Short anime series offer a convenient way to enjoy engaging storylines, relatable characters, and beautiful animation without committing to a long series.
Our list features some of the best short anime series that you should watch in 2023. No matter which genre you prefer, there’s something for everyone on here.
So, you will definitely find one or two good ones to add to your watchlist.
Best Short Animes To Watch in 2023!
1. Death Note
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 37
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix
- IMDb: 9.0/10
The best anime for mind games and detective work, “Death Note” follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
As Light becomes a vigilante known as “Kira,” he is pursued by a genius detective named L who is determined to bring him down.
With just 37 episodes, this series explores morality, justice, and the consequences of power as Light and L engage in a dangerous battle of wits.
The art style and music of “Death Note” add to the tension and mystery of the story, making it a must-see for any fan of psychological thrillers.
2. One Punch Man
- Seasons: 02
- Episodes: 24
- Watch: Disney +, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
- IMDb: 8.7/10
In a world where heroes and villains exist and battles between them are a regular occurrence, we follow the story of Saitama, an ordinary man who has become so powerful that he can defeat any opponent with just one punch.
Despite his incredible strength, Saitama is bored with his mundane life and sets out to find a worthy opponent.
One-Punch Man is action-packed and over-the-top visuals just raise the entertainment value to new heights. Overall, One-Punch Man offers a thrilling viewing experience that will leave you wanting more.
Thankfully, One Punch Man Season 3 is in the works.
3. Akame ga Kill!
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 24
- Watch: Hulu, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Netflix
- IMDb: 7.8/10
Akame ga Kill! is a 24-episode series jam-packed with action and runs an engaging storyline.
Tatsumi is a young and powerful warrior who lives in a rural area. He sets out on a journey to the capital city with two friends, hoping to earn money for their poor village.
However, the capital is not the paradise they had hoped it would be, and Tatsumi soon finds himself caught up in a conflict against a corrupt empire. He joins forces with the assassination group known as Night Raid, and together they fight to bring justice and overthrow the oppressive rulers of the empire.
4. K-On!
- Seasons: 02
- Episodes: 26
- Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- IMDb: 7.8/10
One of the best comedy anime, “K-On!” follows the story of Yui Hirasawa, a high school student who joins her school’s light music club and learns to play the guitar.
Along with her friends, Yui works towards their goal of performing at the school’s cultural festival and learns about the importance of friendship and hard work.
The series explores themes of music, friendship, and growing up as Yui and her friends navigate their relationships and work toward their goals.
With excellent animation and music, as well as well-developed characters and a compelling story arc, “K-On!” is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix
- IMDb: 8.2/10
Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows the struggles of Madoka Kaname and her friends as they discover their abilities and become a part of a prophecy in a world where young girls suddenly gain magical powers.
With just 12 episodes, the series stands out for its strong female characters and impactful story. It explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cost of power as Madoka and her friends navigate their new roles as magical girls.
This is a must-watch for fantasy genre fans who want a thought-provoking and emotionally charged anime series.
6. The Promised Neverland
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney +
- IMDb: 8.3/10
In this suspenseful series, we watch as young children living in an orphanage experience the themes of survival, trust, and bonds stronger than blood.
With only 12 episodes, “The Promised Neverland” captivates viewers with its dark atmosphere and compelling story.
The series follows the main characters, Emma, Norman, and Ray, as they devise a plan to escape the orphanage and uncover the truth about their past and the world outside.
You won’t see the plot twists coming.
7. Samurai Champloo
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 26
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- IMDb: 8.6/10
Samurai Champloo is set in the Edo period and follows the adventures of Fuu, Mugen, and Jin.
Mugen and Jinn are two outlaw ronins who end up in jail and get rescued by Fuu. As the 3 join forces to find a samurai who smells of sunflowers, the viewers join a journey through Imperial Japan.
The series combines elements of historical fiction, action, and comedy to create an unforgettable viewing experience. And with just 26 episodes, “Samurai Champloo” makes for an engaging and funny watch over the weekend.
8. Baccano!
- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 13
- Watch: Netflix
- IMDb: 8.2/10
Baccano! is a 13-episode anime series with non-linear storytelling. The series follows a transcontinental train starting its journey in Chicago, a group of scientists searching for immortality, and a raging mafia war.
Seemingly polar opposites, these events coincide in the most engaging plots and subplots.
This unusual style of story-telling has earned Baccano! a cult following, and you’ll also be in this cult once you finish the series. And since every episode is 24 min (on average), it won’t take too long to finish it.
9. Paranoia Agent
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 13
- Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- IMDb: 8.0/10
“Paranoia Agent” is a short anime series with just 13 episodes, but it packs a punch.
The city of Tokyo is in chaos due to a series of hit-and-run attacks by an unknown assailant known as Shounen Bat. Detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa investigate the cases and uncover the truth behind the perpetrator.
The series delves into the psychological effects of trauma and the blurred lines between reality and perception as the characters try to understand the true nature of the serial killer and the events surrounding the cases.
With its unique blend of mystery and psychological elements, “Paranoia Agent” is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
10. Gurren Lagann
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 27
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- IMDb: 8.3/10
Looking for some big adventures in a short amount of time? Then “Gurren Lagann” is the anime for you.
This action, mecha, and comedy hybrid follows Simon and Kamina as they discover their destiny. With help from a gun-slinging redhead – Yoko Littner – Simon and Kamina will fight against the Beastmen to protect humanity in a post-apocalyptic world.
