UPDATE: This article was updated by Pavas Gagneja on September 27th, 2025. We have added more content to the article, added new photos, and a table at the end for a better experience of our readers.

24-episode anime are so special because they often tell a tightly written story with good character development and emotional impact. The cherry on top is that you don’t have to worry about filler episodes or getting lost in endless arcs that take months to finish.

You get the perfect mix of action, drama, and storytelling instead. Moreover, these anime keep you hooked from the first episode to the very last. Anyone looking for anime that feels complete and rewarding, short anime series are always a great choice for them. So, here are the best 24-episode anime shows you should watch next.

10/10 Psychic Academy

A young boy enrolls in a special school for students born with supernatural powers. He struggles with self-confidence and understanding his own abilities. But he slowly learns to control his gifts while also facing friendship, rivalry, and romance in a world filled with psychic energy.

The animation is simple and very much reflects the early 2000s style, with bright colors but limited movement at times. It may not stand out compared to newer shows, but it has a certain nostalgic charm that matches its lighthearted tone and school-setting atmosphere.

9/10 Akame Ga Kill

A group of assassins known as Night Raid fights to overthrow a corrupt empire. Tatsumi is a newcomer, and he joins them in hopes of making a difference. Along the way, he meets Akame and the other warriors who wield dangerous weapons called Teigu.

The anime has action, sadness, and surprising moments that keep you hooked until the end. No character feels safe, and that’s what makes Akame ga Kill so gripping. So, if you're looking for a story full of heart-pounding fights and emotional punches, this is the one.

8/10 Zombieland Saga

Sakura Minamoto suddenly dies, only to be revived as a zombie along with other legendary girls from different eras. Together, they are forced into forming an idol group called Franchouchou, aiming to save the Saga prefecture through music and performance, all while dealing with the chaos of being undead idols.

There's something unique that separates it from other anime. Zombieland Saga delivers plenty of memorable music, but it stands out for its variety. The series features upbeat idol pop but also rap battles, rock, and even heavy metal-inspired performances.

7/10 Snow White With The Red Hair

Except for her red hair, Shirayuki is basically Snow White. When a prince from a neighboring kingdom demands her hand in marriage, Shirayuki decides to flee and ends up in the company of a young prince named Zen. She becomes a court herbalist in Zen's kingdom and works hard to achieve her dream of becoming a pharmacist.

The animation is spectacular, and the romance angle makes it a great watch. Moreover, every episode counts, since every action contributes to the story. So, are you ready to witness Snow White's story in anime style?

6/10 Kill La Kill

Kill la Kill is set in a world where clothing is the source of power. It's about Ryuko Matoi, who is a rebellious transfer student. She owns a powerful sword, and the plot is that she seeks revenge against the student council president for the murder of her father.

It's a wild ride from start to end. Full of over-the-top action, hilarious comedy, and surprises, this anime has something for everyone. Epic fight scenes, character development, you name it, and you'll find it here. All you have to wonder about is, will Ryuko avenge the death of her father?

5/10 Gosick

We've all seen iconic duos in anime. Gosick gives us another one of those hailing all the way from the fictional European country of Sauville in the early 20th century. Kazuya Kujo and Victorique de Blois are here to solve crimes.

Victorique has a genius-level intellect and solves various mysteries with her deductive abilities (often with the reluctant assistance of Kujo). The series features a mix of mystery, drama, and romance as the duo investigates a range of cases. The secrets of Victorique's past and her connection to the de Blois family are the highlights of the show.

4/10 Dororo

Dororo is a dark and haunting masterpiece that's hard to forget. Hyakkimaru's life is one of the most tragic and unfair in all of anime. He was born without almost any body parts because his father made a deal with demons in exchange for power. Left to die, he was found by a kind doctor who gave him artificial limbs and senses.

Hyakkimaru’s journey feels sad but wholesome, since it mixes demon fights with a deep sibling-like bond between Hyakkimaru and the orphan Dororo. And what makes it even more special is that the original story came from Osamu Tezuka, the God of Manga.

3/10 Shirobako

Looking for a short, slice-of-life anime as a stress-buster? Shirobako is here for you. The anime industry is big, and five friends dream of making it big in animation after working on a high school project together. Things become more complicated as they step into adulthood, as all of them face the struggles, pressure, and small victories and losses.

The realistic portrayal of the anime industry shows the viewers what it takes to bring an animated series to life. The best part is that every aspect of the production process is explored in detail, from writing and storyboarding to voice acting and animation.

2/10 Parasyte: The Maxim

This might seem like an exaggeration but the anime community deserves an award for giving us Parasyte: The Maxim. The story and concept is new, and the impressive representation of alien invasion makes it worth a watch. The characters are ruthless, and you can never guess what's going to happen next.

Parasyte: The Maxim tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student whose life changes when a mysterious alien parasite tries to take over his brain, but instead fuses with his right hand. Now sharing his body with the creature he names Migi, Shinichi is forced into a dangerous new reality where other parasites prey on humans.

1/10 Steins;Gate

The show is based on a visual novel of the same name and takes time-travel to the next level. Rintaro Okabe is a self-proclaimed mad scientist who accidentally discovers a way to send text messages back in time. As he and his friends experiment with time travel, they soon realize the consequences of their actions and the danger they face.

The characters in Steins;Gate are complex and well-rounded, with each of them having their own unique quirks and personalities. The show is always praised for its intricate plot and unique concept, making it a must-watch for sci-fi and thriller fans alike.