20 Best Short 12-Episode Anime You Need to Watch

Short anime series are a goldmine for anyone hunting for fast, thrilling stories that don’t drag on forever. Fans searching for the best short 12-episode anime crave tales that hit hard with tight plots and characters you can’t forget. From spooky mysteries to high-energy action or even lighthearted laughs, these shows pack it all into a dozen episodes. I’ve rounded up some top picks that grab you quick and keep you glued, perfect for a weekend marathon.

The beauty of these best 12-episode anime series is how they jump right in—no wasted moments. They pull you into wild worlds or everyday struggles, leaving a big impression in a short time. We’ve got cult classics and under-the-radar gems here, each one proving you don’t need a hundred episodes to make something epic. Let’s dive into these 20 short-but-sweet hits I’ve got lined up.

1. Erased

Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, a regular guy who can rewind time to stop bad things from happening. After his mom’s killed, he’s zapped back to his childhood to save her and some old classmates from a murderer. The snowy town feels calm, but danger’s everywhere, and the clock’s ticking. It’s a tight, emotional race that hooks you fast.

I’m hooked on how Satoru’s just a normal dude, not some big hero, figuring it out as he goes. The soft visuals give it a cozy yet creepy feel, and the ending lands with a punch. It’s a standout for anyone who loves a mystery with heart.

2. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica starts with Madoka Kaname, a schoolgirl offered a deal by Kyubey—become a magical girl, get a wish, fight witches. Sounds fun until it turns grim, with secrets piling up and lives on the line. The 12 episodes take you from fluffy to devastating in a flash. It’s a rollercoaster you can’t pause.

The shiny art tricks you into thinking it’s all cute, then hits you with tough choices and heartbreak. I love how it flips expectations—those girls are in deep, and it’s gripping. If you’re up for a dark, beautiful surprise, this one’s a must.

3. Death Parade

Death Parade drops you in a bar where Decim decides the fate of dead folks through games. New souls show up, play stuff like darts or air hockey, and reveal who they really are under pressure. It’s a weird setup that gets heavy fast, with each episode peeling back human nature. The vibe’s both cool and unsettling.

What gets me is how simple games turn into mind-bending traps. Decim’s calm face cracks a bit as he starts feeling for these people, and the sleek animation makes every moment pop. It’s a haunting watch that sticks with you.

4. Yuri!!! on ICE

Yuri!!! on ICE tracks Yuri Katsuki, a skater down on his luck, who gets a boost when champ Victor Nikiforov coaches him. Throw in a fiery rival, Yuri Plisetsky, and it’s a mix of competition and connection. The 12 episodes shine with passion and some seriously smooth moves. It’s less about sports and more about bonds.

The skating scenes are jaw-dropping—music and motion in perfect sync. I can’t get over how it tackles doubt and dreams without being sappy. Victor and Yuri’s spark carries it to a feel-good finish. It’s a warm, fun ride.

5. Deadman Wonderland

Deadman Wonderland locks Ganta Igarashi in a nightmare jail after he’s framed for murder by a red-masked freak. With blood powers he doesn’t get, he’s forced into deadly fights for a cheering crowd. It’s brutal, messy, and ramps up quick over 12 wild episodes. The prison’s a twisted playground.

I dig how Ganta goes from scared kid to survivor—it’s raw and intense. The jagged art fits the gore, and the creepy warden adds a sick twist. If you’re into dark, bloody action, this one delivers big time.

6. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash drops a group of strangers into a grim fantasy land with no memory of how they got there. Haruto, Ranta, Yume, and the rest scramble to survive as low-level adventurers, hunting goblins for coins. The 12 episodes move slow but hit hard, showing their struggle to stay alive. It’s raw and grounded in a way that sticks.

I love how it skips the hero hype—these kids are scared, broke, and figuring it out. The watercolor art gives it a dreamy yet bleak feel, and the quiet moments of loss really land. If you’re into fantasy that feels real, this one’s a slow burn worth watching.

7. No Game No Life

No Game No Life tosses siblings Sora and Shiro into a world where games rule everything. These two are gaming wizards, and they’re out to conquer it all, one clever move at a time. The stakes are sky-high, and the visuals burst with color. It’s a fast, smart thrill.

Their teamwork’s the best part—Sora’s charm and Shiro’s genius click perfectly. I love how each match feels like a puzzle you’re solving with them, plus the laughs keep it light. It’s a blast for anyone who geeks out on strategy.

8. Another

Another sneaks into a small town where Kouichi Sakakibara joins a class with a deadly secret. He meets Mei Misaki, a girl no one acknowledges, and soon people start dropping in grisly ways. It’s tied to an old curse, and the slow build explodes by the end. The dread’s thick from the jump.

The muted colors and quiet moments make it feel off in the best way. I’m hooked on how it blends mystery and horror—every step closer to the truth ups the chills. It’s a solid pick for a spooky night in.

9. Highschool of the Dead

Highschool of the Dead starts with Takashi Komuro facing a zombie outbreak at school. He grabs some friends, and they fight to stay alive as the world falls apart. It’s loud, gory, and doesn’t slow down across 12 episodes. The mix of panic and action keeps it rolling.

