20 Best One-Season Anime You Must Watch Ranked

A well-crafted anime series often spans multiple seasons, which is often indicative of its high quality. If an anime continues for many seasons, it’s likely that it’s a top-notch production. The storyline can be original or based on a manga, and in either case, the series may run for two, three, or even more seasons, sometimes airing for years, or even decades in exceptional cases.

However, in addition to the well-known anime series that continue, there are those that appear briefly before disappearing again. They play out their episodes, typically ranging from 12 to 26 (with some notable exceptions), and then conclude. These short-lived anime series can sometimes be exceptional, and this article is dedicated to them.

We’re putting together a list with 20 diverse anime titles, spanning various time periods and genres without any bias. These titles will be ranked from 20th to 1st place, and for each one, we’ll provide some essential details about their production and storyline.

20. Claymore

Release: April 4, 2007 – September 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 26

Claymores are unique warriors who possess both human and demonic traits, enlisted by communities to guard against supernatural threats like demons. Known for their awe-inspiring silver eyes and immense swords carried on their backs, humans often refer to them as “silver-eyed witches” or simply “Claymores.” Claire is one of these warriors.

In a village, she was summoned to exterminate demons feasting on its inhabitants. She slayed all but one remaining member of a nearly wiped-out family who had transformed into a beast. Left all alone, Raki chose to accompany her in her violent escapades, taking up the role of a chef. Over time, he uncovers their mysterious past and the heartbreaking fate that binds these unique women.

19. School Days

Release: July 3, 2007 – September 27, 2007
Number of Episodes: 12

School Days primarily follows Makoto Itō, a freshman high school student residing with his divorced mother in a town called Haramihama, which is a work of fiction. He finds himself drawn to Kotonoha Katsura, a classmate from a different class who happens to ride the same train as him to school every day.

Following the adjustment in his lesson schedule, he encounters Sekai Saionji, an upbeat girl who assists him in developing a bond with Kotonoha by providing opportunities for their meetings.

18. Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace

Release: July 2, 2015 – September 17, 2015
Number of Episodes: 11

The narrative unfolds within a college setting, where multiple murder mysteries occur. Enter Kobayashi, a student at this institution, who crosses paths with the brilliant detective Akechi, who arrives on campus for an investigation. Stirred by his intrigue towards Akechi, Kobayashi offers to help him, disregarding Hashiba’s reservations.

17. Erased

Release: January 8, 2016 – March 25, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12

It’s the year 2006. Satoru Fujinuma, an aspiring manga artist, struggles to establish his career and resorts to delivering pizzas to make ends meet. He keeps a low profile and prefers to keep his personal life private from those around him.

Instead of the original text, you could say: Surprisingly, he has the capacity to travel back in time just before an incident happens. One day, after an unexpected occurrence, Satoru finds himself transported 18 years back to when he was still in elementary school. This unexpected trip allows him to prevent a criminal who had abducted and killed three of his classmates.

16. 91 Days

Release: July 9, 2016 – October 1, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12

The narrative unfolds in America, during the era of prohibition. Back then, the mafia held immense power and it was wise to avoid them. Yet, Avilio chooses a different path – he aims to challenge this mighty organization, driven solely by the desire for retribution following his family’s brutal murder. His mission is focused on one specific target: the group that once employed his father.

15. The Vision of Escaflowne

Release: April 2, 1996 – September 24, 1996
Number of Episodes: 26

One day, Hitomi, an accomplished high school athlete with skills in cartomancy, experiences mysterious visions during training and collapses unexpectedly. Later, during a class, one of these visions comes true. As if by magic, a pillar of light emerges, unveiling before it a young man in armor. This is none other than Van Fanel, the prince of the Kingdom of Fanelia. Before she can gather more information, a dragon suddenly appears before Hitomi and two of her friends – Yukari and Amano – leaving them all utterly astonished.

14. 🢒M⊙NS†ER🢐

Release: April 7, 2004 – September 28, 2005
Number of Episodes: 74

In the heart of Germany, 1986 finds me, Kenzô Tenma – a gifted young Japanese neurosurgeon with an unmatched knack for brain surgery. I’m not just a doctor; I’m engaged to Eva Heineman, the cherished daughter of the hospital director in Düsseldorf’s Eisler Memorial Hospital. The future looks bright, with my career soaring towards greatness.

Yet, one fateful day, I make a choice that changes everything. Confronted with two patients, one being the city mayor and the other a boy gravely wounded by a bullet in his skull – who arrived at the hospital before him, I choose to save the boy. This decision, although it saves a life, may cost me my own dreams and future prospects.

13. Case File nº221: Kabukicho

Release: October 11, 2019 – March 27, 2020
Number of Episodes: 24

Shinjuku Special District in Tokyo is split by an uncrossable barrier into two zones. On the western side, peace and security dominate; on the eastern side, however, disorder and chaos are commonplace. The vibrant Kabukichō district, infamous for its round-the-clock activity, harbors illicit dealings and puzzling crimes that often baffle the police force.

To tackle these issues, it’s common practice to reach out to one of the six detectives living at the detective residence on Kabukicho’s street 221. Among them is the unconventional Sherlock Holmes, whom a doctor named John Watson from the Western region eventually consults and ends up sharing a home and working with as his partner.

