Based on the generation you’re from, your perception of what anime entails could vary significantly. Older generations might be familiar with anime series that span hundreds of episodes collectively (like Dragon Ball, Bleach, Naruto, Digimon, Detective Conan, and so on), whereas younger audiences may associate anime more with a phenomenon that typically consists of a 26-episode season at most.
The way stories are told in anime has evolved, yet it’s not accurate to label all contemporary anime as brief. In this piece, we will discuss top choices for short anime you can complete in a single sitting. While there isn’t a strict definition of what constitutes a “short anime,” for our purposes, we focus on series that can be enjoyed in one go without interruption.
Given that a day consists of 24 hours and you spend 8 hours working and another 8 hours sleeping, it leaves 8 hours daily for leisure activities such as watching anime series. Since a typical anime episode lasts around 25 minutes, we classify an “short anime” in this context as a series with fewer than 20 episodes.
1. serial experiments lain
Release: July 6, 1998 – September 28, 1998
Number of Episodes: 13
Following the tragic suicide of Chisa Yomoda, some girls started receiving emails from her. Initially, it seemed like a cruel prank, but Lain Iwakura found herself oddly fascinated. After requesting a new Navi (Navigator, an advanced version of a PC) from her father, she began exploring the Wired, a network resembling the Internet, in hopes of finding explanations for these strange occurrences.
Moving forward, an unsettling sequence of mysterious occurrences starts to impact her life significantly. She discovers there’s another Lain, who shares her physical likeness but contrasts sharply in temperament, that has been impersonating her, both in the digital world known as Wired and in reality. Moreover, a group of hackers, referred to as ‘The Knights’, are showing unusual interest towards her.
It appears that Lain has been associated with the network since its inception. As Lain explores the truth, she comes to realize that she doesn’t have a personal history, and her supposed parents are merely actors, suggesting that her true identity lies within the virtual realm.
Via a device called Psyche chip, Lain encounters the inventor of the Wired system, who uploaded her consciousness to the computer network and claimed divinity; as she, Lain, inquires more, she initiates the collision and merging of reality and Wired, unifying all earth’s inhabitants directly through Wired Protocol 7, which leverages Schumann resonance without the need for additional peripherals.
However, as events unfold, she discovers, with the help of her one human friend Arisu, that it’s crucial for reality and Wired to stay distinct if she wants to prevent further suffering. Consequently, she decides to revert the system back to its pre-Chisa state, effectively wiping herself from human memory and eliminating the anomaly altogether.
2. Terror in Resonance
Original Release: July 10, 2014 – September 25, 2014
Number of Episodes: 11
In another reality, Tokyo experiences a devastating terrorist act that leaves its inhabitants in disbelief. The sole piece of evidence for investigation is a video the perpetrators uploaded online. The terrorists are a duo known as “Sphinx,” who go by the names Nine and Twelve. These young individuals have emerged from an unspecified incident, and they aim to stir the world with their series of terrorist attacks.
3. Death Parade
Release: January 9, 2015 – March 27, 2015
Number of Episodes: 12
The narrative unfolds around two individuals waking up in a dimly lit tavern, unaware that they’ve stepped into a lethal competition. They are clueless about how they arrived here. Later, the bartender Decim and his assistant reveal that they must participate in a barroom game – be it darts, bowling, or pool – and potentially risk their lives to hopefully discover why they find themselves in this predicament.
4. Erased
Release: January 8, 2016 – March 25, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12
It’s the year 2006. Satoru Fujinuma, an aspiring manga artist, struggles with his career taking flight. To supplement his income, he takes on a job as a pizza delivery man. Despite his outgoing nature, Satoru keeps his feelings and thoughts largely to himself, maintaining a reserved demeanor in the world around him.
Despite lacking the power to rewind time, Satoru finds himself transported back to eighteen years ago, during his elementary school days. This unexpected incident allows him to prevent a tragedy where a criminal took the lives of three of his classmates.
5. Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace
Release: July 2, 2015 – September 17, 2015
Number of Episodes: 11
The narrative unfolds within the confines of a college where multiple mysterious murders occur. Attending this very same educational institution is Kobayashi, who crosses paths with prodigious detective Akechi, who arrives at the school for an investigation. Intrigued by Akechi, Kobayashi disregards his friend Hashiba’s apprehensions and offers to assist Akechi in his investigation.
6. RIN: Daughters of Mnemosyne
Original Release: February 3, 2008 – July 6, 2008
Number of Episodes: 6
An enigmatic tree named Yggdrasil has occasionally manifested in the human realm and scattered numerous orbs within it. Among these orbs, a select few, referred to as “Time Fruits,” possess unique properties. When one of these time orbs enters a woman, she gains immortality. Conversely, when a man encounters such an orb, he transforms into a winged being called an “angel.
In the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Rin Asougi, a timeless being, manages her private investigation firm alongside her equally eternal assistant, Mimi. Rin frequently engages in conversations over the phone with a secretive individual. Persistently dogging her steps is an assassin named Laura, who’s been dispatched by Apos, a celestial figure who seeks out immortals and currently safeguards Yggdrasil – a role that puts Rin in the crosshairs frequently.
The narrative unfolds in the year 1990. Whilst on a quest to locate a lost feline companion, Rin stumbles upon an enigmatic young man named Koki Maeno, who appears to have distorted memories. As she delves deeper into his past, she uncovers a shocking truth: he is a clone, engineered by Sayara Yamanobe, a woman obsessed with achieving immortality. Upon learning this revelation, Koki chooses to join Rin at her agency.
2011 saw Koki tying the knot with his previous client, Yuki. Later on, a character named Sayara Yamanobe reappears, abducts Rin, and plots to launch a biological attack against Japan. Post his transformation into an angel, Koki selflessly gives up his life to rescue Rin and protect Japan from this threat.
7. Star Wars: Visions
Release: September 22
Number of Episodes: 18
Star Wars: Visions comprises a series of short animations, brought to life by some of the top anime creators globally, providing a unique and multicultural take on the Star Wars universe.
8. Devil May Cry: The Animated Series
Original Release: June 14, 2007 – September 6, 2007
Number of Episodes: 12
In this storyline, we delve into the thrilling exploits of Dante, a demon hunter and private investigator, in his agency called Devil May Cry. Throughout his journey, he encounters iconic beasts from the series and interacts with characters like the fellow demon hunter “Lady” and the demoness Trish.
9. Pokémon Origins
Release: October 2, 2013
Number of Episodes: 4
The narrative focuses on a young lad named Red, embarking on an adventure alongside his companion, Charmander, with the objective of collecting every recognized Pokémon within the Kanto area and claiming the title of Pokémon League champion. During this journey, he encounters his rival, Blue (known as Green in Japan), different champions from Pokémon arenas, and the notorious criminal group, Team Rocket.
10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Release: January 7, 2011 – April 21, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12
There exist beings capable of fulfilling a young girl’s dream, but at a price: they transform the girls into magical warriors known as Puella Magi (or Mahou Shoujo) who battle evil entities called witches and demonic creatures. One such schoolgirl, Madoka Kaname, along with her friend Sayaka Miki, encounter one of these beings, Kyubey, who proposes they become magical girls in exchange. A new classmate, Homura Akemi, seems determined to keep Madoka from entering into this contract, hinting at a hidden mystery.
11. ΛFΓO SΛMUΓΛI
Original Release: January 4, 2007 – February 1, 2007
Number of Episodes: 5
In a future Japan where feudal traditions persist, it’s widely believed that the individual who possesses the emblem known as Number 1 will be the world’s most esteemed warrior, with powers rivaling those of the gods. The only method to obtain this emblem is by engaging in combat with its current holder.
12. Yuri!!! on ICE
Original Release: October 6, 2016 – December 21, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA
Following a disappointing last-place finish at his debut Grand Prix competition, the young Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki struggles to win and starts questioning his future in skating. Several months pass, and Yuri finds himself back in his hometown of Hasetsu, Kyūshū – a place he had left five years prior. There, he skillfully recreates a choreography originally performed by the renowned Russian skater Victor Nikiforov.
