10 Must Watch Short Anime Series Recommendations

Not every anime needs to have as many episodes as Case Closed or One Piece, which have thousands. It’s true that sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that are short and direct.

These programs fit the definition of “easily bingeable” due to their quick pacing, tight-knit storylines, or degree of episode-to-episode change.

These series, whether they last for one or two seasons, captivate audiences with captivating storylines and endearing characters.

There is something for everyone looking for the greatest anime that is worth binge-watching, thanks to the wide range of styles and genres available.

So here are our picks for the best short anime series recommendations that you can binge in one day.

Short Anime Recommendations You Can Binge In One Day

10. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun (Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun)

• Number of Episodes: 12
• Genres: Shonen, Comedy, Supernatural
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is a supernatural shonen anime that tells the story of the Seven Wonders of the local Kamome Gakuen.

Nene Yashiro strikes a deal with Hanako, the leader of the Seven Wonders, in an attempt to get her crush to begin feeling something for her.

As an outcome, Nene is compelled to lend a hand to Hanako.

With just enough gloom to give everything an edgy vibe, the anime has adorable visuals and an overall wonderful style.

Although Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun has just returned with a renewed version, viewers who are eagerly awaiting new episodes can settle in for the time being with at least a dozen flawless episodes.

One of the best short anime series that you can binge watch!

09. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)

• Number of Episodes: 11
• Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Detective, Psychological
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

You’ll find Terror in Resonance on almost every list of the top short anime series.

Terror in Resonance, created by Shinichiro Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo), is maybe the director’s finest work.

The anime doesn’t take too long to wind down—less than a full cour—which fits well with the narrative.

Nine and Twelve, two teens, carry out a series of terrorist operations in Tokyo, planning them to cause the least amount of victims possible while increasing social dissatisfaction.

They declare that if a riddle is not solved, they will carry out a larger attack and place the police on high alert.

The two are appealing characters despite their conduct being ethically questionable, which makes for a refreshingly unclear moral situation.

With four incredibly powerful episodes, Terror in Resonance gets off to a great start, and the anime keeps your interest all the way through.

This quick anime series will keep you on the edge of your seats!

08. Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi (The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague)

• Number of Episodes: 12
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague a great example of happy workspace romance.

By coincidence, Himuro and Fuyutsuki cross paths and begin working for the same company.

Born of a Yuki Onna, Himuro falls in love with Fuyutsuki right away, and his ice abilities come into play whenever she’s nearby.

Their endearing and pure chemistry provides viewers with a delightful romance to follow.

Although there are just twelve episodes available for this charming romance, it’s still worth watching because of how captivating Himuro and Fuyutsuki are.

If viewers are seeking for a little unique chemistry in their romance, the show also includes a handful of other couples.

This touching short anime is among the greatest right now; maybe more episodes will be uploaded in the future.

07. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

• Number of Episodes: 10
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Gore, Organized Crime
• Where to Watch: Netflix

Cyberpunk Edgerunners is probably one of the best short anime series under 12 episodes with complex plot.

Studio Trigger’s Edgerunners is an impressive visual feast set before the events of CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077.

It also tells a heartbreaking story full of brutality, despair, and repercussions.

Following the game, Night City is the main focus of the series.

This well-known cyberpunk dystopia’s futuristic technology and bright lights can’t hide its corrupt and rotten heart, which all but guarantees that the down-and-outers will have to turn to the criminal underworld to survive.

Driven into unmanageable debt, David swiftly makes his way out of the situation by joining a mercenary squad of netrunners and developing a somewhat real relationship with a woman named Lucy.

When it comes to visuals specifically, Edgerunners is Studio Trigger’s most impressive work.

With the exception of CD Projekt Red’s game, Night City has undoubtedly never looked more impressive than it does in the 2022 series.

The plot advances at an alarming pace, often to its own fault, but it also makes sure there are never any dull moments in the episodes.

This mini anime series is one of the best when it comes to visual feast.

06. Skip To Loafer (Skip And Loafer)

• Number of Episodes: 12
• Genres: Comedy, Drama
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Aniplus Asia

Despite their stark differences, Sosuke Shima and Mitsuki Iwakura get close because of what happened to both of them on the first day of high school.

Skip and Loafer is a romance coming-of-age story about a bright countryside girl and a reluctant city boy, centered around these two odd friends.

There is nothing like the animation style of Skip and Loafer. The show’s art direction is more similar to something that has been scribbled or pencil drawn.

