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10 Best 12-Episode Anime Series

Writer: Pavas GagnejaPavas Gagneja

Updated: Jun 19, 2023


Best 12 episode anime series ranked

It has been decades since anime has captivated audiences from all age groups. Be it action, drama, romance, or comedy, anime shows are a proper entertainment package that can make the viewers forget all about their stress and engulf in the world of their favorite show.

One of the most popular formats for anime is the 12-episode series. These short series pack a powerful punch, delivering gripping storylines, complex characters, and stunning visuals in just a few hours of screen time. They are perfect for fans who are short on time or for those who want to try out a new anime without committing to a longer series. In this article, we will explore the best 12-episode animes that you can binge-watch in a single weekend.



10/10 Another

Another best 12 episode anime series

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 unfold 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 eerie atmosphere, intense plot twists, and haunting visuals, Another is a must-watch for fans of horror and mystery.


9/10 Erased

Erased

Erased is a gripping psychological thriller anime that follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist who has the ability to go back in time to prevent tragedies from happening. When he is accused of a murder he didn't commit, Satoru uses his powers to go back in time to prevent a series of kidnappings and murders from occurring. Along the way, he must confront his own past and solve the mystery behind the murders before it's too late.


The series is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with heart-warming moments of friendship and love juxtaposed against chilling scenes of violence and fear. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets that add depth to the story.


8/10 No Game, No Life

No Game No Life

The gamers will be thrilled to see this anime on the list as No Game No Life takes them deeper into the world of gaming. The undefeated online gaming duo of siblings Sora and Shiro is transported into a mysterious world called Disboard, where all conflicts are resolved through games rather than violence.



The anime is known for its vibrant color scheme, elaborate world-building, and intense game battles. The series explores themes of strategy, teamwork, and the power of the human mind. Fans of the anime praise its unique concept and intricate plot, as well as its engaging characters and witty dialogue.


7/10 Prison School

Prison School best 12 episode anime series

Brace yourself with some headphones and 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 and punishment for their misbehavior.


Led by the protagonist Kiyoshi, the boys try to find ways to escape the strict rules and surveillance of the school's student council while also navigating their complicated relationships with the female students. The anime is known for its hilarious and over-the-top humor, as well as its fanservice. While the series may not be for everyone due to its mature content, fans of raunchy humor and outrageous plotlines are sure to find it an unforgettable viewing experience.


6/10 Death Parade

Death Parade

Death Parade is a thought-provoking anime series that takes place in a mysterious bar where recently deceased individuals must participate in a deadly game to determine their fate in the afterlife. The bartender, Decim, judges their souls by observing their behavior and reactions throughout the game. As the series progresses, Decim begins to question the morality of his job and the rules of the afterlife, leading to unexpected and emotional plot twists.


Along the way, the anime explores themes of life, death, morality, and the human condition. Despite its heavy themes, Death Parade also incorporates moments of humor and light-heartedness, making it a well-balanced anime that appeals to a wide audience. Overall, the anime is a must-watch for fans of psychological drama, mystery, and philosophy and is sure to leave a lasting impact on those who watch it.


5/10 Hellsing

Hellsing one of the best 12 episode anime series

The series follows the story of the Hellsing Organization, a group dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats. The Protagonist is the powerful vampire-hunting vampire, Alucard, who serves as the organization's ultimate weapon.



Despite his fearsome reputation, Alucard is also a character with deep emotions and a strong moral code. He is haunted by his past as a vampire hunter and the atrocities he committed before being turned into a vampire himself. Throughout the series, he struggles with his own identity and his place in the world. Fans of action, horror, and supernatural setup are sure to be captivated by this dark and intense series.


4/10 Angel Beats

Best 12 episode anime shows

Otonashi is a young man who wakes up in the afterlife with no memories. He joins a group of rebels who are fighting against a mysterious girl named Angel, who they believe is keeping them trapped in the afterlife. Together, they try to uncover the truth about their situation and find a way to move on.


Viewers loved Angel Beats for its unique blend of genres, including action, drama, comedy, and romance. The series featured a compelling cast of characters, each with their own backstory and motivations, that make viewers invested in their journey. With its stunning animation, the anime also explores themes of life, death, and the meaning of existence in a way that is thought-provoking and emotional.


3/10 Daily Lives Of High School Boys

Daily Lives of High School Boys

Fans of the comedy genre will have a good laugh with this series. The hilarious characters will make you roll on the floor laughing. The three main characters - Hidenori, Yoshitake, and Tadakuni - are a relatable trio of teenage boys who are often prone to making mistakes and getting into trouble. From navigating awkward social situations to dealing with schoolwork and exams, the boys face a variety of challenges that will be familiar to anyone who has experienced high school life.


One of the standout features of Daily Lives of High School Boys is its unique sense of humor. The show is filled with witty one-liners, hilarious visual gags, and a healthy dose of absurdity that will have viewers laughing out loud. The series also offers a refreshing take on high school life that avoids the cliches and melodrama often found in other anime series.


2/10 Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a post-apocalyptic anime series that takes place in a world overrun by Kabane, zombie-like creatures that threaten the survival of humanity. The story follows a young engineer named Ikoma, who has created a weapon that can pierce the Kabane's iron-clad hearts. The group of survivors moves forward as they fight to stay alive and find a safe haven.


The series features intense action sequences as the survivors battle the Kabane on board the massive, armored trains that transport them between stations. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and enemies, including a powerful group of humans who seek to exploit the Kabane for their own gain.


1/10 Yuri On Ice

Yuri on Ice

After suffering a devastating loss at the Grand Prix Final, Yuri returns home feeling defeated and unsure of his future in skating. However, after a video of him performing a routine of his idol, Victor Nikiforov, goes viral, Victor himself appears and offers to become Yuri's coach. Together, they embark on a journey to win the Grand Prix and become the best skaters in the world.


The series explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence in the highly competitive world of figure skating. The skating sequences are beautifully animated and accompanied by a stunning soundtrack, while the characters are well-developed and endearing. Yuri on Ice is a captivating and emotional anime that has won the hearts of viewers around the world.


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