Short on time? Watch these 5 anime series with just 12 episodes
Looking for amazing anime you can finish in a day? Not all great series need hundreds of episodes to tell a compelling story. These 5 short anime, each just 12 episodes long, are perfect for busy schedules, weekend marathons, or late-night binge sessions.
Whether you're into emotional drama, intense thrillers, or clever fantasy, these series prove that great storytelling doesn't need to drag on. With rich characters, tight plots, and unforgettable moments, they're ideal for beginners or longtime anime fans craving something complete, fast-paced, and impactful. Dive in; you might discover your new favourite anime in under five hours.
5
Must-watch anime
you can finish in a day with just 12 episodes
Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Source: Crunchyroll
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Erased starts with a unique premise: Satoru, a struggling manga artist, has a strange ability called "Revival" that sends him a few minutes back in time to prevent disasters.
But one day, a tragedy throws him back not minutes but 18 years into the past, giving him a chance to stop a classmate's murder and rewrite history. This gripping mix of mystery and time travel keeps viewers on edge with each episode. With a strong emotional core and character development, Erased masterfully explores childhood trauma, justice, and redemption in just 12 episodes.
AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Source: Crunchyroll
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Childhood friendships, grief, and letting go, AnoHana hits all the right emotional notes.
The story follows a group of friends who drifted apart after one of them, Menma, died in an accident. Years later, her spirit appears before Jinta, the group's former leader, asking him to fulfill her final wish. As the group reunites, they must confront their guilt, regrets, and unspoken emotions. It's a tearjerker, for sure, but it's also a beautiful meditation on how loss changes us.
Bring tissues; you'll need them.
The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama)
Source: Crunchyroll
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
This hilarious reverse-isekai flips the genre on its head. The Demon Lord Satan, after being defeated in his own world, escapes to modern Tokyo with his loyal general. Without magic, he has no choice but to work part-time at a fast food chain to survive. Packed with humor, witty banter, and unexpected heart, The Devil Is a Part-Timer! manages to blend fantasy with the mundane realities of working-class life.
It's absurd in the best way and surprisingly insightful.
No Game No Life
Source: Crunchyroll
Genre: Fantasy, Isekai, Strategy
Sibling duo Sora and Shiro are unbeatable gamers who are bored with reality until they're transported to a world where everything, even war and politics, is decided by games. In this vibrant universe, intelligence and strategy reign supreme. No Game No Life is known for its dazzling visuals, over-the-top logic battles, and cheeky humor.
Though the story ends with many open questions, its 12 episodes are a rollercoaster of excitement, making it one of the most entertaining short anime out there.
Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror)
Source: IMDb
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Tokyo is rocked by a series of mysterious terrorist attacks carried out by two teenagers, but there's more to their story than violence. Known only as Nine and Twelve, these boys are former test subjects from a government experiment gone wrong.
Zankyou no Terror (directed by Shinichiro Watanabe) tackles deep themes of alienation, justice, and the scars of childhood trauma. With stunning animation, atmospheric music by Yoko Kanno, and a powerful emotional payoff, this 12-episode series is as thought-provoking as it is visually breathtaking.
Short anime can be just as impactful, if not more so, than longer series. With strong narratives, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth, these five anime prove that you don't need a massive time investment to enjoy truly great storytelling. So whether you're short on time or just need something fresh and complete, give one (or all) of these a try; you might just find your next favorite anime.
Also Read:
5 Best enemies-to-lovers romance anime you can't miss
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