Written by: Gabriel Castillo
Published on: December 11, 2021 at 19:00 PHT (GMT+8)
Sometimes it’s quite difficult to find time for a nice anime binge thanks to the daily hustle and bustle. As much as many people want to binge 1000 episodes of their favorite series (looking at you, One Piece), timing might be tough. Even though the holidays are coming up, some people still have to manage their free time to binge!
And so, here are 7 anime series, each less than 15 episodes, that are perfect for people with limited time to binge for the holidays! Check out the short list arranged by release date with a brief introduction and synopsis of the series below! Take note that some of them refer to the first season of some series just to give you a little taste of the show and then maybe you can continue the rest throughout the new year.
1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Season 1: 14 Episodes)
This series originated from a Japanese light novel written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito which started in 2003 and is currently ongoing. The first season of the anime adaptation aired back in 2006 produced by Kyoto Animation and originally ran for just 14 episodes. The show has a good amount of slice-of-life feels with an extra edge given the mysterious, supernatural phenomena happening around. The premise seems a bit heavy but there are many light and enjoyable moments throughout the episodes. If you’re wondering, yes there is a second season but the first is a million times more commendable.
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
At a seemingly normal high school in Nishinomiya, Kyon is forcibly recruited by Haruhi Suzumiya, an outlandish and somewhat odd school girl earnestly searching for supernatural phenomena such as espers, aliens, and time travelers. The duo establishes the SOS brigade (Spreading excitement all Over the world with Haruhi Suzumiya Brigade). Three unassuming students join: the quiet Yuki Nagato, the bashful Mikuru Asahina, and the carefree Itsuki Koizumi. Soon enough, the three members reveal themselves as the supernatural beings that Haruhi seeks and each hope to observe her extraordinary powers to change reality (which is unbeknownst to herself). As the fate of their current world hangs on Haruhi’s excitement or boredom, Kyon and the three members do their best to keep her entertained to prevent any possible catastrophes.
2. Anohana: The Flower We Saw that Day (12 episodes)
This short series was created by a group of artists known as Super Peace Busters back in 2011 and was produced by A-1 pictures. Prior to watching the show, you may think that 12 episodes is too short but, after watching, you’ll realize that so much happened throughout the brief run. It’s easy to feel deeply for the well-written characters and to vicariously experience their many emotions. Be warned, this show is quite a tear-jerker so maybe prep some tissues!
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
Six childhood friends party ways as one girl, Meiko “Menma” Honma passes away after an accident. Years later, Jinta Yadomi, previously the group’s leader, is living a peaceful life as a recluse when the ghost of Menma suddenly appears and asks him to grant her wish in order for her to cross over into the afterlife. Unfortunately, Menma cannot recall her wish and Jinta ends up bringing the gang back together to figure things out. Initially, the rest of the group do not believe what Jinta’s asking for but when Menma finally reveals her presence, the rest oblige and help out. After which, old feelings within the group resurface as they continue their efforts to help.
3. No Game, No Life (12 Episodes)
This series started as a light novel series by Yu Kamiya which started publication in 2012 and is currently ongoing. The anime adaptation by Madhouse aired 12 episodes back in 2014 and fans have been clamoring for a second season since. The story is quite light and the characters are mostly easy to understand. There’s a ton of fantasy elements and, be warned, a bunch of ecchi scenes scattered here and there! Overall, it’s a good time and easily watchable.
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
Sora and his younger stepsister Shiro are two gaming addicted siblings that head Blank, an undefeated group of gamers. One day, Tet, a god from another reality, challenges the two to a game of chess and the siblings win. They’re offered a chance to live in a world where everything revolves around games and the two accept. After being transported to another world known as Disboard, the siblings begin their new life and vie for a ruling position.
4. Death Parade (12 Episodes)
This short TV anime produced by Madhouse and created by Yuzuru Tachikawa ran for just 12 episodes back in 2015. This brief series boasts stunning visuals, memorable characters, and mind games (on top of the actual games they play). Going through the short run of Death Parade is quite exciting given the giga high stakes of the games plus there’s a fair number of themes that will make you think deeply.
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
When people die, they find themselves in a bar where arbiters of the afterlife await. The dead must compete in the Death Games, betting their souls for a chance at reincarnation or, if they lose, a one-way trip to oblivion. The story follows bartender Decim who hosts the Quindecim bar and the people whose true natures come out throughout the games.
5. Violet Evergarden (13 Episodes)
This series was adapted from a Japanese light novel written by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase. The 13-episode anime adaptation by Kyoto Animation aired in 2018 and left quite an emotional mark on many fans. That being said, prep your tissues and cozy blankets if you’re including this in your holiday binge. This heart-wrenching story of loving and losing someone, although sad, is a highly recommended watch if you’re looking for a little introspection over Christmas.
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
The story follows Violet Evergarden, an ex-soldier rejoining society after their war ends, and her encounter with Auto Memory Dolls which transcribes the thoughts and feelings of people. Violet begins her life anew, starts working as an Auto Memory Doll, and ventures to find her new purpose.
6. Kaguya-Sama: Love is War (Season 1: 12 Episodes)
This series is based on a manga of the same title by Aka Akasaka which began serialization in 2015. The 12-episode anime adaptation produced by A-1 pictures aired its first season back in 2019, with a second season in 2020, and a third season will premiere in 2022. The series is light and very easy to watch with lovable characters and a simple setting. The first season can definitely add an extra bit of fun to your holiday binge and, for the older generation, they can relive a bit of their high school romances!
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
In Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya serve as the student council president and vice president respectively. The two work together every single day and they seem like a perfect match. And they like each other! However, neither of them wishes to confess first and instead they come up with schemes to get the other to spill their true feelings!
7. Beastars (Season 1: 12 Episodes)
This series was adapted from a Japanese manga of the same title written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki which was published from 2016 to 2020. The first season of the anime adaptation by Orange ran from October to December of 2019 and aired 12 episodes. Although some viewers may be reluctant since all the main characters are animals, they actually have quite a bit of depth and human emotionality about them which creates such an interesting atmosphere as it mixes with the more “animalistic’ instincts. Legoshi definitely stands out as a main character and is one to watch out for!
Synopsis (AniRadio Rewrite):
In a modern world filled with anthropomorphic animals, there is an evident divide between the herbivores and carnivores. The story follows Legoshi, a large gray wolf attending Cherryton Academy, living with his carnivore buddies in a dorm. He’s a little on the reserved, timid side and works as a stagehand in the school’s drama club. One night, the alpaca Tem is murdered and eaten creating a suffocating atmosphere of distrust among the students. Meanwhile, Legoshi ends up meeting and slowly falling for Haru… a white dwarf rabbit. These feelings end up confusing the young wolf as he tries to make heads or tails of everything going on around him.
There are many others out there but hopefully this list helps you decide. Enjoy your holiday anime binge!
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