Picture this – you’ve spent ages sharing awesome anime clips and discussing thrilling storylines, finally persuading your non-anime-loving friend to give it a shot. But when you suggest One Piece, a series with over 1000 episodes, they balk, citing lack of time.
It’s a missed opportunity, and they might never give anime another chance. Introducing friends to anime can be fun, but recommending a super-long series might backfire. Instead, keep this list of top 10 short yet amazing anime handy. That way, your anime suggestions will always hit the mark.
1) One Punch Man
When you blend superhero strength with Deadpool-style humor, you get One Punch Man. This anime packs a punch with its blend of comedy and action across just 12 episodes.
Meet Saitama, an average guy turned superhero after intense training. Armed with unbeatable strength, he can take down any foe with a single punch. It’s the perfect pick for newcomers craving action and laughs.
2) Steins Gate
Steins;Gate, a sci-fi gem spanning 24 episodes, talks about the mind-bending concept of time travel. Meet Rintaro Okabe, a college student whose discovery shakes the very foundations of reality: he can send text messages through time, altering the past and reshaping the future.
3) Horimiya
Horimiya, a delightful romantic comedy anime spanning 13 episodes, is tailor-made for fans of heartwarming rom-coms. Join Hori and Miyamura, two seemingly different classmates whose unexpected connection blossoms into something beautiful. Perfect for newcomers craving charming slice-of-life tales with a dash of romance.
4) The Devil Is a Part-Timer
Picture the mighty king of hell flipping burgers at McDonald’s. “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” is a hilarious anime with 13 episodes that follows Sadao Maou, the Devil King, as he maneuvers a new life in Japan, complete with a part-time job. Perfect for newcomers seeking a blend of comedy and fantasy.
5) Your Lie In April
“Your Lie in April” is a music-themed drama anime with 22 episodes that seamlessly weaves romance and music together. Follow the journey of Kosei Arima, a gifted pianist who lost his ability to hear his own music after the tragic loss of his mother. An ideal choice for beginners drawn to the emotional depth of music and drama.
6) Sk8 The Infinity
“Sk8 The Infinity” offers a thrilling ride through the underground skating scene in just 12 episodes. Follow Reki as he maneuvers the high-stakes of secret skating races known as “S,” where competition is fierce and adrenaline runs high.
A perfect pick for newcomers craving the excitement of sports and heartfelt drama.
7) Erased
“Erased” blends the suspense of the thriller with the intrigue of mystery across its 12 episodes. Join Satoru Fujinuma, a manga artist with the unique ability to rewind time and prevent tragedies.
When his mother falls victim to murder, Satoru leaps into the past to rewrite fate. Perfect for newcomers drawn to mature plots and the complexities of time travel.
8) Free!
“Free!” mentions themes of friendship, nostalgia, and determination across its 12 exhilarating episodes. Join Haruka Nanase, a gifted swimmer who reunites with childhood friends to revive their passion for swimming. Perfect for newcomers seeking the thrill of sports and the journey of coming-of-age tales.
9) The Tatami Time Machine Blues
‘The Tatami Time Machine Blues,’ is a sequel to ‘The Tatami Galaxy,’ offers just under two hours of pure entertainment. Set on a scorching summer day at Kyoto University, students face a dilemma when the air conditioner remote malfunctions.
Their solution? A time machine to fix the mishap. What follows is a hilarious rollercoaster of disasters and comedic chaos.”
10) Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie
‘Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie,’ is where love takes center stage in the most endearing way. Meet Shikimori and her clumsy beau, Izumi, an odd but utterly lovable pair. While Shikimori dazzles with her sweetness and occasional athleticism, Izumi fumbles through life with two left feet and a knack for trouble.
But when danger looms, Shikimori transforms into a heroic figure, saving her bumbling boyfriend with style. From Izumi’s stunned reactions to Shikimori’s breathtaking metamorphoses, this series is a delightful journey from start to finish.”
11) She And Her Cat: Everything Flows
“Gather, feline enthusiasts! Makoto Shinkai’s brief five-minute short expands into a delightful series chronicling the life of Kanojo and her beloved cat Daru. Bound by an unbreakable bond forged over years of companionship, the duo maneuvers life’s ups and downs together.
As Kanojo transitions into adulthood, Daru offers a unique perspective on her everyday struggles, from job hunting to adjusting to changes in their shared routine.
‘She And Her Cat: Everything Flows’ offers a heartwarming ”tail” of the intimacy of human-cat companionship, providing a refreshing twist on the typical cat-centric narrative.”
