Unforgettable Anime Gems: Discover the Ultimate 10 Must-Watch Short Series

Some of the most popular anime series can be quite long, which can be a drawback for newcomers. This leads many fans to wonder about the best short anime options. While friends may suggest Naruto, One Piece, or The Legend of Galactic Heroes, these shows have hundreds of episodes, making them a significant time commitment.

For someone new to anime, it may be uncertain whether they want to invest so much time in a single piece of media. Even for longtime fans, it can be challenging to find the time or patience to sit through another 70 episodes before reaching the story arc that their friends keep raving about. Thankfully, there are many excellent shorter anime shows available, typically with 13 episodes or less. These best short anime series waste no time in getting to the exciting parts.

25 Katanagatari (12 Episodes)

Currently unavailable on streaming

Based on a popular light novel by Nisio Isin, known for Bakemonogatari, Katanagatari is an enthralling tale that follows a determined woman and her loyal but simple-minded warrior companion as they embark on a journey across Japan in search of twelve legendary blades. Notable for its visually striking anime character designs, exceptional animation, and captivating dialogue, Katanagatari is a must-watch. It is important to note, however, that although the series consists of only twelve episodes, each episode has a runtime of forty-five minutes, making Katanagatari a time-consuming commitment compared to other single-season anime series.

24 Bloom Into You (13 Episodes)

Available to stream on HIDIVE

The anime series titled Bloom Into You portrays the journey of self-discovery of teenager Yuu Koito. While Yuu has an affinity for romance tales, she fails to experience the anticipated excitement when a boy confesses his feelings towards her. This realization prompts Yuu to seek answers as to why this is the case. After seeking guidance from a fellow female student, Yuu uncovers that her lack of interest may stem from her preference for same-gender relationships. In a genre where same-gender relationships are seldom highlighted, Bloom Into You stands out as a delightful and heartwarming coming-of-age story. Despite its short span of 13 episodes, the series does not feel rushed or incomplete, a rarity within the realm of romance anime.

23 Odd Taxi (13 Episodes)

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

Odd Taxi is a captivating anime that combines elements of slice of life and crime genres. What sets it apart is its cast of anthropomorphic animals, with the main character being a walrus who doubles as a taxi driver. Throughout the series, he encounters a colorful array of passengers, each with their own quirks, but the heart of the story revolves around his connection to a missing person's case.

Hiroshi Odokawa, despite his straightforward and peculiar demeanor, finds his life completely upended when he becomes the target of both the police force and the yakuza. As viewers delve into the show, they will find themselves immersed in the delightful interactions between the taxi driver and his passengers, as well as the overarching mystery. With its multifaceted appeal, Odd Taxi is a series that fans might find themselves revisiting for a second viewing.

22 Yuri!!! On Ice (12 Episodes)

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

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Unlike many sports anime, which often revolve around the dynamics of a team, Yuri!!! On Ice takes a different approach. Focusing on a highly skilled figure skater who is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating defeat, the story also introduces a world champion figure skater who extends a helping hand to him. These two individuals, unsure of their own future paths, discover that they possess exactly what the other needs, forming a powerful connection.

21 The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting (12 Episodes)

Despite airing over six years ago, the anime remains immensely popular with fans, who are eagerly waiting for a second season. Although a movie has been in the works, an official release date has yet to be announced, leaving the audience to speculate about the future of this captivating series.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

20 Violet Evergarden (13 Episodes)

Some of the most captivating short anime arise from the unexpected predicaments that characters find themselves in. Such is the case with The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting, a story that revolves around a yakuza member who is believed by his boss to lack control over his darker impulses. To address this issue, an unconventional solution is proposed: he must take on the responsibility of babysitting his boss' young daughter. Though this may seem far-fetched, it sets the stage for a delightful blend of humor and drama. Naturally, witnessing a yakuza struggling to navigate the daily challenges of caring for a seven-year-old becomes a comedic series of mishaps.

Available to stream on Netflix

19 Gunbuster & Diebuster (6 Episodes)

Based on a light novel consisting of four volumes, published back in 2015, Violet Evergarden delves into the profound concept of love. It is a heart-wrenching experience to witness a character who initially lacks comprehension of love gradually unfolding its impact on both herself and the world. The titular character, formerly a soldier in a war, assumes the role of a transcriptionist. Triggered by the final words of her mentor, "I love you," she embarks on a quest to decipher their meaning. This journey leads her to share the stories of others while seeking enlightenment. Although the original anime is brief, spanning only 13 episodes, it subsequently spawned two movies, providing an extended watch for those desiring a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

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The 1988 anime series, Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster, holds significance as one of the early works by the esteemed Studio Gainax, known for producing classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. Additionally, it marks the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind Evangelion. Combining elements of an '80s training montage and a war story exploring the effects of relativistic time during space travel, Gunbuster rightfully holds its place as a classic.

