Discover Incredible 12-Episode Comedy Anime Series for Your Next Binge Session
Looking for a new anime to binge-watch? Short series can be perfect for quick entertainment without a huge time commitment. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 amazing anime series, each with just 12 episodes. These picks offer thrilling stories, memorable characters, and stunning animation. Whether you enjoy action, comedy, or drama, there’s something here for everyone. Get ready to dive into your next favorite anime!
SK8 The Infinity
Release - 2021
Episodes -12
Genres - Sports, Comedy
Story Summary
High school student Reki Kyan harbors an intense passion for the exhilarating world of skateboarding, viewing it not just as a hobby but as an integral part of his identity. As dusk falls and the vibrant colors of sunset fade into darkness, Reki seeks out “S,” an illicit underground racing event that takes place within the shadowy confines of an abandoned mine. This clandestine venue is notorious for its dangerously risky conditions, pushing the limits of even the most skilled skaters. The atmosphere is electric, filled with adrenaline and the thrill of competition as participants navigate treacherous terrain. Unfortunately, after a particularly harrowing defeat during one of these races, Reki suffers significant consequences: his beloved skateboard is destroyed beyond repair, and he sustains a serious injury that leaves his arm fractured. As a result, he finds himself unable to practice, feeling the weight of frustration and disappointment as his world revolves around the sport he loves.
While grappling with his inability to skate, Reki goes about his daily life and responsibilities, which include working part-time at a local shop. It is during one of these shifts that he meets Langa Hasegawa, a new classmate whose striking mixed Canadian and Japanese heritage sets him apart. Langa's background is intriguing, but what captures Reki's attention more is Langa's unfamiliarity with skateboarding; he has never set foot on a board. Struggling to make ends meet, Langa finds himself in dire need of money, prompting his search for opportunities to earn some extra cash.
Reki, driven by a desire to introduce Langa to the world of skateboarding, invites him to come along when his boss suggests they attend “S.” As both boys venture into this thrilling yet perilous underground scene, they quickly find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere thick with tension and high stakes. Their attempt to fit in spirals into chaos when they are unexpectedly forced into a high-stakes wager, compelling Langa to participate in a race that could alter their fates. Faced with the daunting challenge, Langa surprises Reki with an unexpected revelation: he possesses a hidden talent that he has kept under wraps—one that could significantly enhance his performance in the race. This unknown advantage could turn the tide, leaving Reki to grapple with the potential ramifications of the unfolding events, as he realizes that sometimes, the most surprising skills lie beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
Grand Blue
Release - 2018
Episodes -12
Genres - Comedy
Story Summary
Iori Kitahara, a fresh-faced newcomer full of aspirations, makes the bold decision to relocate to the picturesque seaside town of Izu for his inaugural year at the prestigious local university. Eager to embrace all that college life has to offer, he finds himself settling into a charming yet modest apartment situated above his uncle’s bustling scuba diving shop, aptly named Grand Blue. This idyllic locale, with its proximity to both the ocean and vibrant campus life, promises the perfect backdrop for his anticipated college experience.
However, Iori's initial quest for a balanced and studious collegiate life quickly takes an unexpected turn. He soon becomes entangled with the laid-back and exuberant members of the university's Diving Club, a group known for their wild drinking escapades and carefree attitudes. Their frequent visits to his uncle’s shop present a constant allure, drawing Iori into their boisterous gatherings. Under the playful pressure from charismatic upperclassmen, Shinji Tokita and Ryuujirou Kotobuki, Iori finds himself reluctantly joining in on the unconventional revelries that characterize this unique club’s culture.
What was meant to be a few casual outings spirals into a whirlwind of unexpected antics and humorous situations. In a twist of fate, Iori’s cousin, Chisa Kotegawa, unexpectedly walks in on one of these raucous celebrations. Her shocked expression soon transforms into utter disapproval, leading to a confrontation that leaves Iori feeling both embarrassed and scorned. As Chisa chastises him for his antics, Iori grapples with the clash between familial expectations and the wild college lifestyle he is immersing himself in.
