Best short anime series to binge

It is common to find oneself dreading the inevitable end of their favorite animes. However, it can also often be grueling to find the time, or desire, to commit to a series with countless episodes. Compiled here is a diverse selection of animes that can be binge-watched in a day.

Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Supernatural 

Episodes: 12

When tragedy is about to strike, Satoru Fujinuma is arbitrarily sent back minutes before the accident occurs. However, when falsely accused of murdering someone, Fujinuma is instead sent 18 years in the past during a time when several classmates were victims of a serial kidnapper, whom he soon realizes is connected to the murder. Through its enthralling plot, lovable characters, and dramatic irony, viewers will be left at the edge of their seats. 

Charlotte

Genre: Drama, School, Super Power

Episodes: 13, One Special  

As superhuman abilities manifest among a small percentage of adolescents, Yuu Otosaka obtained the ability to temporarily possess others, which catches the attention of Hoshinoumi Academy, a school founded as a haven for children with such abilities. Otosaka is forced to join the student council, tasked with secretly tracking down those with powers. While the council uncovers the truth of these abilities, incredible twists and character development unfold.

Orange

Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance, School

Episodes: 13

Naho Takamiya receives a letter that recites the exact events of her sophomore year in high school from herself 10 years in the future. In hopes of correcting the mistakes she once made, the letter instructs Takamiya on what to change, especially regarding the new student, Kakeru Naruse. Tear-jerking scenes, sacrifices, and wholesome friendships ensue with Takamiya, bringing grace to each moment.

*Trigger warning: Suicide themes 

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Genre: Drama

Episodes: 11

Mirai Onozawa is terribly pessimistic, believing that fate has a bone to pick with her. When Onozawa reluctantly takes her younger brother, a hopeless optimist, Yuuki, to a robot exhibition, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake hits. In its aftermath, the siblings stumble upon Mari Kusakabe, a single mother who decides to help them. This heart-wrenching story sparks an emotional connection through its displays of a touching sibling relationship.

Attempting to conquer Ente Isla, the Demon Lord Satan’s efforts were foiled by the hero Emilia, forcing Satan, along with his loyal general Alsiel, to retreat to Earth. Stranded and powerless in modern-day Tokyo, Satan begins working at MgRonalds to make ends meet, determined to climb the corporate ladder. Whether it is household chores or scrambling to pay rent on time, this anime presents a hilarious view of the most mundane aspects of everyday life through the eyes of a hapless demon lord.