Finding the perfect anime series can feel like a daunting task, especially with the franchise like Naruto and One Piece dominating conversations.
While these classics hold a special place in many hearts, their extensive episode counts can be intimidating for newcomers.
So, if you’re seeking a shorter yet impactful anime experience. There’s a plethora of fantastic short anime waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re into heartwarming slice-of-life tales, intense action-packed adventures, or mind-bending mysteries, there’s something for everyone in short anime.
So, let’s recommend you some uncover some hidden gems that won’t require a significant time commitment but will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Finding the perfect anime can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the scene or short on time. Long-running series with hundreds of episodes can feel overwhelming to watch.
But fear not! There’s a whole world of short yet interesting anime waiting for you. These gems, with 13 episodes or less, deliver all the excitement and depth you crave without the time commitment.
With gripping stories and memorable characters, these short anime whisk you away on unforgettable journeys from the get-go.
So whether you’re a seasoned fan looking for a quick fix or a newcomer dipping your toes in, there’s something for everyone just a few clicks away.
1) Another
At Yomiyama North Junior High, class 3-3 hides a creepy secret a curse that nobody talks about. When Kouichi Sakakibara comes back to school after being sick, he’s curious about Mei Misaki, a quiet girl with an eyepatch he met at the hospital.
Even though everyone says Mei doesn’t exist, Kouichi wants to know why. By exploring the secret he hears scary stories about a past student, but nobody spills all the beans.
Kouichi and Mei become friends, and they decide to uncover the curse’s secrets. But as they learn more, bad stuff starts happening around them. They realize facing the curse might cost them more than they bargained for.
With time running out, Kouichi and Mei rush to break the curse. But as they get closer, they realize some things are better left alone and the truth might be scarier than they thought.
Another is a thrilling horror anime that keeps viewers hooked with its suspenseful storytelling. It’s not your typical scary anime it’s more about the creepy atmosphere and occasional gore than trying too hard to make you jump.
Throughout the series, you’ll find yourself wishing the characters would just talk to each other more, but that’s what keeps the tension high. It’s a straightforward yet chilling ride that horror fans are sure to enjoy.
2) Erased
In Erased Satoru Fujinuma has a special power called Revival that sends him back in time a few minutes before a tragedy happens. He’s used it to save many lives.
But when he’s wrongly accused of a murder, he’s sent back much further to 1988, when he was a kid. He realizes the murder might be linked to the kidnapping and killing of his classmate, Kayo Hinazuki. He gets determined to set things right.
Satoru tries to uncover the truth from 18 years ago and save his classmate while protecting his loved ones in the present.
Erased explores various realistic and thought-provoking themes that resonate with audiences. It explores the profound bond between a mother and her child, as well as the love a child holds for their mother.
The anime also sheds light on the heartbreaking issue of parental abuse and the loneliness experienced during youth.
Bullying in schools and the tendency of humans to avoid confronting their problems are also addressed.
Erased highlights humanity’s innate inclination to lend a helping hand to those in need, contrasting with the challenges parents face when their child is confined to a permanent bed rest.
These themes provoke introspection and foster empathy among viewers, making Erased a profound and compelling anime experience.
3) Odd Taxi
Meet Hiroshi Odokawa, a quirky and straightforward guy who spends his days driving a taxi. He encounters all sorts of interesting people during his shifts.
There’s Taichi Kabasawa, who’s determined to become internet famous despite being jobless, the mysterious nurse Miho Shirakawa, the struggling comedy duo Homo Sapiens, and Dobu, a notorious troublemaker.
But Odokawa’s peaceful life takes a wild turn when he becomes linked to a missing girl the police are searching for.
Suddenly, he finds himself being chased by both the yakuza and corrupt cops. With danger lurking around every corner, Odokawa must figure out his way through this chaotic mess to uncover the truth and protect himself and those he cares about.
Odd Taxi lives up to its name it’s undeniably peculiar. What makes it even more unusual is the team behind it.
The director and writer are both newcomers, with Odd Taxi being their debut project. Unlike many anime, it’s not adapted from a manga, light novel, or game it’s a completely original creation.
Adding to its eccentricity, the animation is handled by Oriental Lights and Magic, a studio known for classics like the 1997 Berserk and the early seasons of Pokemon, as well as various anime from the 80s and 90s.
4) Charlotte
Yuu Otosaka seems like an ordinary high school student, but he has a special power he can control people’s minds for five seconds. He uses this ability to cheat his way through school and get into a top-tier high school.
