Uncover 5 Short Anime Series You Can't Afford to Miss

While lengthy anime series like 'One Piece,' 'Naruto,' or 'Attack on Titan' are exceptional and boast a massive fanbase, there might be better starting points for those new to the anime world. Beginners can explore short anime series as an introduction. Short-form anime typically revolves around unique concepts that can be condensed into episodes lasting anywhere from three to eighteen minutes.

Despite being less talked about, short-episode anime often offer enjoyable experiences, and watching an entire season can feel akin to a complete cinematic adventure or the satisfaction derived from longer anime series. Below, we highlight a few short anime series that are highly recommended.

‘Death Note’

'Death Note' is commonly suggested as the initial anime for newcomers due to its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse elements that anime encompasses. This psychological thriller anime spans 37 episodes and follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook with the power to fatally harm anyone whose name is inscribed in it. You can watch this short anime on Netflix.

‘Sonny Boy’

In anime with restricted episodes, emotional satisfaction and character dynamics often hold more significance than logical coherence, a characteristic exemplified in the 2022 series, ‘Sonny Boy.’ The narrative revolves around a cluster of high school students thrust into an alternate dimension where they manifest peculiar abilities. Protagonist Nagara, along with friends Nozomi and Mizuho, is determined to navigate their way back home, despite the apparent distortion and fragmentation of reality in their surroundings.

‘Erased’

A 2016 adaptation of the manga bearing the same title, ‘Erased’ consists of twelve episodes and was helmed by the accomplished director Tomohiko Ito, renowned for his contributions to notable series like Sword Art Online and Death Note. The narrative centres around Satoru Fujinuma, a man endowed with premonitory abilities, who finds himself propelled eighteen years into the past with the mission of preventing murder.

Offering a high-concept and thought-provoking storyline, ‘Erased’ stands out as a top-tier psychological thriller that should be on the radar of dedicated anime enthusiasts. Additionally, its twelve-episode format ensures that fans won't have to endure a lengthy wait to unravel the multitude of mysteries within the show. It's a concise anime series that maintains a compelling pace.

‘Sound Of The Sky’

Taking place in a world witnessing a gradual decline, ‘Sound Of The Sky’ revolves around five young soldiers stationed at an insignificant fort in a distant town during the waning stages of a devastating conflict. It stands out as perhaps anime's most serene war narrative, with a predominant focus on the everyday lives of its main characters, creating a slice-of-life ambiance. However, beneath the surface lies a sense of melancholy. The backdrop of this fictional world is steeped in darkness, and there's an underlying feeling that larger, unseen forces are determined to steer the planet toward its inevitable demise.

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‘Paranoia Agent’

Unpredictably eccentric and occasionally challenging to grasp, 'Paranoia Agent' is frequently acclaimed as one of the finest horror anime productions. The narrative primarily revolves around a string of assaults carried out by an enigmatic boy wielding a baseball bat, known as Lil' Slugger. The series delves into the histories of the assailant's diverse victims and the efforts of the police officers tasked with apprehending him.

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