Animecomes in all shapes and sizes. A lot of experimental anime only lasts a few episodes, with a single season to its name. That said, plenty of these anime still proved to be cult classics, with some even being some of the most famous anime of all time. No matter what genre, whether it’s horror works, magical girl series, science-fiction thrillers,or slice-of-life stories, there’s going to be a binge-able show out there.
In a way, their short length can prove to be a good thing, as it means fans and interested viewers can enjoy the series in one day if not a single sitting. For some anime, especially ones with ongoing stories, it can even be more enjoyable watching it all at once, instead of bit by bit, since it helps viewers follow the story better. When some one-season anime proves popular, they might still inspire other media, including films, OVAs, and even a few spin-offs.
Update June 09, 2025: This article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with more binge-worthy anime series that are only one season long.
25Afro Samurai (2007) - 5 Episodes
Afro Samurai
Afro Samuraitakes place in afuturistic post-apocalyptic Japan, where warriors are divided on the basis of their power, with their headband representing their place in the hierarchy. The “Number 1” headband is sought by all swordsmen. The main character, Afro, was just a boy when his father was defeated in a duel with Justice, who then took his headband. Now the day has arrived when Afro can fight through the sea of enemies and claim the Number 1 headband.
Style, Soul, and Spectacle
Spread across five ultra-violent episodes, this MAPPA studio anime features a grim world with the help of stylish animation and vibrant colors. It is led by a star-studded English-language voice cast, with Samuel L. Jackson providing the main voice. The series is also saturated with pop culture references, subtle nods to hip-hop elements, and visceral action sequences. It isn’t very detailed in terms of character development or backstories considering the short run, butAfro Samuraiis definitely worth the watch.
24Bunny Drop (2011) - 11 Episodes
Daikichi Kawachi, the main character ofBunny Drop, is a 30-year-old introverted bachelor who hears that his grandfather has suddenly passed away. Shortly after arriving at his grandfather’s house, Daikichi learns that he had an illegitimate daughter. None of his family members are willing to raise her, so Daikichi becomes Rin’s guardian. As they adjust to their new lives, they eventuallyform an unlikely bond.
A Rarity in the Anime World
An understated gem for when you’re in the mood for a feel-good anime,Bunny Dropbalances the poignancy of life and drama through its thoughtful exploration of familial bonds. Its characters are authentic and relatable. Despite the simple animation and zero conflict, the series is binge-worthy because of the everyday scenes and quiet moments shared by Daikichi and Rin, as well as the pure and unfiltered tribulations faced while raising children.Stream on Crunchyroll or Tubi.
23Terror In Resonance (2014) - 11 Episodes
InTerror in Resonance, a mysterious pair of thieves who name themselves “Sphinx” attack a nuclear facility in Japan. The casualties are small, but in the aftermath of the attack, there is social unrest in the country, which leaves the citizens desperate and anxious. The series follows Nine and Twelve, the two boys behind the attacks, as they orchestrate a meticulous fight against the system for their own twisted gains.
A Crisp Psychological Thriller
Created by Shinichirō Watanabe, the genius behindCowboy BebopandSamurai Champloo,Terror In Resonanceis a one-of-a-kind anime that manages to convey a mystery so ripe in the span of just 11 episodes. The visually striking cityscapes and the complex characters, the non-linear plot, and the maturethemes of traumaand social upheaval come together to tell a nuanced tale. The series won immense critical acclaim and a fanbase that ensures its legacy lives on for decades to come.Stream on Crunchyroll.
22No Game, No Life (2014) - 12 Episodes
Adapted from Yuu Kamiya’s light novel series of the same name,No Game, No Lifefollows gamer stepsiblings Sora and Shiro, two inseparable shut-ins who find themselves transported to an alternate world where all sorts of conflicts are decided by games. Their mission is to defeat the God of the Games, and for that, they must win countless battles and rise through the ranks of Disboard in their new game-packed reality.
Deconstructs the Isekai Genre
There is something quite distinct and irresistible about gaming anime. The bright animation andvivid presentation of games, the charming and eccentric characters, and the highly intelligent strategies and maneuvers they use to win a match are all memorable elements inNo Game, No Life. The episodes are also slightly humorous and meaningful, which balances out the fast-paced and creative action. Overall entertaining and surprisingly short, it should have lasted longer.Stream on Hulu.
21Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku (2018) - 11 Episodes
The ultimate rom-com,Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, centers around Narumi Momose, who has just started a new job. Desperate to maintain a mature personality, she vows to never let her co-workers know about her secret – that she is an otaku. Fortunately for Narumi, she bumps into Hirotaka Nifuji, an old friend, at work, and discovers that he’s also a gaming otaku. An awkward but toe-curling romance develops between them.
