Nowadays, anime shows can drag on for many seasons due to their extremely complicated and long storyline. However, for those who have little time on their hands. Love watching short anime series. Then you have come to the right place. Now, presenting the list of the 15 best anime with one season.
These short anime series are exactly what they sound like, in that everything from the story. Characters, to world-building, all unfold within merely one season. So if you’re interested, strap up, sit tight, and check these awesome one-season anime out.
15. Toradora!
Episodes: 25
Season: Fall 2008
Source: Novel
Studio: J.C.Staff
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, School
Ryuuji Takasu, a kind and soft-hearted young man in nature, often frightens others due to his stern face. Meanwhile, Taiga Aisak, opposite in essence, is a tiny girl with the personality of a young tiger: wild and aggressive.
One day, upon hearing about Ryuuji’s romantic problems with Minori Kushieda. Taiga decided to help him win the heart of her best friend.
Unknowingly to them at the time, that event was the start of an adorable cat and mouse relationship.
Best Anime One Season:
Toradora tells an adorable love story between boisterous Taiga and the kind-hearted Ryuuji.
Throughout the show, you will get a chance to see not only their dramas. But how they overcome difficulties within their relationship.
The entire story, from the build-up, climax, to the closure, is all done within one season of Toradora. Thus, making the show a must-watch one-season anime of all time.
Short Animes Toradora Trailer
14. Tsuki ga Kirei
Episodes: 12
Season: Spring 2017
Source: Original
Studio: feel.
Genres: Romance, School
They are seemingly destined to be with one another. Aspiring novelist Kotarou Azumi and track runner Akane Mizuno ended up in the same class.
As events lead to another, the two gradually become close friends. Soon, their friendship quickly blossoms into an innocent crush.
Under the beautiful full moon, Azumi found himself mustering his courage to confess his love toward Mizuno.
Best Anime One Season:
Do you love seeing cute and innocent middle school love over again? Then come check out Tsuki ga Kirei, one of the most heartwarming romance anime with only one season to show for.
This short anime series does not need a second season. Since the story wraps up quite nicely at the end for those who love watching a cute and cheesy relationship unfold before their very eyes. Then Tsuki ga Kirei will be the perfect one-season anime.
Good Small Animes to Watch Trailer
13. Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)
Episodes: 24
Season: Fall 2012
Source: Novel
Studio: J.C.Staff
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School
Sorata Kanda was kicked out of his school’s main dormitory due to a small incident with a stray cat. As a result, he moved to Suimei High School’s Sakura Hall, a dormitory filled with eccentric residents.
Sorata, along with his close friend, Nanami, met the playboy Jin, genius programmer Ryuunosuke, and animator Misaki.
Thus began his dramatic and difficult life at Sakura Hall. A place where everyone has their own life and relationship problems.
Best Anime One Season:
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo tells the life story of the residence within Sakura Hall. Initially, the show might appear to be a comedy rom-com that features the fun love life of Sorata.
Surprisingly, Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo carries with it some of the deepest and most meaningful life lessons you will ever learn.
You will witness its characters fail in life throughout the anime, only to get up and stand tall once more. If this one-season anime sounds like your cup of tea, then certainly go check it out.
Small Anime Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo Trailer
12. Golden Time
Episodes: 24
Season: Fall 2013
Source: Novel
Studio: J.C.Staff
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Banri Tada, a young college student possessing severe amnesia, has successfully enrolled in a law school in Tokyo as Banri wandered around his university. He quickly bumped into Koukou Kaga.
One of the most beautiful girls he has ever witnessed and determined to get into a relationship and have an unforgettable year at college. Banri was up for many difficulties that challenged the truth about his identity.
Best Anime One Season:
Golden Time is not the everyday romance anime that leaves you wondering whether its characters will end up with one another.
Rather, it focuses on how relationships are maintained and developed. And the difficulties of romance for those who love watching these sorts of shows.
Within only one season, Golden Time will fill you in on all of its dramatic and pivotal moments.
Best Short Animes Golden Time Trailer
11. Kill la Kill
Episodes: 24
Season: Fall 2013
Source: Original
Studio: Trigger
Genres: Action, Comedy, Super Power, Ecchi, School
When Ryuuko Matoi’s father was murdered, the only lead left behind was one of his greatest inventions, the Scissor Blade.
Using the weapon, Ryuuko arrived at the prestigious Honnouji Academy. Where its social hierarchy was strictly determined by Satsuki Kiryuuin and her four underlings, the Elite Four.
There, Ryuuko must climb the harsh rankings to discover the truth about her father’s death.
Best Anime One Season:
Kill la Kill is a chaotic one-season action anime that can provide you all the fan service you will ever need—featuring a strong female lead.
The short anime series tells Ryuuko’s tale of revenge through its wide variety of nudity, sexiness, and epic bikini-themed-clothings. If you love fan service, great plot, and character development.
As well as intense fighting scenes, Kill la Kill is the perfect one-season anime to watch.
Best Mini Action Anime Kill la Kill Trailer
Top 10 Shortest anime / Small anime To Watch
10. Shinsekai Yori (From the New World)
Episodes: 25
Season: Fall 2012
Source: Novel
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
In the near-by future, humanity has awoken its hidden psychic powers through many genetic mutations.
