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 surpassing the 1000-episode mark. Modern-day giants like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen already have 50 episodes.
But despite the success of these anime, more episodes don't automatically translate into a better anime. Often, we get a single season of an anime that is so good that fans remember it for years. Following are 12 anime that tell a memorable story with extraordinary characters through different genres and styles.
The best anime you can binge in a day
There's nothing quite like binging an entire series in one go. It won't take much of your time to complete these amazing short anime.
Yano-kun's Ordinary Days (12 episodes)
Yano-kun, either too clumsy or too unlucky, is always getting hurt. Her constant injuries catch the eye of Yoshida, a caring and reliable person who eventually becomes close to her. As they grow closer, Yoshida aims to help Yano-kun enjoy a normal and fun school life.
Yano-Kun's Ordinary Days is a high school slice of 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 much, it just 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 friends hoping to earn a fortune to save his village. But he soon learns about the harshness and brutality of the capital. Encountering an assassin group called the “Night Raid” changes his life and takes him down a path he never thought possible.
Akame ga Kill! A work of fiction with themes of corruption, morality and justice. It is an emotionally driven show with lots of violence, unpredictability and twists. One of the main features of anime is its cast of memorable characters.
The Great Pretender (23 episodes)
Makoto, affected by a series of unfortunate events, moves into a life of fraud and scam, and becomes an artist. He tries to convince a naive tourist, but he is defeated by this tourist, who happens to be one of the best con men in the world named Laurent. Following Laurent, he leaves Japan and arrives in Los Angeles, where a new life of deceit and crime awaits him.
The Great Pretender is an unexpected but fun ride where crime beats crime. It is full of twists, mysteries, and cliffhangers that constantly keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Ranking of Kings (23 episodes)
Born deaf, small and weak, Bozzi is mocked by his own people. Constantly humiliated by others, he had no friends until the day he met Cage. At first, Cage was rude and exploitative, but once he saw Bozzi's kindness, he sympathized with him and began to care for him.
The category of kings has a strong emphasis on human emotions and relationships. Bozzi's honesty draws people to him, and they become a part of their journey. It also has a well-built world with elements of corruption, prejudice and timed action.
Noragami (25 episodes)
Generally, people go out in search of God for good fortune and happiness. But Noragami tells the story of a minor god named Yato who offers to grant wishes for the small cost of 5 yen. Dreaming of becoming a famous god, his life finally takes a turn when he meets Hiyori, a teenager whose spirit accidentally left her body, and Yukin, a spirit who becomes Yato's weapon.
Noragami is highly character-driven. Through the eyes of an average middle school girl, we meet major gods with distinct personalities and histories. The show is often humorous, but it's also 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 “resurrection.” He uses this superhuman power to escape danger and save lives. But one day, when he faces a much greater tragedy and returns to his childhood in hopes of making things right.
Erased is a wonderful mystery with supernatural elements. The anime only showcases a few characters, but it does so in depth and makes them likeable, and makes fans sympathize with them.
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Dororo (24 episodes)
Wishing for the prosperity of his land, Daigo Kagemitsu makes a pact with 12 demons. As a result, his eldest son, Hyakkimaru, is born in terrible conditions. Lacking vital sense organs, limbs and internal organs, Hyakkimaru are discarded at birth. Years pass until one day, defeating a demon gives Hyakkimaru his skin back, but it also causes a flood of rich land.
Dororo is a remake of the 1969 anime “Dororo to Hyakkimaru”. It is set in 15th century Japan, where life was hard, and it depicts the struggle and cruelty of humanity very well. It is dark and gory, but also shows the positive and kind side of humanity through characters like Dororo, Mio and Nuinokata.
86 (23 episodes)
The Republic of San Magnolia is in constant war against the technologically superior Gadian Empire. The Republic of San Magnolia is a proud nation that claims no casualties in the war, but their unmanned army is secretly manned by a marginalized group called the Eighty-Six. Unseen as human beings by the nations, they are constantly sent on deadly missions with no regard for their lives. But Commander Vladilena Milij is different because she treats them as human beings and truly 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 memorable and likable through their backstories and personalities.
Kimi Ni Todoke (43 episodes)
Sawako is a quiet and kind girl, but everyone mistakes her for being scary. Her name's similarity to Ghost makes things worse, and she is mistakenly called “Eternal” by everyone. Secretly longing for friends, she is held back by her shyness. Soon, she is naturally drawn to Kazehaya, a popular boy who is always kind to her. Sawako's honest and fun nature also leads her to become close friends with Chizuru and Ayane. A school life full of new emotions and encounters awaits Savko.
Kimi Ni Todoke is a comforting and honest story about friendship, first love, and understanding yourself. It explores the emotions felt by teenagers and young adults, making it relatable for many audiences to watch.
Mob Psycho 100 (37 episodes)
A great blend of unique art style, epic fights and lovable characters, Mob Psycho 100 brings the story of a young, shy boy with a dark side. The mob has immense psychic powers, but an accident in the past forced him to suppress his emotions and powers. As the negative emotions gradually increase, the mob's control over his power gradually weakens, and he may eventually lose control.
Mob Psycho 100 is a slice of life that also has action and supernatural elements. The show has become a fan favorite due to its high production quality and visual character development of deep and complex characters.
