One way to approach anime is through one-season series, as they offer a unique perspective on the medium. Unlike mainstream shows such as Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Naruto, which are known for their extensive episode count, these shorter series are more approachable for new viewers.
In this sense, one of the most effective ways to introduce people to the medium is through the best one-season anime series. However, certain short stories like Fullmetal Alchemist or Monster, despite their quality, cannot be considered as part of this list due to their longer episode count.
This article delves into anime series that only air for one season and have a duration of under 30 episodes. Typically, anime seasons consist of 24 to 26 episodes, but this can vary depending on the specific franchise.
This article includes spoilers for every series mentioned in this list.
Top Ten One-Season Anime Series
1. Pluto
Renowned mangaka Naoki Urasawa created the manga series Pluto with inspiration from “The Greatest Robot on Earth,”a well-known Astro Boy story. The plot centers around Gesicht, a Europol robot detective, as he investigates a series of murders committed against both humans and robots. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this case is linked to a past war and the far-reaching consequences it had on all those involved.
In 2023, M2 collaborated with Netflix to produce a highly acclaimed adaptation of this series, consisting of eight episodes, each one hour in length. It has been praised as one of the top one-season anime series in recent years due to its faithful interpretation of Urasawa’s manga and its use of top-notch animation. The series does justice to the original source material and effectively showcases the gripping story of Gesicht and Atom as they navigate the mysteries surrounding the murders of the seven great robots.
Death Note
Light Yagami is a highly accomplished Japanese student who has always had a clear path towards success. However, he has grown tired and uninterested in his monotonous daily routine. That all changes when he stumbles upon a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note. This powerful book has the ability to cause the death of anyone whose name is written within its pages. Fueled by this newfound power, Light decides to use the Death Note to eliminate criminals and establish himself as the leader of a new world order. However, his plans are challenged by a brilliant detective known as L, who is determined to uncover Light’s true identity.
Many consider Death Note to be one of the top one-season anime series due to the intense mental battles between Light and L, well-developed characters, and the ethical discussions sparked by the protagonist’s choices. Additionally, with a total of 37 episodes and the first 25 being highly acclaimed in the anime community, it serves as a great introduction for those interested in watching anime.
Anime: Samurai Champloo
This series is set in a fictional version of the Edo period in Japan and centers around three main characters: Fuu, a tea waitress; Mugen, a criminal; and Jin, a ronin. The trio meets during the first few episodes and embarks on a journey across Japan, getting caught up in various adventures along the way.
Despite primarily being known for his work on Cowboy Bebop, director Shinichiro Watanabe gained additional acclaim with his anime series Samurai Champloo. The 26-episode show has been widely praised as one of the top one-season anime series of the 2000s.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop, also helmed by Watanabe, is set in a futuristic 2071 galaxy. The series follows the adventures of Spike Spiegel, a bounty hunter, and his eclectic team as they take on various missions to apprehend criminals and collect rewards. As the plot unfolds, viewers are gradually revealed more about Spike’s past, tying it in with the overarching storyline.
Cowboy Bebop stands out as a top choice among viewers for the best one-season anime series due to its impressive direction, well-developed characters, and its ability to balance episodic storytelling with character and plot development. With a total of 26 episodes, it can easily be binged in just one day.
Favorite Anime Series – Trigun
In the 32nd century, a large reward is offered for the capture of a man named Vash the Stampede, who is believed to have killed numerous individuals. However, it is revealed to the audience that Vash is a pacifist, and he often finds himself in situations where his morals are tested. Due to his amnesia, he is unable to recall why he is being pursued by others.
The initial Madhouse production of the 90s consisted of a total of 26 episodes and elevated Trigun to become one of the most highly acclaimed anime series. This was due to its smooth animation, stunning artwork, impactful soundtrack, and faithful depiction of Yasuhiro Nightow’s manga. It remains the top choice for fans as the ultimate introduction to the franchise, surpassing even the original manga.
6. Devilman Crybaby
Despite his timid and unassuming nature, Akira Fudo is brought to a nightclub by his best friend Ryo Asuka. To Akira’s surprise, Ryo reveals that demons are real and they must fight against them. In order to do so, Ryo convinces Akira to perform a ritual and merge with a powerful demon named Amon. This transformation turns Akira into Devilman, a formidable hybrid capable of standing against these malevolent beings.
At only 10 episodes, this anime series is considered one of the best in its one-season category. Studio Science Saru successfully preserves the essence of Go Nagai’s manga while incorporating new material to enhance the story’s length and overall completeness. While the animation style may not appeal to everyone, its uniqueness sets it apart from traditional anime.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion
The events of the story unfold in Tokyo, 15 years post the Second Impact, a global disaster that forever altered the world. Shinji Ikari, a Japanese teenager, is enlisted by his father Gendo to pilot an Eva, a biomechanical mecha, and fight against powerful creatures known as Angels. However, as the story progresses, Shinji undergoes a transformation, becoming something entirely unexpected.
Despite being only 26 episodes long, Evangelion is considered one of the greatest one-season anime series and is often praised as one of the best anime of all time. While some viewers may overanalyze its symbolism, the series remains highly recommended and worth watching from any perspective.
8. Parasyte: The Maxim
Shinichi Izumi, a regular teenager, is assaulted by an extraterrestrial being one evening. This being is a member of a species referred to as Parasites, who invade a person’s mind in order to take control of their body. Despite its attempt to take over, the creature is only able to merge with Shinichi’s arm at the last moment. This unexpected turn of events leads the two to develop an understanding and work together to face other Parasites in the series.
The story’s premise may be straightforward, but it is powerful enough to make it one of the top one-season anime series. This is due to the series’ exploration of the aliens’ savage and malevolent tendencies as they experience life in human bodies. The only drawback is that studio Madhouse did not adapt Hitoshi Iwaaki’s manga in its entirety, resulting in the series being only 24 episodes long.
Anime: Gurren Lagann
In a far-off future, the planet is ruled by the Spiral King, Lordgenome, and most societies are under his control. As a result, a group of young individuals rise up to resist this oppression, using powerful mechas and often finding themselves in wild and outrageous circumstances.
Gurren Lagann is a show that embraces the over-the-top elements of popular anime, while also delivering a powerful message about defying the odds. With only 27 episodes, it stands out as one of the top one-season anime series that can easily be binge-watched in a single day.
10. Kill la Kill
In Kill la Kill, Ryuko Matoi is the main character who enrolls in the Honnouji Academy, a strict high school with a militaristic approach. The school is ruled by Satsuki Kiryuin, the student council president, who is on a mission to avenge her father’s death. The characters in this anime use unique garments called Goku Suits, which are infused with Life Fibers and grant them extraordinary abilities and powers.
Despite being a one-season anime series, Kill la Kill has achieved cult classic status in the 2010s due to its exceptional characterization of Ryuko, stunning animation by studio Trigger, and its celebration of traditional tropes within the medium.
Concluding remarks
Among the vast array of franchises, there are several that stand out as potential contenders for the title of best one-season anime series. These particular series have successfully crafted compelling narratives within a limited number of episodes, making them more accessible and consumable for viewers.
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