The Best Short Anime Series Ever Made

Short anime is a deceptively powerful format. In just a few minutes per episode, talented creators pack in laughs, tears, tension, and unforgettable characters. The series below have each earned their place as some of the finest short-form anime ever produced — ranked not just for entertainment value, but for creativity, impact, and rewatchability.

  1. Aggressive Retsuko (Aggretsuko)

    A Sanrio property that became a cult classic. Retsuko's quiet desperation and her death-metal outlet resonates with anyone who's ever worked a frustrating office job. Emotionally layered despite its silly premise.

  2. Miss Hokusai (Short Film / OVA Series)

    A beautifully crafted look at the life of manga artist Katsushika Ōi, daughter of the legendary Hokusai. Poetic, visually stunning, and historically rich.

  3. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

    Season after season of creepy 4-minute horror vignettes. The lo-fi art style makes it feel more unsettling, not less. A landmark in short horror anime.

  4. Gdgd Fairies

    An absurdist comedy featuring three fairies whose improvised conversations and bizarre sketches somehow always land perfectly. Beloved by comedy fans.

  5. Chi's Sweet Home

    Simple, sweet, and utterly charming. Chi remains one of anime's most beloved animal protagonists after more than a decade.

  6. Encouragement of Climb (Yama no Susume)

    A slice-of-life gem about mountain climbing and friendship. The short format works perfectly for its gentle, episodic structure.

  7. Tonkatsu DJ Agetaro

    A bizarre but brilliant comedy about a young man who discovers parallels between making tonkatsu and being a DJ. Surprisingly compelling and funny.

  8. Space Patrol Luluco

    Studio Trigger at its chaotic best. A 7-minute-per-episode action-comedy packed with references, energy, and genuine heart. A fan favorite.

  9. Teekyuu

    Possibly the fastest comedy in anime history. Episodes clock in under 2 minutes and deliver an absurd number of jokes per second. Exhausting in the best way.

  10. Bananya

    Cats that live inside bananas. That's the show. It's delightfully soothing and utterly nonsensical — and somehow it works completely.

Honorable Mentions

  • Hanamaru Kindergarten Shorts — Sweet mini-episodes featuring very young children and big life lessons.
  • Pui Pui Molcar — Stop-motion guinea pig cars that somehow became a global sensation.
  • Pikmin Short Movies — Nintendo's gorgeous, wordless CGI shorts based on the beloved game series.

Why Short Anime Deserves More Recognition

These series prove that short runtime doesn't mean shallow content. Many of the titles above deliver more emotional punch or comedic density per minute than full-length series. If you haven't explored the short anime format yet, this list is your starting point.