Anime with seasons that stretch on and on can be intimidating to start. Viewers sometimes just want to relax by diving into a world quickly and experiencing a well-encapsulated story. Even if the series is left open-ended with room for more incoming content, it's nice to feel up-to-date soon after watching an interesting show.
Limited-run series of around ten episodes are great because the story is complete and easy to digest in a weekend, or even a long evening, on the couch. Some single-season series are due for a season two release so now is a great time to binge them to be ready for the next release.
10 I'm The Villainess, So I'm Taming The Final Boss
12 Episodes
Fantasy anime characteristically have huge worlds and several seasons, but I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss comprises a neat twelve-episode arc about a jilted bride named Aileen who has been reincarnated into a fantasy video game and cast in the villain role. She hatches a quick and punchy plan to change her fate: seduce the Demon King, the otome game's final boss.
Aileen is immediately likable, and her scheme promises right away to be entertaining and action-filled, with a simple goal in mind. I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss is a great blend of high-stakes isekai, with a short but well-fleshed-out plot.
9 Ergo Proxy
23 Episodes
Ergo Proxy is a single-season cyberpunk anime about a post-apocalyptic future where humans exist alongside androids. Though short, the series is filled with layers of philosophical questions and spiritual examination. Re-L is investigating a murder mystery involving strange humanoids, and she uncovers a new piece of the puzzle with every episode.
In its one season, Ergo Proxy tells a well-rounded story with memorable and believable character development. Its complex writing sticks in the minds of audiences enough afterward that it's considered a loved cult classic.
8 My Dress-Up Darling
12 Episodes
My Dress-Up Darling recently announced a second season and right now has a twelve-episode first season available to enjoy about two friends who sew costumes together. Wakana loves crafting costumes for hina dolls, which his craftsman grandfather used to do, and Marin creates cosplays and avidly watches anime.
My Dress-Up Darling explores making art for art's sake and being unapologetic about devoting time to and leaning into the things you love. It also highlights the community that can come from creative and transformative works.
7 Spy X Family
25 Episodes
Spy X Family is a found family comedy anime with pacing that will have viewers racing through its current season. The hidden identities and abilities of each character make for plenty of humorous situations, with Anya being the fan-favorite character.
Though the assassin, spy, and psychic girl form a family for their mutual benefit, there are genuine moments where they care for each other. Emotions and character development aside, there's plenty of action and conflict to keep the plot feeling fresh as it progresses.
6 Puella Magi Madoka Magica
12 Episodes
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is an ode to magical girl anime, which all fans of the subgenre should give a watch. It follows Madoka, who becomes a chosen Magical Girl who uses her magic to fight Witches.
Of course, not all is as it seems for the chosen ones, and to be a Magical Girl means one must make a great personal sacrifice. Puella Magi Madoka Magica has gorgeous visuals, bright battle sequences which one would expect from the genre, and some inversion and examination of the magical girl trope.
5 Beastars
24 Episodes
In the anthropomorphic world of Beastars, there's a steep division between meat-eaters and herbivores. Audiences often don't know what to make of the anthropomorphized characters, but those who give it a chance are quickly endeared to the unique characters, especially Legoshi.
Characters set in an animal kingdom create a lot of room for metaphor in the writing, and the limited-run series comprising only twenty-four episodes keeps the themes and messages succinct. Beastars packs a lot of cohesive world-building into a short period of time.
4 Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto
12 Episodes & 1 OVA
Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto follows Sakamoto, the genius of his high school. Twelve episodes and one OVA depict his sly antics where more often than not, he navigates his way out of other people's messes and comes out on top despite the odds.
Sakamoto's sanguine character and the series' brevity keep the concept amusing rather than repetitive. He has a kind of MacGyver-type personality which makes for some creative problem-solving from time to time. His willingness to help other students also makes him likable and capable rather than annoyingly overpowered as a character.
3 The Devil Is A Part-Timer
25 Episodes
If someone ever wondered what it would be like if Satan worked in a fast-food restaurant, The Devil Is A Part-Timer answers that question neatly. While he did try to seize power as the Devil King, in the mortal world he proves to be a diligent and personable employee at the MgRonald's restaurant.
For all intents and purposes, Sadao, the former Devil King, is trying to make a new start for himself. Satan wouldn't be Satan if he didn't try to gain power in some way, however, and he does so by trying to climb up the corporate ladder.
2 The Girl From The Other Side
1 OVA & 1 Movie
When Shiva is abandoned in a treacherous forest in The Girl from the Other Side, she's taken in by a cursed creature who she comes to know as Teacher. In the forest, there are creatures, including Teacher, who can curse Shiva with just a single touch.
Teacher agonizes over what's right for Shiva and how he can do right by her, while Shiva does her best to process the grisly fairy tale world she lives in as a small, fragile child. The series has a melancholic tone, but with a beautiful note of acceptance that makes it an emotional watch.
1 Raven Of The Inner Palace
13 Episodes
Liu Shouxue is the Raven of the Inner Palace, or the Raven Consort, who is responsible for purifying spirits rather than having any contact with the emperor. Shouxue leads a quiet and, for the most part, isolated life until the emperor seeks her out specially for her particular brand of magic.
The emperor's presence in her life changes from annoying to something different for Shouxue as she gets to know him better. Shouxue and the emperor solve supernatural disturbances as their forbidden relationship develops further.