life, loneliness, and love from a cat’s perspective.

This series paints a bittersweet picture of the deep bond between a woman and her cat, their shared moments, and the passage of time. It’s a poignant reminder of the simple beauty found in everyday life.

“The Tatami Galaxy” is an 11-episode series that takes you on a surreal ride through love, regrets, and possibilities. Each episode presents a different timeline, all revolving around a nameless protagonist and his unrequited love.

With its non-linear narrative, vibrant visuals, and profound themes, this series offers a unique quantum leap into the world of romance.

Juni Taisen: Zodiac War caters to horror genre enthusiasts with its intense storyline. Once every 12 years, the Zodiac Tournament unfolds, pitting 12 warriors against each other in a deadly battle. Representing animals from the Chinese Zodiac, each competitor possesses unique attributes tied to their respective animal.

To ensure the warriors’ engagement, they must ingest a poisonous gem that activates within 12 hours. The only way to secure the antidote is by eliminating their adversaries, striving to be the last one standing.

In the era of American Prohibition, 91 Days present a gripping crime drama revolving around Angelo Lagusa, a young man who witnessed the brutal murder of his family as a child. After seven years, Angelo receives an anonymous letter revealing the culprits’ identities.

Assuming the alias Avilio Bruno, Angelo returns to his hometown, now working for the Vanetti family—the mafia group responsible for his family’s demise.

Angel Beats! It centers around a group of adolescents in a peculiar world caught between life and reincarnation, which takes the form of a school. To progress to the next stage and find peace, they must confront their grief and address the underlying trauma that brought them to this enigmatic state of limbo.

Through its exploration of life and death at a young age, Angel Beats! delves into the profound impact of missed opportunities and regrets accompanying their untimely demise.