10 Must-Watch Anime Series With Episodes Less Than 5 Minutes Long
ManhuaSeptember 09, 2023
In today's fast-paced world, it can be a real challenge to find the time to indulge in our favorite anime. The commitment to watching seasonal shows, which can often span 24 episodes of 25 minutes each, can feel incredibly daunting. And with sequels adding to the overall time investment, the desire to keep up with beloved series can quickly turn into a time-consuming endeavor.
But what if you're in the mood for a quick anime fix without committing to a lengthy series? What if you're looking for a story that's rich and engaging but can be enjoyed in bite-sized episodes? Well, you're in luck! We've scoured the deep abyss of the anime catalog to find the gems that deliver a satisfying experience in just a fraction of the time.
These short anime series have episodes that are less than 5 minutes each, but don't let that fool you - they pack a punch! Despite their brevity, these anime deliver just as much enjoyment and entertainment as their full-length counterparts. So whether you're short on time or just looking for a change of pace, these bite-sized anime are sure to satisfy your cravings. And with so many options to choose from, you'll never run out of great anime to watch. So go ahead and dive in - you won't be disappointed!
10. Nyanko Days
Episode Length
2 minutes
Number of Episodes
12 Episodes
Genre
Comedy, Slice-of-life
“Nyanko Days” is a heartwarming anime series that provides a soothing escape from the challenges of daily life. Slice-of-life anime series are beautiful because they don’t require a massive budget, but they do require skillful direction to captivate viewers, and “Nyanko Days” excels at this. The story revolves around Yuuko Konagai, a high school student who often feels like she doesn't belong in social situations. After a day of challenges and minimal social interactions, she finds comfort at home, where she is greeted by her three cat girls, Shi, Maa, and Ro.
These adorable companions have a magical way of healing Yuuko's spirit, washing away the stress and negativity of the day. Despite its seemingly simple premise, “Nyanko Days” has a powerful emotional impact, demonstrating that the most straightforward stories can have the greatest impact. The series is a delightful blend of comedy, heartwarming moments, and adorable cat girls that will leave viewers feeling happy and content. The show’s animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors and fluid movement that bring the characters to life. The voice acting is also superb, capturing the personalities of each character perfectly.
The relationship between Yuuko and her cat girls is one of the show’s highlights, as it is a beautiful representation of the bond between humans and animals. The cat girls are not just cute accessories, but fully developed characters with distinct personalities. Their interactions with each other and Yuuko are heartwarming and often hilarious. The show’s music is also noteworthy, with a catchy opening theme and a beautiful ending theme that perfectly captures the show's essence.
Overall, “Nyanko Days” is a must-watch for anyone who loves slice-of-life anime or adorable cat girls. It is a heartwarming and charming series that will leave viewers feeling happy and content. The show's simple yet effective storytelling, beautiful animation, and fantastic voice acting make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a comforting and heartwarming escape, “Nyanko Days” is the perfect choice.
9. My Sweet Tyrant
Episode Length
3 minutes
Number of Episodes
25 Episodes
Genre
Romance, Comedy
The anime series "My Sweet Tyrant" brings a fresh perspective to the conventional "tsundere" trope found in most anime. Although each episode is only 3 minutes long, the show manages to captivate its viewers with its unique storyline.
In contrast to most romance anime, where a tsundere female protagonist is the norm, this series showcases a tsundere male lead named Atsuhiro. The show's portrayal of a male character with this disposition is both refreshing and heartwarming.
The central plot of the story revolves around Atsuhiro, a high school boy who loves his girlfriend Non deeply. However, he often cloaks his feelings with harsh words and seemingly rude behavior. He's so protective of her that he's afraid to walk beside her because he thinks that being close to an "angel" like Non might harm her.
Despite his prickly exterior, Atsuhiro is constant in his care for Non, always ensuring her well-being and cherishing every moment they share. His unique way of expressing love might be unconventional, but it's evident that his feelings for Non are true and deep.
8. Aiura
Episode Length
4 minutes
Number of Episodes
12 Episodes
Genre
Slice-of-life, Comedy
"Aiura" is a delightful anime series that captures the essence of cute girls leading their daily lives with joy and camaraderie. The series boasts of solid animation and aesthetically pleasing visuals, offering a charming viewing experience. Kudos to the voice acting crew for their excellent portrayal of each character, bringing them to life with authenticity and making the series all the more enjoyable.
The story revolves around three girls who have just embarked on their high school journey together. Their daily lives are filled with fun activities and visiting each other's homes, cementing their friendship. The plot introduces us to Ayuko, who is enjoying her ice cream alone when she is interrupted by Kanaka and Saki. This incident marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship, though it initially causes Ayuko to drop her ice cream.
