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January 17, 2025
Anime | Best Short Anime | Stories Under 40 Episodes
Anime
January 17, 2025
While many popular anime seem to go on for decades, there are tons of incredible short anime under forty episodes out there. Check out our list of some of the best!
>While many popular anime seem to go on for decades, there are tons of incredible short anime under forty episodes out there. Check out our list of some of the best!
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Are you new to anime? The sheer number of shows with huge episode counts can seem overwhelming at times. While some series run for hundreds, or even over a thousand episodes, many anime can tell excellent and complete stories in just a few hours of viewing time. This guide focuses on series under 40 episodes, making it perfect for new viewers who want to explore Japanese animation without making it a massive time investment.
You can think of this list as our starter pack, ten shows that will give you some of the best anime in just a small package. Each of these anime brings something unique with them to the table, and none of them will leave you hanging for years waiting to finish. You can go from start to finish with any of these anime in just one weekend.
Your Lie In April (Shigatsu Wa Kimi No Uso)
|
Genre |
Years of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Drama, Music, Romance |
2014-2015 |
22 |
A-1 Pictures |
To start this list off with a banger, Your Lie in April follows piano prodigy Kousei Arima who stops playing after his mother's death due to him not being able to hear his own piano playing anymore. Two years later, he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist who sees music differently than anyone he's known. Their story explores trauma, healing, and how music connects people.
Kousei’s colorless life begins to blossom in colors, as Kaori’s influence floods not only his music but every aspect of his life. The series weaves together music performances with the daily lives of its characters. Kousei struggles to overcome his past trauma while preparing for music competitions. His childhood friends Tsubaki and Watari support him, while Kaori pushes him to face his fears.
Kousei learns to deal with his past, while Kaori hides her own immense struggles behind her cheerful attitude, as they both finally deal with all the consequences of one single lie. Their time together changes how they view music, life, and their own abilities. The series uses classical music performances to show these changes, making each piece meaningful to the story.
The animation during music scenes sets new standards. Performances come alive through color and movement, showing how each character experiences music differently. The show also balances heavy themes with lighter moments, creating a complete story about growing up and facing your fears. This anime is sure to bring tears to your eyes, but also joy, and it WILL leave a mark on you.
Score | 10/10
You'll love Your Lie in April if:
- You want to see how music can tell a story.
- You like shows about personal growth.
- You enjoy romance mixed with drama.
- You appreciate classical music.
- You're ready for an emotional journey.
- You love stories that bring tears to your eyes.
Death Note
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural |
2006-2007 |
37 |
Madhouse |
Death Note follows the story of Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student with a normal life until he comes across a notebook that harnesses the power of Shinigami, a god of death. This mysterious Notebook has the power of killing anyone whose name is written on its pages. The Death Note comes with rules: Light needs a person's name and face to use it and he can specify how they die. A death god named Ryuk, the notebook's previous owner, watches Light's actions with amusement as he uses the powers of the Death Note to create his Utopia.
As Light continues his mission, the police form a task force to find the person behind these deaths. L leads this investigation, using media manipulation and clever traps to narrow down his search.
The show builds its story through crime drama and supernatural elements. It presents questions about justice and power through the choices Light and L make. Their moves become more complex as they learn more about each other, bringing in new characters and challenges that test their abilities.
Score | 8.5/10
You'll love Death Note if:
- You want to see characters match wits.
- You enjoy stories about crime and justice.
- You like supernatural elements in modern settings.
- You prefer shows that raise moral questions.
- You want a complete story with a clear ending.
Toradora!
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life |
2008-2009 |
25 |
J.C. Staff |
Don't let appearances fool you - that's what Toradora! is all about. High school student Ryuji can't catch a break - his face scares everyone away, even though he's just a regular guy who happens to look like a thug. Enter Taiga, the shortest girl in class with the biggest attitude. She earned her nickname "Palmtop Tiger" by throwing hands with anyone who dares to cross her.
These two unlikely characters crash into each other's lives and discover they're both nursing crushes on the other's best friend. The solution? Team up and play wingman for each other. Simple enough, right? Well, not quite. Between Ryuji's failed attempts at looking friendly and Taiga's complete lack of a filter, their matchmaking schemes keep backfiring in the most entertaining ways.
The show pulls you in with its humor but hits you with moments that feel real. It's not trying to be deep - it just shows how messy things get when feelings are involved. Between the chaos of their love lives and dealing with growing up, Ryuji and Taiga's story goes places you won't expect.
Score | 8.5/10
You'll love Toradora! if:
- Rom-coms with actual depth are your thing.
- You dig watching people grow past their labels.
