Ever find yourself craving an epic anime but don’t have the time to commit to a long series?
We’ve all been there—wanting that next-level story without the hours to spare.
Well, you’re in luck.
Today, we’re diving into the Top 10 Best Completed Anime Under 13 Episodes. These short series prove that sometimes the best things come in small packages—delivering everything you love about anime: intense action, deep emotions, and stunning visuals, all in a bite-sized binge.
Ready to discover your next quick watch? Let’s get into it.
- Death Parade
What happens after death? Are we sent to heaven, or hell?
In Death Parade, souls are sent to a mysterious bar called Quindecim, where they’re judged through high-stakes games.
Whether it’s darts, air hockey, or bowling, these games reveal the true nature of each participant—most of whom don’t even remember how they died.
The story revolves around Decim, a stoic bartender and arbiter, and Chiyuki, his human assistant, as they guide souls through this twisted afterlife.
But Death Parade is more than just games. It’s a haunting exploration of morality, emotion, and the meaning of life. The animation is stunning, and the atmosphere is both eerie and beautiful. Each episode pulls back the layers of its characters, forcing you to ask: What does it really mean to be good or evil?
If you enjoy anime that makes you think and feel, Death Parade is a must-watch.
- Orange
Orange is a heartfelt drama that blends romance and time travel in a truly emotional way.
The story follows Naho Takamiya, a high school girl who receives a letter from her future self—warning her of regrets she’ll face if she doesn’t take action. The main focus is on her classmate, Kakeru Naruse, who is silently dealing with emotional pain that leads to tragedy in the future.
As Naho and her friends try to change the course of events, the series explores themes of friendship, love, and second chances with striking honesty.
The characters are relatable, and the emotional stakes feel incredibly real. Orange will resonate with anyone who’s ever wished they could go back and do things differently.
- Handa-kun
Handa-kun is a hilarious prequel to Barakamon, focusing on the high school life of Seishuu Handa.
He’s misunderstood by everyone around him as a delinquent or an aloof genius—but in reality, he’s just socially awkward. His daily life becomes a series of comedic misunderstandings and absurd overreactions from the people around him.
The humor in Handa-kun is top-notch, thanks to clever writing and exaggerated reactions from its quirky supporting cast. Even better, it gives insight into Handa’s personality, making it fun for Barakamon fans and newcomers alike.
If you’re looking for something light, funny, and genuinely entertaining, this one’s for you.
- Violet Evergarden (Special)
Violet Evergarden is a visual masterpiece that tells the story of Violet, a former child soldier trying to find her place in a post-war world.
Trained as a weapon, Violet now works as an Auto Memory Doll, writing heartfelt letters for others while grappling with her own emotions—especially the meaning of the words “I love you,” spoken to her by her former commander.
This is a stunning exploration of trauma, healing, and the power of words. Kyoto Animation delivers breathtaking visuals, with every frame looking like a painting.
By the end of the story, you’ll be fully invested in Violet’s journey of self-discovery. If you appreciate emotionally rich narratives and beautiful animation, this is a must-watch.
- Terror in Resonance
Also known as Zankyou no Terror, this thought-provoking thriller explores government corruption, fear, and redemption.
Two teenage terrorists—known only as Nine and Twelve—carry out bombings in Tokyo while leaving cryptic puzzles for the authorities to solve. But as the story unfolds, we learn the heartbreaking truth behind their actions.
This anime isn’t just a cat-and-mouse game—it’s a powerful commentary on trauma, justice, and identity. Studio MAPPA handles the animation brilliantly, and Yoko Kanno’s soundtrack brings the tension to another level.
If you enjoy smart, suspenseful anime with a deeper message, Terror in Resonance will not disappoint.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Set in the gritty world of Cyberpunk 2077, this short series follows David Martinez, a street kid trying to survive in a city obsessed with tech and body mods.
After a personal tragedy, David becomes an Edgerunner—a mercenary outlaw—and quickly finds himself in over his head in the chaotic underworld of Night City.
With vibrant visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a tragic emotional core, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is as thrilling as it is heartbreaking. Studio Trigger brings the world to life with dynamic animation and unforgettable style.
If you’re a fan of high-octane, emotional sci-fi, this is an essential watch.
- Charlotte
Charlotte is an emotionally charged anime about teenagers with temporary supernatural powers that appear during puberty.
Yuu Otosaka uses his power to control people for personal gain—until he’s caught by Nao Tomori, head of a student council that tracks down others like him. From there, Yuu is pulled into a journey that goes much deeper than he ever expected.
With twists, heartbreak, and powerful character growth, Charlotte is a rollercoaster of emotions. Yuu’s transformation—from selfish trickster to selfless hero—is especially impactful.
If you’re looking for an anime that can make you laugh, cry, and think, this is a great pick.
- ReLIFE
ReLIFE offers a fresh spin on the slice-of-life genre.
Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old man stuck in a rut, is given a chance to relive a year of high school through the ReLIFE program—only this time, in a 17-year-old body.
As Arata navigates high school again, he forms new friendships, faces old insecurities, and learns valuable life lessons. The story is heartwarming and relatable, exploring themes of redemption, growth, and second chances.
If you’ve ever wished you could hit the reset button on life, ReLIFE will speak to you.
- Erased
Erased is a masterclass in suspense and emotional storytelling.
Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist, has a rare ability to rewind time moments before tragedy strikes. When his mother is murdered, he’s sent back to his childhood—forced to solve a series of kidnappings and prevent disaster.
With tight pacing, compelling characters, and an emotional core that hits hard, Erased blends mystery, drama, and time travel perfectly. Every episode builds tension, making it nearly impossible to stop watching.
This is a gripping, heartfelt thriller you won’t forget.
- Astra: Lost in Space
Last but not least is Astra: Lost in Space, a thrilling sci-fi adventure with mystery, survival, and heart.
A group of students on a space camp trip is mysteriously transported thousands of light-years from home. Stranded with limited resources, they must work together to survive—and uncover the truth behind why they were sent there.
With clever plot twists, strong character development, and just the right amount of humor, Astra strikes a great balance between tension and fun.
If you love survival stories and space adventures, this one deserves a spot on your list.
And that wraps up our list of 10 incredible anime under 13 episodes!
Short on time? No problem—these series pack a punch without overstaying their welcome.
Which of these have you seen? Which ones are you adding to your watchlist?