At 12 years old, Saki Watanabe, a villager at Kamisu 66, received her powers. She was finally able to reunite with her friends at Sage Academy. However, her joy quickly turned to suspicions as she wondered.
What really happened to children who were unable to awaken their psychic powers. Along with her group of friends, Saki was about to find the ugly truth to Kamisu 66 and its people.
Best Anime One Season:
Within the world of anime, Shinsekai Yori is perhaps known as a hidden gem for some.
It contains quite a unique storyline. Despite its initial slow start throughout the show, its constant mysterious and creepy vibes keep you wanting more.
You will get to know the ugly truth about Kamisu 66 and whether their concept of a dystopia was of any good in this case.
Short Completed Anime Shinsekai Yori Trailer
9. Nagi no Asukara (A Lull in the Sea)
Episodes: 26
Season: Fall 2013
Source: Original
Studio: P.A. Works
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Humanity has been living underwater since ancient times. However, that all changed when people started abandoning their underwater homes for the surface.
As time goes by, this creates separate groups of humans: those who could breathe underwater and those who cannot.
Thus, when a group of friends, including Hikari, Manaka Chisaki, and Kaname, decided to attend school on the surface. They encountered some interesting folks. Nagi no Asukara is a story about friendships, romantic dramas, and the regrets associated with maturity.
Best Anime One Season:
Nagi no Asukara is perhaps the most heartwarming and beautiful anime you will ever watch, kicking off with an initially slow start.
The world-building, as well as the characters, are quite well developed. As a slice of life romance anime, Nagi no Asukara contains everything from love triangles, friend-zoning, to even jealousy.
If you are looking for a nicely developed romantic short anime series that unfolds within a good short animation one season. Then definitely check out Nagi no Asu kara.
Small Anime Nagi no Asukara Trailer
8. Little Witch Academia
Episodes: 25
Season: Winter 2017
Source: Original
Studio: Trigger
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, School
Kagari “Akko” Atsuko was finally able to achieve her dreams, and that is to attend the prestigious Luna Nova Magical Academy. However, it magically turns out to be much more difficult than she expected.
As a result, Akko was shamed for being the worst in her class. Wanting to prove her classmates wrong, she determined to train to become the best witch ever.
Best Anime One Season:
Little Witch Academia is a one-season anime that will fulfill every single one of your childhood fantasies. It has everything, whether it be dragons, knights.
Most importantly, through a light-hearted theme focusing on the life of a young and naive mage, witches. Akko, Little Witch Academia unfolds perfectly within one season.
If you’re looking for a short anime series with an amazing and fun plot. Then consider checking out this anime will be your best bet.
Good Mini Anime to Watch Little Witch Academia Trailer
7. Plastic Memories
Episodes: 12
Season: Spring 2015
Source: Original
Studio: Doga Kobo
Genres: Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance
After failing his college entrance exam, Tsukasa Mizugaki, fortunately, was able to land a job at Sion Artificial Intelligence Corporation.
SAI Corp, for short, is a company that creates and maintains “Giftias,” which are highly intelligent humanoid androids. There, Tsukasa partnered with Isla, one of the most beautiful Giftias he has ever seen. As the two became close and deepened their romantic bonds.
Tsukasa quickly learned of the 81,920 hours memory limit of Giftias. Thus, for the first time, he realized that happiness never lasts.
Best Anime One Season:
Plastic Memories tells a sweet yet heartbreaking tale about a romantic relationship between a human and an android machine.
If you think you’re prepared for what the show has to offer. Then think again because this anime will greatly surprise you. They are featuring in-depth romantic progression, slice-of-life storytelling, and epic visuals. Plastic Memories is a one-season small anime worth checking out.
12 Episode Anime Plastic Memories Trailer
6. Charlotte
Episodes: 13
Season: Summer 2015
Source: Original
Studio: P.A. Works
Genres: Drama, School, Super Power
Yuu Otosaka has a unique ability, and that is to gain the consciousness of someone for five seconds fully.
As a result, he could use this power to cheat his way through exams, scoring top marks. But, to his surprise, his secret ability was quickly discovered by two high school students, Nao Tomori and Joujirou Takajou. It was only after their fateful meeting that Yuu learned of Hoshinoumi Academy.
An academy for students possessing supernatural ability. Thus began his new eccentric life surrounded by magical powers that even science couldn’t explain.
Best Anime One Season:
If you think Charlotte looks like every other romance school life short anime series, then think again. Despite its seemingly generic impression, Charlotte is a surprisingly dark show.
It contains mature themes that will question your sanity once and for all. If you’re looking for great story progression: somewhat decent characters and amazing art. Charlotte is the all-in-one package that you should be watching now.
Anime You Can Watch in a Day Charlotte Trailer
5. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Episodes: 22
Season: Fall 2014
Source: Manga
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Drama, Music, Romance, School, Shounen
When prodigy pianist, Kousei Arima, encountered a boisterous but naturally gifted violinist. Kaori Miyazono, his passion for classical music, ignited once more.