The three girls soon realize that they will be attending the same high school and form a close-knit group. They share their lives and grow together, experiencing the ups and downs of high school life. As the story progresses, we witness their friendship strengthening and blossoming into something truly beautiful.
Overall, "Aiura" is a heartwarming anime series that perfectly captures the essence of slice-of-life storytelling. The show's solid animation, aesthetically pleasing visuals, and excellent voice acting make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The story is a testament to the power of friendship and the joy that comes from sharing one's life with others. It is a beautiful reminder that life is all about the little moments that we share with those we love.
7. My Big Sister Arrived
Episode Length
3 minutes
Number of Episodes
12 Episodes
Genre
Comedy, Slice-of-life
The anime series "Oneechan ga Kita!" is a comedy that focuses on the relationship between siblings with a hint of low-Ecchi content. It explores the typical "step-sibling" relationship that is commonly found in anime, demonstrating how the bond between a brother and sister develops over time in a humorous way.
The protagonist of the story is Tomoya Mizuhara, a young boy whose life changes unexpectedly when his parents remarry, and his lively and cheerful elder sister, Ichika, enters his life. The situation becomes more complex with the arrival of Ichika's sadistic friend Ruru and her well-endowed friend Marina.
Tomoya must deal with the comical challenges of living with Ichika, who is eager to connect with him in various ways. Her constant presence and overprotective nature frequently lead to hilarious and sometimes uncomfortable situations. Despite this, Tomoya and Ichika's relationship evolves and grows stronger as the story progresses.
The series is a lighthearted take on the "step-sibling" trope that is prevalent in anime. It showcases the ups and downs of siblings adjusting to life together under one roof, with plenty of laughs along the way.
"Oneechan ga Kita!" offers a unique perspective on the sibling relationship dynamic and is a must-watch for fans of comedic anime. The show's humorous and relatable situations make it an entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
Overall, "Oneechan ga Kita!" is a charming and amusing anime that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Its depiction of the evolving relationship between siblings is heartwarming, and its comedic moments are sure to leave you laughing out loud.
6. A Day Before Us
Episode Length
2-3 minutes
Number of Episodes
44 Episode (3 Seasons)
Genre
Romance
Set in a university campus, “A Day Before Us” is a captivating anime series that enthralls its viewers with its breathtaking music and mesmerizing sceneries. Based on a manhua, this series is unfortunately only available in Chinese dub, which can be a downside for non-Chinese speakers.
The plot of the show delves into the lives of young couples as they navigate the complex web of romance, friendship, and self-discovery. Through its stunning visuals, the show beautifully captures the delicate moments that shape many relationships during this transformative phase of life.
Each episode of “A Day Before Us” is dedicated to a different couple, offering a glimpse into their daily interactions, challenges, and emotional growth. Whether it is the excitement of a new relationship or the struggles of a long-term one, the show portrays each story with utmost sensitivity and nuance.
With its relatable characters, poignant storytelling, and immersive soundtrack, “A Day Before Us” has become a favorite among anime fans worldwide. Though it is a shame that the show is not available in more languages, its universal themes of love and growth transcend any language barriers.
5. I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying
Episode Length
3 minutes
Number of Episodes
26 Episodes (2 Seasons)
Genre
Romance, Comedy
"I Can’t Understand What My Husband is Saying" is an anime series that presents a unique twist on the romance genre. The show revolves around the life of a newlywed couple, Hajime, an otaku husband, and Kaoru, a hardworking wife. Their contrasting personalities make their marriage an interesting story of overcoming each other’s shortcomings. The series has become very popular among otaku culture, and its success has even led to a sequel.
The show's central premise is the marriage of a newlywed couple with opposing personalities. Hajime is a shut-in husband who spends his days blogging to make money, while Kaoru is a regular office worker. Hajime's peculiar interests in Otaku culture often lead to humorous situations that create communication issues with his wife. Kaoru doesn't share her husband's passion for Weeb terminologies and struggles to understand him.
Despite the differences in their personalities, the couple finds ways to overcome their shortcomings, making their relationship both entertaining and endearing. The show's popularity is a testament to its unique premise, which has resonated with otaku culture. The series has become a favorite among anime fans, and its success has led to a sequel that is equally captivating.
The show's portrayal of marriage is refreshing, as it depicts the struggles of two people with different interests and personalities trying to make their relationship work. The show's humor and relatable characters have made it a hit among anime fans worldwide. The series is a perfect example of how even the most unlikely couples can find love and happiness if they are willing to work through their differences.
Overall, "I Can’t Understand What My Husband is Saying" is an entertaining and heartwarming anime series that has captured the hearts of many viewers worldwide. Its unique premise, relatable characters, and humor have made it a must-watch for anime fans. The show's popularity is a testament to its quality, and it is a series that you won't want to miss.
