8 Best Anime With 13 Episodes Or Less

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As a gaming enthusiast, I can tell you that diving into an anime series can be quite the journey, especially when it spans numerous seasons, spin-offs, and those occasional filler episodes that seem to stretch the storyline. But here’s the silver lining: not every anime requires such a time investment. Some are designed for your marathon viewing sessions, thanks to their compact runtimes.

As an enthusiast, I’d like to share a delightful find for fellow anime fans: compact series that wrap up in no time! These gems are perfect for unwinding during a laid-back weekend, recuperating on a sick day, or whenever you crave a brief yet sweet escape. It’s essential to note that these standalone anime span various genres and boast 13 episodes or less, ensuring they won’t return for a second season. Enjoy the journey!

Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! If you’re on the hunt for lesser-known treasures that won’t consume your entire weekend, then let me guide you to some top-notch anime series perfect for a day’s binge-watching marathon. Enjoy the ride!

8.
Uzumaki

4 Episodes

Kicking off the list is Uzumaki, an anime adaptation of Junji Ito’s manga of the same name.

This anime delves into the realms of psychology, dark fantasy, and body horror, centering around the mysterious, cursed town of Kurouzu-cho, where a sinister influence revolving around spirals has taken hold.

Following its highly-acclaimed debut, it ignited a variety of contrasting responses because of the noticeable decline in the standard of the animation.

For numerous viewers, significant flaws such as inconsistencies in animation, a change in artistic style, and unnatural physics marred the enjoyment of the second episode of the anime.

However, if you’re open to overlooking its flaws, there are numerous aspects that truly justify watching this anime. For instance, its minimalistic, gloomy aesthetic mirrors the storyline remarkably, creating an unsettling atmosphere that deepens the narrative.

This animated series is brimming with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep you hooked, thanks to its enigmatic setting. Admittedly, there were moments where it seemed reminiscent of the moody ambiance found in the world of Berserk, but only to a degree.

7.
Death Parade

12 Episodes

Yuzuru Tachikawa’s “Death Parade” is an animated series in the genre of psychological thrillers. It narrates the story of Decim, who serves as both a bartender and judge in a peculiar tavern known as Quindecim.

Death Parade revolves around the story of two individuals, who find themselves embroiled in a series of challenging games, with their very souls on the line. The unique twist is that these games are the consequence of both characters dying concurrently.

These characters may either be expelled into existence again or given a new life, based on the decision of the judge.

In each Death series installment, I find myself drawn into the complex web of human emotions and ethical dilemmas that the protagonists grapple with. As they delve deeper, uncovering their own hidden truths, it’s a gripping exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.

At the end of the game, these characters may either be sent out into nothingness (void) or given a new life (reincarnated), based on the decision made by the referee.

After binge-watching this anime, I find myself deeply appreciating Death Parade due to its captivating primary characters, distinctive animation technique, and intricate emotional narrative.

Yet, I found myself focusing less on the richly designed characters and more on desiring a deeper exploration of their personalities and backgrounds.

6.
Tomo-Chan Is A Girl!

13 Episodes

In contrast to traditional romantic comedy anime, “Tomo-Chan is a Girl!” deviates from the norm by centering around a tomboyish character named Tomo, who finds herself dealing with complex emotions towards her longtime friend, Junchiro.

However, it so happened that Jun had viewed her as a male friend all along, keeping her in the friend zone by consistently regarding her as such.

This produces an extremely amusing anime that depicts everyday life, featuring components such as physical humor, love stories, and high school dramas.

Tomo-Chan stands apart among comfortable and romantic anime, often characterized as forgettable, due to its emphasis on a bold, self-assured lead character who happens to be a girl.

In me, there’s this passionate and untamed spirit, yet when it comes to matters of the heart, I can become surprisingly delicate and flustered.

Without a doubt, what I love most about this anime is definitely Tomo, even among an array of fascinating characters.

Of all the captivating characters in this anime, it’s Tomo that stands out as my personal favorite.

Both sentences convey the same idea while maintaining a natural and easy-to-read style.

Without a doubt, the humor in this anime may not appeal to everyone, yet it certainly has the power to bring a grin to your lips.

5.
Cyberpunk: Edgrunners

10 Episodes

The Netflix original anime titled “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” functions as a prequel to the video game Cyberpunk 2077, taking place approximately a year prior to the game’s storyline.

In the backdrop of the dystopian metropolis known as Night City, this anime chronicles the story of David Martinez, a gifted individual, who seeks to become an ‘edgerunner’. After suffering a tragic incident where he loses everything in a drive-by shooting, David is compelled to tread on the unlawful side of life.

