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Discover the 15 best short anime series under 12 episodes you can binge in a day. Fast-paced, unforgettable stories packed in bite-sized brilliance.
Why Short Anime Series Are the Hidden Gems of the Anime World
Let’s be honest: not everyone has time to binge 100 episodes of shonen battles or 3 seasons of slow-burn romance. Sometimes, all we want is a tightly written, emotionally gripping, and visually stunning anime we can knock out in a single weekend.
That’s where short anime shine.
These short series pack a punch with fewer than 12 episodes. They’re quick, impactful, and often leave a longer-lasting impression than many longer shows. Whether you’re a veteran otaku or just dipping your toes into anime, this list of the best short anime series under 12 episodes is your ticket to anime excellence—in less time than a Netflix season.
1. Death Parade (12 Episodes)
Genre: Psychological, Drama, SupernaturalStudio: Madhouse
A mysterious bar. Two strangers. One deadly game to decide their afterlife. Death Parade grabs you from the first minute and never lets go. It’s a philosophical rollercoaster that makes you question morality, humanity, and judgment.
Why it’s unmissable: It’s deep, stunning, and unforgettable. Plus, the opening song is a certified banger.
2. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi) – 12 Episodes
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, SupernaturalStudio: A-1 Pictures
Imagine being flung back into your 11-year-old body to stop a chain of tragic events. That’s Erased for you. It’s a spine-tingling mystery laced with emotional weight, childhood trauma, and second chances.
Why it’s binge-worthy: You won’t stop until you get to the final episode. The suspense is relentless.
3. FLCL (Fooly Cooly) – 6 Episodes
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Coming-of-AgeStudio: Gainax, Production I.G
If puberty were an anime, it would be FLCL. It’s wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic. With guitars as weapons, robots from foreheads, and skateboarding aliens, FLCL is a metaphorical masterpiece that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant.
Why it’s unforgettable: It’s loud, fast, and filled with hidden meaning. Plus, it has The Pillows as the soundtrack.
4. The Tatami Galaxy – 11 Episodes
Genre: Psychological, Slice of Life, ComedyStudio: Madhouse
This isn’t just anime—it’s poetry in motion. A student relives his college life in different timelines hoping to find the “ideal” one. The rapid-fire narration, surreal visuals, and philosophical questions make this an anime like no other.
Why you’ll love it: Smart, fast, hilarious, and thought-provoking.
5. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day – 11 Episodes
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, SupernaturalStudio: A-1 Pictures
Warning: this one will make you cry. A ghost brings a group of childhood friends back together, forcing them to confront guilt, grief, and lost innocence.
Why it’s a masterpiece: Pure emotional devastation. You’ll be sobbing by episode 10.
6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 12 Episodes
Genre: Magical Girl, Horror, PsychologicalStudio: Shaft
Think magical girl anime is all rainbows and friendship? Think again. Madoka Magica flips the genre on its head with darkness, despair, and one of the most iconic anime twists of all time.
Why it’s epic: It starts like Sailor Moon, ends like Evangelion.
7. No Game No Life – 12 Episodes
Genre: Fantasy, Strategy, IsekaiStudio: Madhouse
A brother-sister genius duo is transported to a world where games decide everything. With dazzling colors, insane mind games, and nonstop hype, this anime is addictive from start to finish.
Why it’s a win: Every episode is a new high-stakes challenge. You’ll want more.
Top 5 Must-Watch Isekai Anime That Will Transport You to Another World in 2025”
8. Charlotte – 13 Episodes (Still short and sweet!)
Genre: Supernatural, Drama, SchoolStudio: P.A. Works
Teens with special powers? Been there. But Charlotte adds heart, humor, and a unique twist to the trope. What begins as lighthearted school fun quickly dives into a deep and moving story.
Why watch: Great pacing, emotional impact, and a gut-punch finale.
9. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) – 11 Episodes
Genre: Thriller, Psychological, DramaStudio: MAPPA
Two teens execute a series of bombings in Tokyo. But they’re not villains—they’re trying to expose a sinister government plot. With its haunting soundtrack and mature themes, this show is a slow-burning masterpiece.
Why it’s gripping: Stylish, suspenseful, and deeply human.
10. Plastic Memories – 13 Episodes
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, DramaStudio: Doga Kobo
In a world where androids have expiration dates, a human and his android partner retrieve bots nearing their end. Love blossoms, but the clock is ticking.
Why it hurts (in a good way): A love story with an inevitable goodbye.
11. Aoi Bungaku Series – 12 Episodes
Genre: Historical, Psychological, Anthology
Studio: Madhouse
This is a collection of six stories based on iconic Japanese literature. From crime to madness to redemption, it’s dark, artistic, and criminally underrated.
Why it’s unique: Each arc is visually and thematically different. It’s like watching six mini-movies.
12. 91 Days – 12 Episodes
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mafia
Studio: Shuka
Set in Prohibition-era America, this anime is a gritty revenge tale dripping with atmosphere. It plays like an anime version of The Godfather.
Why it’s badass: Mafias, betrayals, revenge. What’s not to love?
13. Devilman Crybaby – 10 Episodes
Genre: Horror, Psychological, Action
Studio: Science SARU
This is not for the faint-hearted. Devilman Crybaby is gory, disturbing, and emotionally wrecking. But it’s also deeply artistic, with themes of identity, chaos, and love.
Why it’s a cult classic: It shocks you—then it breaks you.
14. Yuri!!! on Ice – 12 Episodes
Genre: Sports, Drama, Romance
Studio: MAPPA
A figure skater rediscovers his passion and confidence with the help of his idol—who just might become something more. Elegant animation, beautiful music, and genuine LGBTQ+ representation.
Why it wins hearts: It’s more than just skating. It’s self-love in motion.
15. Time of Eve – 6 Episodes
Genre: Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
Studio: Studio Rikka
In a near-future society, androids serve humans. But what happens when they begin to develop feelings? This short anime explores ethics, AI, and humanity in a quiet, thoughtful way.
Why it lingers: Slow, subtle, and soul-stirring.
Bonus Picks That Almost Made the Cut
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song (13 eps) – Time travel meets song-driven AI revolution.
Barakamon (12 eps + OVA) – Hilarious and heartwarming story of self-discovery.
Paranoia Agent (13 eps) – Surreal thriller from the mind behind Perfect Blue.
Where to Watch These Short Anime Series
To watch these legally and in high quality:
Support the anime industry and enjoy them without pop-up ads!
Final Words: Big Stories, Small Packages
Greatness doesn’t need 100 episodes. The anime listed above are proof that you can experience powerful storytelling, emotional highs and lows, and unforgettable characters—all in under 12 episodes.
So next time you’re short on time but craving something impactful, come back to this list. Save it, share it, and binge one this weekend.
Want more bite-sized anime brilliance? Check out:
Top 10 Underrated Anime You Might’ve Missed
And don’t forget to try our 🔧 Anime Mood Recommender Tool – Your anime soulmate awaits