But his cheating ways are uncovered by Nao Tomori, the determined student council president from Hoshinoumi Academy.
She forces Yuu to transfer to her school and join the student council. Little does Yuu know, Hoshinoumi Academy is a place for students with supernatural powers, and the council’s job is to find and protect them.
Reluctantly, Yuu helps the council in their mission to uncover new ability users. But as they dig deeper into these powers, they stumble upon secrets and dangers they never expected.
In Charlotte, each character gets their own episode to introduce themselves and share their backstory. As you watch the series, you’ll see the main character, Otosaka Yuu, undergo a positive transformation.
He starts off as a narcissist who uses his powers to manipulate others for his own gain. But over time, he becomes a friendly teenager who cares deeply for his friends and others.
One of the highlights of the anime is its stunning artwork, particularly the characters eyes when they activate their powers.
Charlotte is truly remarkable, with its emotional story, endearing characters, and beautiful art it’s a series that keeps the attention of the viewers from start to finish.
5) Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain, introduces Lain Iwakura, a shy fourteen-year-old girl. She gets an unsettling email from her classmate Chisa Yomoda, who recently died.
Even though Lain isn’t good with technology, she opens the email and finds herself in the Wired, a virtual world like the internet.
Suddenly, strange men in black start following her, asking weird questions about her life. Reality and the Wired start mixing up, and Lain faces strange events where identity and reality don’t make sense.
Written by Chiaki J. Konaka, known for Texhnolyze, this anime follows Lain as she tries to figure out through these mysteries that blur the lines between the real world and cyberspace. Only Lain can understand the importance of her presence in both worlds.
6) Wonder Egg Priority
After her best friend Koito Nagase’s suicide, Ai Ooto is left feeling lost and alone. But when a mysterious entity offers her a chance to bring Koito back, Ai jumps at the opportunity.
She buys a Wonder Egg and breaks it open in a dream world. There, she must save people facing tough challenges. Ai hopes that by helping others, she can somehow save Koito, too.
In the strange and dangerous world of Wonder Egg Priority, Ai confronts her own past traumas and fears while battling the inner demons of others.
Through her journey, she learns about the struggles tormenting humanity and strives to bring light to the darkness.
7) Kotaro Lives Alone
Manga author Shin Karino meets his new neighbor, four-year-old Kotarou Satou, who surprises him with a gift of tissues. Kotarou is different. He talks very formally and lives alone with no family around.
Worried about Kotarou, Karino decides to keep an eye on him and follows him to a bathhouse. There, he realizes that Kotarou is just like him in some ways.
As time goes on, Karino and the other people in the apartment complex grow to care for Kotarou and his quirky ways. Maybe Kotarou has found something like a family among his unique neighbors.
While this series has its moments of humor and wit, it also tackles serious topics like child abuse, family neglect, and toxic relationships.
Some scenes may bring tears to your eyes, while others will make you laugh out loud. The mix of suspense and laughter creates a unique and impactful viewing experience, but it’s important to be aware of the heavy themes addressed in the series.
8) Tomodachi Game
High schooler Yuuichi Katagiri treasures his close friends: Yutori Kokorogi, Shiho Sawaragi, Makoto Shibe, and Tenji Mikasa. But when money for a school trip goes missing, Shiho and Makoto withdraw from the group.
Suddenly, Yuuichi and his friends are tricked, knocked out, and wake up in a strange white room. There, they meet Manabu-kun, who reveals one of them owes 20 million yen.
To pay it off, they must play psychological games testing their friendship and humanity. Trapped and desperate, Yuuichi and his friends must work together to survive the games. But as secrets and past issues come to light, their bond is put to the ultimate test.
Viewers might be tempted to drop this series after three episodes because it feels predictable at first. However, things start to get really interesting when the main character showcases his skills.
This series is far from simple. It’s full of plot twists and intriguing elements. The identity of the real traitor kept me guessing until the reveal, as it could have been anyone, leading to confusion.
The anime portrays the relationship of the characters in a surreal way. However, in the manga, the characters are much deeper, and their actions are more reasonable.
9) Orange
Naho Takamiya starts her sophomore year feeling uneasy after oversleeping. She gets a strange letter, but the shock hits when she realizes it’s from herself 10 years ahead.
Despite her doubts, events in the letter start coming true. Future Naho’s letter reveals a life full of regrets and urges her to change the past.
It warns her to watch out for new student Kakeru Naruse, as he’s missing in the future. With the letter guiding her, Naho has a chance to protect Kakeru and avoid future regrets.