In my perspective, I delve into the intricate mysteries that unfold in each episode, starting from a puzzle presented at the detective’s residence. For the initial part of this captivating journey, I assist as we tirelessly pursue leads to uncover the true identity of the ruthless serial killer known as Jack the Ripper, sought for the horrific murder of young Alexandra, the mayor’s beloved daughter. As the series progresses into its latter half, I join you in unraveling the complex web of the Moriarty criminal network, witnessing its construction and eventual downfall.

12. Pokémon Origins

Release: October 2, 2013
Number of Episodes: 4

The tale unfolds around a youthful character named Red, accompanied by his companion Pokemon, Charmander. Their objective is twofold: to catch every recognized Pokemon within the Kanto region and to attain the title of Pokemon League Champion. During their adventure, they encounter numerous challenges, including their rival, Blue (known as Green in Japan), various champions from Pokemon arenas, and the notorious criminal group, Team Rocket.

11. Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Release: July 2, 2009 – December 24, 2009
Number of Episodes: 26

In October 1986, the Ushiromiya family, known for their wealth, gather on a private island named Rokkenjima, the residence of their patriarch, Kinzo. The family’s doctor has shared that Kinzo has only three months left to live. As a result, the family members convene to discuss and decide upon the distribution of the inheritance, as well as to select his successor as head of the family.

Besides the Ushiromiya family, there are several household staff members residing on the island too, along with a designated physician. This adds up to a total of eighteen individuals present. Not long after their arrival, a typhoon unexpectedly erupts, trapping them all on the island as they can’t depart due to the storm.

On this isolated island, shrouded in mystery, peculiar incidents unfold and individuals mysteriously meet untimely deaths. These events have led the remaining inhabitants to speculate that the malevolent spirit of Beatrice, the legendary witch rumored to haunt Rokkenjima, might be responsible.

10. Fullmetal Alchemist

Release: October 4, 2003 – October 2, 2004
Number of Episodes: 51

The Elric siblings, Edward and Alphonse, obtained their skills in alchemy from their father who abandoned their household. After their mother passed away, they attempted to bring her back through alchemical means by performing a forbidden human transmutation. This procedure proved unsuccessful, leading to dire consequences for the brothers themselves.

In this rephrased version, let’s break it down:

Al (or Edward) vanishes, while Ed loses one of his legs; however, he performs a miraculous act by restoring his brother Al’s life using an extraordinary method. By drawing a transmutation circle with his own blood and integrating Al into a suit of medieval armor, Ed essentially resurrects him, but at the cost of sacrificing one of his arms.

Later on, he equips mechanical metal prosthetics to replace the lost limbs – these could be referred to as mecagrafts (first dubbing) or automails (second dubbing). After successfully passing an exam, Ed gains the title of State Alchemist, enabling him to journey extensively in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. This precious stone would supposedly help them regain their original bodies.

9. Digimon Frontier

Release: April 7, 2002 – March 30, 2003
Number of Episodes: 50

A while back, a team of ten brave Digimons sacrificed themselves to vanquish malevolent forces that imperiled the Digital Realm. These heroes crafted powerful artifacts from their digital essence before departing, entrusting the Digital World to three divine Digimons. But one of these three, Cherubimon, chose to lock up these allies in order to seize power for himself.

To rectify this predicament, a celestial Digimon named Ophanimon calls upon five children from our world, using the Trailmon (train-like Digimons). In the Digital World, these chosen ones encounter two spirits that can transform into Digimon Warriors. Unfortunately, as they search for their respective spirits, the five are pursued by various minions of Cherubimon.

Following the demise of four out of five minions at the hands of the Chosen, Koji Minamoto uncovers a startling truth: Duskmon, the fifth powerful dark warrior, is none other than Koichi Kimura’s long-lost twin brother. With assistance from Takuya, Koji successfully liberates his sibling, who then joins their ranks, transforming into Löwemon to fight alongside them.

8. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Release: January 7, 2011 – April 21, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12

In a world where certain beings have the ability to fulfill a young girl’s dream, at the cost of transforming her into a Magical Girl tasked with battling evil entities like witches and demons. A schoolgirl named Madoka Kaname, along with her friend Sayaka Miki, encounter one such being, Kyubey, who extends an offer for them to become magical girls in exchange. On the other hand, a new classmate, Homura Akemi, seems determined to keep Madoka from entering into this contract.

7. Death Parade

Release: January 9, 2015 – March 27, 2015
Number of Episodes: 12

The narrative unfolds around two individuals who find themselves mysteriously in a dimly lit tavern. Initially clueless, they are unaware that they’ve stepped into a dangerous competition. They’re unsure about how they arrived here. Decim, the bartender, and his associate then inform them that they must participate in a bar-based game – like darts, bowling, or pool – to potentially clarify their bewildering predicament and perhaps escape this deadly game.

