8 Short Anime to Binge-Watch Like Lycoris Recoil, Violet Evergarden & A Place Further Than The Universe

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of binge-watching under my belt, let me tell you, there’s nothing more exhilarating than discovering hidden gems among the sea of anime series out there. I’ve seen it all – from the epic Naruto and One Piece sagas to the intricate Legend of Galactic Heroes. But when time is of the essence or patience wanes, these short yet impactful masterpieces are my go-to recommendations.


As a lifestyle expert, I understand that diving into the vast world of popular anime series like Naruto, One Piece, and The Legend of Galactic Heroes can be an intimidating journey for newcomers. With hundreds of episodes, these classics can feel overwhelming and time-consuming, even for longtime fans.

Here are 8 short anime to binge watch.

1. Lycoris Recoil

Initially, A-1 Pictures’ series Lycoris Recoil flew under the radar before its debut. However, once it aired, it swiftly skyrocketed to success due to its exceptional gunfight sequences, captivating narrative, and well-crafted characters, making it one of the standout anime productions of 2022 in terms of direction. Few animes can rival the distinctiveness of Lycoris Recoil, and even fewer are as compelling a watch.

Violet Evergarden is a brief anime adaptation from a 2015 light novel. It tells the tale of a character grappling with the concept and repercussions of love. Post her service as a soldier in a war, she takes up a job as a transcriptionist. When her mentor utters his final words, “I love you,” she embarks on a mission to decipher this sentiment, which leads her to help others narrate their own stories. Despite having only 13 episodes, the series has given rise to two movies, enhancing the experience for fans by offering a more immersive narrative.

Exploring Beyond the Cosmos: An Anime Journey of Four High School Friends Venturing into Antarctica

Death Parade: A captivating anime series revolving around souls reborn post-death in The Void. This intriguing show takes you through a purgatorial lounge, where these souls engage in games such as darts, pool, and bowling while their personalities are scrutinized. Death Parade is an anthology series, featuring shifting moods and key characters throughout its run. Despite its dreamlike and unsettling themes, the show’s outstanding production quality and thought-provoking concept make it a compelling watch for anime enthusiasts. It offers a fresh perspective on the widely-loved death game anime genre.

In Devilman Crybaby, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic manga “Devilman” by Go Nagai, we find Akira Fudo transforming into an immensely potent Devilman. The show unfolds a sequence of events that culminate in a catastrophe beyond comprehension. This 10-episode series is packed with intense action and graphic violence, often surpassing what many shows exhibit in 50 episodes. It explores mature themes, making it unsettlingly disturbing at times. Despite its brevity, Devilman Crybaby has left a profound mark on anime enthusiasts.

As a connoisseur of all things entertainment, let me share my thoughts on the captivating anime series, Yuri!!! on Ice. This show follows a talented figure skater grappling with defeat and a world-class skater who steps in to guide him. The series, known for its stunning animation and exploration of same-sex relationships, has left fans yearning for more, especially with the upcoming film, Yuri!!! on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence.

The brief animated series “Bloom Into You” chronicles the journey of teenager Yuu Koito as she explores self-realization and her affinity for romance. However, when a male admirer confesses his feelings towards her, she doesn’t feel the anticipated excitement and must understand why. In the process, she recognizes that she has no interest in males whatsoever. “Bloom Into You” is an uncommon anime focusing on same-gender relationships, which makes it a delightful and engaging tale of self-growth. As LGBTQ anime enthusiasts eagerly anticipate additional series, “Bloom Into You” stands out with its 13 episodes.

FLCL is a critically acclaimed anime from Studio Gainax, known for its distinctive art style, outrageous scenes, and top-notch animation. The narrative revolves around Naota, an average teenager who gets hit by a spacewoman, causing a combat robot to emerge from his forehead. Despite the odd premise, FLCL delves deeply into the complexities of growing up and what maturity should entail. Boasting smooth animation and side-splitting humor, FLCL has solidified its place as a classic, and given it consists of just six episodes, it’s essential viewing for enthusiasts of early Adult Swim programming.

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2024-08-01 13:08