Anime episode series with just 12 episodes offer a concise yet powerful experience, ideal for binge-watching over a weekend. These short programs frequently cram engaging narratives, complex characters, and spectacular graphics into a brief timeframe. You have found the ideal site if you are searching for the top 12 episode anime series. This list will go over the best shows for both new viewers and anime aficionados so you might find your next favorite.
Why Choose a 12 Episode Anime Series?
Short anime series have grown in popularity due to their accessibility. Here’s why many fans love them:
- Compact storytelling: With only 12 episodes, the tales are often well-paced and short.
- Time-efficient: Ideal for busy viewers seeking a thorough story without devoting too much time.
- Diverse genres: From romance to action and psychological thrillers, the 12-episode anime series caters to all interests.
Best 12 Episode Anime Series to Watch
1. Death Parade
- Genre: Psychological, Drama
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Yuzuru Tachikawa
- Producer: Naoki Amano
- Writer: Yuzuru Tachikawa
- Released Date: January 9, 2015
- Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Madhouse
- Production Company: Madhouse
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Plot: After death, souls arrive at a mysterious bar called Quindecim, where they must play games to determine their fate. Through these games, their true nature is revealed.
2. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Tomohiko Itō
- Producer: Aniplex
- Writer: Taku Kishimoto
- Released Date: January 8, 2016
- Runtime: Approximately 23 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Aniplex of America
- Production Company: A-1 Pictures
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: Netflix
Plot: Satoru, a young man with the ability to travel back in time, uses his powers to prevent a tragedy from his childhood while unraveling a series of murders.
3. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
- Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Producer: Hiro Maruyama
- Writer: Mari Okada
- Released Date: April 15, 2011
- Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Aniplex of America
- Production Company: A-1 Pictures
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: Crunchyroll
Plot: A group of childhood friends must come to terms with the loss of their friend Menma when her ghost appears, asking them to fulfill her final wish.
4. Made in Abyss
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Masayuki Kojima
- Producer: Nobuhiro Takenaka
- Writer: Hideyuki Kurata
- Released Date: July 7, 2017
- Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Sentai Filmworks
- Production Company: Kinema Citrus
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: HIDIVE
Plot: A young girl, Riko, and her robotic friend, Reg, venture into the mysterious Abyss to uncover its secrets and find her missing mother.
5. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!)
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Naoto Hosoda
- Producer: Daisuke Hiramaki
- Writer: Masahiro Yokotani
- Released Date: April 4, 2013
- Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Funimation
- Production Company: White Fox
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: Funimation
Plot: A demon king finds himself stranded in modern Tokyo, where he takes up a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant while plotting his return to power.
6. No Game No Life
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Original Language: Japanese
- Director: Atsuko Ishizuka
- Producer: Sho Tanaka
- Writer: Jukki Hanada
- Released Date: April 9, 2014
- Runtime: Approximately 23 minutes per episode
- Distributor: Sentai Filmworks
- Production Company: Madhouse
- Box Office: Not applicable (TV series)
- Watch at: Crunchyroll
Plot: Siblings Sora and Shiro, unbeatable gamers, are transported to a fantastical world where every conflict is resolved through games.
How to Choose the Best Anime Series with 12 Episodes
When selecting an anime to watch, consider the following:
- Genre preference: Do you enjoy romance, action, or psychological thrillers?
- Art style: Some series are known for their unique animation and visuals.
- Reviews: Look at community ratings or watch trailers to get a feel for the series.
- Theme exploration: Many 12-episode anime tackle profound themes in a limited span.
Final Thoughts
A 12-episode anime is a great option if you want to explore anime without pledging to a long-running series. Whether you are a novice otaku or a seasoned one, the ideas above are ideal beginning point.
Start your adventure in anime right now and investigate the top 12 episode series—stories you will remember long after the last credits have rolled.