When I first started watching anime, I always looked for the best anime to watch with less episodes because long 200–300 episode shows felt overwhelming. I wanted short anime that finish fast but still give a complete, emotional story.
After watching dozens of short-length shows, I created this personal list based on story impact, pacing, animation quality, and how addictive each anime felt.
If you’re someone who prefers quick binge-watching, this list of the best anime to watch with less episode will be perfect for you.
In this article, I’m sharing the short anime that gave me the best experience, based on my real watchlist.
10 Best anime to watch less episode
1. Erased – Emotional & Mind-Blowing Thriller
Episodes: 12
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama
Plot:
Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, a man who has the strange ability to rewind time moments before something bad happens. But everything changes when he is falsely accused of murder. Suddenly, his power sends him 18 years into the past, back to his childhood.
Here, he discovers that one of his classmates, Kayo Hinazuki, will soon become the victim of a serial kidnapping case.
The story follows Satoru’s emotional and intense journey as a child trying to uncover the truth, protect Kayo, and prevent a chain of tragedies – all while fighting against a silent killer hiding in plain sight.
2. Death Parade – Deep, Unique & Beautiful
Episodes: 12
Genre: Psychological, Drama, Fantasy
Plot:
When people die, they are not sent directly to heaven or hell. Instead, they arrive at a mysterious bar called Quindecim, run by a calm, expressionless bartender named Decim.
Here, two dead individuals are forced to play “games” darts, bowling, air hockey – where the outcome reveals their hidden memories, sins, and true personalities.
The anime explores the nature of guilt, trauma, humanity, and the value of life. With each episode featuring a new pair of souls, the show becomes emotionally powerful, philosophical, and unforgettable.
3. One Punch Man (Season 1) – Fast, Funny & Action-Packed
Episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Comedy
Plot:
Saitama is a simple, bored man who has trained so hard that he can defeat any enemy with just one punch. While monsters terrorize cities, Saitama is more worried about grocery sale timings than saving the world.
The anime follows his hilarious attempts to become a recognized hero while dealing with overpowered villains, jealous heroes, and his loyal disciple Genos, a cyborg seeking revenge.
Packed with intense action and comedy, it’s a show that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
4. The Promised Neverland (Season 1)
Episodes: 12
Genre: Survival, Mystery, Thriller
Plot:
The story begins in a peaceful orphanage where children live happily under the care of Mama Isabella. But everything changes when three brilliant kids – Emma, Norman, and Ray – discover a horrifying truth:
The orphanage is actually a farm, and the children are being raised as “food” for demons.
What follows is a masterfully crafted escape plan filled with fear, mind games, secret tunnels, betrayal, and psychological battles. This is a gripping survival thriller that keeps surprising you till the end.
Also Read : Anime Like Lord of Mysteries
5. Another – Dark Mystery That Gives Chills
Episodes: 12
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Plot:
In a cursed classroom, the students believe that an extra “dead person” sits among them, causing mysterious accidents and gruesome deaths.
A new transfer student, Koichi, finds himself stuck in this deadly mystery along with a strange, ignored girl named Mei Misaki, who seems connected to the curse.
The anime slowly reveals the dark history of the class, the identity of the dead student, and the terrifying “rules” that must be followed to survive.
6. Blood Lad – Fun, Fast & Energetic
Episodes: 10
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
Plot:
Staz Charlie Blood, a vampire who’s obsessed with human culture – especially manga – meets a human girl named Fuyumi, who accidentally wanders into the demon world and dies.
Staz decides to bring her back to life, kicking off an adventure filled with demons, fights, magic, rivalries, and humor.
The story is lighthearted, fast-paced, and fun to complete in one go.
7. A Silent Voice – One Movie, Lifetime Impact
Format: Movie
Genre: Drama
Plot:
The movie follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully who once tormented a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in childhood.
As adults, Shoya struggles with guilt and depression, while Shoko battles loneliness and trauma. Their emotional journey of forgiveness, healing, and connection is deeply powerful and realistic.
The movie beautifully portrays how relationships can break and heal.
8. Your Name – Perfect Romance in One Movie
Format: Movie
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Plot:
Two strangers, Taki and Mitsuha, mysteriously begin switching bodies.
As they live each other’s lives, they grow emotionally close despite never actually meeting.
But when the body-switching stops suddenly, Taki discovers a heartbreaking truth about Mitsuha and races against time to save her.
The movie blends romance, destiny, time travel, and drama perfectly.
9. High-Rise Invasion – Survival Chaos
Episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Survival
Plot:
Yuri Honjou finds herself trapped in a strange world full of skyscrapers connected by bridges.
Masked killers roam around, pushing people off buildings and creating chaos. Yuri must survive this nightmare world, uncover the truth behind the “masks,” and reunite with her brother.
The anime is a fast-paced survival thriller loaded with action.
10. Angel Beats – Emotional Afterlife Journey
Episodes: 13
Genre: Drama, Supernatural
Plot:
Set in a high school existing in the afterlife, students who suffered painful lives form a resistance group against the student council president, Angel, whom they believe controls their fate.
As the protagonist Otonashi slowly recovers his lost memories, he begins understanding the true meaning of life, regret, love, and acceptance.
The final episodes are emotionally heavy and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts (From Me)
These are the best anime to watch with less episode if you want quick but unforgettable storytelling.
All of them are fast-paced, binge-worthy, and perfect for viewers who want short, well-written anime without 100+ episode commitments.
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