The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Short Anime Series for Newcomers
Discover the perfect anime series for beginners with this curated list of 10 short and captivating shows From the thrilling Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to the emotional journey of Your Lie in April, these handpicked gems will keep you hooked from start to finish
Looking for an entry point into the vast world of anime can be daunting, especially for newcomers. The solution? Here's a curated selection of 10 bite-sized anime series, ideal for those who want to dip their toes into this global phenomenon without feeling overwhelmed.
The sheer number of highly rated series, along with the wide range of genres, can easily overwhelm someone. Many people tend to stick with the popular Shonen genre, but in doing so, they may miss out on numerous hidden masterpieces.
What makes this selection of shorter anime series so great is that their quality isn't determined by the number of episodes or the genre. Depending on individual preferences, a 12-episode slice-of-life drama can be just as enjoyable as a 1000-episode Shonen series. From highly acclaimed favorites to lesser-known gems, we have compiled a list of 10 shorter anime series that are perfect for beginners.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The timeless classic Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-watch for any short anime series enthusiast. First released in 2009, it has managed to remain at the top of MyAnimeList rankings till date.
Consisting of 64 episodes, this series expertly combines elements of comedy, tragedy, character growth, and captivating backstories, all leading up to a heartwarming conclusion. While there was a previous adaptation, this one faithfully follows the manga and boasts a large and dedicated fanbase.
The brothers in the series endeavor to retrieve their bodies by obtaining a Philosopher’s Stone, a task that proves to be much more perilous than they initially anticipated.
2. Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim is a Seinen series known for its abundance of gory elements. It was adapted from the 2014 manga of the same title, receiving high praise for its magnificent animation and beautifully hand-drawn scenes.
The series revolves around the unconventional exploration of the concept, "What does it truly mean to be human?" The story is based on the invasion of Earth by alien parasites who rely on taking control of human bodies to endure. These extraterrestrial beings face the struggles of assimilating into human society, lacking knowledge of the distinct qualities that differentiate humans from themselves.
In contrast to the other aliens, the entity inhabiting Shinichi Izumi manages to solely possess his right arm, rather than seizing complete control of his body. Consequently, the two must coexist and collaborate in order to overcome the hostile parasites and ensure their own survival. In the midst of this, they gradually come to comprehend the significance of each other's existence.
3. Summer Time Rendering
Summer Time Rendering consists of 25 episodes and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion without the inclusion of any cliffhangers or unnecessary side plots. What truly sets this story apart is its ability to constantly deliver unexpected plot twists that heighten the intensity even further.
The story revolves around a time loop that serves as a means to prevent specific tragedies from occurring. Our protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro, returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his childhood love, Ushio Kofune, but suddenly discovers that he possesses the power to travel back in time.
4. Kids on Slope
Moreover, Ushio, Shunpei's departed friend, miraculously materializeswithout a scratch. Upon discovering the presence of menacing "shadows" and the looming calamity destined for the island, Shunpei is compelled to collaborate with Ushio in order to overcome this imminent danger.
For those seeking a concise, comforting anime series that maintains a steady pace, Kids on Slope could be the ideal choice. With its impeccable narrative, relatable characters, and captivating musical performances, this underappreciated gem offers viewers every reason to indulge in its charm.
Set in Kyushu, this musical romance tale revolves around Kaoru Nishimi, a high school freshman. His constant school transfers, dictated by his father's job, make it a challenge for him to fit in and form connections with his peers, especially when he knows he will have to leave soon.
However, everything changes when he encounters the notorious Sentarou Kawabuchi and Ritsuko Mukae. Kaoru finally manages to break free from his reserved nature and fully embraces his love for music. Being skilled in classical piano, Kaoru is deeply inspired by Sentarou's fervor for jazz.
5. Ghost Hunt
Rarely do you stumble upon a horror series that perfectly blends comedy. Spanning 25 episodes, this anime delves into eight unique ghost-hunting cases. Drawing inspiration from real-life stories and ghost theories, the series becomes remarkably relatable.
Initially following the cliché "ghost in the old school building" plot, it swiftly introduces the main characters, captivating the audience. All members of the crew possess some connection to the field of ghost-hunting or exorcism. This diverse group includes a researcher, monk, Catholic priest, Shinto priestess, spirit medium, and a high school girl, each with their own distinctive traits.