- You want a story that'll make you laugh and then punch you in the feels.
- You're tired of shows where everyone stays the same.
- You need a series that knows how to wrap things up properly.
Violet Evergarden
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life |
2018 |
13 |
Kyoto Animation |
“I love you.” Three words, a world of possible meanings. What’s the meaning of those three words? That's exactly what Violet's trying to figure out in this absolute gem of a show. She's an ex-child soldier who, after the war, is assigned to take a job as an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters for people who need help expressing their feelings. The irony? Violet barely knows what emotions are, let alone how to put them into words.Through every client's story, Violet pieces together her own understanding of emotions, all while trying to grasp the meaning behind her commander's last words to her.
Kyoto Animation created something that sets a new bar for anime with Violet Evergarden. The detail in every scene is mind-blowing - sunlight dancing through stained glass, Violet's mechanical hands moving with real weight, and even the way characters' eyes shift during conversations. The show tackles heavy themes like the cost of war and personal loss but never loses sight of hope. Every emotional breakthrough feels earned, every tear justified, and every moment of joy genuine.
Score | 10/10
You'll love Violet Evergarden if:
- You appreciate animation that pushes what anime can do.
- You want a story that earns its emotional moments.
- You're interested in how people heal and grow.
- You like seeing complex themes handled with care.
Gurren Lagann
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Action, Adventure, Mecha |
2007 |
27 |
Gainax |
In a world where humans live underground, Simon spends his days digging tunnels until he unearths a mysterious robot head. Together with Kamina, his ambitious brother figure who dreams of the surface world, they break through to find a battlefield where humans fight against mechanical beasts. Their world expands when they meet Yoko, a surface-dwelling sniper who helps them understand the true scale of their fight.
What starts as a simple rebellion transforms into a story spanning years, with humanity pushing beyond every limit they encounter. Each victory reveals a bigger threat, each battle raises the stakes, and somehow the show manages to keep this escalation feeling natural and earned. The animation is a feast of colors and movement, with fights that get more ridiculous and spectacular with each episode - from street brawls to galaxy-spanning battles.
But what makes Gurren Lagann special isn't just the crazy action. It's watching Simon grow from a timid boy into someone who can punch through dimensions because he believes he can. The show tackles themes of evolution and human potential while never losing sight of its characters, making every power-up feel earned because we see the emotional growth behind it.
Score | 9/10
You'll love Gurren Lagann if:
- You want a show that starts big and keeps getting bigger.
- You're into giant robots and explosive action.
- You enjoy seeing characters actually grow stronger with their will.
- You believe the best solution is to kick logic to the curb and do the impossible.
- You appreciate when the "power of friendship" actually makes sense.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural |
2011 |
11 |
A-1 Pictures |
In a small town called Chichibu, a group of six friends spent their days playing together at their secret base. That all ended when Meiko "Menma" Honma died in an accident during fifth grade. Five years later, they've scattered like leaves. Jinta, once their leader, has become a recluse who doesn't even go to school anymore. But his isolated life changes when Menma's ghost appears to him, grown up just like they did, asking for help with a forgotten wish.
What follows is a delicate story about grief, growing up, and the weight of unspoken words. Each character feels painfully real - from the way they've tried to cope with loss to how they struggle to face each other again. The show takes its time unraveling their complicated feelings, revealing how a single tragedy shaped six different lives. When Menma finally proves her presence to everyone, years of buried emotions come rushing back.
A-1 Pictures crafts this emotional journey with stunning detail. The contrast between sun-soaked childhood memories and the muted present is very well done. Every character design tells its own story - from Jinta's disheveled appearance to how each friend's style reflects their way of coping. The soundtrack knows exactly when to tug at your heartstrings and when to let the silence speak for itself.
Score | 9/10
You'll love Anohana if:
- You want a story that nails how messy grief really is.
- You appreciate shows that respect their heavy themes.
- You're ready for some earned emotional moments.
- You enjoy seeing complex relationships untangle.
- You love coming of age stories.
Erased
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural |
2016 |
12 |
A-1 Pictures |
Satoru Fujinuma possesses a mysterious power he calls "Revival", which sends him back a few minutes before disasters, letting him prevent tragedies. But when someone murders his mother and pins the crime on him, Revival throws him back 18 years to his elementary school days. There, he faces a haunting truth: his mother's murder connects to a series of child disappearances that claimed his quiet classmate, Kayo Hinazuki.
The story works on multiple levels, combining a tense thriller about catching a killer with an intimate look at childhood friendship. Satoru navigates his elementary school days with an adult's understanding, spotting things he missed as a child while trying to act natural around his classmates. The winter setting of 1988 Japan serves both the cozy and darker moments - kids playing in the snow feels nostalgic, while footprints in that same snow could give away too much.