6. From the New World

Release: October 3, 2012 – March 27, 2013
Number of Episodes: 25

In this anime, the narrative unfolds a millennium into the future, set within Japan where war has become the global norm. The world is governed by individuals endowed with divine powers and psychic abilities. Our story follows the lives of Saki, Satoru, Maria, Mamoru, and Shun who hail from a peaceful, idyllic town. However, an unexpected event reveals the hidden truth about their world. Can they alter their predestined paths?

5. Cowboy Bebop

Release: April 3, 1998 – June 26, 1998
Number of Episodes: 26

2071 finds the team aboard the spaceship Bebop journeying through the solar system, chasing bounties – a term colloquially referred to as “cowboys” in that era. Though each episode centers around a specific bounty, the narrative delves into each character’s history and broader, ancient occurrences, which intertwine as the series unfolds.

The initial narrative revolves around Spike Spiegel, an ex-criminal from the Red Dragons gang, who’s still grappling with the complicated love triangle he was once entangled in, involving his past comrade in the Red Dragons, Vicious, and a mysterious lady named Julia.

4. Digimon Tamers

Release: April 1, 2001 – March 31, 2002
Number of Episodes: 51

12-year-old character named Takato Matsuki is an enthusiast of the Digimon card game. One ordinary day following a friendly card game with pals Kazu and Kenta, he stumbles upon a puzzling blue card hidden within his card box. Intrigued, he examines this new card using his plastic Digivice, causing it to emit an unusual glow. Eventually, Takato comes to the realization that he has been chosen as a “Digimon Tamer”, and inadvertently brings his own Digimon companion, Guilmon, to life from a simple sketch.

Later on, Takato encounters two other young individuals, Henry Wong and Rika Nonaka, who eventually reveal themselves as tamers. He instantly clicks with Henry, but it takes some time for the boys to bond and form a partnership with Rika, who views her Digimon as combat devices.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Release: April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010
Number of Episodes: 64

In the realm known as Amestris, where alchemy is considered a comprehensive science, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric journey across the land in pursuit of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Their father abandoned them, while their mother, Trisha Elric, passed away from an illness some years prior, leaving her two minor children behind.

At a later point, the two brothers attempt to resurrect her using alchemy despite it being against the law as human transmutation is strictly forbidden. This act comes with severe consequences: Edward, the eldest, loses his left leg, while their younger brother suffers the complete loss of his body. In a desperate move to save Alphonse, Edward sacrifices his right arm and seals his soul within an armor suit.

At twelve years old, Edward chooses to join the military as a State Alchemist and successfully passes the exam, earning him the title Fullmetal. With his status as a state alchemist, Edward and his brothers embark on a perilous journey in search of a stone that could restore what they have lost. However, the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone remains tightly guarded.

2. Death Note

Release: October 3, 2006 – June 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 37

In a nutshell, this anime, consisting of just 37 episodes, has left an indelible mark on the annals of anime history. The protagonist, Light Yagami, is a brilliant high school student who finds the world around him to be rife with crime, corruption, and decay. But when he stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called “Death Note”, his life takes an unprecedented turn. The instructions in this notebook reveal that anyone whose name is jotted down within its pages will perish.

Initially hesitant, Light eventually chooses to investigate the mysterious notebook and finds that its power is indeed genuine. He encounters the previous owner of the Death Note, a deity known as Ryuk, who admits to dropping the notebook intentionally for amusement. Inspired, Light decides to employ the Death Note to eliminate criminals with the ultimate goal of creating an ideal world under his own rule.

Over time, he becomes adept at utilizing the capabilities and restrictions of the notebook: the writer is allowed to take someone’s life only if they are familiar with their identity (i.e., know their full name). Additionally, he can outline the reason for the death, with the standard cause being a heart attack.

1. serial experiments lain

Release: July 6, 1998 – September 28, 1998
Number of Episodes: 13

Following Chisa Yomoda’s tragic suicide, certain girls began receiving emails from the deceased girl. Initially, it seemed like a cruel prank, but Lain Iwakura found herself deeply curious. After requesting a new NAVI (an advanced computer system) from her father, she delved into the Wired, a network resembling the Internet, in pursuit of answers.

Starting from now, an unsettling sequence of unexplainable occurrences begins to interfere with her life. She finds out that there is another Lain, who looks much like her but has a contrasting personality, who has seemingly replaced her in both the digital world (Wired) and the physical one. Moreover, it is revealed that a group of hackers known as “Knights” are closely monitoring her.

It appears as though Lain has always been paired with a digital counterpart within the network since its inception. As Lain delves deeper to uncover the truth, she finds herself without a personal history, her parents revealed as mere actors, and her true identity residing in the virtual world.

Via the Psyche chip, Lain encounters the inventor of the Wired system who, having uploaded her consciousness to the computer network, claims divinity; as she, Lain, inquires, she initiates a fusion of reality and the Wired, uniting every human on Earth without the need for additional devices using the Wired Protocol 7, which leverages the Schumann resonance.

However, throughout this ordeal, she discovers – thanks to her unique human companion Arisu – that it’s crucial to keep reality distinct from the Wired, to prevent further suffering. Consequently, she chooses to revert the system back to its original state before Chisa’s demise, wiping herself out of human recollections entirely, in order to completely eliminate this abnormality.

2025-06-05 00:46