Orange explores the themes of love, loss, and the significance of relationships. The added element of time travel promised intriguing discussions.
While it may not have been the most thrilling series and encountered its fair share of stumbling blocks, it ultimately offered them a fresh perspective on the Slice of Life genre.
10) 91 Days
In the town of Lawless, Angelo Lagusa suffers a devastating loss. His parents and brother are murdered by the Vanetti mafia. Seeking revenge, Angelo changes his name to Avilio Bruno and waits for the right moment.
Seven years later, Avilio gets a letter calling him back to Lawless. He returns, determined to take down the Vanetti family. Avilio befriends Nero, the don’s son, to get close to him and enact his plan.
Set during Prohibition, 91 Days follows Avilio’s quest for vengeance as he systematically eliminates those responsible for his family’s death.
91 Days stands out in its niche genre due to its dignified presentation, making it easier to overlook any flaws.
While there have been other mobster-inspired anime like Gungrave and Gangsta, as well as flashy titles like Darker than Black and Baccano, none have captured the traditional mafioso story as faithfully as 91 Days.
Unlike its counterparts, 91 Days opts for a grounded approach, featuring characters with realistic personalities rather than the more eccentric ones found elsewhere. This emphasis on authenticity sets it apart and contributes to its appeal within the genre.
11) Daily Lives of High School Boys
At Sanada North High School, three friends, Hidenori, Yoshitake, and Tadakuni, hang out together. Hidenori is imaginative, Yoshitake is passionate, and Tadakuni is sensible.
Their lives seem filled with exciting adventures, like giant robots and dramatic romances, but it’s all in their imaginations.
In reality, they’re just regular guys trying to have fun. Even though their days seem ordinary, they find plenty of humor in everyday situations.
From playing intricate RPGs to unexpected romantic moments, Daily Lives of High School Boys is full of bizarre and funny moments that everyone can relate to.
Daily Lives of High School Boys is a must-watch for anyone in search of a good laugh. With its consistently funny skits, relatable humor, and unique format, it’s a comedy series that stands out from the crowd.
12) The Tatami Galaxy
In a quaint ramen stand behind Shimogamo Shrine, a third-year college student has a chance encounter with a peculiar man sporting an eggplant-shaped head, claiming to be a god of matrimony.
This meeting sparks reflection on the student’s past two years, marred by futile attempts to break up couples on campus alongside his friend Ozu.
Determined to change his course, the student resolves to seize the remaining years of college. Despite hesitations, he musters the courage to ask out the reserved but kind-hearted underclassman, Akashi.
However, his resolve wavers, leading to regret for not living differently. In a twist of fate, the student is suddenly transported back in time to the beginning of his college journey, given a chance to rewrite his story.
Step into the world of Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, where surrealism intertwines with introspection. The protagonist goes on a journey filled with friendship, love, and the pursuit of a vibrant college life.
13) Dorohedoro
In the grim district of Hole, where law and order don’t exist, magic users reign supreme, treating everyone else like insects.
Among them is Caiman, a man with a reptilian face seeking answers about his past. With his immunity to magic and trusty bayonets, he hunts down these magic users, hoping they hold clues to his identity.
Despite the odds, Caiman is determined, fueled by his nightmares and cursed appearance. His friend Nikaidou, who runs the Hungry Bug restaurant, supports him in his quest. They navigate the treacherous streets of Hole, facing danger at every turn.
The adaptation of Dorohedoro turned out to be quite enjoyable, much to the relief of many fans.
Initially, there were concerns when the anime project was announced, especially after seeing the CGI models for the main characters in the early promotional videos.
However, despite these worries, fans were pleasantly surprised when the show was released. The beautiful art and 2D animation helped to highlight the quality of the adaptation, leaving most viewers satisfied with the final outcome.
14) Grand Blue Dreaming
Iori Kitahara moves to Izu for college and stays above his uncle’s scuba diving shop, Grand Blue. He hopes for a great college life but ends up getting involved with the wild antics of the Diving Club members.
Persuaded by older students Shinji and Ryuujirou, Iori reluctantly joins their crazy parties. When his cousin Chisa catches him, she’s not impressed.
Based on a popular manga, Grand Blue follows Iori’s funny adventures with his new friends as he tries to enjoy college and learn scuba diving.
Grand Blue is a hilarious anime that takes adult themes and stereotypes and turns them into comedy gold.
While it may seem like a light and entertaining watch, the series is actually quite intentional with its jokes.
The characters, especially the guys, act boldly like typical college students, while the girls add a bit of balance to the wild antics.