12) Afro Samurai
“For action aficionados, ‘Afro Samurai’ is an absolute treat. Set in a feudal Japan, the story follows Afro, who witnesses his father’s defeat in a fierce samurai duel.
Fueled by a thirst for vengeance, Afro heads on a journey to become the greatest samurai, aiming to claim the Number One badge from his father’s victor, Justice.
But to reach his goal, Afro must first overcome countless challengers vying for his coveted Number Two position. Boasting lightning-fast action sequences, a stellar soundtrack, and top-notch animation, ‘Afro Samurai’ delivers a thrilling and immersive viewing experience from start to finish.”
13) Gakuen Handsome
“Yoshiki Maeda finds himself in a whirlwind of eccentricity after transferring to the all-boys Baramon High School. From a peculiar and theatrical homeroom teacher to a childhood friend reappearing after seven years, Yoshiki encounters a cast of quirky characters at every turn.
Amidst the chaos, Yoshiki must deal with the pressures of being the school’s heartthrob, all while his younger sister Yuu revels in the excitement. Join Yoshiki on his journey as he faces the challenges of high school life in this charming and lighthearted series.”
14) No Game No Life
“Sora and Shiro, the ultimate gamer siblings, reign supreme as the top players on Earth. But when they find themselves transported to Disboard, where games determine all outcomes, their skills are put to the ultimate test.
In Disboard, brute force and aggression hold no sway—victory hinges solely on strategic gaming prowess. To return home, Sora and Shiro must face a series of high-stakes challenges, facing off against formidable opponents and ultimately confronting the boss
15) Gunbuster
Gunbuster, a six-episode OVA, catapults viewers into a thrilling mecha anime adventure. Following the daughter of a space captain, the series heads into her journey as she pilots a giant robot to defend Earth against an alien invasion.
While initially appearing as a typical space-themed action saga, Gunbuster’s depth and innovation laid the groundwork for Gainax’s iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion.
16) Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san
Meet Honda, the skeleton who shattered the fantasy of owning a quaint bookstore and living the aesthetic life. As a seasoned bookstore owner, Honda knows firsthand that the job entails far more than meets the eye. Forget sipping iced lattes – this is the reality of running a bookstore.
17) Death Parade
Quindecim in Death Parade is where the afterlife takes an intriguing turn. Instead of the typical Heaven or Hell, souls find themselves in Quindecim bar. Here, Decim, the seasoned bartender, and his keen assistant Chiyuki, orchestrate high-stakes bar games that push souls to expose their innermost truths.
18) Violet Evergarden
Evergarden, is an anime set in the aftermath of war. The story unfolds in Telesis, a continent still reeling from the echoes of a devastating conflict. At its center is Violet, an artificial creation engineered for warfare.
Yet, as the war fades into memory, Violet seeks solace in a new vocation as an auto Memory Doll. Tasked with helping others process their emotions and memories, she grapples with her own journey of redemption and self-discovery.
19) Angel Beats
In just 13 episodes, Angel Beats! delivers an emotional rollercoaster like no other. Meet Yuzuru Otonashi, a 17-year-old thrust into a wild universe after death, devoid of memories but driven by purpose.
Alongside 14 other characters, Otonashi starts a poignant journey through an unconventional school setting. Together, they form the Afterlife Battlefront, a ragtag group determined to challenge the oppressive rule of the school officials.
Their mission: to confront Angel, the figure at the heart of their struggle, and uncover the answers they seek in unexpected places.
20) 91 days
In the Prohibition era of the United States, 91 Days spins a tale of vengeance and betrayal. Avilio Bruno, once known as Angelo Lagusa, returns to his hometown of Lawless seven years after fleeing the tragic murder of his family.
Armed with a new identity and a burning desire for revenge, Avilio infiltrates the Vanetti mafia family, responsible for his family’s demise. His plan? To dismantle the very organization that tore his life apart.
Alongside Nero, the boss’ son, Avilio journeys the treacherous Prohibition-era America, uncovering dark secrets and plotting his vengeance with meticulous precision.
21) Terror In Resonance
In a dystopian Tokyo, a shadow of fear looms after a terrorist attack leaves only the cryptic mark ‘VON’. As chaos ensues, two youths, Nine and Twelve, emerge as ‘Sphinx’, challenging authority with calculated precision. While their actions unsettle society, their true aim is not destruction but revolution.
Driven by a desire to dismantle a corrupt regime, they travel a perilous path, confronting themes of disillusionment and the quest for a brighter tomorrow. Crafted by the director of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, Terror in Resonance is a gripping tale of deception and the power of hope amidst darkness.
22) Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied deals with the plight of mutant humans subjected to cruel experiments by the government. Lucy, a Diclonius with extraordinary powers, escapes confinement but loses her memory and speech abilities. Despite her murderous instincts, she forms an unlikely bond with college students Kouta and Yuka.
Their intertwined fates unfold in a dark narrative of madness and tragedy, echoing themes of amorality. With its gripping storyline, Elfen Lied’s influence extends even to Netflix’s Stranger Things, drawing parallels to its haunting tale.
23) Yuri!!! On Ice
Yuri!!! On Ice isn’t just your typical sports anime; it’s a tale that ignites a fire within you, leaving a lasting impression. It centers around Yuri Katsuki, a figure skater who’s lost his passion for the sport.
However, everything changes when a video of him mimicking Victor Nikiforov’s routine goes viral, catching the attention of the skating legend himself. With Victor as his mentor, Yuri rediscovers his determination and dedicates himself to training.
Their journey unfolds with each step on the ice, showcasing not only their bond but also Yuri’s pursuit of his dreams and the potential for greatness.
24) Paranoia Agent
Paranoia Agent takes viewers on a surreal journey into the depths of the human psyche, delving into subconscious fears and societal vulnerabilities. The figure known as Shounen Bat (Lil’ Slugger) wreaks havoc in Musashino City with his golden bat, leaving a trail of terror in his wake.
Initially dismissed as manifestations of anxiety, the attacks escalate, prompting detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa to unravel the mystery. As they head deeper, they confront unsettling truths about the human condition, making Paranoia Agent a chilling discovery of the darker corners of the mind.
25) Summer Time Rendering
In Summer Time Rendering’s concise 25 episodes, viewers are treated to a story without unnecessary detours, keeping them on the edge with unexpected plot twists. Shinpei Ajiro’s return home for a funeral takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he can travel back in time.
To his surprise, his childhood crush Ushio, previously deceased, is alive and well. As they uncover the existence of ominous “shadows” and a looming tragedy, Shinpei and Ushio must unite to confront this looming threat to their island.
26) Kids On Slope
If you’re seeking a cozy anime with a charming vibe, Kids on Slope might just hit the spot. This heartfelt tale follows Kaoru Nishimi, a newcomer to Kyushu High School, struggling to fit in due to his nomadic upbringing.
But everything changes when he crosses paths with the lively Sentarou Kawabuchi and the kind-hearted Ritsuko Mukae. United by their love for music, Kaoru discovers a newfound passion for jazz, inspired by Sentarou’s infectious enthusiasm.
27) Ghost Hunt
Finding the right balance between horror and humor isn’t easy, but Ghost Hunt nails it in its concise 25-episode run. Each episode presents a fresh ghost-hunting case, drawing inspiration from real-life stories and theories.
The cast, including a researcher, monk, priest, and high school girl, may seem mismatched at first, but their unique skills and personalities blend seamlessly as they tackle supernatural mysteries.
When Mai Taniyama accidentally wrecks ghost-hunting gear, she ends up working for Kazuya Shibuya, leading her to discover her own latent psychic abilities.
28) Barakamon
Barakamon weaves a heartfelt journey of self-discovery amidst its slice-of-life charm. Following the story of calligraphist Sei Handa, the series mentions themes of growth and redemption. Sei’s journey begins with a clash of egos, leading to his retreat to the tranquil Goto Islands.
There, amid the quirky locals and spirited Naru Kotoishi, Sei learns valuable lessons about humility and authenticity. Through laughter and reflection, he sheds his arrogance and finds his artistic voice, discovering the true meaning of his craft.
As Sei understands the challenges of adulthood, Barakamon delivers poignant insights into life’s complexities.
29) Dororo
Introducing newcomers to anime, Dororo stands as a timeless masterpiece from the legendary Osamu Tezuka, beautifully revived by MAPPA. With roots dating back to 1969, this gripping tale unfolds against the backdrop of feudal Japan, where the protagonist, Hyakkimaru, faces a life haunted by death’s shadow.
Sacrificed by his own father to demons, Hyakkimaru heads on a relentless quest to reclaim his stolen body parts. Along the way, he encounters Dororo, a spirited companion who joins him on his perilous journey.
Through its dark and gritty themes, Dororo charms audiences with its compelling narrative and rich character development, offering an insight into the depths of human resilience and redemption.
30) Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun spins a delightful rom-com yarn centered around Chiyo Sakura’s attempts to confess her feelings to her crush, Umetarou Nozaki. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she inadvertently becomes his manga assistant.
Filled with witty humor, endearing characters, and peaks into the manga industry, this series offers a charming blend of slice-of-life antics and heartfelt moments that will leave viewers both laughing and touched.