Top 5 Best Short Anime You Can Finish in a Weekend

We've all been there—standing at the edge of a free weekend, craving an escape, but too exhausted to commit to a 900-episode odyssey. Sometimes, you don't need a sprawling epic that takes months to finish. Sometimes, you just need a short, powerful story that grabs your heart, shakes your soul, and leaves you breathless by Sunday evening. Whether you are looking for heart-pounding action, tear-jerking drama, or a mystery that keeps you guessing, short anime series offer some of the most concentrated and emotional storytelling in the medium.

If you are ready to binge something incredible without the long-term commitment, here are the top 5 best short anime you can finish in a single weekend. These stories may be short, but they will stay with you forever.

1. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk Episodes: 10

In a dystopian city consumed by corruption and cybernetic obsession, a talented street kid named David Martinez loses everything. With nothing left to lose, he chooses to survive by becoming an "Edgerunner"—a mercenary outlaw also known as a cyberpunk. This show is a visual masterpiece that hits you with an adrenaline rush of neon lights and hyper-stylized violence, only to crush your heart with its deeply human story of dreams and tragedy.

Why You Should Watch It

It is rare to find an anime that balances style and substance so perfectly. The animation is frantic and colorful, but underneath the chaos lies a touching story about finding connection in a world that wants to tear you apart. You will come for the action, but you will stay for the emotional devastation.

2. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural Episodes: 12

Satoru Fujinuma possesses a strange ability called "Revival," which sends him back in time a few minutes before a life-threatening incident occurs, allowing him to prevent it. But when tragedy strikes closer to home, he is sent back eighteen years into the past. Now, as a grade-schooler, he must solve the mystery of a serial kidnapper to save his friends and fix the future. The tension in Erased is palpable, making it impossible to stop watching once you start.

Why You Should Watch It

This is the ultimate "just one more episode" anime. It masterfully weaves a gripping murder mystery with nostalgic childhood moments. It’s a story about regret, the desire to protect those we love, and the courage to change fate.

3. Horimiya

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy Episodes: 13

At school, Kyouko Hori is the perfect, popular student, while Izumi Miyamura is a gloomy, glasses-wearing otaku. But outside of school, Hori is a busy homebody, and Miyamura is a pierced, tattooed bad boy. When they accidentally discover each other's secret sides, a sweet and genuine relationship begins to blossom. Unlike many romances that drag on for years, Horimiya delivers a satisfying and refreshing progression that feels real.

Why You Should Watch It

If you need a break from heavy themes, this show is a warm hug. It avoids the frustrating miscommunications typical of the romance genre and focuses on two people genuinely getting to know and accept each other. It is wholesome, funny, and incredibly relatable.

4. Violet Evergarden

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life Episodes: 13

Raised as a weapon of war, Violet knows nothing but orders and combat. When the war ends, she is left with metal prosthetic arms and the final words of her commanding officer: "I love you"—words she does not understand. To find their meaning, she becomes an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters for others and learning about human emotion in the process. Visually, this is arguably one of the most beautiful anime ever created.

Why You Should Watch It

Prepare some tissues, because this series is an emotional journey like no other. It explores the scars of war, the difficulty of expressing feelings, and the power of words to connect people. Each episode tells a different client's story, and each one is a masterpiece of empathy and storytelling.

5. Death Parade

Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Drama Episodes: 12

After death, there is no heaven or hell—only a bar. Here, the bartender Decim challenges pairs of deceased souls to high-stakes games like darts, bowling, or billiards. But these aren't just games; they are psychological tests designed to reveal the true nature of the participants' souls, determining whether they will be reincarnated or sent to the void. It’s a dark, stylish, and philosophical look at human nature.

Why You Should Watch It

Death Parade asks difficult questions about morality, judgment, and what it means to be human. It’s suspenseful and thought-provoking, with a jazzy opening theme that contrasts brilliantly with the show's darker tone. It’s a unique experience that you can easily devour in a couple of sittings.

Ready for your weekend binge? Pick the one that speaks to your mood, grab some snacks, and let yourself get lost in these amazing worlds.