Sets The Bar For Office Romances Real High
What makesWotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otakustand out amonganime’s wide variety of romantic comediesis that it focuses on adulthood not as a burden, but as a transitory phase. The main characters are not teenagers but they also haven’t given up on their hobbies and interests, their love for anime, manga, and gaming, just yet. They highlight self-acceptance and life’s quiet wins against the backdrop of a very playful atmosphere.Stream on Prime Video.
20A Place Further Than the Universe (2018) - 13 Episodes
A Place Further Than the Universesees Mari Tamkai, a high school student who feels she is wasting her youth but is too scared about living life to the fullest. Things change when she meets up with Shirase Kobuchizawa, a girl who is planning a trip to Antarctica in hopes of finding information about her missing mother. The two are soon joined by two other girls as they venture out to see the mysterious continent.
A Coming-of-Age Story About Making Memories
The 13-episode anime is known for its beautiful scenery, notably depicting different areas in Japan, Singapore, and Antarctica. In particular, a running sequence in the second episode, which shows the girls evading members of the expedition teamthrough Kabukichō in Tokyo, captures the overall atmosphere of the series and the feeling of making a memory that a person will remember all their life. Overall, despite the series' feeling of adventure and globetrotting, it’s a coming-of-age story at its heart.Stream on Crunchyroll.
19Prétear (2001) - 13 Episodes
Prétearis a 13-episode magical girl anime that draws onvarious classic fairy tales. Himeno is currently dealing with her father’s remarriage after her mother’s death. On her way to school one day, she encounters a mysterious boy named Hayate, who is one of seven magical knights that control the elements. The knights need Himeno’s help, as she is the legendary Prétear, who can help them stop the evil Princess of Disaster.
Fairy Tales Come to Life on the Battlefield
As the Prétear, Himeno can effectively fuse with each of the knights, granting her power over their respective elements, complete with a new costume and weapon. Little does Himeno know; however, one of the knights is secretly working against her and is manipulating one of her stepsisters. The world’s only hope is for Himeno to unlock her ultimate form, the White Prétear, and cover the world in the Snow of Happiness.Stream on Crunchyroll.
18Inuyashiki: Last Hero (2017) - 11 Episodes
InInuyashiki, orInuyashiki Last Hero, Ichiro Inuyashiki starts out as a lonely, elderly salaryman whose life changes when he gets caught up in an explosion. He wakes up to see he’s been rebuiltas a cyborg. He takes it upon himself to use his new powers to do some good in the world. Unfortunately, he’s not the only person to have been changed by the explosion. Another, a young man known as Hiro Shishigami, is using his powers for death and destruction until he makes it his goal to utterly obliterate Japan.
An Unexpected Hero & Villain
The anime lasts only 11 episodes, though it adapts all ten volumes of the original manga. A live-action film also came out in 2018, with it intended as the first in a trilogy. The story is unique with its elderly protagonist, with the anime has a strong theme of showing respect to older generations.Stream on Crunchyroll.
17Erased (2016) - 12 Episodes
Erased, also known asBoku dake ga Inai Machi, revolves arounda struggling manga artist, Satoru Fujinuma, who has the power to mentally travel back in time. After his mother is murdered, and suspicion falls on him, Satoru goes back in time 18 years and is tasked with saving his mother, as well as three friends.
Can Someone Really Change the Past?
Whether or not it’s even possible for Satoru to change the past is a driving question of the series. At times, it seems his only hope is getting people to believe his story, which is already troublesome when he is stuck in the body of a young child. The anime adaptation only lasts 12 episodes, causing a few storylines to be cut from the original story. The story also inspired a 12-episode drama and a live-action film.Stream on Hulu or Crunchyroll.
16Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (2010) - 13 Episodes
Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt
Panty & Stocking with Garterbeltis a comedy series revolving around two angel sisters, Panty and Stocking, who aresent from Heaven to Earthto protect humans from evil ghosts. However, the sisters themselves aren’t average angels, with some of their enemies looking like goody-goodies by comparison. In fact, the reason they’re stuck on Earth in the first place is that they’re trying to earn their way back into Heaven.
Not Your Average Angels
The series is a love letter to Western animation, with the series filled with shout-outs toSouth Park,Ren and Stimpy, andThe Powerpuff Girls. In fact, most of the series' music is done in English. The series is also well-known for its infamous twist ending, in which it turns out one of the heroes was a devil all along. Although more content has been teased over the years, the series clocks in at about 13 episodes, each made up of two segments, as well as a one-off special.Stream on Crunchyroll.