Inspired by the beloved comedy manga created by Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka, Grand Blue not only chronicles Iori's misadventures with his eccentric new friends but also highlights his personal journey toward finding a balance between fun and responsibility. As Iori navigates the ups and downs of university life, he gradually learns the intricacies of scuba diving, embracing an entirely new world beneath the waves that reflects the excitement and unpredictability of his college experience. Through laughter, friendship, and the occasional mishap, Iori Kitahara’s story is a vibrant exploration of youth, freedom, and the pursuit of an unforgettable collegiate life.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Release - 2023
Episodes -12
Genres - Comedy, Action, Horror
Story Summary
After graduating from a prestigious university, where he not only excelled academically but also made a significant mark on the rugby club, Akira Tendou found himself on the fast track to achieving his career aspirations. His impressive academic record, combined with his athletic prowess, opened doors to numerous opportunities, and soon he secured a position that seemed perfectly aligned with his dreams. In this new workplace, he was greeted by a friendly and attractive coworker whose vibrant personality added a spark to his otherwise routine days, making the daily grind feel a bit more bearable.
Initially, everything seemed to be falling into place for Akira. Each morning, he arrived at the office filled with optimism and the belief that he was on the brink of a fulfilling career. However, as the months turned into years, the excitement began to wane. The sleepless nights, fueled by the demands of his job, started to take a toll on him. The thrill of his early career was overshadowed by long hours spent on tedious tasks that drained his energy and spirit. After three exhausting years in a company that seemed to prioritize productivity over employee well-being, Akira found it increasingly difficult to recognize the person he had become. The once vibrant and passionate individual now felt like a shadow of himself—exhausted, unfulfilled, and struggling to maintain any semblance of enthusiasm for life.
As he looked around, Akira realized he was not alone in this struggle; many of his colleagues appeared to be caught in the same exhausting cycle of work, burnout, and disillusionment. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a bizarre twist of fate arrived in the form of a zombie apocalypse. It was the kind of chaos that, while terrifying, offered a strange sense of liberation. Suddenly, Akira found himself with unexpected free time and an opportunity to step outside the confines of his draining routine.
With a newfound sense of urgency and a desire to reclaim his joy, Akira decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime: he created a bucket list of one hundred activities he wanted to accomplish before he potentially became one of the undead. This list became his roadmap to rediscovering excitement and purpose. Each activity he tackled was a step away from the monotony of his previous life, a chance to explore adventures he once dreamed of but never had the time to pursue.
In the midst of the chaotic and unpredictable world around him, Akira discovered a profound sense of aliveness that he had been missing in the confines of his corporate desk job. He began to embrace each day as an opportunity to break free from the shackles of his previous existence, and for the first time in years, he felt a flicker of hope and excitement reignite within him.
Buddy Daddies
Release - 2023
Episodes -12
Genres - Comedy, Action,
Story Summary
On Christmas Eve, amidst the vibrant twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the streets of Tokyo, four-year-old Miri Unasaka finds herself alone and wide-eyed, embarking on a heartwarming yet perilous journey to find her father. The air is filled with the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts and the cheerful sounds of holiday celebrations, creating a stark contrast to her innocent quest. Unbeknownst to Miri, her small footsteps lead her not just through a winter wonderland but directly into a world shrouded in danger and intrigue.
As she wanders through the bustling city, Miri’s curiosity guides her to a grand hotel, where an enticing cake held by a mysterious man catches her attention. This seemingly innocent encounter, however, drags her into the heart of a meticulous and deadly plan orchestrated by professional assassins, Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa. These two men, bound by a shared past and a mutual desire to avoid emotional entanglements, have crafted lives filled with shadows and secrets. Their shared home serves as a sanctuary, protecting them from the painful memories that haunt them, yet also trapping them within their own emotional barriers.