4. Honobono Log
Episode Length
2 minutes
Number of Episodes
10 Episodes
Genre
Romance, Slice-of-life
“Honobono Log” is a heartwarming anime that beautifully depicts how important family is in our lives. It shows how families play a vital role in shaping our personalities and helping us grow. The series is not only healing but also comforting, making it a delightful watch. It highlights that even when conflicts arise within a family, it’s beneficial to clear everything out and communicate effectively. The plot follows various couples and families as they navigate their everyday lives, experiencing a range of emotions. Each episode captures genuine situations of love, friendship, and connection, often using few words and focusing on the feelings involved. The simplicity and sincerity of “Honobono Log” is why the series is placed so far high on the list.
3. Please Take My Brother Away
Episode Length
3 minutes
Number of Episodes
72 Episodes (5 Seasons)
Genre
Comedy, Slice-of-life
“Please Take My Brother Away” is a captivating anime series that is based on a manhua, similar to “A Day Before Us”. However, unlike the latter, this series is available in Japanese dub and features a premium selection of voice actors. The story revolves around the relationship between two siblings, where the elder brother is often lazy and scolded by his younger sister.
The anime beautifully portrays the unbreakable bond between siblings, highlighting that conflicts are normal in any relationship but can strengthen them. It presents this concept in a fun and engaging way that keeps the audience entertained throughout.
“Please Take My Brother Away” follows the mischievous and hilarious life of Shi Miao, whose daily routine is always disrupted by her lazy and troublesome younger brother, Shi Fen. The show depicts their amusing sibling relationship, as Shi Miao navigates her high school life while dealing with her brother's pranks.
The series explores various themes, including family dynamics, academic experiences, and the challenges of growing up, all presented in a humorous and heartwarming manner. It provides a refreshing take on the typical sibling relationship, showcasing the love and care that siblings have for each other, despite their differences. Overall, “Please Take My Brother Away” is a must-watch for anyone looking for an entertaining and heartwarming anime series.
2. Love is Like a Cocktail
Episode Length
3 minutes
Number of Episodes
13 Episodes
Genre
Romance, Comedy
“Love is Like a Cocktail” is an anime that centers around a heartwarming and adorable couple who are enjoying their newly married life. The husband, who is a stay-at-home spouse, provides comfort to his hardworking wife as she returns home after a long and demanding day at the office.
The anime not only offers a charming glimpse into their relationship, but it also provides viewers with enticing recipes for cocktails, making it a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The show revolves around Chisato Mizusawa, a diligent office worker, and her loving husband, Sora, who crafts inventive and mouthwatering drinks for Chisato to savor after a long day.
Each episode features their interactions and warm moments, often revolving around these special beverages. These moments strengthen their relationship and provide a touching and enjoyable viewing experience. Viewers get to see the couple's love for each other grow with every episode, making it an anime worth watching.
The anime is a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and mixology. The drinks crafted by Sora are not only visually stunning but also taste delicious. The show's creators have done an excellent job of making the drinks look so good that viewers can almost taste them through the screen.
The show's message is that love and happiness can be found in the smallest moments, such as sharing a drink with a loved one. The couple's relationship is a testament to this fact. Love is Like a Cocktail is a must-watch anime for anyone who loves a good romance or is interested in mixology.
1. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Episode Length
5 minutes
Number of Episodes
120 Episodes
Genre
Comedy, Supernatural
"The Disastrous Life of Saiki K." is an anime that might go unnoticed by some people due to its short episodes. However, its popularity is mainly due to the outstanding voice acting of the protagonist, Kamiya Hiroshi, a legendary actor known for his roles as Levi in "Attack on Titan" and many more.
The story revolves around Kusuo Saiki, a high school student with exceptional psychic powers. Despite his abilities, Kusuo yearns for a normal life, but his unique powers often lead him into absurd situations with his classmates, parents, and supernatural challenges.
One of Kusuo's classmates, Kokomi Teruhashi, who happens to be the secret crush of the entire school, has set her sights on Kusuo and is determined to make him fall in love with her. Unfortunately for Kokomi, Kusuo doesn't seem to be interested, which leads her to devise multiple plans to make him confess his love for her. However, there's a twist - Kusuo can hear every thought that Kokomi has, thanks to his psychic abilities. This makes Kokomi's attempts at wooing him all the more challenging, as Kusuo tries to avoid her confrontations at every turn.
The series has a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and various other scenarios that are sure to entertain viewers. Each episode is filled with something new, making it a delightful watch for anime lovers.
If you're looking for anime series with shorter runtimes than regular episodes, we've got you covered. Here are the top 10 best anime series in this category, and we hope you find something to enjoy in this diverse collection. Don't forget to let us know what you think in the comments below. And if you liked this article, you might want to explore the 10 Best Short Anime Series That You Can Watch In One Day, which is also worth checking out.
0 Comments