We get a lot of new anime ever year, leading to a lot of series not getting attention – so here’s a list of the 15 short anime shows that deserve more recognition.
With the overwhelming influx of anime shows, some of them become massive hits while others are swiftly forgotten. Inevitably, a few incredible series tend to blend in with the crowd as the anime collection refreshes each new season.
The depth and variety of the anime world is too vast to comprehend properly with just a few franchises. Once hooked, you’ll find yourself sliding through an unlimited collection of shows that’s difficult to wrap your head around. From sports anime to body horror anime, there’s just so much to choose from.
Depending on one’s preferences, a 12-episode slice-of-life drama can be just as entertaining as a 1,000-episode Shonen series. In fact, they’re the perfect stopgaps while we wait for the likes of Demon Slayer Season 4 and My Hero Academia Season 7. From tear-jerking romance to intriguing thrillers, we bring you a list of the 15 short anime series that deserve more recognition.
1. Forest of Piano
Forest of Piano is a short anime series based on the award-winning manga by Makoto Isshiki. The story follows the tale of two boys with different upbringings but the same passion for piano. Kai Ichinose grew up in the red-light district with his mother, who works there as a prostitute.
Somehow, Kai is able to play an abandoned piano in the forest. On the other hand, Shuuhei Amamiya, who comes from a well-established family, dreams of becoming a renowned pianist like his father.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Guardian of the Sacred Spirit
This historical short anime series is set in a world where a cataclysmic drought has spread an endless famine. The story follows a young woman, Balsa, who is tasked with the protection of a young prince, Chagum.
The young boy is destined to die under his father, the Emperor’s order, and become a sacrifice for the Water Spirit. The story continues as the two embark on a journey as they form an unbreakable bond while figuring out a way to save the world without making the sacrifice.
Where to watch: HIDIVE
3. Eden of the East
Eden of the East is a sci-fi mystery series with a romantic subplot. The story begins with the narration of an incident called “Careless Monday” when a terrorist act failed to harm anyone. The incident was quickly forgotten, and people went on with their regular lives.
Saki Morimi’s life is turned upside down when she encounters Akira Takizawa, who has amnesia and believes himself to be a terrorist. Despite his suspicious traits, Saki and Akira quickly become friends before a thrilling death game begins. As more secrets begin to unravel, Akira’s ties with Careless Monday come to light.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
4. Kids on Slope
Kids on Slope is an intriguing tale of three students with different personalities and circumstances. With perfect storytelling, relatable characters, and mesmerizing melodious acts, viewers have every reason to enjoy this underrated gem.
The story follows Kaoru Nishimi, who arrives in Kyushu for his first year of high school. Kaoru, who always had difficulty making friends due to his father’s regular transfers, finds his life turned upside down when he meets Sentarou Kawabuchi and Ritsuko Mukae. Kaoru breaks out of his shell as he relives his passion for music.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
5. Ghost Hunt
Ghost Hunt is a hidden gem among horror anime. It features eight individual cases of ghost-hunting, drawing references from real-life ghost theories, making it all the more relatable. The protagonist, Mai Taniyama, begins to work for Kazuya Shibuya after accidentally destroying his ghost-hunting equipment.
However, as she moves on from one case to another, Mai’s dormant psychic abilities begin to awaken. The crew consists of a researcher, monk, Catholic priest, Shinto priestess, spirit medium, and a high school girl.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
6. Given
Given is a tear-jerking boy’s love and music series centering around Mafuyu Sato and his band members. It’s a story about heartbreak and moving on from your past shackles. The taciturn protagonist carries a Gibson guitar despite being unable to play it.
As Mafuyu is unable to deal with his past trauma, he meets Ritsuka Uenoyama and joins his band while discovering his love for music. The story also focuses on the complex relationships of the other band members and Mafuyu’s childhood friends.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
7. Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday is a sci-fi music anime series focusing on two girls who meet each other by a stroke of luck. Realizing their passion for music, they begin to live together and team up to make a name for themselves.
However, their dream is nearly impossible to accomplish when they live in a world where AI makes 99% of music. The story is set on Mars fifty years after humanity had transferred there. However, not all hope seems lost when they catch the eye of an unknown manager.
