10 Best Short Anime Series You Can Finish in a Weekend

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  • Erased
  • The Tatami Galaxy
  • Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
  • Odd Taxi
  • Devilman Crybaby
  • Violet Evergarden
  • Made in Abyss
  • Ping Pong the Animation
  • Puella Magi Madoka Magica
  • A Place Further Than the Universe

In contrast to traditional anime genres that typically feature lengthy narratives with over a thousand episodes, there’s a unique charm in compact, easily rewatchable anime stories that offer the same level of action and impact in a more manageable format. This style is not always prevalent within the usual anime realm.

For the swarmed anime fan or occasional viewer, these series present an ideal choice: whole, fulfilling tales that can be initiated and completed within a weekend’s span. Given the abundance of brief anime series, this compilation will instead concentrate on those that are easiest to comprehend, encompassing simpler narratives yet delivering comparably profound impact.

10. Erased

MAL Score: 8.30 | 12 Episodes

As a gamer, I found myself not your average Joe – I possess an extraordinary skill: I can jump back in time, just before catastrophes unfold. In my initial leap, I never fathomed this hidden talent would transport me 18 years into the past, right after my mother’s tragic murder. Now, I find myself back in elementary school, given a chance to thwart a chilling sequence of child abductions that once plagued my hometown.

What sets Erased apart is its skillful pacing, linking each episode seamlessly through either suspenseful cliffhangers or expertly woven thriller elements that compel you to click on the “‘next episode’” button instinctively. The series manages to maintain a sense of persistent tension while offering heartfelt glimpses into the bond of childhood friendship.

9. The Tatami Galaxy

MAL Score: 8.55 | 11 Episodes

This mind-bending journey revolves around an anonymous college student caught in a time loop, continually experiencing disastrous college years as he strives for his dream of an idyllic “ideal campus life” tinted by rose-colored glasses. Despite getting closer each time, he finds himself losing more than he initially had with each rewind.

Director Masaaki Yuasa employs a unique animation approach that beautifully enhances the series’ thought-provoking storyline. The quick-paced dialogue and unorthodox visuals may initially appear confusing, but they eventually shape into an ideal medium for conveying one of anime’s deepest messages.

8. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

MAL Score: 7.83 | 11 Episodes

In the gaming world, Anohana immerses you into the tale of Jinta Yadomi, a teenage gamer who’s taken a backseat from reality. But when his old friend Menma, now a ghost, shows up and can’t move on, she asks me for aid. Her unfulfilled wish, a memory long lost, sets me on a journey to rekindle bonds with my estranged childhood friends. Each of them carries the weight of Menma’s untimely demise, years ago.

Anohana doesn’t settle for simple solutions or quick fixes when dealing with grief. Instead, it honestly portrays the complex, sometimes painful facets of facing past tragedies. By the end, viewers become emotionally attached to each character’s struggle to move on, making this series one of the most emotionally cleansing weekend viewing experiences.

7. Odd Taxi

MAL Score: 8.65 | 13 episodes

Encounter the walrus overflowing with knowledge; in a realm inhabited by animals endowed with human traits, the ordinary taxi driver Odokawa, a middle-aged walrus, appears unassuming. However, his mundane existence takes an unexpected turn when his daily cab rides become intertwined with a baffling case of a missing person. As time passes, the seemingly disparate passengers and their tales gradually reveal a complex tapestry of crime, intrigue, and peril, culminating in a climactic conclusion.

Originally appearing as an unusual character, it eventually transforms into one of the most creatively groundbreaking mystery anime series. It stands out through its witty dialogue and mastery of storytelling technique, often referred to as “presentation”. Although not intended for children, it presents a unique experience exclusively tailored for adults, encapsulating an exceptional blend within the constraints of being an anime series.

6. Devilman Crybaby

MAL Score: 7.74 | 10 episodes

In a fresh take by Director Masaaki Yuasa on the original manga by Go Nagai, we find an anime unlike any other recent productions. The series, titled Devilman Crybaby, tells the story of Akira Fudo, a compassionate teenager who combines with a demon, acquiring immense power but retaining his human emotions. As evil demons pose a threat to mankind, Akira’s empathy proves to be both his most powerful asset and his most exposed weakness.

It’s quite astonishing how Devilman Crybaby frequently tests the limits of what’s acceptable. Beneath this provocative veneer, though, lies a deep exploration of humanity that highlights the fragile divide between man and beast. This isn’t light viewing for weekends. Maybe it belongs in a different category. But if you give it a chance, it turns into one of the most powerful and daring anime productions from recent times.

