Storytelling in Anime can be so varied that it can take several seasons to cover. The big three each have at least 300 episodes, with One Piece even passing the 1000 episode mark. Modern giants like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen already have over 50 episodes as well.
But despite the success of these anime, more episodes don't automatically translate into a better anime. Often we get a single season of anime that is so good that fans remember it for years to come. The following are 12 anime that tell a memorable story with extraordinary characters through different genres and styles.
Best anime you can binge in one day
There is nothing that goes up against a whole series at once. These amazing short animes won't take much of your time to complete.
Yano-kun's Ordinary Days (12 episodes)
Yano-kun, either very clumsy or very unlucky, has always been prone to injury. His constant injuries catch the eye of Yoshida, a caring and trustworthy person who eventually gets close to him. As they continue to grow closer, Yoshida aims to help Yano-kun enjoy a normal and fun school life.
Yano-Kun's Ordinary Days is a slice of high school life that is a good mix of comedy and romance. It emphasizes themes such as self-awareness, communication and friendship. The anime doesn't try to achieve too much, it simply tells a heartwarming story with very likable characters.
Akame ga Kill! (24 episodes)
Akame ga Kill! follows the story of Tatsumi, a skilled but naive swordsman who arrives in the capital with his companions hoping to make a fortune to save his village. But he soon learns about the harshness and cruelty of the capital. Encountering an assassin group known as the “Night Raid” changes his life and leads him down a path he would not have anticipated.
Akame ga Kill! is a fantasy action with themes such as corruption, morality and justice. It's an emotionally driven show with lots of violence, unpredictability and twists. One of the anime's key features is its cast of memorable characters.
Great Pretender (23 episodes)
Makoto, struck by a series of unfortunate events, enters a life of deceit and fraud and becomes a con artist. He tries to trick a naive tourist, but he is outwitted by this tourist, who also happens to be one of the finest tricksters in the world, named Laurent. After Laurent, he leaves Japan and reaches Los Angeles, where a new life of deceit and crime awaits him.
The Great Pretender is an unpredictable but fun ride where crime beats crime. It is full of twists, mysteries and cliffhangers that constantly keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Ranking of Kings (23 episodes)
Bojji, born deaf, small and weak, is made fun of by his own people. He was constantly insulted by others and seemed to have no friends until the day he met Kage. At first, Kage was rude and exploitative, but once he saw Bojji's kindness, he became sympathetic to him and began to take care of him.
Ranking of Kings has a strong emphasis on human emotions and relationships. Bojji's sincerity draws people to him, and they become part of their journey. It also has a well-built world with elements of corruption, prejudice and well-timed action.
Noragami (25 episodes)
Usually people go out looking for God in search of happiness and good fortune. However, Noragami tells the story of a small deity named Yato who offers to grant wishes for a small cost of 5 yen. Dreaming of becoming a famous God, his life finally takes a turn when he meets Hiyori, a teenager whose soul accidentally left her body, and Yukine, a spirit who becomes Yato's weapon.
Noragami is very character driven. Through the eyes of an average middle school girl, we meet prominent gods who have unique personalities and histories. The show is often comical, but also becomes heartwarming, thought-provoking and action-packed.
Deleted (12 episodes)
Satoru, a 29-year-old manga artist, has the ability to travel back in time, which he calls “Revival”. He uses this supernatural power to prevent crises and save lives. But one day, when he encounters a much bigger tragedy and travels all the way back to his childhood in hopes of fixing things.
Erased is a fantastic mystery with supernatural elements. The anime only showcases a few characters, but it does so in depth and makes them likable and makes the fans feel sympathy for them.
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Dororo (24 episodes)
Daigo Kagemitsu wishes his country to prosper and makes a pact with 12 demons. As a consequence, his firstborn son, Hyakkimaru, is born in a terrible condition. Lacking vital sense organs, limbs and internal organs, Hyakkimaru is abandoned at birth. The years pass until one day, defeating a demon gives Hyakkimaru his skin back, but it also causes the prosperous land to flood.
Dororo is a remake of the 1969 anime “Dororo to Hyakkimaru”. Set in 15th century Japan, where life was harsh, it portrays the struggle and cruelty of humanity well. It is dark and bloody, but also shows the positive and friendly side of humanity through characters like Dororo, Mio and Nuinokata.
86 (23 episodes)
The Republic of San Magnolia is at constant war against the technologically superior Giadian Empire. The Republic of San Magnolia is a proud nation that claims no casualties in the war, but their unmanned army is secretly commissioned by a marginalized group known as the Eighty-Six. Not seen by the nations as human, they are constantly sent on deadly missions without regard for their lives. But the commander Vladilena Milize is different because she sees them as equal people and really cares for them.
86 is an emotional and powerful story about war, racism and trauma. The anime has a diverse cast of characters that are all made memorable and beloved through their backstories and personalities.
Kimi Ni Todoke (43 episodes)
Sawako is a quiet and kind girl, but misunderstood by everyone as scary. Her name's resemblance to a ghost makes matters worse, and she is mistakenly called “Sadako” by everyone. Secretly, she yearns for friends and is held back by her shyness. Soon, of course, she is drawn to Kazehaya, a popular guy who is always kind to her. Sawako's sincere and pleasant nature also leads her to become close friends with Chizuru and Ayane. A school life full of new emotions and encounters awaits Sawako.
Kimi Ni Todoke is a comforting and honest story about friendship, first love and understanding oneself. It explores emotions that teenagers and young adults feel, making it relatable to watch for many viewers.
Mob Psycho 100 (37 episodes)
A stunning blend of unique art style, epic fight scenes and captivating characters, Mob Psycho 100 brings the story of a young, shy boy with a dark side. Mob has immeasurable psychic powers, but an accident in the past caused him to suppress his emotions and powers. With negative emotions slowly piling up, Mob's control over his powers slowly weakens, and he may eventually lose control.
Mob Psycho 100 is a slice of life that also has elements of action and the supernatural. The show has become a fan favorite due to its high production quality and visible character development of deep and complex characters.