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Summer Time Rendering
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Summer Time Rendering takes you on a thrilling ride of mystery, supernatural beings, and tragedy. The premise of the story is a time loop to avoid certain tragedies. The protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro, travels back home to attend the funeral of his childhood crush, Ushio Kofune. However, he suddenly finds himself traveling back in time.
Not only that, but his supposedly deceased friend, Ushio, suddenly appears before him. After learning about the existence of “shadows” and the impending tragedy that might befall the island, Shunpei must join hands with her to defeat that threat.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
9. Death Parade
Who would expect that after death, the first thing you’re greeted with is a bar? Death Parade is an original anime series that questions the true essence of humanity. After death, a select few enter a bar called Quindecim in pairs.
They must pass a test for the bartenders to determine if their souls should reincarnate or be sent to the void. These tests involve life-threatening games as they slowly begin to reveal the true nature of each patron while they wager their souls.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
10. Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance is a psychological mystery drama centering around a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility in Japan. The only thing left behind after the attack is the word “VON” painted with red. As the police are unable to catch the culprit, a pair of teenage boys come to public view under the alias “Sphinx.”
They challenge the police and threaten them to wreak havoc across Tokyo. As the public and the entire police department are led by the nose by two unknown boys, Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
11. Interviews With Monster Girls
Interviews with Monster Girls is a story about three high schools who are a bit different from their peers. The series is set in a world where Demi-Humans with different abilities and psyches co-exist with ordinary people. High school biology teacher Tetsuo Takahashi is fascinated by these people and wants to learn more about them.
The story follows his interactions with Hikari Takanashi (vampire), Kyouko Machi (dullahan), and Yuki Kusakabe (snowwoman). He also meets Sakie Satou, a fellow teacher, who is also a succubus. The story proceeds as Takahashi learns more about them.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
12. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 explores the grief, sadness, and loss that come from a natural phenomenon that’s severe enough to change Tokyo’s landscape. The story follows two young siblings, Mirai and Yuki, who were visiting a robot exhibition in Odaiba at the beginning of their summer vacation.
Assisted by Mari, a motorcycle courier, they struggle to reach their parents in Setagaya. Mari is also striving to find her own daughter and mother. The three of them face the mostly destroyed city together, hoping to get home safely to their loved ones.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
13. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana depicts a tragic story of friendship, remorse, and pain. This wonderful short anime series progresses slowly, culminating in a surprising and powerful ending. Meiko Henmo is unable to die, even years after her unfortunate death.
The plot revolves around Jinta Yadomi and his circle of pals, who fell apart after Meiko’s death. Jinta lives as a loner, spending all his time playing video games. Meiko begs him to grant her request, but Jinta dismisses her, believing she is an illusion. Soon after understanding she is Meiko’s spirit, Jinta and his pals gather to assist her in finding peace while also healing themselves.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
14. Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom is an intriguing blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments. The story takes place in a small derelict building in the mountains, which houses the students of Class 3-E from the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School. The class is full of delinquents and dropouts, so they cannot study on the main campus.
However, they’ve been tasked with a secret mission to assassinate their new teacher, who looks anything but human. On top of his strange appearance, he has destroyed the moon and now threatens to destroy the Earth by March of the following year if the students fail to kill him.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix
15. Nodame Cantabile
Nodame Cantabile is a hilarious love story about Megumi Noda and Shinichi Chiaki. The duo who study Western art music performance in a Japanese music conservatory, are complete opposites of one another. Shinichi Chiaki is a perfectionist pianist and violinist who wants to be a conductor, and Noda Megumi (Nodame) is a pianist with below-average grades but a lot of latent talent.
However, Shinichi’s fear of flying keeps him stuck in Japan. Contrary to Shinichi’s first impression of Nodame as an unkempt girl without any motivation, he becomes impressed with her when he hears her play the piano for the first time. Nonetheless, Shinichi is crushed to learn that Nodame is his neighbor; worse, she falls madly in love with him.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Those are the best short anime. If you want more viewing options, our lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling and the best anime like Demon Slayer have plenty more to offer!