12 Best 12-Episode Anime Series You Must Watch

If you’re searching for the best 12-episode anime that won’t take up weeks of your time, you’re in the right place. Some of the best stories don’t need dozens of episodes to make an impact; they grab you from the start, keep you hooked, and leave you thinking about them long after the credits roll.

Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, or something completely out of the ordinary, this list has something for you. And the best part? Every anime here is just 12 episodes, meaning you can binge-watch them in a day or two. Some even have an English dub if you prefer watching without subtitles.

UPDATE: This article was updated by Daksh Chaudhary on March 27th, 2025. We have added 2 more entries to the list, added new photos, and improved the content of the article. Also, we have added a table below each entry to enhance our readers' experience.

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12/12 Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress

If you love Attack on Titan, then Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress will feel right at home. It’s got humanity on the brink of extinction, terrifying creatures hunting people down, and a group of badass survivors fighting back. But instead of Titans, this time it’s the Kabane, zombie-like monsters that are fast, aggressive, and almost impossible to kill.

Critics often call Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress a mix of Attack on Titan and steampunk, with stunning animation and action-packed fights. Some feel it’s more style over substance, but one thing’s for sure, it looks incredible. The series was made by Wit Studio, the same one that worked on Attack on Titan, which explains why it feels so similar.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2016	7.28	Wit Studio	Action, Horror	Prime Video

11/12 Another

This anime is the reason for nightmares for many of its viewers. Another is a staggering psychological horror anime series. It follows the story of Kouichi Sakakibara, who moves to a small town and becomes wrapped up in a mysterious curse that plagues his class.

As strange and deadly events take place around him, Kouichi teams up with his classmates to uncover the dark secrets of the town and put an end to the curse before it's too late. With its dark atmosphere, intense plot twists, and haunting visuals, Another is a must-watch for fans of horror and mystery.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2012	7.46	P.A. Works	Horror, Mystery	Crunchyroll

10/12 Prison School

Prison School best 12 episode anime series

First things first, keep your under-18 siblings or kids away from Prison School, as the advanced humor and explicit scenes can really push your buttons. The series follows the misadventures of five male students who enroll in a prestigious all-girls high school, only to find themselves imprisoned and subjected to strict discipline.

Kiyoshi and his friends are stuck in a school with super strict rules and a student council that watches their every move. They try to find ways to escape while also dealing with the girls at the school, which leads to a lot of crazy situations. This anime is full of over-the-top comedy and tons of fan service. It’s not for everyone, but if you like wild, raunchy humor, you’re in for a fun ride.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
July 2015	7.59	J.C. Staff	Comedy, Ecchi	Crunchyroll

9/12 91 Days

If you love revenge stories with a dark twist, 91 Days is one of the best 12-episode anime out there. Set during the Prohibition era, it follows Angelo Lagusa as he seeks vengeance against the mafia who killed his family. The show feels like a classic gangster movie but with anime-style drama.

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What makes 91 Days special is its realistic take on revenge. Unlike other anime, there are no superpowers, just guns, betrayal, and tough choices. The ending will leave you thinking long after the last episode. If you like crime dramas, this is a must-watch.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
July 2016	7.83	Shuka	Action, Drama	Prime Video

8/12 Yuri On Ice

Ever thought figure skating could be this fun to watch? Yuri on Ice proves it is. It’s about Yuri Katsuki, a skater who’s kinda down bad in his career, until his idol, the legendary Victor Nikiforov, randomly shows up and decides to coach him. From there, it’s all about epic competitions, insane skating moves, and a whole lot of unexpected moments that make it way more than just a sports anime.

What makes Yuri on Ice stand out? First, the skating scenes are super smooth, and second, it actually made history with how it handled character relationships. And it even won Anime of the Year in 2016. If you want something fun, fast-paced, and just different from your usual action-packed anime, this is easily one of the best anime with 12 episodes to check out.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2016	7.90	MAPPA	Sports	Crunchyroll

7/12 No Game, No Life

If you love gaming, you’re going to love No Game No Life. It’s about two siblings, Sora and Shiro, who are basically unbeatable at any game they play. One day, they get pulled into a world called Disboard, where everything, wars, arguments, even small fights, is settled through games instead of violence. The games here are wild, and they have to outsmart some seriously tough opponents to survive.

