Top 12-episode anime series you need to see
With countless anime series available, picking the right one to watch can be daunting. Whether you're new to anime or looking for a quick yet fulfilling experience, shorter series are a great choice. They offer diverse characters, unique stories, and stunning animation without the long-term commitment. Here are some of the best 12-episode anime series perfect for a day of binge-watching.
1. Prison School
Prison School is renowned in the anime world for its adult comedy and intense scenes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Airing from July to September 2015, the series hasn't announced a renewal yet. The story unfolds at Hachimitsu Academy, a prestigious girls' school that recently turned co-ed. Five boys, caught peeping into the girls' bathrooms, are sentenced to serve time in the school's prison, leading to a series of hilarious and dramatic events.
2. Erased
Erased is a standout in the mystery, science fiction, and thriller genres, boasting an impressive 8.5 rating on IMDb. Created by Kei Sanbe, also known for Kamiyadori and Hohzuki Island, the story follows Satoru Fujinuma, a man with the ability to travel back in time to prevent accidents. This power, known as Revival, allows Satoru to not only stop a tragic event but also amend other past misfortunes.
3. My Dress-Up Darling
Awarded the best winter anime of 2022, My Dress-Up Darling is an ideal series for a one-day binge-watch. The plot centers on Wakana Gojo, who has a passion for making Hina Dolls, and Marin Kitagawa, a girl who loves cosplay. Marin asks Gojo to help her create a cosplay dress, sparking the beginning of their romantic journey.
4. Death Parade
Death Parade offers a unique storytelling format, with each episode presenting a different narrative while maintaining an overarching plot. Set in Quindecim, a bar where the deceased must play games to determine their fate, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its surprising twists and moral dilemmas.
5. Spy X Family
Recently released on Netflix, Spy X Family quickly became one of the year's top shows. The series, adapted from a popular manga, follows Loid, a spy on a secret mission who must pose as a family man. To complete his cover, he adopts a girl and becomes involved with an assassin named Yor Forger, leading to a blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments.
6. Another
For horror enthusiasts, Another is a top pick. Created by Yukito Ayatsuji, known for his horror and thriller works, this 2012 series features impressive animation and chilling scenes. It follows Koichi Sakakibara, a student who transfers to a school with a dark history. As a deadly curse reawakens, the true horrors begin to unfold.
7. Deadman Wonderland
Packed with action, thrills, and post-apocalyptic themes, Deadman Wonderland is a gripping 12-episode series. Written by Jinsei Kataoka and illustrated by Kazuma Kondou, the show was banned in China in 2015 for its violent content. The story follows Ganta Igarashi, who finds himself imprisoned in a facility where inmates perform deadly acts for visitors' amusement. Ganta's ordeal intensifies as he uncovers deeper horrors within the prison.