The artwork highlights the developing feelings between Sousuke and Mitsumi and contributes to the pleasant mood of this quick anime series.

Although Skip and Loafer’s plot is brief, this series also encourages acceptance of transsexual people.

In the anime, Mitsumi’s transgender aunt Nao shows her love for Mitsumi, her family, and the students.

All things considered, Skip and Loafer is a heartfelt anime that explores how opposites attract as well as how to improve one’s situation.

Skip to Loafer is one of the best short anime recommendations that we can suggest to you guys.

05. Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto (Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead)

• Number of Episodes: 12
• Genres: Seinen, Comedy Horror, Dystopian, Zombie Apocalypse
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Muse Asia, Hulu

At first, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead presents an organization that could be a bit too familiar to someone who works a nine-to-five job.

Akira Tendo of Zom 100 is confined to a timetable that demands unending overtime.

At last, it appears that Akira’s boring life is set to change when a zombie apocalypse strikes Japan.

Despite the ongoing outbreak of living dead, Akira intends to finally enjoy life to the fullest now that he has been released from his dead-end employment.

Zom 100 is an anime with a stunning aesthetic that is both terrifying and inspiring. Akira eventually starts living his life.

The twelve-episode must-watch short anime series is exactly right to get fans excited and prepared for more of Akira’s journey, wherever his travels may lead him.

04. ReLIFE

• Number of Episodes: 13
• Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy, School
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Have there ever been times in your life when you wondered, “Damn, what if I had done that instead of this?” Have you ever regretted something from the past?

You will be able to relate to the manner in which this show unravels those questions.

ReLife follows Kaizaki Arata, a 27-year-old man struggling to fit into society after quitting his job due to a toxic work environment.

Unable to secure stable employment, he relies on part-time jobs and financial support from his parents.

His life takes a turn when his family cuts off his financial aid.

One night, he meets Yoake Ryou, who offers him a chance to participate in the ReLife experiment.

This experiment allows Arata to relive his high school years with his adult mind intact but looking like a teenager.

Initially hesitant, Arata decides to take the pill that makes him appear younger and enrolls in high school.

Through this experience, he not only transforms himself but also positively impacts those around him.

The comedic parts were well-placed, and the artwork was appropriate, so the entire anime wasn’t overly complex, and after a little drama, it was okay.

ReLife is a captivating short anime series to binge-watch, filled with personal growth and second chances.

03. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

• Number of Episodes: 13
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Music, Time Travel
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Aniplus Asia, Wakanim

Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is a unique short anime created by Wit Studios, known for “Attack on Titan” and “The Ancient Magus’ Bride.”

Vivy, the first autonomous AI, travels 100 years into the past to stop events leading to a future disaster.

The show’s highlights include stunning art and animation, especially in hand-to-hand fight scenes.

Despite focusing on an idol, it delivers exceptional OP/EDs and OSTs.

02. No Game No Life 

• Number of Episodes: 12
• Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Echhi
• Where to Watch: Hi-Dive, Netflix

The story of No Game, No Life centers on two brothers, Sora and Shiro, who are fed up with how simple life is in the real world.

As a result, Tet, the God of Games, chooses to take them to a place called Disboard, where playing games settles conflicts and using violence is forbidden.

Sora and Shiro use their abilities to set out on a quest to use gaming power to rule this new world.

No Game No Life followed the isekai wave sparked by Sword Art Online when it first began to air.

However, this twelve-episode collection stands out for its distinct approach to the genre.

As Tet forbade violence on Disboard, the siblings must advance by using their brains rather than their weapons in an isekai that usually involves battle.

No Game No Life is one of the best short anime series.

01. Summer Time Rendering

• Number of Episodes: 25
• Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
• Where to Watch: Disney+

You’re taken on an exciting journey through mystery, paranormal creatures, and tragedy with Summer Time Rendering.

The story’s time-loop concept aims to prevent certain catastrophes.

Shinpei Ajiro, the main character, returns home to attend his childhood crush Ushio Kofune’s funeral. He unexpectedly discovers himself going back in time nonetheless.

Furthermore, Ushio, his purportedly deceased companion, unexpectedly materializes in front of him.

Shunpei needs to work with her to eliminate that menace after learning about the presence of “shadows” and the potential disaster that may befall the island.

Summer Time Rendering is one of the best short anime recommendations you’ll ever come across.

Other short anime recommendations

• Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
• GIven
• Carole & Tuesday
• High School Of The Dead
• Yuri!!! On Ice