A Short That Left a Long Impression
Before Death Parade became a cult classic in the world of psychological anime, there was Death Billiards—a 25-minute short film that asked viewers a simple, haunting question:
“Can anyone truly judge the value of a life?”
Created as part of Japan’s 2013 Anime Mirai project, Death Billiards wasn’t just a student experiment or forgotten pilot. It was a carefully crafted, atmospheric story that planted the philosophical seeds which would later grow into the acclaimed series Death Parade.
In this article, we’ll explore what Death Billiards is, how it connects to Death Parade, what makes it so powerful in such a short runtime, and where you can watch it today.
What Is Death Billiards?
A Product of Anime Mirai
Death Billiards was one of four anime shorts funded by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs under the Anime Mirai project—an initiative designed to nurture young animators by giving them real production experience.
Behind the project stood powerhouse studio Madhouse, known for Death Note, Paprika, and Paranoia Agent. Directing this project was Yuzuru Tachikawa, a rising talent who would later become the director of Mob Psycho 100.
Plot Overview (No Spoilers)
The entire short takes place in a mysterious bar called Quindecim, where two strangers—a young man and an older gentleman—are told they must play a game of billiards. What seems like a simple bar game quickly turns psychological, as tensions rise, secrets surface, and both men are pushed to emotional extremes.
But here’s the catch: they don’t know they’re dead.
The game isn’t just for sport—it’s a judgment, a test of the soul.
Despite its brief runtime, Death Billiards leaves a lasting impression with its quiet intensity, eerie atmosphere, and deeply human themes.
Connection to Death Parade
If you’ve seen Death Parade, many elements of Death Billiards will feel familiar—and that’s by design. Death Billiards is essentially the prototype episode for the Death Parade TV series, which aired in 2015.
Shared World & Setting
Both stories take place in Quindecim, the liminal bar between life and death. The bartender and arbiter, Decim, appears in both versions—though his role and emotional range expand significantly in the series.
The core concept remains the same:
Two people who have just died are judged through a mysterious game that reflects their inner selves.
Evolution from Short to Series
Where Death Billiards focused solely on two men and one round of billiards, Death Parade expands the idea to a variety of games—darts, bowling, even arcade machines—and a wider cast of characters. It also introduces a new character, Chiyuki, who challenges Decim’s methods and adds emotional depth to the story.
Think of Death Billiards as the spark, and Death Parade as the fire it ignited.
Themes and Philosophy
At its core, Death Billiards is not about billiards—or even death. It’s about judgment, and more specifically, how we perceive morality in others when we lack full context. In just 25 minutes, the short raises questions that linger far beyond its runtime.
- Can we judge someone based on a single moment of weakness?
- Does anger justify violence when rooted in pain?
- Can an emotionless arbiter truly understand human complexity?
These are the types of questions that Death Billiards doesn’t try to answer definitively. Instead, it invites the viewer to sit in that discomfort, to reflect, and to form their own conclusions—only to have them challenged again in Death Parade.
This ambiguity is intentional. The bartender Decim acts with cold precision, but his detachment is what makes the viewer uneasy. He becomes a mirror, showing us how we judge others and whether we’re even qualified to.
In that sense, Death Billiards functions as a philosophical sandbox—a controlled environment where morality, death, and judgment collide under the spotlight of dramatic storytelling.
Where to Watch Death Billiards in 2025
As of 2025, Death Billiards is available through select streaming platforms, though it may not be as widely accessible as Death Parade. Here’s the best option for most viewers:
✅ Prime Video via dAnime Store (Japan)
If you’re in Japan or have access to Japanese Prime Video, Death Billiards is included in the dAnime Store for Prime Video catalog. A free trial is available for new users, making it an easy way to watch both the short and Death Parade.
👉 Watch Death Billiards on Prime Video (Free Trial)
Should You Watch It Before Death Parade?
While Death Billiards is not required viewing, watching it first absolutely enhances the experience. It gives context to Decim’s character, highlights the evolution of the series’ concept, and creates a sense of continuity.
Here’s a suggested viewing order:
- Death Billiards (2013 short)
- Death Parade (2015 TV series, 12 episodes)
👉 Full guide here:
Watch Order and Streaming Info
Conclusion: Why It Still Matters
More than a decade after its release, Death Billiards remains one of the most impactful short films in modern anime. Its minimalism is its strength, allowing for emotional depth without exposition overload. It’s a masterclass in philosophical storytelling, proving that you don’t need a full season to make a statement.
Whether you’re new to Death Parade or returning for a deeper understanding, Death Billiards is more than worth your time—it’s essential.