This anime captivates you with each installment, drawing you into its chaotic universe crafted with vibrant neon details, boasting exceptional plot development and world creation.

Experiencing the game’s Night City locales was captivating, but seeing them breathtakingly animated in the anime felt like the world of Cyberpunk had been exquisitely and authentically brought to life.

Despite the fact, the anime seemed to have insufficient character growth owing to its hastily-moving plot and emphasis on Night City.

4.
91 Days

12 Episodes + 1 OVA

If you’re a fan of crime dramas set in the 1920s or 1930s with a Mafia-esque feel, you’ll find yourself drawn to the raw authenticity and unexpected realism of the anime series “91 Days“.

In the fantastical town known as Lawless, I find myself immersed in an exhilarating tale that centers around me, Angelo Lagusa, and my relentless pursuit of vengeance against the ruthless Vanetti Family for their role in my family’s tragic demise.

When he comes back disguised as someone new, he forms a friendship with the oldest Vanetti family member to gain access and exact his vengeance.

In this anime, it can be challenging to keep straight the many characters from various mafia groups due to its rapid storyline.

This anime’s story moves quickly, making it tough to remember all the different mafia family members’ names.

This anime stands out due to its exceptional character growth, coupled with an engaging plotline and a satisfying conclusion. It’s also worth mentioning that the interaction among the primary characters seems genuine and evolving.

3.
Tatami Galaxy

11 Episodes

Exploring the idea of multiple parallel realities, Tatami Galaxy blends elements of psychological drama, romance-comedy, and dark humor in an intriguing narrative.

This animated series revolves around an unnamed college student who finds himself trapped in a recurring time cycle. Simultaneously, he endeavors to find the perfect picture-perfect university experience and win the affection of a young woman with dark hair.

If the clock were turned back two years, he would find himself enrolled in a new academic group as a freshman. Unfortunately, every time this happened, he was left dissatisfied and found himself trapped in a recurring pattern of events.

In this show, the repeating timeline might frustrate a few viewers. However, its heartwarming coming-of-age storyline and consistent dialogue certainly add an uplifting touch.

Instead of delving into the complexities of a deep, science fiction anime that involves time travel, Tatami Galaxy opts for a more earthbound approach, providing an enjoyable journey from start to finish.

2.
Erased

13 Episodes

Combining various aspects, “Erased” is a captivating mystery-drama that offers an intriguing concept and a compelling narrative plot.

The anime storyline revolves around an artist named Sotaru Fujinama, a struggling mangaka, undergoing an extraordinary event known as Revival. This unique occurrence transports him briefly back in time just preceding a close brush with death.

As I’m wrongfully accused of my mom’s murder, I find myself mysteriously transported back to my 11-year-old self, back in elementary school, 18 long years ago.

Using the wisdom of maturity, he should seize this second opportunity to expose a sequence of abductions and murders, all the while working diligently to ensure his mother’s life is spared in the days ahead.

As a devoted viewer, I can attest that “Erased” masterfully weaves elements of suspense, romance, time travel, and domestic violence into its narrative. Yet, unlike other series that might overload you, this anime subtly resonates with its poignant storyline, resulting in an experience that is heartwarmingly beautiful and unforgettable.

1.
Odd Taxi

13 Episodes

Odd Taxi” stands out as an essential watch for any mystery anime enthusiast due to its richly crafted characters, gripping plot progression, and insightful societal observations, earning it the number one position on our list.

From the very first episode, you’ll be captivated by its intriguing narrative and distinctive artistic flair. Starring a cast of anthropomorphic animals, Odd Taxi is a blend of mystery and drama that follows the eccentric and witty walrus taxi driver named Hiroshi Odakawa.

As he drives through Tokyo’s city streets, conversing with his taxi passengers, he unwittingly attracts the attention of both police and the yakuza, due to his connection with a missing high school student.

Odakawa generally keeps his thoughts to himself, but he’s straightforward when interacting with others, which makes him come across as a solitary character to the other characters.

Or simply:
Odakawa is mostly quiet and prefers solitude, but he’s direct in his interactions, making him appear aloof to the other characters.

To me, the series Odd Taxi cleverly misleads you with its adorable character designs and an aesthetically pleasing watercolor style, creating an initial feeling of comfort.

Fundamentally, the universe of Odd Taxi presents a deeply eerie, unsettling atmosphere that shares unexpected similarities with our own world.

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2025-05-01 14:10