If a video of someone else’s performance, which he wasn’t aware was being recorded, becomes widely popular and grabs Victor’s attention, he then chooses to mentor the performer, training him alongside one of his exceptionally talented pupils, named Yuri Plisetsky.
13. HELLSING
Original Run: October 10, 2001 – January 16, 2002
Number of Episodes: 13 (+10 OVA episodes)
The Royal Knights of Protestant Order are a London-based noble family, headed by Abraham Van Helsing. For many generations, he has been battling creatures hidden from the eyes of common folk – such as vampires, ghouls, and any other non-human beings typically labeled as “monsters”.
The Organization functions covertly and has served as a secretive military group under her Majesty for quite some time. At its helm stands Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, a young heir to the original Lord Hellsing. Due to circumstances, she assumes command of the Organization while still in her teenage years.
In a weakened state nearing death, Arthur, her father, instructs his daughter to seek refuge in the basement of their mansion if she ever senses danger, as there’s something down there that can safeguard her.
14. Violet Evergarden
Original Release: January 11, 2018 – April 5, 2018
Number of Episodes: 13 + OVA
The tale centers on a youthful girl involved in the business of “mechanical memory dolls.” These dolls were originally invented by Professor Orland for his visually impaired wife Mollie, assisting her in authoring her novels. Over time, they became available for rent to those requiring their services.
The term pertains to individuals who serve as official scribes, recording the thoughts and emotions of others. After enduring four long years of intense conflict, a young girl burdened by her past struggles not without effort to construct a new future, beginning with this vocation. Yet, among the many injuries sustained during war, there appears to be one that refuses to mend completely.
In the depths of her heart, the tender words of someone cherished continue to resonate, leaving the young girl puzzled about their true significance. She yearns to comprehend them, to uncover their hidden meanings. And so, Violet Evergarden embarks on a journey – a voyage filled with letters, interactions, and an array of feelings.
15. Angel Beats!
Original Release: April 3, 2010 – June 26, 2010
Number of Episodes: 13
The characters are adolescents who have passed away, frequently under unfortunate circumstances, and whose lives were not easy or who didn’t get to realize their goals and aspirations. They all inhabit an afterlife realm, where they strive to resume normal life in order to either vanish or acknowledge that they had a fulfilling time together. In simpler terms, these teenagers are deceased individuals who faced hardships during their earthly lives and have unfulfilled dreams. Now, they’re living in another world trying to lead ordinary lives again to make peace with their past or enjoy the company of each other before moving on.
However, a youthful girl named Yuri harbors a desire for retribution against a deity, blaming him for the wickedness inflicted upon them in reality. Upon Otonashi’s arrival in this strange realm, he is compelled to assimilate. But who is this girl with snowy locks? A celestial being, a minion of that renowned God they seek? Throughout the 13 episodes, Yuri and her companions will strive to uncover these enigmas.
16. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Original Run: April 14, 2011 – June 23, 2011
Number of Episodes: 11
A close-knit band of six young friends went their separate ways following the untimely demise of one member, Meiko “Menma” Honma, in an unfortunate accident. Ten years later, the group’s ringleader, Jinta Yadomi, withdraws from society and chooses to live in solitude.
One sultry summer’s day, unexpectedly, Menma reappears before Jinta, seeming older, and requesting his aid in granting a wish of hers. She asserts that it is crucial for her to carry out this wish to complete her destiny. However, Menma cannot recall what her wish entails, leading Jinta to reunite her former childhood companions. He suspects they hold the solution to this enigma, since Menma seems convinced that they are instrumental in resolving it.
Yet, the deep emotions, personal struggles, and enduring sense of sorrow experienced by Menma’s parents create complexities for the group, as they strive not just to aid Menma, but also to find resolution for their own feelings.
17. Charlotte
Original Run: July 5, 2015 – September 27, 2015
Episodes: 13 + OVA
Yû Otosaka, a youthful scholar, possesses extraordinary abilities: he can momentarily take control of anyone within his line of sight for five seconds. Employing this power to deceive during exams, he is identified by Nao Tomori, another individual with unique powers and a student council member at the distinguished Hoshinômi Academy.
