Anime to Watch Instead of One Piece: 5 Short Anime Series for New Fans

One Piece anime poster; Image Credit: Google Images

Anime has been the popular friend in the group for a while now. The community has grown from a select few in every block to discord servers full of global fans. Despite all this, one thing that has remained constant in the anime world is One Piece. It is infamous for being a ridiculously long show— ongoing with 1134th episode— and a nightmare for viewers who watch short anime series.

5 Must-Watch Short Anime Series

And while One Piece has its place, there are good reasons to prefer shorter anime. They require less time investment and are often better written than longer series, you can also call them better paced. Following is the list of five short anime series you should watch if One Piece is not your cup of tea.

1. Death Parade

   

   Death Parade anime poster; Image Credit: The Movie Database

   Death Parade is a unique thought-provoking anime that centres around Quindecim Bar, a place where the deceased go for judgement. The bar hosts game for the recently deceased with their fate relying on the outcome of the game.

   
   

   In 12 episodes the anime offers an exciting viewing experience as it encounters complex situations and people. It does not shy away from exploring complex subject matters with a sound judgement awaiting at the end of every episode. It is one of those anime that can be easily made into an anthology series.

   
   

2. Dorohedoro

   

   Dorohedoro anime poster; Image Credit: The Movie Database

   Doroherdoro is an anime set in a dystopian world. It is about Caiman, a lizard man who is seeking revenge from the sorcerer who turned his face into a lizard. Desperate to fix his face back to normal, he wanders around the human and sorcerer's world for revenge. That is until he catches the eye of the ruler of all sorcerers himself, who sends his cleaners after him.

   
   

   Set in a dystopian world and continuously shifting from human and sorceress world, Doroherdoro is a unique story in every sense. In less than 20 episodes, this anime shares an engaging story that never loses the viewer. It has a nice pace to its story and never feels repetitive during its runtime. Its comedic tropes make you chuckle; fight scenes keep you engaged, a worthwhile viewing experience for sure.

   
   

3. Another

   

   Another anime poster; Image Credit: The Movie Database

   Another is a supernatural thriller anime that revolves around Yomiyama North Middle School's cursed class 3-3. It explores the events after Sakakibara Kouichi, a transfer student unknowingly befriends a dead girl. This event throws a spanner in the plan to prevent the curse from claiming more lives following which chaos ensues.

   Based around a curse that was brought after the demise of a young girl, Another is a treat for thrill lovers. It offers an engaging storyline that is shared in a controlled manner. The runs for 12 episodes and has no fillers, it gives the viewers what is necessary and builds on the mystery. Throughout its runtime it never loses its original plotline, leading to a satisfying climax.

4. Future Diary

   

   Future Diary anime poster; Image Credit: The Movie Database

   Future Diary is a psychological thriller in which 12 people are given future diary that they must use to eliminate the other 11. It is a battle royale in which the winner becomes the God of time and space and inherits his powers. It is a thrilling anime that invites you for a good time and gets crazier as the story unfolds. There is so much going on in this anime that the story synopsis won't do justice to it. It runs for 26 episodes and never lets you off the hook. It is a good viewing decision if you are new to anime.

   
   

5. Assassination Classroom

   

   Assassination Classroom anime poster; Image Credit: The Movie Database

   Assassination Classroom is a Shōnen anime in which a class of misfits is tasked to kill an alien. The alien is a yellow octopus who claims to have destroyed 70% of the moon. His next target is the earth, and he plans to do that in exactly one year. The alien—koro sensei—also happens to be their teacher, who encourages them to put their best foot forward.

   In essence this anime is a masterclass in storytelling. It builds the perfect story that engages the viewers and leads to a worthy climax. There are no holes in the story, there is humour when needed and tension all the way through. The bond between the alien and his students is a unique one that demands an odd appreciation from the viewer— even if the objective of the students is to kill their teacher.

   
   

The list of short anime series to watch could go on forever, but for new fans, these five are the best choices. Let us know your recommendations on our Instagram, @cultural_alchemist.