Best Anime With Less Than 20 Episode

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As a dedicated fan, I’ve come to realize that the number of episodes doesn’t always determine the quality of an anime. Some of the most profound narratives in animation have been skillfully woven into compact seasons, never overstaying their welcome. These succinct series offer complete, impactful stories that leave a lasting impression, demonstrating that compelling storytelling isn’t reliant on long-term commitments.

These top-notch short anime series span from deeply moving dramas to thought-provoking thrillers, showcasing exceptional skill in character growth, setting creation, and emotional resonance. They serve as an ideal introduction for newbies to the medium while delivering potent, concentrated storytelling doses that experienced fans appreciate.

8.
No Game No Life

A Colorful World Where Losing Isn’t an Option

In this new interpretation, the anime titled “No Game No Life” explores the idea of mastery in gaming, escalating it into an all-encompassing battle of intellect. It narrates the story of two reclusive siblings, Sora and Shiro, who are invincible at any game they engage in. When they’re whisked away to a magical realm where all disputes, laws, and even interpersonal relationships are resolved through games, their exceptional gaming prowess is pushed to its limits.

The anime stands out immediately due to its vibrant, exaggerated color scheme. Each scene is filled with intense neons and soft pastels, reflecting the excessively high risks and illogical absurdity of Disboard’s world. Instead of physical combat, strategies, exploiting loopholes, and psychological tactics dominate the action.

The show derives from a light novel penned by Yuu Kamiya, who additionally contributed to its illustrations. His intricate, tumultuous creation process is evident in why the series garnered widespread appeal upon debut. Although it comprises merely 12 episodes, it skillfully constructs a rich universe inhabited by unique races and political systems reminiscent of games.

In 2017, the movie “No Game No Life: Zero” was launched as a prequel, offering a grimmer, more emotionally charged perspective on the story’s background. This anime series boasts an English dub created by Sentai Filmworks, with Scott Gibbs and Caitlynn French in starring roles.

Ever since its release, fans have been eagerly anticipating Season 2. However, so far, it continues to be one of the most talked-about anime with unresolved storylines, leaving viewers hanging.

7.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Trains, Steam, and the Undead You Can’t Kill

Right from the initial steam whistle blast, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress immerses you in turmoil. The story takes place in an alternate industrial Japan, ravaged by horrific, undead creatures known as Kabane. These beings are humans afflicted by a virus that transforms their hearts into steel-encased ones and fuels their unquenchable appetite.

In reaction, humanity seeks refuge in fortified stations, accessible only through heavily guarded trains. The main character, Ikoma, is a skilled blacksmith who miraculously stops his own transformation into a Kabaneri, a unique being that’s half-human and half-Kabane. This new state grants him supernatural strength, but it fosters mistrust among those near him.

The show was brought to life by Wit Studio, renowned for their work on Attack on Titan, and this is clearly evident. The action sequences possess a comparable intense feel, while the character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto, famed for his work on Macross, lend it an old-school anime charm.

In just 12 episodes, this visual masterpiece is amplified by a score created by Hiroyuki Sawano. Additionally, a three-film continuation follows, providing a full resolution to the storyline, something the primary series merely suggests.

This movie has an English-dubbed version, and if you’re a fan of intricate, terrifying action with a fast pace and a touch of steampunk style, it’s really worth checking out.

6.
Violet Evergarden

A Soldier Learning to Write What She Never Learned to Feel

This anime doesn’t hurry; instead, it unveils itself gradually, gracefully, and with understated elegance, much like unfolding a letter. Violet Evergarden follows the journey of a young ex-soldier named Violet, who was trained solely to be a weapon. Following the end of the war, she chooses to work as an “Auto Memory Doll,” essentially writing letters on behalf of those who struggle to put their feelings into words.

In the course of her work, Violet finds herself grappling with emotions that were previously unfamiliar to her – emotions. Each correspondence serves as a fragment of her personal healing process. The narrative’s profound emotional essence revolves around events beyond conflict – loss, recuperation, and rediscovering our shared humanity.

The anime is derived from a light novel penned by Kana Akatsuki, which earned the grand prize at the Kyoto Animation Awards – an honor rarely bestowed unless something extraordinary is presented. This esteemed organization transformed Kana’s narrative into a 13-episode television anime masterpiece, frequently praised for its stunning animation that rivals some of the most visually impressive works in the world of anime.

In the English version, Erika Harlacher lends an equally powerful performance as Violet, showcasing one of her most subtly expressive acting feats. A movie sequel, titled “Violet Evergarden: The Movie,” hit the screens in 2020 and provides a profoundly touching resolution to Violet’s storyline.

5.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Night City Claims Even the Brightest Stars

Edgerunners” doesn’t coddle its viewers. Right from the start, it throws you into the vibrant, dark underworld of Night City, a place where cybernetic enhancements can boost your skills, but at the cost of your inner peace.

David, a young man struggling against poverty on the streets, unintentionally gets ensnared in the criminal underground when he illegally implants high-tech cybernetic enhancements. What initially appears as a desperate means to survive quickly spirals into a whirlwind of turmoil, vengeance, and an all-consuming fascination with technology.

