16 Recommendations for the Best 1-Season Anime That Can Be Finished Right Away, Perfect for a Weekend Companion

VIVY: FLUORITE EYE'S SONG (2021) - Vivy, the first AI singer, is tasked with preventing an AI war 100 years in the future by Matsumoto, an AI from the future. The two traverse time to change key events in AI history. With stunning animation quality and a solid storyline, this is among the best 1-season anime that delivers a complex tale about artificial intelligence, music, and the meaning of existence in one satisfying season. Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

DEVIL MAY CRY (2025) - Dante, a half-human half-demon demon hunter, runs the "Devil May Cry" business offering demon hunting services. His encounter with the mysterious girl Patty leads him to confront powerful demons. Stylish fights and charismatic characters make it one of the best 1-season anime that adapts a popular game with a unique twist and a standalone storyline. Available on: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime

ID - INVADED (2020) - Akihito Narihisago, a detective who becomes a serial killer, helps the "Mizuhanome" unit investigate murders by entering the perpetrator's "id well." As "Brilliant Detective Sakaido," he uncovers complex cases in the subconscious world. The innovative concept of criminal investigation makes it the best 1-season anime with a perfect blend of sci-fi, psychology, and mystery. Available on: Hulu, Funimation

KABANERI OF THE IRON FORTRESS (2016) - As a plague turns humans into "Kabane," mindless zombies, Ikoma creates weapons to fight them. Together with Mumei, a mysterious girl, they survive on the armored train "Hayajiro." With intense action and captivating worldbuilding, this best 1-season anime offers a thrilling post-apocalyptic adventure with a touch of Japan's Edo period. Available on: Amazon Prime, Netflix

BUDDY DADDIES (2023) - Rei and Kazuki, two hitmen living together, suddenly have to take care of Miri, a little girl who claims Kazuki as her father. Their lives change drastically as they learn to become father figures. With the perfect balance of comedy and action, this best 1-season anime presents a touching story about an unconventional family formed amidst a dangerous life. Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

HEAVENLY DELUSION (2023) - In a post-apocalyptic world, Maru searches for "Heaven" based on a mysterious message, while Kiruko, a mutated human, accompanies him. Parallel to the story of children in a tightly monitored closed facility. With deep mysteries and extraordinary worldbuilding, this best 1-season anime presents a contrast between innocence and the brutality of the world in a thought-provoking way. Available on: Disney+, Hulu

DEATH PARADE (2015) - In the bar "Quindecim", recently deceased people play deadly games that reveal their true nature before being sent to reincarnation or eternal void. Decim, the bartender and referee, judges these souls. This philosophical exploration of death, judgment, and humanity makes it one of the best thought-provoking anime of 1 season. Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

ANGEL BEATS! (2010) - Otonashi wakes up in a school afterlife, meeting Yuri and the SSS rebel group who fight against Angel, the student council president. They refuse to "graduate" from this world, each having a tragic past. The perfect blend of action, comedy, and drama makes this one-season anime capable of delivering a poignant story about acceptance and the difficult process of letting go. Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS (2022) David Martinez, a teenager from a poor family, dives into the cyberpunk world after obtaining a dangerous military implant. Joining the "Edgerunners" group led by Lucy, he explores the brutal Night City. With stunning animation from Studio Trigger, this best 1-season anime explores the dark world of Cyberpunk 2077 with a story full of adrenaline and deep emotions. Available on: Netflix

COWBOY BEBOP (1998) - Spike Spiegel and the Bebop crew hunt down bounties across the solar system to survive, each harboring a dark past. The mix of jazz, western, noir, and sci-fi genres makes it the best 1-season anime that sets a new standard in Japanese animation with deep characterization, legendary music, and action scenes that become the industry benchmark. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll

BOCCHI THE ROCK! (2022) - Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou, a shy girl who dreams of playing guitar in a band, is finally recruited by Nijika into the band "Kessoku". Her struggle to overcome social anxiety while pursuing her musical dreams is portrayed with plenty of humor. This best one-season anime successfully presents a relatable coming-of-age story with creative animation and entertaining comedy without sacrificing character depth. Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix

AKAME GA KILL! (2014) - Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of revolutionary assassins fighting against the corrupt Empire with legendary weapons called "Teigu". They face powerful and deadly enemies on dangerous missions. With brutal action and dark themes, this best one-season anime boldly showcases the horrors of war and revolution without holding back, creating an unforgettable experience. Available on: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

CHARLOTTE (2015) - Yuu Otosaka, a teenager with the ability to take over other people's bodies, is forced to join Hoshinoumi Academy by Nao Tomori. He discovers a big secret behind the teenager's supernatural powers. Jun Maeda created the best 1-season anime that combines school comedy, supernatural drama, and shocking plot twists with an emotional journey that touches the heart. Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation

SK8 THE INFINITY (2021) - Reki introduces Langa, a transfer student from Canada, to the illegal skateboard race "S" in an abandoned mine in Okinawa. They face various talented skaters including the mysterious champion, Adam. With dynamic animation and deep friendships, this best 1-season anime captures the essence of freedom and the joy of skateboarding while exploring themes of rivalry and passion. Available on: Crunchyroll, Funimation

PARASYTE: THE MAXIM (2014) Shinichi Izumi is infected by a parasitic alien that fails to take over his brain, only controlling his right hand which he names Migi. They are forced to work together to face other parasites that prey on humans. This blend of horror, action, and philosophy makes it one of the best one-season anime that explores deep questions about humanity and coexistence within a compact story. Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

DORORO (2019) - Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose 12 body parts were stolen by demons, meets Dororo, a little thief, on his journey to regain his body parts and sensory abilities. This remake of Osamu Tezuka's classic work becomes one of the best one-season anime that presents a tale of revenge, sacrifice, and humanity in a dark yet captivating feudal Japan setting. Available on: Amazon Prime, Netflix Those are some of the best one-season anime that can accompany your weekend. There are still many anime recommendations that you can discover by reading articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?