The anime is full of running gags involving drinking, nudity, and misunderstandings, which are the core of its humor. While there are some moments dedicated to diving, don’t expect a calm slice-of-life experience.
15) Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Narumi Momose is rushing to her new job, determined to keep her secret: she’s an otaku and a fujoshi. But her plan falls apart when she bumps into Hirotaka Nifuji, an old friend who knows her secret.
Trying to cover up, she invites him for drinks, but he casually mentions an otaku event, revealing her secret to coworkers Hanako Koyanagi and Tarou Kabakura, who are also an otaku.
That night, Narumi and Hirotaka catch up over drinks. Narumi vents about her ex, who couldn’t accept her hobbies. Hirotaka surprises her by suggesting they date, promising to support her, and even playing games with her.
Overwhelmed, Narumi agrees, and their quirky romance begins. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, with just 11 episodes, delivers its message effectively through its unique characters and their interests. It flips the script on otaku culture, showing it in a positive light.
16) Kokoro Connect
At Yamaboshi Academy, five students feel like they don’t fit in with any clubs. So, they created their own called the Student Cultural Society, or StuCS.
The group includes Taichi, a wrestling fan, Iori, an indecisive optimist, Himeko, a computer whiz, Yui, a karate practitioner, and Yoshifumi, a class clown.
One day, Aoki and Yui swap bodies suddenly. This strange event keeps happening to the friends, and they realize it’s more than just a game.
Forced to bond even closer, they uncover each other’s secrets and struggles, which could put their club and friendship at risk.
17) Plastic Memories
Eighteen-year-old Tsukasa Mizugaki fails his college entrance exams but lands a job at Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation, thanks to some help.
SAI Corp creates advanced androids called Giftias, which are almost like real humans but have a limited lifespan of around nine years.
Tsukasa joins Terminal Service One, tasked with collecting Giftias at the end of their lifespan to prevent memory loss and hostility. He’s partnered with Isla, a veteran Giftia known for her retrieval skills.
As Tsukasa works alongside Isla, he realizes he has feelings for her. But with Isla’s time running out, Tsukasa must confront his emotions before it’s too late.
The anime explores the themes of life and memories, resonating with the audience on a personal level.
18) Elfen Lied
Lucy, a unique human called a Diclonius, has horns and telekinetic hands. She’s been experimented on by the government.
When she escapes, she causes chaos. But a head injury leaves her with a child-like personality. She meets Kouta and Yuka, who take care of her. Little do they know, she has a dark side. They get involved in government secrets.
Elfen Lied starts strong but quickly gets weird, making you wonder about the author’s fetishes. As the story progresses, it becomes more disturbing, almost like a parody.
But strangely, the worse it gets, the more interesting it becomes. It’s so bizarre and unapologetic that you can’t help but keep watching. Despite its flaws, it’s strangely good. If you’re into niche 2000s seinen, it’s a must-watch.
19) Kids on the Slope
Kaoru Nishimi, a shy and talented pianist, starts high school in Kyushu feeling lonely and disconnected. But everything changes when he meets Sentarou Kawabuchi, a rebellious student with a passion for jazz.
Sentarou’s love for music inspires Kaoru to explore jazz too, and they become friends. Together with Ritsuko Mukae, they start playing jazz in a basement after school.
Through music, Kaoru finds joy and connection, making this summer unforgettable. Kids on the Slope stands out as a top-notch coming-of-age story, capturing the unique blend of melancholy and hope often seen in Japanese anime.
What sets it apart is its characters, Richie, Ritsuko, Sen, Jin, and Yurika, who feel remarkably real and surprise the viewers with their actions. The story avoids cliches, a rare feat in anime filled with overused tropes.
Set in 1960s Japan, the historical backdrop adds depth, exploring themes like the presence of U.S. soldiers and student protests in Tokyo.
The series critiques American culture with the inclusion of a racist character at a jazz quartet’s performance, adding nuance to the story. These details highlight Kids on the Slope to a more sophisticated level.
20) Devilman: Crybaby
Akira Fudou, a kind-hearted guy, gets caught up in a dark world when his friend Ryou Asuka asks for help uncovering demons.
They end up at Sabbath, a wild party full of demons. Things get crazy as demons start taking over people’s bodies, causing chaos.
In a desperate attempt to save his friend, Akira merges with the demon Amon, becoming a Devilman. With newfound powers, he fights to stop the demons from causing more harm.
The series is super fun to watch, and it has great action scenes. The soundtrack and voice acting made it even better.