Furthermore, Gunbuster has a more recent sequel, Diebuster, released in 2004 and consisting of 6 episodes. While Diebuster may be somewhat controversial due to its distinct presentation and tone compared to its predecessor, both stories are integral parts of a cohesive whole. Each tale should be evaluated based on their individual merits as well as in relation to one another.

18 Puella Magi Madoka Magica (12 Episodes)

Available to stream on Hulu

When recommending Puella Magi Madoka Magica, it's advisable to refrain from giving excessive details and instead encourage viewers to stick with it until at least the fourth episode. This anime challenges the conventions of the magical girl genre in intriguing ways, which gradually unfold as the audience becomes more engrossed in the storyline. While Madoka functions effectively as a self-contained twelve-episode series, it also offers additional content in the form of sequels, side stories, and adaptations. Many fans consider some of these supplementary entries to be essential viewing, allowing those who crave more to continue their journey happily beyond the original series.

17 FLCL (6 Episodes)

Available to stream on Hulu

Known for its eccentric aesthetic, FLCL (also known as Fooly Cooly) stands out among Studio Gainax's impressive collection of OVAs. Set in a typical town, the series follows the life of Naota, an average boy whose fate takes a drastic turn when a extraterrestrial woman smacks him in the face with a guitar, causing a mechanical combatant to burst forth from his forehead.

16 Devilman Crybaby (10 Episodes)

Although initially appearing peculiar in its presentation and concepts, FLCL is actually a remarkably sophisticated examination of the journey into maturity and the ideals society associates with adulthood. Serving as a timeless gem within the realm of anime, this single-season series spans a mere six episodes, rendering it irresistible for any viewer.

Available to stream on Netflix

Devilman Crybaby: A Powerfully Impactful Reboot of the Influential Manga

Devilman is undeniably one of the most influential manga ever created, making it all the more remarkable that its reboot, Devilman Crybaby, stands as its finest iteration. Centered around the transformation of a young man named Akira Fudo into the formidable Devilman, this series sets off a catastrophic chain of events. In just 10 episodes, Devilman Crybaby manages to deliver more action and gore than most shows accomplish in 50. Despite its brevity, this adaptation leaves an indelible impression that can only be described as massive.

15 Kaiba (12 Episodes)

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

Don't be fooled by the seemingly simple and charming appearance of Kaiba; this series fearlessly delves into the realm of darkness and tragedy. In this world, memories can be stored in unique chips, allowing only a few to attain eternal life. Our main character awakens without any recollection, possessing only a locket with a picture of a woman inside. From there, the story escalates, exploring the profound impact of memory on one's identity and the divisions within society. Kaiba is not only visually innovative but also intellectually captivating.

14 No Game No Life (12 Episodes)

Available to stream on HIDIVE

13 A Place Further Than The Universe (13 Episodes)

No Game No Life showcases The Blank, a formidable team of skilled gamers named Sora and Shiro, who predominantly reside in the digital realm as they are treated as social outcasts in reality. Their lives take an unexpected turn after emerging victorious against Tet, the divine being, in a game of chess. Subsequently, they find themselves transported to a mystifying realm named Disboard, embarking on a quest to conquer the numerous kingdoms within it and ultimately face Tet once more. Despite the common themes of Isekai present in No Game No Life, this series stands out with its stunning neon aesthetics and exceptional artistic direction. Though currently comprising only twelve episodes, rumors have persisted regarding the potential development of a second season.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

Four high school girls go to great lengths and show great determination in pursuing a seemingly impossible goal in A Place Further Than The Universe, with their destination being Antarctica. Despite the initially outlandish premise of the anime, the challenges the characters face feel incredibly realistic, adding credibility and captivation to the show. Witnessing the individual growth and the development of the group is a source of immense joy. In just twelve episodes, the audience forms a deep connection with the characters, and an emotionally charged climax solidifies this anime as an inspiring and uplifting experience.