The anime also stood out for its character design, even winning an award for it at the Tokyo Anime Awards.
11. Erased
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix
- IMDb: 8.5/10
“Erased” is one of the best examples of the mystery and psychological anime genre. In this series, we follow the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a man who possesses the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies from occurring.
When his mother gets killed and he gets falsely accused of the crime, Satoru must use his power to uncover the truth and clear his name..
With just 12 episodes, “Erased” offers a gripping and emotional story that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Satoru navigates the past and present to solve the mystery and save his loved ones, we get to see a lot of time travel done right.
12. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 24
- Watch: Crunchyroll
- IMDb: 7.7/10
One of the best short animes to watch for a good laugh, this comedy series follows the story of Sorata Kanda, a high school student who is forced to live in a dormitory. There, he meets a variety of quirky and eccentric characters, including a talented artist named Mashiro Shiina.
While Sorata himself lacks any special skills, he strives for greatness, taking inspiration from all the talented delinquents around him.
The series is a coming-of-age story set in a not-so-typical high school. And you’ll find yourself rooting for the characters that are supposed to be unlikeable.
13. Steins;Gate
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 24
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix
- IMDb: 8.8/10
In this science fiction series, we follow the story of Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who discovers a way to send messages back in time.
As Okabe and his friends experiment with the time machine, they become embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy and must fight to prevent a catastrophic future.
The series explores themes of time travel, fate, and the consequences of one’s actions as Okabe and his friends navigate the complexities of the time-space continuum.
Easily the most entertaining and unique take on time travel in the anime verse.
14. Death Parade
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Netflix
- IMDb: 7.9/10
One of the best short animes to watch on Netflix, Death Parade is a psychological thriller.
The series follows the story of Decim, a bartender who serves as the arbiter for souls who are sent to the Quindecim bar after their deaths.
As Decim judges the souls and helps them understand their past lives and the events that led to their deaths. And to do so, Decim uses different challenges and games. The winner gets reincarnated, and the loser rots in the void for eternity.
But, after one amnesiac enters Decim’s bar, he begins to question his existence, his rules, and his methods of judgment.
15. Clannad
- Season: 01
- Episodes: 24
- Watch: Prime Video
- IMDb: 7.8/10
Tomoya Okazaki is a high school student fed up with life and wasting his school days away. That is until he meets Nagisa Furukawa. Nagisa is another student at Tomoya’s high school who was held back a year.
As Tomoya and Nagisa start a friendship, the two team up with 4 other girls to revive the school’s drama club.
Clannad is a must-see for fans of slice-of-life anime. This short anime series with just 24 episodes offers a heartwarming and emotional viewing experience as it explores themes of love and friendship.
16. Angel Beats!
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 13
- Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video
- IMDb: 7.6/10
Angel Beats! is a 13-episode series set in an afterlife where a group of young people, led by Yurippe, are fighting against God as part of the SSS (Shinda Sekai Sensen/Dead World Battlefront).
The series follows the story of Otonashi, a high school student who finds himself in this world and becomes involved in the group’s rebellion.
Friendship, redemption, and the meaning of life- everything is questioned as the characters struggle with their fate and their rebellion against God.
17. Your Lie in April
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 22
- Watch: Hulu
- IMDb: 8.6/10
Your Lie in April is a heartwarming series that explores love, loss, and the power of music as Kousei and Kaori navigate their relationship and work toward their dreams.
In this drama series, we follow the story of Kousei Arima, a former prodigy pianist who lost his passion for music after the death of his mother. When he meets a talented and outgoing violinist named Kaori Miyazono, Kousei begins to rediscover his love for music and learns to cope with his grief.
While the animation is nothing special, the music is.
18. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Crunchyroll
- IMDb: 7.4/10
This romantic comedy series follows the story of Yuta Togashi, a high school student who is trying to leave behind his embarrassing “chunibyo” phase and start a new life.
When he meets Rikka Takanashi, a girl who is still deeply immersed in the world of chunibyo, Yuta must confront his past and help Rikka find her way into the real world.
With just 12 episodes of 24 minutes each, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions is a heartwarming, humorous, and quick watch for high school anime lovers.
19. Barakamon
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 12
- Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- IMDb: 8.2/10
Barakamon follows the story of Seishuu Handa, a young calligrapher who is sent to a remote island in the countryside to find inspiration and discipline after a public outburst.
Thinking of peaceful countryside, Seishuu ends up at the Goto Islands. And Seishuu finds everything on that island apart from the one thing he was looking for – PEACE! From children to teenagers to old neighbors, everyone bugs the calligrapher.
But, as Seishuu adapts to life on the island and befriends the quirky and eccentric locals, he learns about friendship and creativity and has an amazing journey of self-discovery.
20. Hyouka
- Seasons: 01
- Episodes: 22
- Watch: Crunchyroll
- IMDb: 7.8/10
This mystery series is one of the best short animes on Crunchyroll.
Hyouka follows the story of Houtarou Oreki, a high school student who doesn’t want to do a thing- study, sports, or anything else, Houtarou is not interested.
But, that all changes when he is forced to join his school’s Classic Literature Club by his older sister.
As the Club starts taking shape, the 4 members (Houtarou, Satoshi, Mayaka, and Chitanda) will solve a series of puzzles and mysteries, while unraveling some secrets of the school.
That concludes our list of the best short animes.
Our selection includes slice-of-life, psychological thrillers, rom-com anime, and almost every popular genre series. These shows may be brief, but they offer high-quality storylines and impactful characters.