Yearning to go with Kaori. The young pianist must struggle to get over his past trauma of being unable to hear his playing. Thus began Kousei Arima’s musical journey to change his monotonous life once and for all.
Best Anime One Season:
At first glance, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso seems like your generic music anime. Where the main protagonist performed in many prestigious and winning every award, there is.
However, there is much more than meets the eye. In essence, Shigatsu was Kimi no Uso is an emotional drama that teaches you how to move on from past trauma. Stand up for yourself, and most importantly, learn how to say goodbye.
If you’re up for these meaningful life lessons. Then Shigatsu was Kimi no Uso is a solid short anime series with one-season anime to watch.
Short Shounen Anime Your Lie in April Trailer
4. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Episodes: 12
Season: Spring 2011
Source: Original
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Drama
Jinta Yadomi was relaxing at home when suddenly, a white hair girl popped up out of nowhere to annoy him. She was the ghost of Meiko “Menma” Honma, who died in an unfortunate accident years ago.
Now, to allow Menma to move on from the world, Jinta and his friend must reunite and fulfill her wish. However, there is a problem: Menma herself does not know what she truly wanted.
Best Anime One Season:
If you are looking for an emotional and wholesome one-season short anime to watch, then you can’t go wrong with Anohana. It revolves around a group of disconnected friends.
The show explores the very basis of human relationships as well as the process of growing up. More importantly, Anohana also touches greatly upon the issue of saying goodbyes and mourning the loss of a great friend.
Best 12 Episode Anime Anohana Trailer
3. Violet Evergarden
Episodes: 12
Season: Winter 2018
Source: Novel
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genres: Slice of Life, Drama, Fantasy
The Great War, which lasted for four years, has resulted in thousands of casualties for both sides involved. Violet, a surviving soldier.
Violet awakens from a hospital with the memories of words from her beloved lieutenant: “I love you.” However, war has stolen most of her human emotions, rendering her unable to comprehend the meanings of such phrases.
As Violet started her life anew working for “Auto Memory Doll” to transcribe mails, slowly but surely. She was learning of the many beautiful emotions that humans possess.
Best Anime One Season:
Violet Evergarden deals with the PTSD recovery journey of a surviving soldier from the devastating Great War. Despite its slice of life episodic storytelling. There is a great deal of character development within the show.
It was creating a sense of progression that will constantly intrigue you to come back for more. Violet Evergarden there presents a variety of heartwarming scenes that will arguably make you burst out crying.
So if you’re seeking a highly emotional short anime series one-season anime to watch, then Violet Evergarden will not disappoint.
Short Anime Shows Violet Evergarden Trailer
2. Death Note
Episodes: 37
Season: Fall 2006
Source: Manga
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Mystery, Police, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller, Shounen
One day, when Ryuk, an all-powerful shinigami, became bored of the underworld. He dropped the Death Note into the human realm as a fun experiment.
By seemingly pure chance, high school prodigy Yagami Raito picked up the notebook only to see it as a nasty joke. However, upon testing the Death Note, he quickly realized that it indeed the real deal.
With the Death Note in hand, Raito decided to reform the world by killing every criminal off the earth. But, unknowingly, his plan was about to stop by a young detective named L, resulting in a heated battle of mind games and criminology.
Best Anime One Season:
Death Note is a detective and psychological thriller that will constantly keep you on the edge of your seats. Arguably, due to its extreme popularity.
The show contains many of the greatest outplays, mind games, and iconic scenes in anime history. It features an amazing story with many plot twists and well-developed characters.
Death Note is probably one of the best one-season anime you will ever watch.
Best 1 Season Anime Death Note Trailer
1. Angel Beats!
Episodes: 13
Season: Spring 2010
Source: Original
Studio: P.A. Works
Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, School, Supernatural
Yuzuru Otonashi awakens at a strange place only to have no recollection of himself except for his name. Upon encountering a girl named Yuri Nakamura.
Otonashi quickly learned that he was dead and that this was the afterlife. Yuri then proceeds to invite Otonashi to her organization.
Shinda Sekai Sensen, a group that wages war against an incredibly evil girl named Tenshi. However, after Otonashi attempted to speak with Tenshi. He quickly realized the truth about the people within the afterlife.
Best Anime One Season:
Initially, Angel Beats might come off as a confusing anime where nothing makes sense. But trust me when I say that as the show progresses. You will become extremely invested in the characters of the show.
Angel Beats is an emotional roller-coaster that will show you the character’s happiness, sadness, hope. And other emotions too complicated to describe.
Ultimately, if you are considering watching Angel Beats short anime series, prepare lots and lots of tissues. Because Angel Beats is a one-season anime show that mercilessly sheds tears.
Short Action Anime Angel Beats Trailer
Conclusion:
That concludes the list of the 15 Best one-season anime To Watch. Within this list, there are a variety of different shows. From the more emotional and heartwarming to the more thrilling and action-based performances. If you are an anime fan with little time on your hands.
Simply prefer short and straightforward anime shows. Then hopefully, this list was able to give you a large option to choose from.
So what did you think of this list? There any other one-season anime that you would like to see recommended? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