Produced by Studio Trigger, renowned for Kill la Kill and Promare, this anime bursts with dynamic animation, outrageous character concepts, and rapid-fire tempo. The narrative is a standalone 10-episode segment, jointly developed with CD Projekt Red, the team behind Cyberpunk 2077. It serves dual purposes, acting as a prequel and a spiritual counterpart to the game.

The English version of the show stars Zach Aguilar as David and Giancarlo Esposito as Faraday, creating a raw, cowboy-style atmosphere that echoes its dark, futuristic themes. The theme song by Franz Ferdinand, “This Fffire,” and the ending track, “Let You Down,” quickly became popular favorites.

Even though it was a brief series, Edgerunners garnered widespread praise and ultimately claimed the title of Anime of the Year at the 2023 Crunchyroll Awards.

4.
Erased

The Time Traveler Who Wanted to Fix One Broken Thing

Imagine you possessed the power to travel back in time. Not for the purpose of becoming a hero, but rather to prevent some unimaginable tragedy from unfolding.

At its heart lies Erased, or Boku dake ga Inai Machi (translated as “The Town Where Only I Am Missing”), a compelling mystery-thriller that revolves around time travel with an emotional core. The protagonist, a 29-year-old manga artist named Satoru who’s struggling to make ends meet, possesses a unique skill he calls “Revival”. This ability enables him to rewind a few seconds before something unfortunate occurs. However, when personal misfortune strikes too close for comfort, his Revival talent sends him hurtling eighteen years back in time, straight into the body of his 11-year-old self.

In a quaint, wintry hamlet, he endeavors to unearth the facts about a string of missing children, with the aim of rescuing his fellow student Kayo, and potentially saving himself as well.

According to the manga written by Kei Sanbe, the TV series was released in 2016 and spanned the entire story across 12 episodes. The direction by Tomohiko Itō (known for Sword Art Online and Silver Spoon) maintains a high level of suspense throughout, while the interplay between timelines lends an unsettling feel of duality – a young character grappling with adult experiences, weighed down by past traumas and pressing concerns.

The English dub is complete, featuring Ben Diskin as the voice actor for young Satoru. His portrayal of the character’s transformation from childhood to adulthood ranks among the most impressive in anime.

3.
Id:Invaded

Diving Into the Minds of Killers to Catch Them

The intriguing narrative of “Id:Invaded” unfolds in a future where law enforcement has the ability to delve into the subconscious minds of murderers through a technology known as “Mizuhanome.” These mental realms, referred to as “id wells,” depict the perpetrator’s impulses and psyche in abstract, frequently surreal manners.

The main character, Narihisago – once a detective who served time for murder – possesses an unusual talent for resolving mysteries from these peculiar pools of consciousness. When he plunges into these mental realms, he assumes the role of “Brilliant Detective Sakaido,” meticulously collecting evidence to expose true-life killers, all while grappling with his inner struggles.

The 13-episode series hails from NAZ studio under the guidance of Ei Aoki, renowned for his contributions to Fate/Zero. The animation seamlessly moves between real-world scenes and surreal dreamscapes reminiscent of idyllic wells, where the latter presents imaginative and at times disturbing visuals mirroring the warped psyches of serial murderers.

2.
Terror in Resonance

Diving Into the Minds of Killers to Catch Them

A city under control by unseen forces; two adolescent youths secretly placing explosives; yet rather than causing turmoil, they’re conveying a message rooted in a long-forgotten history.

Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) isn’t endorsing terrorism, rather, it portrays the story of two individuals who survived a governmental cover-up and are desperately trying to be heard by a world that previously disregarded them. The characters Nine and Twelve, as they are known, are skillful chess players engaged in a battle against the state, yet what they yearn for isn’t triumph, it’s validation.

Under the guidance of Shinichirō Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo) and featuring music by Yoko Kanno, this anime made its debut in 2014, spanning over 11 episodes. The soundtrack, marked by its haunting, atmospheric, and indelible quality, is a must-listen experience.

This anime deviates from typical action cliches by employing a measured pace. The characters, such as Detective Shibazaki and a silent girl entangled in conflict, possess depth that leaves one pondering about moral complexities, questioning the true nature of right and wrong.

In the English version, characters Nine and Twelve are given voices by Chris Bevins and Aaron Dismuke respectively.

1.
Another

Class 3-3 Has a Deadly Attendance Problem

In a tranquil community, disguising a hidden menace, a certain classroom within an apparently ordinary school is under the shadow of a chilling spell. When this ominous event unfolds, it’s frequently accompanied by grim outcomes, many of which are as gruesome as one’s darkest nightmares.

A different anime, broadcasted in 2012, is a 12-episode horror-mystery series adapted from Yukito Ayatsuji’s book with the same title. The narrative revolves around Kouichi Sakakibara, a new student who gets entangled in the enigma surrounding Class 3-3, where students and faculty members are meeting their ends in unusual, grisly incidents.

The power of Another comes from its gripping tension. It generates apprehension in each scene, not by means of sudden fright, but through setting, unanswered queries, and the escalating feeling of impending doom. The deaths are startling and indelible, particularly since they frequently occur unexpectedly.

The version of the show that’s been translated into English by Sentai Filmworks comes with voiceovers from Greg Ayres and Monica Rial, making it a reliable choice for those who enjoy watching dubbed anime.

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2025-05-23 03:10