12 Death Parade (12 Episodes)

Available to stream on Hulu

11 Anohana: The Flower We Say That Day (11 Episodes)

After passing away, souls find themselves in a peculiar parlor of purgatory where they are compelled to engage in games like darts, billiards, and bowling while their true nature is covertly observed. Following the games, those deemed deserving are granted the opportunity of reincarnation, while those judged unworthy are consigned to a desolate realm called The Void. Death Parade, a captivating anthology series, showcases varying tones and pivotal characters, while maintaining a consistently otherworldly atmosphere. This surreal and occasionally disconcerting journey offers an exceptional portrayal and a thought-provoking concept, undoubtedly captivating anime enthusiasts of all genres.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

10 Terror in Resonance (11 Episodes)

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day follows the story of Jinta Yadomi, a young recluse haunted by a past tragedy. Menma, the ghost of one of his childhood friends, suddenly reappears and implores him to fulfill her last wish, giving her the chance to find peace in the afterlife. Determined to help Menma, Jinta reconnects with his old group of friends in an endeavor to uncover the solution to granting her request. This captivating and deeply moving anime is a must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt and tear-inducing storytelling. Anohana's impact transcends its length, leaving a lasting impression on viewers well beyond the final episode.

Available to stream through Crunchyroll

Coming from the mind of Shinichiro Watanabe, the creator of Cowboy Bebop, Terror in Resonance is a 2014 anime produced by studio MAPPA. This captivating series revolves around a high school student named Lisa, who finds herself drawn to the enigmatic duo of young terrorists known as Nine and Twelve. Despite the initial impression the series' title and premise may give, Terrorism is not its sole focus. Rather, it delves into a more specific central topic. With its breathtaking animation and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Yoko Kano, Terror in Resonance stands as a stunning example of short anime series.

9 Tatami Galaxy (11 Episodes)

Available to stream through Funimation

Look no further if you're a fan of the romance/college slice-of-life/existential time-loop nightmare genre; Tatami Galaxy has everything you're looking for. Directed by industry veteran Masaaki Yuasa, renowned for his work on Devilman Crybaby and other projects, Tatami Galaxy's unique aesthetics, funky tone, and memorable structure have made it a beloved anime among fans worldwide.

In the best way possible, Tatami Galaxy is a pretty bizarre show. It revolves around a college student deeply in love, with a mischievous demon-boy determined to hinder him at every opportunity. Additionally, the protagonist finds himself trapped in a never-ending time loop reminiscent of Groundhog Day, which adds complexity to the story and contributes to the show's intriguing structure.

8 Haibane Renmei (13 Episodes)

Available to stream through Funimation

Haibane Renmei is an incredibly imaginative work that delves deep into the unknown. It unravels the captivating tale of a young girl who awakens in a mysterious realm devoid of any memories from her past. Born as a peculiar being known as a "Haibane," she embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside her fellow Haibane. Together, they uncover the enigmatic secrets that permeate this unfamiliar world.

7 Chainsaw Man (12 Episodes)

The beauty of Haibane Renmei lies in its subtle nature, making it challenging to comprehend its greatness without delving into specific details. Rest assured, though, while it may take time to unfold, the show's focus on the internal struggles of its characters develops them into remarkably nuanced individuals. Couple this with a captivating and distinctive backdrop, and Haibane Renmei becomes an absolute must-watch.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll

Chainsaw Man, produced by Studio MAPPA, introduces us to Denji, a destitute young man engaged in battles against devils. The anime adaptation, a resounding success, enhances the original manga by emphasizing its notable qualities. The animation is exceptional, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack, and the voice actors, proficient in both Japanese and English, deliver outstanding performances.

Although it may be considered unfair to declare Chainsaw Man as one of the top short animes due to its current 12 episodes and the abundance of manga left to adapt, the impressive first season combined with the uncertainty surrounding the approval of a second season solidify Chainsaw Man's claim as one of the best short animes.

6 Paranoia Agent (13 Episodes)

Available to stream through Funimation

Consistently eccentric and occasionally perplexing, Paranoia Agent is frequently celebrated as one of the ultimate horror anime masterpieces. Primarily centered around a string of assaults conducted by an enigmatic youngster known as Lil' Slugger, armed with a baseball bat, this series delves into the origins of the victims targeted by the attacker, as well as the dedicated police officers tasked with apprehending him.

Paranoia Agent skillfully weaves together a multitude of characters, concepts, and occasionally even genres in its concise, one-season run. This series may not appeal to those unaccustomed to horror content, but fans of the peculiar Elfen Lied or Serial Experiments Lain might discover a captivating experience within.