Not everyone has the luxury to binge an entire 12-episode series or dive into long-running shounen anime. Whether you’re a student juggling deadlines, a working professional short on time, or just someone craving a short burst of anime magic — this list is for you. Here Sensei Blogs are 12 anime you can watch in under 90 minutes without sacrificing story, emotion, or visual quality. These short masterpieces pack powerful narratives and stunning visuals that leave a lasting impact, often showcasing the unique storytelling approaches of Japanese animation.
1. She and Her Cat: Everything Flows (30 mins)
A calm and heartwarming slice-of-life short that explores the bond between a woman and her pet cat. Through beautiful narration and minimalistic animation, it captures themes of loneliness, companionship, and life’s gentle flow. The story’s introspective nature makes it relatable, especially to those experiencing personal transitions or solitude. It’s a quiet meditation on everyday life, told through the gentle eyes of a feline companion. Why watch: Peaceful storytelling, emotional depth, and beautifully simple visuals.
2. Ghiblies: Episode 2 (25 mins)
A lesser-known Studio Ghibli gem that offers a humorous and surreal peek into office life. Think of it as a playful, self-aware take on daily struggles, rendered with Ghibli’s signature charm. The offbeat comedy, combined with exaggerated expressions and bizarre scenarios, turns the mundane into something wildly entertaining. It’s also a rare look at Studio Ghibli poking fun at itself. Why watch: Rare Ghibli comedy with quirky animation and offbeat humor.
3. La Maison en Petits Cubes (12 mins)
An Oscar-winning short film that tells a profound story without dialogue. It follows an old man who revisits memories while climbing through submerged levels of his home. Deeply metaphorical and emotionally moving, the short is a quiet but powerful exploration of aging, loss, and nostalgia. The watercolor-like animation adds to the film’s dreamlike ambiance, making it a visual poem. Why watch: Beautiful use of silence, poignant storytelling, and emotional impact in a short runtime.
4. Hotarubi no Mori e (45 mins)
This romantic supernatural story centers around a girl and a spirit who cannot physically touch. Set in a lush forest backdrop, it gracefully blends melancholy, innocence, and the pain of impermanence. The characters’ chemistry is gentle yet profound, with a narrative that’s as haunting as it is beautiful. It’s a perfect example of how anime can express love in the most delicate and fleeting ways. Why watch: Heart-touching romance with a bittersweet ending and stunning visuals.
5. Shelter (6 mins)
Created in collaboration with Porter Robinson and A-1 Pictures, this short music-video-style anime tells the story of a girl in a simulated world. A blend of futuristic loneliness and emotional discovery, it takes viewers through a rollercoaster of feelings. Despite its brief length, the narrative and visuals are so emotionally charged that many find themselves deeply moved. Why watch: Breathtaking animation, powerful music, and an emotional story in just 6 minutes.
6. Tonari no Yamada-kun (15 mins)
Also known as My Neighbors the Yamadas, this short anime slice follows a comical Japanese family’s daily adventures. With watercolor-style animation and witty dialogue, it’s lighthearted and fun. The episodic structure allows viewers to enjoy small moments that reflect real family dynamics, from silly misunderstandings to heartfelt lessons. Why watch: Unique art style and slice-of-life humor.
7. Fumiko’s Confession (2 mins)
Extremely short, highly energetic, and hilariously awkward. This mini anime features a dramatic schoolgirl confession gone wrong in exaggerated fashion. It’s fast-paced and cartoonish in the best way possible, using over-the-top animation to tell a story that’s both ridiculous and charming. Why watch: Pure fun, rapid pacing, and expressive animation in just two minutes.
8. Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko (5 mins)
The original short version of “She and Her Cat” by Makoto Shinkai. A simple black-and-white depiction of daily life from the perspective of a cat. This early work already shows signs of Shinkai’s signature themes: isolation, longing, and connection. The cat’s calm monologue paired with soft piano music makes it deeply soothing. Why watch: Makoto Shinkai’s debut work, soothing narration, and introspective mood.
9. The Garden of Words (46 mins)
A romantic drama with visually stunning animation. It explores the connection between a teenage student and an older woman, set mostly during rainy mornings in a quiet park. The dialogue is sparse but meaningful, and the scenery — especially the rain — is almost a character itself. Themes of loneliness and unspoken connection are presented with incredible nuance. Why watch: Exquisite backgrounds, subtle emotions, and poetic storytelling.
10. Pale Cocoon (23 mins)
A sci-fi OVA set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives underground. A man uncovers an old memory that could change the future. Deeply philosophical and moody, it touches on humanity’s need for history, memory, and meaning in the face of isolation. The muted color palette and haunting music reinforce the sense of loss and yearning. Why watch: Captivating world-building and reflective storytelling in a short format.
