Anime series, regardless of length, is a treat for viewers of all ages. However, fans sometimes need short stories that satisfy their binging hours. So, ComingSoon lists five of the best short anime series that explore compelling narratives and impactful characters. These short anime gems have it all packed in 12-38 episodes. In short, they are a treat for viewers to binge on.
One Punch Man (12 episodes)
One Punch Man revolves around the narrative of the hero Saitama who goes on a fierce three-year training and transitions from an ordinary man to a superhuman with unmatched strength. With this strength he is capable of defeating his enemies with just one single punch. However, Saitama, aka One Punch Man, realizes that there is no one who matches his strength, so he chooses to live a mundane life.
However, all of this changes when cyborg Genos teams up with Saitama to partake in the Hero Association. Once they gain recognition, they meet new friends and confront enemies on the way.
Kill la Kill (24 episodes)
Kill la Kill is Ryuuko Matoi’s universe wherein she dedicatedly ventures to avenge her father’s murder. She steals the missing Scissor Blade, which eventually directs her to the Honnouji Academy. This reputed academy is governed by a heartless student council named Satsuki Kiryuuin.
The school makes students wear Goku Uniforms that allows them to hold extraordinary powers. Ryuuko strives to challenge the Elite Four in order to unveil the mystery behind her father’s murder. Additionally, she arms herself with Senketsu and the Scissor Blade and is determined to challenge the academy’s hierarchical structure. On her journey, her unwavering pursuit of justice drags her to new challenges and unravels secrets she had never known before.
Death Parade (12 episodes)
Death Parade features Quindecim, the afterlife’s distinctive bar. Here, viewers find Decim, a mysterious host who judges the souls by inflicting them with a dangerous game. As these souls face judgment, they get sent to a new life or vanish altogether.
However, as the series explores the afterlife’s dark complexities, Decim’s regime takes a back seat when an amnesiac woman comes along. This arrival forces Decim to reconsider his ways and judgements.
Princess Tutu (38 episodes)
Ahiru has a clumsy and sweet nature, but there’s more to her persona than meets the eye. A magical secret shields her character – Drosselmeyer transformed Ahiru into a human girl from a duck. She then transforms into Princess Tutu using her magical pendant and becomes a charming ballet dancer. Using her graceful moves, she can soothe people.
Ahiru finds her destiny when she is tasked with collecting pieces of her prince’s heart. Princess Tutu explores Ahiru’s journey, filled with intense emotions and beliefs. Heroes confront fate in this fairytale-like universe, making it one of the best short anime series.
Your Lie in April (22 episodes)
Your Lie in April follows the story of a piano prodigy, Kousei Arima. His talent echoed everywhere as he was once called the “Human Metronome.” However, his mother suddenly dies, leaving him deaf to the piano’s sound. He turns into a timid school-goer who lives an ordinary life with his friends.
Things take a turn when Kousei meets Kaori Miyazono, and he teams up with the latter to pave a path of musical expedition. Kousei finds spark in life again through his re-established love for music, and the story goes on to explore his journey with Kaori.