During teenage years, certain abilities manifest and then fade away in maturity, impacting some youths mildly, moderately, or even dangerously. These abilities are shrouded in mystery, connected to a comet named Charlotte, from which the series derives its name. Few people outside those who possess these abilities are aware of this celestial body’s existence.
Despite the high demand from various scientific communities and criminal elements wanting to leverage their abilities for personal gain, these adolescents are now sought after. Yû’s new role within the Hoshinômi student council will involve safeguarding other young individuals like himself by cautioning them about the potential dangers of utilizing their talents.
18. Plastic Memories
Original Run: April 5, 2015 – June 28, 2015
Number of Episodes: 13
The anime explores concepts of encounters and partings, set in a future where robots increasingly resemble humans. One day, the tech firm SAI Corporation unveiled the Giftia model, equipped to comprehend and experience human emotions, but these types of robots have a finite lifespan.
The storyline will revolve around Tsukasa Mizugaki, a character who works with SAI Corp’s Terminal service, which helps in the recovery process of Giftias at the end of their lifespan. Later, he forms a team with Isla, another Giftia character herself.
The animation will center around Tsukasa Mizugaki, who works for SAI Corp’s service that helps Giftias (characters) at the end of their lives. He later partners up with Isla, a Giftia herself.
19. Tsuki ga Kirei
Original Release: April 6, 2017 – June 29, 2017
Number of Episodes: 12
In their third year of middle school, Kotarō Azumi – who tends to be quiet and reserved – is paired with the more outgoing Akane Mizuno in a class for the first time. As preparations for the school’s sports festival commence, they start to become acquainted and even swap line contact details. Before long, they are frequently exchanging messages on their phones, growing closer as a result.
In contrast, Kotarō and Akane have unique ways of spending their leisure time: Kotarō engages with a traditional festival group, works part-time at a bookstore, and can frequently be found in the school library. He’s an aspiring writer, penning his own tales, and admires Osamu Dazai, often quoting him. Akane, however, is a member of the athletics club and excels in running events. She even represents her school in competitions. Over time, they confess their affection for each other.
20. 91 Days
Original Release: July 9, 2016 – October 1, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA
In the realm of cinema, I find myself immersed in a gripping tale set against the backdrop of America during Prohibition. This era was no picnic, as the mafia held an iron grip on society, best to keep clear of them if you valued your life. Yet, our protagonist Avilio, chooses not to tread lightly but instead head-on, with a single, relentless pursuit: vengeance for his slain kin. The focus of his wrath? None other than the gang his father once served.
21. Aoi Bungaku
Original Release: October 11, 2009 – December 27, 2009
Number of Episodes: 12
I followed an enchanting Japanese anime composed of twelve captivating episodes, each one drawing inspiration from six classic tales penned in the rich tapestry of Japanese literature.
22. Kaiba
Original Release: April 10, 2008 – July 24, 2008
Number of Episodes: 12
In the cosmos we inhabit, thoughts and experiences are preserved as data in a memory device; upon passing away, souls continue their existence. This transformation of mental data enables the migration of one’s consciousness to another body, leading to instances where stealing and tampering with other people’s memories have become common practices. The society is essentially split into two distinct groups due to this technological advancement.
Up in the skies, there are tempests of electricity, impossible to traverse without suffering memory loss. Above these storms resides the domain of the wealthy and influential, who barter the minds and bodies of others for their amusement and prolonged existence. Beneath the veil of clouds lies a tumultuous and perilous world where decent bodies are rare finds and genuine wealth is scarce.
23. Devilman Crybaby
Original Run: January 5, 2018
Number of Episodes: 10
Akira Fudo learns from his close friend, Ryo Asuka, that an ancient race of demons, which has the ability to invade and control human bodies, has resurfaced on Earth. Ryo proposes that they verify this to humanity by witnessing these demons possessing humans together.
By uniting with Amon, the Demon Lord, Akira undergoes a transformation, becoming Devilman – a being who possesses demonic abilities yet still holds onto his human heart.
24. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
Original Release: January 5, 2020 – March 22, 2020
Number of Episodes: 12
17-year-old Midori Asakusa yearns to produce an anime, but she’s too timid to pursue it solo. Her classmate Sayaka Kanamori, who has no passion for anime creation, aspires to earn some cash. One fateful encounter brings them together with Tsubame Mizusaki, a popular model in her early twenties, who aims to be a television hostess. Inspired by their shared dreams, the trio established the Eizouken club to turn their aspirations into reality.
25. School Days
Release: July 3, 2007 – September 27, 2007
Number of Episodes: 12
School Days primarily focuses on Makoto Itō, a freshman student navigating life in the imaginary town of Haramihama after his divorcee mother. He’s smitten by Kotonoha Katsura, a fellow student from a different class who happens to be his commuting companion on their journey to high school together.
Following a shift in lesson strategy, he gets to know the upbeat Sekai Saionji, a girl who aids him in forging a connection with Kotonoha by providing opportunities for them to encounter each other.
26. Kids on the Slope
Original Release: April 12, 2012 – June 28, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12
In the summer of 1966, due to his father’s work, high school freshman Kaoru Nishimi shifts from Yokosuka to stay with relatives in Kyushu. Prior to this move, Kaoru was somewhat isolated. However, upon enrollment at Higashi High School, an encounter with his classmate Sentarou Kawabuchi, known for his rough demeanor, changes him. Beneath his tough exterior, Sentarou introduces Kaoru to the delight of jazz, particularly when it’s shared with a friend.
27. BTOOOM!
Original Run: October 4, 2012 – December 20, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12
As a die-hard gaming enthusiast, I’m immersed in the thrilling journey of Ryouta Sakamoto, who, apart from being Japan’s top Btoom! video game champion, hasn’t had many notable accomplishments. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself inexplicably transported into a world that eerily resembles the game itself. Confused and clueless about how he got there, Ryouta is now faced with a grim reality: seven other players must be eliminated if one hopes to amass enough green crystals and find their way back home. With no choice but to collaborate with another player, Himiko, we embark on an escapade aimed at unraveling the truth about this bizarre realm we’ve been thrust into.
28. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Original Release: April 8, 2016 – June 30, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12
In my humble opinion, as a cinephile reviewing this captivating production, we find ourselves transported to an era of industrial progression, where a chilling pandemic swept the globe and even reached the remote, regal island of Hinomoto. This enigmatic disease had a peculiar effect on its victims; those afflicted or bitten by other infected individuals morphed into fearsome Kabane – relentless, bloodthirsty undead beings who proved to be formidable adversaries due to their challenging eradication process.
In truth, the core of the Kabane is shielded by a unique steel layer that makes standard weapons like blades and steam guns largely ineffective against it.
29. Deadman Wonderland
Original Run: April 17, 2011 – July 3, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12 (+ OVA)
An immense earthquake wrecked Japan’s mainland and largely demolished Tokyo, causing three-quarters of the city to sink into the sea. Ten years afterward, the narrative focuses on Ganta Igarashi, a seemingly ordinary student who studies at Nagano Prefecture College.
Despite surviving the earthquake, Ganta has no recollection of the event and has led an ordinary existence. However, this routine life is disrupted when a man dripping with blood and sporting purple armor appears outside the classroom windows. This peculiar man, resembling a madman, brutally murders Ganta’s entire class. Remarkably, instead of killing him, he implants a fragment of red crystal into Ganta’s chest.
Following the tragic event, Ganta is identified as the lone suspect. After a swift court proceedings, he is condemned to serve a life sentence within the confines of Deadman Wonderland, a penitentiary that doubles as an amusement park.
30. Blade Runner: Black Lotus
Release: November 14 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 13
In the year 2032, thirteen years after the original film, following the events of Black Out, the narrative unfolds around Elle, a female replicant. Upon waking up in Los Angeles, she finds no recollections of her past and an encrypted data device along with a black lotus tattoo on her back. Driven to uncover her memories and identify those behind her current state, Elle embarks on an investigation.
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2025-05-30 11:47