8 Best Short Anime Titles You Can Watch in One Evening, Ranked by IMDb
These projects prove that a great story doesn't require dozens of hours – sometimes, just a few perfectly crafted episodes are enough.
The world of anime is filled with grand sagas and multi-part epics that often take weeks to binge-watch.
Sometimes, however, you want to immerse yourself in the unique world of Japanese animation but only have an evening to spare.
For such a case, there are numerous brilliant short titles that pack incredible depth, gripping plots, and powerful emotions into just a few episodes.
8. 'Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-San', 2018-2019
IMDb Score: 6.7/10
Honda, a skeleton, gets a job at a bookstore. Although the job may seem boring, for the main character, it's a real adventure.
He tries to surprise seasoned readers with new works every day, sorts through piles of manga shipments, and tries to serve all the customers.
Despite his lack of muscles and skin, Honda shows patience and resourcefulness in solving the incredible problems that arise in his daily life.
7. 'No Game, No Life', 2014
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Sora and Shiro, siblings known as Blank in the online world, find themselves in the fantasy realm of Disboard, where all conflicts are resolved through games, and violence is prohibited.
The anime's main topics are strategy, logic, and problem-solving through cunning and ingenuity. This title stands out for its detailed character designs, and the story is filled with intense, tactical gameplay battles.
6. 'Sonny Boy', 2021
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
The plot revolves around a group of high school students who suddenly find themselves in a dark dimension. The reason for their displacement remains a mystery, but some of the students gain superpowers.
They begin to drift through different worlds, discovering new facets of their surroundings and themselves.
The title's core strength lies in its profound philosophy that explores human nature, the search for meaning in life, and the importance of communication.
5. 'Girls' Last Tour', 2017
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
The story centers on Yuuri and Chito, two girls forced to travel in search of food, resources, and safety after a devastating war.
They explore a multilevel city that was once industrial and densely populated but has now become a gloomy maze of ruins and abandoned areas.
These ruins hold remnants of a shattered world and serve as both a source of resources and a deadly threat to the girls. Throughout their journey, they encounter other survivors and learn to preserve their humanity and empathy.
4. 'Bunny Drop', 2011-2012
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
This touching and heartfelt story is based on Yumi Unita's manga of the same name.
The plot follows Daikichi Kawachi, a successful manager who unexpectedly learns of his grandfather's illegitimate daughter, six-year-old Rin, at his grandfather's funeral.
Since the girl's mother has run away, the protagonist decides to take her in. Daikichi faces the many challenges of raising a child and struggles to adapt to his new life.
3. 'Erased', 2016
IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Manga artist Satoru Fujinuma has the unique ability to travel back in time and prevent tragedies.
After being accused of murdering his mother, he is sent back to 1988, when he was a child. There, he encounters a series of mysterious child disappearances and decides to use his powers to solve the mystery and save his friends.
The anime is worth watching for its gripping plot, which combines mystery, drama, and thriller elements. Complex dramatic twists and a dynamic atmosphere will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
2. 'Odd Taxi', 2021
IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Odokawa is an anthropomorphic walrus who enjoys a quiet life in Tokyo. He drives a taxi and converses with a variety of passengers, each with their own secrets and problems.
However, his world changes dramatically when he becomes entangled in a web of criminal activity, including the disappearance of a young girl.
The story masterfully connects the lives of different characters, revealing how their destinies are intertwined. The intricacy and multitude of unexpected twists bring together multiple plot lines, creating tension and intrigue.
1. 'Ping Pong the Animation', 2014
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Passionate about table tennis, friends Peco and Smile strive to be the best. However, behind their athletic success are personal struggles and fears.
Peco struggles with self-doubt and the fear of not living up to others' expectations, while Smile grapples with pressure from loved ones and uncertainty about the future.
Ping Pong's unique visual style conveys the tension of matches through its psychedelic and absurdist elements. Ping Pong is not just a sports drama – it is a profound exploration of human nature through the lens of table tennis.