This is a great anime with 12 episodes. The colors are super bright and almost neon, which makes every scene look amazing. The game battles are intense, full of crazy strategies and mind games that keep you hooked. Plus, it’s made by Madhouse, the same studio behind Death Note and One Punch Man, so you know the animation is top-tier.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2014	8.05	Madhouse	Comedy, Fantasy	Netflix

6/12 Hinamatsuri

Life is unpredictable, but for a yakuza named Nitta, it gets really weird when a mysterious girl literally falls out of the sky and lands in his apartment. The girl, Hina, has insane psychic powers and zero social skills, but instead of using her abilities for something big, she mostly just eats, sleeps, and causes chaos in Nitta’s life. What starts as a total headache for him slowly turns into something way more wholesome.

What makes Hinamatsuri stand out is how it blends comedy with surprisingly deep moments. One second, you’re laughing at Hina’s laziness, and the next, you’re hit with a story that’s weirdly touching. And it’s not just about her; other characters, like the hardworking Anzu, bring even more heart to the show.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2018	8.12	feel.	Comedy	Crunchyroll

5/12 Death Parade

Imagine walking into a mysterious bar where the bartender isn’t just serving drinks, he’s judging your soul. That’s Death Parade for you. When people die, they end up in a place called Quindecim, where they have to play intense games like darts or bowling. But here’s the catch: these games reveal their true nature, deciding whether they’ll be reborn or disappear forever.

What really makes Death Parade stand out is how it plays with emotions. One moment, you’re watching a heartwarming story, and the next, it hits you with something totally heartbreaking. The animation by Madhouse is stunning, and the music? Absolute perfection - a perfect 12-episode anime worth watching.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2015	8.14	Madhouse	Drama, Suspense	Crunchyroll

4/12 Daily Lives Of High School Boys

Comedy anime Daily Lives of High School Boys

Despite the title, this anime has nothing to do with normal high school life, it’s just a bunch of teenage boys getting into the most ridiculous, over-the-top situations. One minute they’re acting out dramatic RPG battles, and the next, they’re panicking over something completely dumb. The humor is totally random, full of unexpected twists, and somehow always funnier than you expect.

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What makes this anime so great is how self-aware it is. It knows how silly it is and just keeps pushing things further. There’s no deep story or emotional drama, just pure comedy, weird misunderstandings, and some of the best “what did I just watch?” moments in anime. Undoubtedly one of the best 12-episode anime series.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2012	8.23	Sunrise	Comedy	Prime Video

3/12 Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Ever think a cute magical girl anime could break your heart? Puella Magi Madoka Magica, made by the legendary studio SHAFT, starts like a typical magical girl story, until it pulls the rug out from under you. What begins with pastel colors and hopeful girls quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare.

The story follows Madoka as she debates becoming a magical girl, but the real cost of her wish is horrifying. This anime is famous for its jaw-dropping twists, haunting soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura, and surreal animation. The witches' labyrinths are trippy, the fights are brutal, and the ending will leave you stunned.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
July 2011	8.27	Shaft	Drama, Suspense	Crunchyroll

2/12 Erased

Erased is one of those anime that hits you right in the feels while keeping you on edge the whole time. It’s about a guy named Satoru, a struggling manga artist, who suddenly gets sent back to his childhood. But it’s not just some random time travel, he’s there to stop a serial killer from hurting his classmates. One of them is Kayo, a quiet girl who really needs someone to stand up for her.

The show is filled with intense emotions that make you want to keep watching. Satoru and Kayo’s bond is so sweet that you can’t help but root for them. The animation looks clean, the story keeps you guessing, and if you’re not in the mood for subtitles, the English dub is actually really good.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2016	8.30	A-1 Pictures	Mystery, Suspense	Crunchyroll

1/10 Barakamon

Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get completely lost. That’s pretty much what happens in Barakamon. It follows Seishuu Handa, a talented but hot-headed calligrapher who gets sent to a remote island after losing his temper. At first, he hates everything: the countryside, the noisy kids, the slow life. But as time goes on, he starts learning more from the villagers than he ever expected.

The humor is natural, the characters are lovable, and the whole show just has this warm, feel-good vibe. And then there’s Naru, the little girl who basically steals the show. She’s full of energy, always causing trouble, but she’s also the reason Handa starts to change. And with just 12 episodes, it's a perfect show to binge-watch in a day.