3 Short but Amazing Anime (Under 13 Episodes)

When you want to dive into a captivating story without committing to hundreds of episodes, short anime series are perfect.

They are there, when all other fails: they deliver powerful narratives, emotional depth, and memorable characters in a compact format. For the days in which you have short but sweet time.

Here are three good and solid anime, each around 12–13 episodes, that you can binge in just a few days.

short anime to watch, erased binge watch 12 episodes

1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi) – 12 episodes

Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Drama

Imagine going back in time to stop a murder… but the victim is your childhood friend.

Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist who has the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. When his mother is murdered, he’s suddenly sent back to his childhood, where he must unravel the mystery of a series of kidnappings and save his classmates. The series is a gripping mix of suspense, heartfelt relationships, and emotional storytelling.

short anime to watch binge watch weekend 12 episodes sonny boy

2. Sonny Boy – 12 episodes

Genre: Sci-fi / Mystery / Psychological

A classroom drifts into another dimension, and the students gain strange powers they don’t understand.

Sonny Boy is a surreal, mind-bending anime that explores isolation, identity, and human nature. As students try to make sense of their new reality, tensions rise, powers clash, and philosophical questions emerge. It’s a visually striking series that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

short anime to watch 13 episodes

3. Lycoris Recoil – 13 episodes

Genre: Action / Comedy / Drama

Two gun-wielding girls take on secret missions in Tokyo—but their bond is the real heart of the story.

Lycoris Recoil blends stylish action with heartfelt character dynamics.
At the beginning it might not convince you, but I tell you, have patience.  
Chisato and Takina, two agents working for a covert organization, balance their deadly missions with lighthearted café work. The series delivers slick animation, thrilling fight sequences, and a touching exploration of friendship and trust.

So...

Each of these anime manages to tell a complete, satisfying story in just over a dozen episodes.

Whether you’re craving suspense, thought-provoking sci-fi, or stylish action with emotional depth, these shows prove that great anime doesn’t always need a long runtime.

So next time you’re looking for something to binge over a weekend, consider giving these three series a try—you won’t regret it.

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