5. Violet Evergarden

MAL Score: 8.68 | 13 episodes

scarcely any anime productions can match the visual grandeur found in Violet Evergarden. This series, which follows the journey of a former child soldier adjusting to civilian life after a catastrophic conflict, is an extraordinary creation by Kyoto Animation, pushing the boundaries of animation excellence within television anime.

In a change of pace, Violet – who was solely trained as a weapon – takes up the role of an “Auto Memory Doll,” or a letter writer for those who cannot read, in order to unravel the last words of her superior officer: “I love you.” As she pens the feelings of others, she gradually unearths her own capacity for empathy and humanity. Each standalone tale presents characters struggling with love, loss, and communication, providing a backdrop for Violet’s emotional journey to unfold organically.

4. Made in Abyss

MAL Score: 8.64 | 13 episodes

Peering into the vast chasm known as the Abyss may seem harmless with its appealing character designs, but be warned – Made in Abyss is a deeply unsettling and emotionally taxing anime from recent times. The protagonist of this story is Riko, an orphaned girl on a mission to explore the mysterious Abyss, which plunges deep into the Earth, in search of her missing mother. She’s joined by a robot boy named Reg, who becomes her loyal companion as they navigate ever more perilous and alien landscapes together.

Everything seems pleasant and joyful until the series statistics unexpectedly change the narrative. The innocent, simplistic artwork is used to create a sense of safety, making the horrors of the Abyss even more startling when they’re unveiled. Backed by an otherworldly soundtrack and some of the most imaginative world-building in the medium, Made in Abyss offers an engrossing, thought-provoking experience that will leave you feeling unsettled yet craving for more.

3. Ping Pong the Animation

MAL Score: 8.62 | 11 episodes

In a class of its own among Masaaki Yuasa’s works, Ping Pong the Animation surpasses typical sports anime genres by providing a deep exploration into character development. The narrative centers around two exceptional ping-pong players, Peco and Smile, whose distinctive approaches to the game (Peco’s innate skill versus Smile’s calculated precision) mirror their contrasting life perspectives.

In an unexpected twist, the dynamic energy of table tennis doesn’t align with a two-dimensional plane, but that’s precisely where the artist Yuasa excels. This unique artistic style deviates from traditional anime aesthetics, instead employing abstract visuals to portray emotional depth and competitive fervor.

As a gamer putting down my controller after a gripping Ping Pong session, I’ve got to admit – it’s not the usual sports anime that follows predictable patterns. Unlike others that only care about who wins, this one dives deep into what fuels these athletes, their definitions of success, and the hidden prices they pay for competition. By the end of it all, Ping Pong offers more than just exhilarating matches; it serves up genuine reflections on ambition, camaraderie, and discovering one’s purpose.

2. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

MAL Score: 8.37 | 12 episodes

Hardly any anime have reshaped their genres as profoundly as Madoka Magica. Initially appearing like a standard magical girl series, it methodically dismantles every convention and assumption tied to the genre. A middle schooler named Madoka Kaname is given the opportunity to have any wish fulfilled in exchange for turning into a magical girl and battling witches. As she ponders this choice, she encounters the brutal truth hidden beneath the alluring facade of the role.

The show showcases some of the most creatively designed visual sequences in anime, with witch battles depicted in a unique, collage-style animation that starkly differs from the traditional character designs. Each episode gradually unveils more about its mythology, leading to shocking revelations that significantly reshaped the magical girl universe. Although it deals with heavy topics, Puella Magi Madoka Magica ends up conveying a strong message about sacrifice and the enduring strength of human relationships.

1. A Place Further Than the Universe

MAL Score: 8.37 | 13 episodes

In a genre typically filled with far-fetched concepts, A Place Further Than the Universe stands out by focusing on a heartwarmingly realistic human narrative. The series centers around four high school girls who embark on a journey to Antarctica for unique personal motivations. What initially appears as an unattainable teenage dream transforms into one of anime’s most genuine tales of growth and self-discovery.

As a gamer, I’ve got to hand it to this game series – it hits the sweet spot with its seamless blend of laughter and tears. One minute I’m chuckling at a funny scene, and the next, I’m feeling all the feels as I delve deeper into the characters’ lives. It’s like they’re not just video game characters anymore; they’re real people grappling with their fears, boundaries, and reasons for embarking on this perilous journey.

The animation meticulously portrays the ordinary steps of preparation and the awe-inspiring grandeur of Antarctica equally well. By the journey’s end, the audience has shared in both their victories and struggles with the girls.

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2025-03-21 17:11