10 Short Manga You Can Read in One Night (And They’re Amazing)

Ever crave something powerful to read without committing for weeks? Some manga manage to tell unforgettable stories in just a few pages or chapters.

In this article, we’ve gathered titles perfect for a one-night read. They deliver unforgettable experiences. Whether through emotional drama, existential reflection or intense adventures, these stories get straight to the point and prove how powerful a narrative can be, even in a short amount of time.

One-Armed Amy

One-shot

Genre: Slice of Life, Drama

In just a few pages, we follow Amy, a girl with a mechanical arm who must face both internal and external battles as she journeys through a retrofuturistic world. The story blends action and emotion in a surprising way.

Created by Park Ji-Eun, a Korean author known for visually striking work, this one-shot gained attention for its vibrant art style and the compelling universe it builds in such a short time.

She and Her Cat

One-shot

Genre: Seinen, Drama

She and Her Cat follows the journey of Miyu, a young woman exploring adult life and discovering the duality of independence — freedom and loneliness. Through the eyes of her faithful feline companion, Chobi, the story captures the small, precious moments they share.

As time flows for both Miyu and her cat, the story’s quiet sensitivity gradually reveals the unavoidable realities of life.

Originally created by Makoto Shinkai, acclaimed director of films like Your Name, this manga adapts his short film with tender elegance. It invites readers to reflect on the beauty of simple relationships and everyday silence.

Toki Doki

One-shot

Genre: Drama, Romance

Toki Doki tells the story of Hatsu Takagi, a girl with a rare and serious heart condition, and Hato Ijima, who decides to help her make the most of her life after learning about her illness.

As the two grow closer, the story unfolds into a beautiful metaphor about time and intensity. Written by Naoshi Komi, known for Nisekoi, this work moves away from conventional romance, touching deeply with its message of cherishing each heartbeat as if it were the last.

Goodbye, Eri

One-shot

Genre: Drama

A teenager decides to document the final days of his terminally ill mother. After her passing, he meets a mysterious girl named Eri who challenges his understanding of reality and fiction.

Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, author of Chainsaw Man, this manga plays with cinematic storytelling. It offers unexpected twists and an experimental narrative that lingers with the reader long after the end.

Light Again

One-shot

Genre: Drama, Sci-fi

A meteor strike destroyed the Moon, plunging much of Earth into darkness. As humanity searches for survival and light, a young researcher and a girl meet at a facility studying the “Lumia”—glowing beings that seem to emerge from the Earth. On this journey, they may find their own light.

A young girl faces the grief of a deep loss while searching for meaning in life. This visual fable stands out for its delicate artwork and symbolic exploration of mourning and rebirth. Ideal for fans of poetic, layered visual storytelling.

My Broken Mariko

One-shot

Genre: Drama, Psychological

After the suicide of her best friend, a woman impulsively steals Mariko’s ashes and sets off on an emotional journey to process the pain.

Written by Waka Hirako, the manga features raw illustrations alongside a visceral story about trauma, domestic violence and bonds that defy logic. It was so well received it even inspired a live-action adaptation.

Solanin

Chapters: 29

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life

Two years after graduating, Meiko and Taneda are lost, unsure of their direction in life. Sharing an apartment and an uncertain future, Meiko works as a secretary to pay the bills while Taneda, an illustrator, barely contributes financially but clings to his passion for music. He regularly meets with old friends from the university’s “Pop Music Club,” who still dream of fame and large audiences.

Frustrated with their ordinary routines, their lives shift when Meiko quits her job and Taneda decides to fully commit to composing music for the band.

Freed from their previous constraints, they embrace an unpredictable future together. But a tragic event changes everything for them and their friends.

Created by Inio Asano, known for introspective works like Goodnight Punpun, Solanin is a poignant portrayal of disenchanted youth and the search for purpose. Sensitive, realistic and filled with moments of pure beauty.

I Sold My Life for 10,000 Yen per Year

Chapters: 16

Genre: Drama, Psychological

A young man discovers a mysterious shop where he can sell years of his life for money. After selling most of his lifespan for a small amount, he’s left with only three months to live. From that point on, he lives with a renewed awareness of life’s true value.

Based on a novel by Sugaru Miaki and illustrated by Shouichi Taguchi, this story provokes deep reflection on choices, regret and what truly matters.

Soloist in a Cage

Chapters: 20

Genre: Action, Drama

In a walled-off city functioning as a massive prison guarded by robots, young Chloe and her baby brother Rock grow up knowing only confinement. During a desperate escape attempt, Chloe is forced to leave Rock behind. Eleven years later, now a skilled fighter, she returns to Prison City determined to rescue him.

With a gripping plot, intense action and expressive artwork capturing every tense moment, this manga stands out for its emotional depth and fast-paced storytelling. A quick and compelling read from start to finish.

Bibliomania

Chapters: 12

Genre: Horror, Adventure

Alice wakes up in room 431 of a mysterious mansion. “You must not leave this room,” warns the Serpent…

In a universe where books hold supernatural powers, a girl becomes entangled with a secretive organization while wrestling with her own literary obsessions.

Blending psychological horror, dark romance and symbolism, this manga offers a dense, enigmatic atmosphere. With its gothic aesthetic and immersive world-building, it’s perfect for readers who enjoy exploring dark, mysterious settings.

Sometimes all we need is a short story that stays with us long after we've finished reading. These short manga show how it's possible to dive into intense, emotional worlds with just a few pages and no rush. Each one carries its own atmosphere, its quiet emotions, its silences and pauses.

If you're looking for something to read on a quiet evening, nestled under a blanket with a cup of tea, these stories make great company.

Now tell us: Did you already know any of these titles? Have you read another short manga that deserves more attention? Let us know in the comments below!