Animationhas evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a medium primarily enjoyed by children to one that appeals to all ages. From mature and action-packedanimeto profound or sillycartoons, animation is one of the most versatile forms of creativity that can spawn countless episodes when a series is successful. However, sometimes fans don’t want a hundred-plus show; instead, they’d prefer something short and sweet.
This list will rank the ten best animated series under fifty episodesbased on critical acclaim, fan opinion, popularity, entertainment value, writing, story, animation, and characters. Every show on this list must be completed, with no additional episodes in production or planning. Some may have been canceled, and some may have gone their complete course, but these ten animated shows are the best of the medium without a considerable time commitment.
10’The Spectacular Spider-Man' (2008-2009)
Number of Episodes: 26
Superheroes and animation feel right together, and the effectiveness of this combo is proven by the numerous phenomenal animated superhero series and films that have garnered critical acclaim, such asBatman: The Animated SeriesandX-Men: The Animated Series. However, one show left fans too early, but at least that qualifiesThe Spectacular Spider-Manfor this list.
This series waseverything a fan could want in aSpider-Mananimated series, from wisecracks to a character focus and the utilization of most of the rogue’s gallery.The Spectacular Spider-Manwas flawless, adapting each storyline faithfully while adding a unique, charming flair, making it a shame thatDisney canceled this Spider-Man showon a cliffhanger.
The Spectacular Spider-Man
9’Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!' (1969-1978)
Number of Episodes: 41
One of the most iconic TV shows of all time isScooby-Doo, Where Are You!TheScooby-Doofranchise is massive, which is why it comes as a surprise that the original series only had 41 episodes. While the franchise has collected well over a hundred episodes, the first iteration of the Scooby gang was shockingly under 50.
Every fan has a preference for the bestScooby-Dooanimated series, typically corresponding to their respective generation. However,Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!is the classic series that established the franchise, earning its spot on this list. From goofy adventures to silly slapstick humor,this classic and endearing show is full of nostalgia and charm.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
8’Over The Garden Wall' (2014)
Number of Episodes: 10
Most shows on this list range from 20 to 40 episodes, giving them a reasonable amount of time to establish themselves. However,Over the Garden Wallonly needed 10 to become a sensation and one of the most beloved cartoons of all time. This mystical, dark fantasy show follows two brothers as they wander through a magical forest, searching for the path back home.
It’s a shame thatOver the Garden Walldidn’t last longer, consideringthe ten episodes are some of the best animation fans will ever witness. Despite this limited approach, the show is the perfect definition of short and sweet, although the spooky and eerie vibe might refute that.Over the Garden Wallis one of thebest miniseries of all time, and a must-watch for any animation enthusiast.
Over the Garden Wall
7’Justice League Unlimited' (2004-2006)
Number of Episodes: 39
As mentioned earlier in this article, superheroes and animation feel right together, andJustice League Unlimitedbrings the iconic hero group to the screens with more characters than ever. Each episode follows a new story, featuring members of the original team and lesser-known heroes, offering a versatile series that allows fans to get to know a diverse range of characters.
The single-story arc format works well forJLU, and despite introducing hundreds of new characters, it manages them effectively,keeping the series well-contained. From its complex plots to endearing characters and remarkable pacing,JLUis one ofthe best superhero animated shows, and arguably the best among those under 50 episodes.
Justice League Unlimited
6’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995-1996)
Don’t worry, this list didn’t forget about anime. While anime can span up to a thousand episodes, the medium also features many shorter series to indulge in, including the legendary showNeon Genesis Evangelion. Shinji is humanity’s last hope, but he can’t focus on defeating the angel-like aliens due to his mental crisis and lack of confidence.
Neon Genesis Evangelionmay be a complex anime, but its narrative of self-expression, both from the director and through the story, is anunorthodox masterpiece that revolutionized sci-fi and anime, shaping it into what it is today.Neon Genesis Evangeliongives fans a little bit of entertainment and downtime, but the main attraction is the profound meaning and reliability of this anime.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
5’Gravity Falls' (2012-2016)
Number of Episodes: 40
The 2010s were a golden era for animation and cartoons, and one of the most prominent shows during this time wasGravity Falls, having a stranglehold on every fan. Dipper and Mabel spend the summer at their uncle’s creepy shack, but what they uncover is a grand mystery involving the oddities of the town.
Gravity Fallscan be placed anywhere on this list, with many believing it should be higher, but that just highlights the numerous phenomenal animated series that are under 50 episodes. The whimsical vibe and important lessons, combined with in-depth lore and worldbuilding, createda worldwide sensation that fans wish had lasted longer. Alas, this complete package delivered and then some, with only 40 episodes.
Gravity Falls
4’Invader Zim' (2001-2006)
Number of Episodes: 27
Most classic kids' cartoons lasted much longer than 50 episodes, but one legendary series,Invader Zim, only lasted 27. The titular alien and his quirky, erratic robot have a plan to conquer Earth, but a wacky and overly curious neighbor foils him at every step of the way, creating a wacky, bizarre, and enjoyable cartoon.
Invader Zimisone of the most distinct and absurd cartoons of the 2000s, dazzling viewers with its unique art style, over-the-top plots, unhinged voice acting, and borderline disturbing plots. This perplexing series is a treat for both older and newer audiences, from its twisted nature to the slapstick gags to its compelling characters, making it one of thebest cartoons from the 2000s.
Invader Zim
3’Mob Psycho 100' (2016-2022)
Number of Episodes: 37
ONEis a legendary creator known for the wildly successful animeOne-Punch Man, but his best series is arguablyMob Psycho 100. Shigeo (Mob) is the world’s strongest psychic, but all he wants is an everyday high school life. However, his bursts of psychic emotions make his life and his enemies' lives harder.
Mob Psycho 100is one of the most complete stories in anime, bringing Mob on a journey from the quiet kid to the master of his erratic and powerful emotions. With some ofthe best episodes in anime,Mob Psycho 100isa must-watch for any self-respecting fan of the medium, thanks to its brilliant character development, stunning animation, stellar fight scenes, and hilarious sense of humor.
Mob Psycho 100
2’Arcane' (2021-2024)
Number of Episodes: 18
Animation has only been getting better with the years, andArcane’s arrival in 2021 proves that this decade has more in store for fans. Based in the video game world ofLeague of Legends, this animated series follows Jinx and Vi, two sisters who become embroiled in the conflict in the city of Piltover.
Arcaneisn’t just the best animated series of the 2020s;it is arguably the greatest animated show of the decade— so far, anyway — proving that animation can be a form of art. This masterpiece is a wonder of character writing, worldbuilding, lore, and plot development, creating an influential story that is already a modern classic of television and one of Netflix’s crowning jewels.
1’Cowboy Bebop' (1998-1999)
Episodes: 26
Anime owes a massive debt of gratitude toCowboy Bebop, which established the medium as a serious form of art in the West, along with simply being an animated masterpiece. Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters help keep the galaxy clean, but when his dark past reemerges, he must face it or put himself and his friends at risk.
Cowboy Bebop’s legacy is a significant factor in its position at the top of this list, having cultivated a massive fan base and garnered critical acclaim through itsdistinct sci-fi-infused noir and jazz vibe. The story is profound and moving, and despite most episodes following a new plot, each carries a heavy meaning that has lasted with fans for decades. It’s no fault to callCowboy Bebopthe greatest anime of all time, even being among the best of animation in general.