6. Your Lie in April
Despite their differences, they are able to reach a compromise and tackle numerous cases together. After unintentionally damaging Kazuya Shibuya's ghost-hunting equipment, Mai Taniyama joins his team. With each new investigation, Mai's latent psychic powers start to resurface.
Your Lie in April, another music anime on our list, is an absolute delight. It captivates viewers from start to finish, primarily due to the endearing protagonist, Kaori Miyazono. Through her unwavering support, Kaori helps Kousei Arima overcome his past trauma. With Kousei's precision as a "human metronome" and Kaori's unrestrained spirit, the two collaborate and discover their own profound connection to music.
The soundtrack, with its delightful combination of violin and piano, adds an extra layer of beauty to the already wonderful narrative. The plot is portrayed in a captivating manner, skillfully evoking the desired emotions from the audience at precisely the right moments.
This anime series seamlessly weaves together romance, jealousy, depression, and determination, creating a flawless composition. Without giving anything away, it must be said that this series has the power to move you to tears, so be ready for an emotional journey if you choose to embark on it.
7. 91 days
91 Days presents a grim and somber tale centered around the concept of revenge. It is a heart-wrenching and uncomplicated story, as each narrative decision is driven by the desire to serve its purpose. The show suggests that revenge can be tempting, almost like a satisfying meal. However, rather than offering it in any form, it might be best to completely remove it from our choices.
The story unfolds during the early 20th century in prohibition-era America, where the Vinetti (a mafia) family pays a visit to the Lagusa household. Their ultimate objective is to eliminate every resident and destroy the house, leaving no traces behind.
Angelo Lagusa, the protagonist, conceals himself and becomes an eyewitness to the brutal slaying of his family. Following his escape, he remains in seclusion for eight years until he stumbles upon an anonymous letter that uncovers the identity of the perpetrator responsible for his family's demise, setting the stage for a tale of vengeance.
8. Erased
The slight time difference is sufficient for him to avoid dangerous situations. He can only travel back to the exact moment when he can prevent the incident from occurring. However, when he suddenly becomes wrongly convicted of his mother's murder, Satoru is transported 18 years into the past.
Realizing that the murderer is somehow connected to the case of missing children, he vows to save Kayo Hinazuki, one of the victims. The story may be brief, but it effectively presents the characters and delves into the plot with ample time for character growth, remorse, redemption, and the determination to forge a better future.
9. Barakamon
Barakamon is a captivating story of self-discovery, delving into various life lessons within the slice-of-life genre. With its blend of humor and depth, this anime series is truly worth watching. The plot follows Sei Handa, a skilled calligraphist whose arrogance often surpasses his talent. After an altercation with a fellow calligrapher, Sei's father decides to send him to the tranquil Goto Islands for some much-needed self-reflection. As Sei tries to adapt to the rustic island life, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including the mischievous young girl, Naru Kotoishi.
As Sei acquaints himself with others, his arrogance slowly dissipates and he comes to the epiphany of assaulting an elderly individual. Moreover, he discovers his distinctive artistic style and the inherent significance within his art. The series delves into the notion of maturing and carving out one's own niche in the realm of adulthood.
10. Dororo (2019)
If you're new to the world of anime, it's essential to acquaint yourself with this timeless creation by the renowned "God of manga," Osamu Tezuka. In 1969, Dororo first came to life through an original anime adaptation, and now, decades later, MAPPA has breathed new life into this remarkable tale.
Set in feudal Japan, this classic Shonen delves into dark and gory themes as it follows the struggles of the protagonist, who defies death throughout his entire existence. In a desperate attempt to save his dying land, Daigo Kagemitsu sacrifices his firstborn to the demons, resulting in the loss of twelve body parts. However, the final demon fails to consume his head due to the intervention of the Goddess of Mercy. Hyakkimaru, destined for sacrifice by his own father, vows to reclaim everything he has lost. During his journey, he encounters a determined young child named Dororo, who refuses to leave his side.
Many of these anime are available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Meanwhile, you can explore our other anime coverage below:
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