But when their carefully orchestrated mission to eliminate a powerful mafia leader takes an unexpected twist, Kazuki and Rei find themselves faced with an unanticipated dilemma: they cannot simply abandon Miri, the innocent child who has inadvertently entered their lives. The logical step would be to return the little girl to her mother, restoring her to the safety of her family. However, Miri’s infectious laughter and her simplistic, joyful view of the world begin to chip away at their hardened exteriors. Kazuki, who has always distanced himself from any semblance of domesticity, discovers a newfound sense of joy and purpose in embracing the role of caregiver.
As days pass, the once impenetrable walls surrounding Rei’s heart also begin to soften, as he finds himself drawn to Miri’s innocent charm and boundless energy. The duo soon realizes that raising a spirited child like Miri presents challenges that far exceed their most dangerous assignments. With her unpredictable nature and insatiable curiosity, Miri fills their lives with both chaos and warmth, challenging their structured existence and reshaping their understanding of family.
In a world defined by danger and deceit, Kazuki and Rei make the profound decision to defy the expectations of their pasts. They choose to adopt the tender titles of "papa" for themselves, dedicating themselves to providing Miri with as much of a normal childhood as their circumstances will allow. Against a backdrop of threats and uncertainties, the two assassins find themselves embracing the joys of parenting. Together, they embark on a heartening journey, determined to nurture Miri's innocence while navigating the perils that lurk just beyond their doorstep, ultimately redefining what it means to be a family amidst the chaos of their lives.
Prison School
Release - 2015
Episodes -12
Genres - Comedy, Ecchi
Story Summary
Nestled on the serene outskirts of Tokyo, Hachimitsu Private Academy stands as a prestigious all-girls boarding school, famous for its rigorous academic standards and the exemplary conduct of its students. The institution has long been celebrated for shaping young women into both leaders and scholars, adhering to a strict code of discipline that seems to permeate every aspect of life within its walls. However, a seismic shift is about to unfold, altering the fabric of this traditionally female-only environment. In a groundbreaking decision, the administration has chosen to modify its historic admissions policy to welcome male students for the very first time.
As the new semester kicks off under these uncharted waters, only five boys are admitted to the academy—Kiyoshi, Gakuto, Shingo, Andre, and Jo. This small cohort finds itself navigating an overwhelmingly female landscape, with a staggering ratio of two hundred girls for every one boy. This imbalance makes it exceedingly challenging for the boys to carve out their own space, let alone make a lasting and favorable impression on their female classmates. Facing a barrage of social hurdles, the boys quickly discover that their presence is met with skepticism and indifference, leaving them feeling isolated and marginalized.
Determined to break free from their social constraints and connect with the girls, the boys hatch a plan that takes a decidedly reckless turn. They decide to engage in a scheme that involves spying on the girls while they are in the bath, a risky endeavor that they think might bring them closer to their female peers. However, their covert operation does not go unnoticed. The notorious Underground Student Council, a powerful and secretive group within the academy known for its strict enforcement of school rules and its no-nonsense attitude towards misconduct, quickly catches wind of the boys' antics.
In a shocking twist of fate, the boys are apprehended and face serious consequences for their actions. Their punishment is severe: they are imprisoned within the confines of the school for an entire month. This period of confinement serves as a crucible for the five boys, challenging their individuality and testing the bonds of their friendship. The experience in Prison School becomes a defining chapter in their lives, forcing them to navigate complex relationships, grapple with their desires, and ultimately strive to uphold their brotherhood amid the trials and tribulations that lie ahead. As they endure their punishment, the boys are left to reflect on their missteps and rethink their approach to the world around them, setting the stage for a tumultuous yet transformative journey at Hachimitsu Private Academy.
Conclusion
The comedy anime genre is a delightful blend of humor and creativity, offering a much-needed escape from daily life. With its unique characters, witty dialogue, and absurd situations, it never fails to bring a smile to our faces. Whether you're seeking light-hearted fun or a good laugh, comedy anime is the perfect choice to brighten your day.