A-1 Pictures brings this dual nature to life through animation that captures subtle expressions perfectly. We can read the pain behind Kayo's quiet demeanor and follow Satoru's thought process as he pieces together clues that escaped him the first time around.
Score | 8/10
You'll love Erased if:
- You enjoy piecing together mysteries.
- You want time travel with real emotional stakes.
- You believe small acts of kindness can change lives.
- You like outsmarting criminals rather than outfighting them.
Bocchi The Rock!
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Comedy, Music, Slice of Life |
2022 |
12 |
CloverWorks |
Hitori Gotoh (nicknamed Bocchi) is a high school girl who's terrible at talking to people but amazing at guitar. She spends her days practicing alone in her room, uploading covers online, dreaming of joining a band, and being popular and able to talk to people. Everything changes when the energetic Nijika scouts her for her band. Suddenly, Bocchi has to figure out how to play guitar while actually facing other humans.
What makes this show shine is how it turns social anxiety into both comedy and character growth. Bocchi's overthinking spirals into hilarious visual gags, with the animation going wild to show us exactly what's going on in her head. But, beneath the laughs, there's a genuine story about pushing past your comfort zone and finding your people.
CloverWorks outdid themselves with the animation, mixing realistic band performances with over-the-top comedy sequences. The music hits, too. These girls actually rock like a young band figuring things out, getting better as they go along.
Score | 9/10
You'll love Bocchi The Rock! if:
- You know what it's like to overthink everything.
- You enjoy watching characters grow past their fears.
- You appreciate good music in your anime.
- You want something that's funny but still has heart.
Super Crooks
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Action, Drama, Suspense, Super Powers |
2021 |
13 |
Bones |
Johnny Bolt wields electricity in a world of superheroes, but a tragic accident at a pool during his youth sets him on a different path. After his powers unintentionally take lives, he turns to crime, seeing no way back to heroism. Years later, after a heist goes disastrously wrong, he finds himself planning an impossible job: stealing from the most dangerous supervillain alive. His only help? A crew of out-of-practice villains who've mostly given up on the game.
Based on Mark Millar's Marvel comic, Super Crooks brings together the best parts of heist movies and superhero stories. It plays all the classic notes - assembling the team, planning the perfect crime, dealing with inevitable complications - but powers and abilities add layers to every scheme. Having the villains take center stage gives us a fresh perspective on a world where heroes usually hog the spotlight.
Studio Bones delivers stunning animation that bridges two worlds. The action sequences blend the dynamic feel of American comics with anime's visual flair, creating something that feels unique. Every power gets its moment to shine and the art style makes both quiet planning sessions and explosive confrontations equally engaging.
Score | 9/10
You'll love Super Crooks if:
- You enjoy heist movies with a super-powered twist.
- You've always rooted for the villains in superhero stories.
- You want anime that feels like a blockbuster movie.
- You enjoy seeing clever uses of superpowers.
- You're a comic book fan curious about anime.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
|
Genre |
Year(s) of Release |
No. of Episodes |
Animation Studio |
|
Action, Cyberpunk, Drama |
2022 |
10 |
Trigger |
In Night City, getting cybernetic upgrades is like changing clothes - but too many implants can drive you insane. David Martinez knows the risks, but after losing everything, he takes a chance on experimental military tech. His talent for handling cyberware catches the eye of Lucy, a mysterious netrunner, and Maine's crew of edgerunners - mercenaries who do the jobs too dangerous or illegal for anyone else.
Studio Trigger unleashes their signature chaotic animation style on Night City's neon-drenched streets. Chrome gleams, blood sprays, and cyber-enhanced bodies move with impossible speed through firefights that'd make even Adam Smasher flinch. Beneath the chrome and violence beats a human heart. David's crew becomes the family he lost, each job bringing them closer together and deeper into Night City's deadly web.
The story races toward its finale like a bullet train with cut brakes. Every episode cranks up the stakes as David pushes his limits, knowing each new piece of chrome brings him closer to cyberpsychosis. Between the pulsing synthwave soundtrack and the raw emotion of its cast, Edgerunners captures what makes Night City both beautiful and brutal: everyone's trying to become a legend, even if it kills them.
Review | 10/10
You'll love Cyberpunk: Edgerunners if:
- You want action that'll melt your eyeballs.
- You enjoy stories that hit both hard and deep.
- You appreciate when style and substance work together.
- You dig shows that aren't afraid to get dark.
- You've played Cyberpunk 2077 and want more of that world.
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