What is an abridged anime?
Abridging something means to shorten it, cutting out the less important bits to summarize the main plotlines. This was a popular practice for many older novels, like The Count of Monte Cristo. It was not originally meant to be used for comedic purposes, however. Abridged parodies arguably started in 1987 with the play "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", and the first anime abridged series started in 2006 when LittleKuriboh of Team Four Star had an idea. If others were doing these shorter, funnier versions of TV shows, plays, etc., why not do it with Yu☆Gi☆Oh! as well?
After its release, the abridged madness began, and the concept caught on like wildfire. From just one abridged series in 2006, it has grown into a recognized genre in itself with hundreds of variations on hundreds of anime. Ranging from quick and clever to downright dirty, here are some of abridged series that are worth a look. There are actually very few abridged series that require previous knowledge of the anime to enjoy; however it is encouraged to understand all the humor as there are some references and “inside jokes” within the original series. None of these are safe for work, which means if you have children, please tell them to go outside.
Come check out 15 of the best abridged anime!
Rail Whores!
Rail Whores
This one shot abridged series parodies Nihon Kokuyuu Tetsudou Kouantai (Rail Wars). The creator even states within the description on YouTube, “I have no idea what this anime is about,” as the creator makes various references to pop culture.
Mysterious Girlfriend X Abridged
Mysterious Girlfriend X
The original ecchi anime makes fun of Nazo no Kanojo X (Mysterious Girlfriend X) about two young people’s interesting relationship. The creator, MGXAbridged, sticks mostly to the anime’s main plot and delivers all the humor through the unique gender-bending talents of the voice actors.
Sailor Moon Abridged
Sailor Moon Abridged
The creators were inspired to poke fun at Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon through their editing choices and great exaggerations of the Sailor Scouts contribute to this comedy, especially with their transition scenes.
Null Metal Alchemist
NullMetal Alchemist
Called Null Metal Alchemist on YouTube, this abridged series parodies Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Fullmetal Alchemist) and is a worthy watch for anyone, even more so for fellow FMA followers.
Attack on Titan Abridged
This abridged series of Shingeki no Kyojin by Team Four Star has been the one with the most views out of the variations available. At time of research there was only one episode and is on indeterminable hiatus. A shame, because its production value and humor are of titanic proportions!
Pokémon 'Bridged
Pokemon 'Bridged
From the pages of people’s youth, if anyone remembers a thing about the original Pokemon, it does not mean much now with this abridged series of Pokémon.
Seven Deadly Schmucks!
Based off Nanastu no Taizai (Seven Deadly Sins), this abridged series features over-the-top voice acting and on-point editing for this new-comer anime.
Hellsing Abridged
This is another abridged series inspired by Hellsing Ultimate by Team Four Star. The copious amounts of creative insults and cursing accompany the equally copious amounts of violence. It makes itself such a treat to watch.
Sword Art Online Abridged
Sword Art Online (SAO) Abridged
This abridged series turns Kirito of the original Sword Art Online into someone with a complete disregard for others, which inspires rather comical situations and interactions with the other players, even more so with Asuna.
Naruto Abridged and The Naruto Abridged Comedy Spoof Series
Naruto Abridged
The Naruto Abridged Comedy Spoof Series
There are two different versions of this Naruto Abridged series: the older one (uploaded in 2006) titled “Naruto Abridged” and the younger one (uploaded in 2009) titled “Naruto Spoof” created by LittleKuriboh of Team 4 Star. Both are hilarious, but notable in the first one is a lengthy reference to Pokemon.
Akame ga Kill! Abridged!
This abridged series of Akame ga Kiru! (Akame ga Kill!) explores the dark fantasy in a new light featuring random antics, a creative way of announcing the disclaimer, and some interesting innuendo (if you want to call it that).
Tokyo Ghoul Abridged
Like Hellsing Ultimate Abridged, this abridged series is full of colorful language and equally colorful character interpretations. A great one for those Tokyo Ghoul followers.
None Piece
Also a member of Team Four Star, PurpleEyesWTF created the One Piece parody, called None Piece. It’s quick, so it is quite possible to miss something.
Dragon Ball Z Abridged
One of Team Four Star’s earliest hits to the abridged series scene, this Dragon Ball Z parody has lasted throughout the years – and for good reason. With its large following, fans keep asking for more.
YGOTAS (Yu-Gi-Oh! The Abridged Serious)
The progenitor of abridged series in general and the beginning of it all. What inspired the LittleKuriboh to do the abridged series was simply the premise of Yu-Gi-Oh! itself: grown adults playing a children’s card game with unreal consequences to their actions. He thought that alone makes the show fair game to be poked at.