I like how it’s shameless—zombies, weapons, and some fan service thrown in. The animation’s sharp, especially in the frantic escape scenes. If you want a wild survival romp, this one’s got the goods.

10. Daily Lives of High School Boys

Daily Lives of High School Boys follows Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake messing around with regular teen stuff. It’s all about dumb jokes, weird ideas, and laughing at nothing. The 12 episodes fly by with their goofy antics. It’s light and silly in the best way.

What gets me is how real it feels—guys just being idiots together. The sketches bounce from quiet gags to over-the-top bits, and the simple art keeps it chill. It’s a perfect breather if you need a laugh.

11. GOBLIN SLAYER!

GOBLIN SLAYER! centers on a guy obsessed with killing goblins after they wrecked his life. He teams up with a priestess and others, but it’s his show—cold, brutal, and focused. The 12 episodes dig into dark fantasy with no fluff. It’s intense and doesn’t blink.

The action’s raw—goblins aren’t a joke here, they’re a nightmare. I respect how it sticks to its harsh vibe, and the armor-clad Slayer’s a quiet force. If you’re into tough, bloody quests, this one cuts deep.

12. Dorohedoro

Dorohedoro drops you in a grimy world where Caiman, an amnesiac with a lizard head, hunts sorcerers to figure out who cursed him. His pal Nikaidou keeps him grounded as they stir up chaos. It’s 12 episodes of oddball energy and dark laughs. The vibe’s totally its own.

I love the messy art and how it leans into the bizarre—magic, meat pies, and gore all mash up. Caiman’s a lovable brute, and the mystery keeps you locked in. It’s a freaky, fun trip worth taking.

13. GANGSTA.

GANGSTA. tracks Nic and Worick, two hired guns in a rough city called Ergastulum. They take jobs, dodge trouble, and look out for Alex, a singer they save. The 12 episodes build a world of shady deals and quick fights. It’s cool, tough, and doesn’t mess around.

The duo’s chemistry is gold—Nic’s deaf and deadly, Worick’s smooth and sharp. I dig the jazzy tunes and the lived-in feel of the streets. It’s a slick watch for anyone into crime with a twist.

14. Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou

Monster Musume no Iru Nichijou puts Kimihito in a house full of monster girls—lamias, harpies, you name it. He’s stuck managing their quirks and dodging chaos, all while they vie for his attention. The 12 episodes are a goofy, flirty romp. It’s wild and playful.

The charm’s in the madness—each girl’s a handful, and Kimihito’s just trying to survive. I like how it’s shamelessly fun, with bright art that pops. If you want something quirky and light, this delivers.

15. Devil May Cry: The Animated Series

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series follows Dante, a demon hunter with a big sword and bigger attitude. He takes odd jobs, fights monsters, and cracks wise over 12 episodes. It’s a lean slice of action tied to the game series. The vibe’s pure cool.

Dante’s swagger carries it—every fight’s a show, and the dark style fits him. I enjoy how it keeps things simple but flashy, with solid animation in the brawls. It’s a quick hit for action fans.

16. School Days

School Days tracks Makoto Itou juggling two girls—Kotonoha and Sekai—and it goes bad fast. What starts as a typical romance spirals into jealousy and worse over 12 episodes. It’s messy, dark, and doesn’t pull punches. The end’s a shocker.

I can’t look away from how it flips the love story into something ugly. The art’s soft, which makes the chaos hit harder. If you’re curious about a trainwreck romance, this one’s wild.

17. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress mixes steam-powered trains with zombie hordes. Ikoma, a mechanic turned half-monster, fights to protect survivors on the run. The 12 episodes are packed with big battles and a gritty world. It’s a loud, thrilling ride.

The steampunk-zombie mashup works—trains chug, blood flies, and Ikoma’s a solid lead. I love the high-energy animation and how it keeps the pace up. It’s a fun pick for action buffs.

18. BTOOOM!

BTOOOM! strands Ryouta Sakamoto on an island where players kill with bombs. He’s a pro at the game in real life, but now it’s for keeps. The 12 episodes are tense, with traps and betrayal everywhere. It’s a survival rush.

Ryouta’s sharp mind keeps it gripping—every bomb’s a gamble. I like how it dives into the players’ heads, and the island feels alive with danger. If you’re into high-stakes games, this one’s a blast.

19. 91 Days

91 Days follows Angelo Lagusa hunting the mob that killed his family. He worms into their world as Avilio, plotting payback over 12 tight episodes. It’s a slow burn with a 1920s Prohibition twist. The mood’s heavy and sharp.

The cat-and-mouse game’s what gets me—Angelo’s quiet but ruthless. I love the smoky art and jazzy feel that nail the era. It’s a lean, mean revenge tale that pays off big.

20. Tsuki ga Kirei

Tsuki ga Kirei tracks Kotarou and Akane, two shy teens falling for each other. It’s all awkward texts, small moments, and real feels over 12 episodes. No big drama—just a sweet, slow build. It’s pure and simple.

I adore how it captures that first-crush vibe—nervous but warm. The soft visuals and gentle pace make it cozy, and the ending’s a quiet win. If you want a chill romance, this one’s perfect.