11. Comedy (10 mins)
A gothic-style short anime set in medieval Europe, where a mysterious “Black Swordsman” helps a noble against invaders. Atmospheric and artistic, this short relies heavily on tone, music, and minimal dialogue to create a surreal sense of dread and elegance. It’s unlike most anime and will appeal to fans of dark fantasy. Why watch: Striking visuals, minimal dialogue, and a haunting story.
12. Little Witch Academia (26 mins)
Before it became a full series, this was an energetic one-shot filled with magic, comedy, and school-life adventures. A young witch’s determination to prove herself makes it an inspiring watch. The animation is vibrant and fluid, and the characters are instantly lovable. It’s the kind of short that makes you want more. Why watch: Fun, empowering, and perfect for fans of fantasy and magic.
Why Short Anime Deserves More
Love Short anime often go under the radar, but they are creative powerhouses. With their limited runtime, they must deliver tight narratives, beautiful visuals, and emotional payoffs quickly — and many do it brilliantly. These works often serve as experimental grounds for animation studios, debut pieces for renowned directors, or heartfelt stories that don’t need to be stretched into a 12-episode arc. Their brevity is their strength, requiring creators to focus purely on the essentials: emotion, imagery, and impact.
These shorts also give viewers the satisfaction of completing a story in a single sitting. They fit into any schedule — perfect for a lunch break, a train ride, or winding down before bed. For those with time constraints, or those who just want something quick yet meaningful, short anime are an ideal medium.
Who Are These Anime For?
Busy Professionals: Wind down your day with a short, impactful anime that doesn’t demand a long commitment.
Newcomers to Anime: Want a taste of the anime world without diving too deep? These are perfect gateways. Their short nature allows you to sample different genres, styles, and creators.
Artists & Creators: Many of these shorts are visually unique — great inspiration for creatives exploring animation, design, or storytelling.
Anime Critics: If you’re interested in exploring diverse storytelling methods and visuals, these are gold. Their brevity often allows for bold stylistic choices and narrative experimentation.
Where Can You Watch Them?
Most of these titles are available on popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, YouTube (official channels), or paid platforms such as Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Always look for official releases to support the creators and studios behind these works. Some shorts, especially indie productions or music collaborations like “Shelter,” are often uploaded directly to YouTube by the creators or studios.
Anime conventions and film festivals also occasionally showcase short films as part of animation spotlights. Keep an eye on anime event schedules if you want to catch rare screenings or director commentaries.
Final Thoughts
Anime isn’t just about lengthy sagas or massive character arcs — sometimes, the most memorable stories come in the smallest packages. These short anime prove that great storytelling, deep emotion, and stunning visuals don’t always need hours to unfold. If you’ve got just an hour or even a few minutes, give these anime a shot. You might be surprised by how deeply they can resonate.Loved this list? Share it with your anime-loving friends and explore more curated content on Sensei Blog. For reviews, recommendations, and anime culture — stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why watch short anime instead of full-length series?
Short anime are perfect for viewers who want impactful storytelling without investing hours. They often deliver rich narratives, stunning visuals, and emotional moments in under 90 minutes.
Q2. Are short anime good for newcomers?
Yes! They’re great introductions to different genres, art styles, and storytelling approaches. You can explore romance, sci-fi, slice-of-life, or fantasy without committing to a full series.
Q3. Where can I watch these short anime?
Most of these titles are available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube (official channels), and Apple TV. Always use legal sources to support the creators.
Q4. Are these short anime suitable for kids?
Some, like Little Witch Academia or Tonari no Yamada-kun, are family-friendly. Others may have mature themes, so it’s best to check content ratings or reviews beforehand.
Q5. Which short anime is the most emotional?
Titles like La Maison en Petits Cubes, Hotarubi no Mori e, and Shelter are known for their emotional depth, tackling themes like love, loss, nostalgia, and loneliness in powerful ways.
Q6. Can I finish these anime in one sitting?
Absolutely. That’s the idea! All the listed anime can be completed in under 90 minutes, with many under 30. They’re ideal for short breaks or a quick evening unwind.
Q7. Why are some anime only a few minutes long?
Short formats allow creators to experiment with style and story. These are often passion projects, student works, or concept pieces that don’t need longer runtimes to make an impact.
Q8. Are short anime lower in quality than full series?
Not at all. Many short anime are beautifully animated and emotionally resonant. In fact, some are directed by industry legends or backed by major studios like Studio Ghibli or CoMix Wave.
Q9. What’s the best genre to explore in short anime?
Genres like slice-of-life, romance, sci-fi, and drama work particularly well in short formats due to their focus on mood, moments, and character rather than plot-heavy arcs.Q10. Where can I find more anime lists like this?
Visit Sensei Blog regularly for curated anime recommendations, reviews, and insights. We specialize in quality content for all levels of anime fans.