Top 15 Anime in 2012
1. Natsume's Book of Friends Season 4
Studios: Brain’s Base
Director: Takahiro Omori
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Winter 2012
Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.34
- Anime Planet: 4.1/ 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Natsume begins his quest to retrieve spirit names from the Book of Friends, which he inherited from his grandmother. Natsume experiences new ghosts this season, both friendly and scary. He delves into the histories of these spirits and why they were bonded to the book.
Natsume’s relationships with the human characters around him, especially his adoptive family and self-proclaimed protector, Nyanko-sensei, continue to evolve as he interacts with these spirits.
The season delves into themes of friendship, forgiveness, letting go of the past, and the value of cherishing the relationships we form with others.
2. Psycho-Pass
Studios: Production I.G
Director: Naoyoshi Shiotani
Episodes: 22
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller, Action
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.19
- Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Psycho-Pass takes place in Japan, where the Sibyl System was established. This method assesses a person’s psycho-pass, which is a measure of their mental health and criminal potential. Citizens with a low psycho-pass are considered a menace to society and are either arrested or “neutralised” (eliminated).
Our main character, Akane Tsunemori, is a new inspector tasked with protecting the law and the Sibyl System. She works with a seasoned enforcer, Shinya Kougami, who executes the system’s decisions.
They work together to investigate crimes and unearth the terrible truths hidden beneath the Sibyl System’s seemingly immaculate utopia. The series investigates the morality of such a system, the nature of free choice, and the ramifications of blindly obeying authority.
3. Kuroko's Basketball
Studios: Production I.G
Director: Tetsuya Endo
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genres: Sports, Shounen, Comedy
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.10
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Tetsuya Kuroko, a seemingly ordinary freshman, has joined the Seirin High basketball squad. Kuroko, on the other hand, has a stunning secret: he was a part of the famed Generation of Miracles, a group of gifted middle school basketball players.
Kuroko, unlike his former prodigy comrades, lacks physical prowess. However, he has a great technique called the “Vanishing Drive,” which allows him to become invisible on the court while creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Kuroko hooks up with his passionate and brilliant teammate, Taiga Kagami, who wants to be Japan’s best basketball player. They collaborate to conquer obstacles, improve their skills, and lead the Seirin squad to victory over other powerful teams, each with their own distinct players.
4. Sword Art Online
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Director: Tomohiko Ito
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished
Premiered Season: Summer 2012
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.74
- Anime Planet: 4.1 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Sword Art Online (SAO) takes place in 2022, when a groundbreaking new virtual reality game is released. Thousands of people join for the first time, eager to explore the vast fantasy realm of Aincrad.
However, their excitement quickly turns to despair when they realise they’re imprisoned in the game. The only way out is to complete all 100 floors of Aincrad, but death in the game is death in real life.
Our protagonist, Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a talented beta tester, discovers himself among the captive players. Determined to survive and liberate himself, Kirito joins forces with Asuna Yuuki, another great player, and begins on a treacherous path to win the game.
The series delves into topics of friendship, survival, and the complexity of human contact in the virtual world.
5. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Studio: David Production
Director: Naokatsu Tsuda
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Fall 2012
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.47
- Anime Planet: 4.3 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012) tells two distinct stories within JoJo’s larger universe:
Part One: Phantom Blood (Episodes 1–9): In nineteenth-century England, Jonathan Joestar, a courageous and honourable gentleman, faces off against his adopted brother, Dio Brando, who is possessed by an insatiable craving for power and becomes a vampire. Jonathan dedicates his life to ending Dio’s reign of terror and safeguarding his loved ones.
Part 2: Battle Tendency (Episodes 10–26) We jump ahead to 1938. Jonathan’s grandson, Joseph Joestar, inherited the Joestar fighting spirit. He learns the ancient skill of Hamon (ripple) energy to confront a new threat: the Pillar Men, a group of ancient beings that created the Stone Masks that transform humans into vampires.
6. Fate/Zero Season 2
Studios: ufotable
Director:
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered: Spring 2012
Genres: Action, Supernatural, Magic, Fantasy
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.55
- Anime Planet: 4.3/5
Story(Spoiler Free)
As the Fourth Holy Grail War rages on with no clear victor in sight, Church Supervisor Risei Kotomine calls on the remaining Servants and Masters to band together and confront an impending threat that could derail the Grail War and destroy Fuyuki City. The uneasy ceasefire is soon broken as the Masters reveal that they will do everything, no matter how disgusting, to win.
Kiritsugu Emiya and Sabre, his servant, argue over their opposing views on courage and chivalry, sowing seeds of doubt. Meanwhile, an alarming relationship grows between Kirei Kotomine, who is still looking for a purpose in life, and one of the remaining servants. As the countdown to the war’s end approaches zero, the cost of victory begins to blur the distinction between success and failure.
7. Bakuman Season 2
Studios: J.C. Staff
Director: Kenichi Kasai
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Fall 2011
Genre: Shounen, Drama
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.34
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Bakuman. Season 2 continues where Season 1 left off, following the path of two promising manga artists, Akito Takagi and Mashiro Ashiro, as they fight for success in the competitive world of Weekly Shonen Jump.
This season has additional hurdles, including tough competition from brilliant young mangaka. Handle the pressure of deadlines and editorial input. Understand the complexity of the publishing industry. Artists enjoy periods of growth and achievement as they hone their skills and establish their individual artistic voice. Collaborate and learn from one another. Get attention from editors and readers.
Friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of ambitions are among the topics explored throughout the season. It provides insight into the creative process of manga development, as well as the sacrifices that aspiring mangaka must make in order to achieve their ambitions.
8. Space Brothers
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Director: Atsushi Nishigori
Episodes: 99
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Science Fiction
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.27
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
As children, Mututa and Hibito Aoi agree to become astronauts and fly to space together. However, life leads them down divergent roads.
Hibito, the older brother, becomes a successful engineer and is the first to be accepted into the Japanese astronaut training program. Mutta, the younger brother, feels inferior and temporarily abandons his dream.
The story depicts Mutta’s struggle to overcome self-doubt and disappointments while pursuing his boyhood dream of joining his brother in space. We see him work hard, go through difficult training, and cope with competition as he seeks to become an astronaut himself.
9. From the New World
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Director: Mamoru Kanbe
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Summer 2012
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Psychological
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.34
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
The plot takes place in a supposedly ideal civilization named “New World” in the year 1000, following a mysterious event known as the “Cataclysm” that transformed the globe. The inhabitants of the New World have unique powers and live in harmony with nature.
Saki Watanabe, our protagonist, is a seemingly average student living in this serene environment. However, a succession of weird occurrences and unnerving findings pique her interest. She and her pals begin to unearth the hidden past and deadly secrets of the New World.
10. Kids on the Slope
Studios: MAPPA
Director: Shinichiro Watanabe
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genres: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Music
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.21
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
The story is set in Yokosuka, Japan, in 1966. Kaoru Nishimi, a bookish and reclusive youngster, struggles to adjust to his new school and lifestyle following his family’s transfer. He finds solace in classical music, particularly the piano.
Sentarō Kawabuchi, a carefree and rebellious student, introduces Kaoru to jazz music. Despite their conflicting personalities, Kaoru and Sentarō build a great bond through their shared love of music.
They face the trials of adolescence together, explore Yokosuka’s thriving jazz culture, and learn important lessons about friendship, self-discovery, and pursuing one’s aspirations.
11. Daily Lives of High School Boys
Studios: Sunrise
Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.13
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
The series follows the daily lives of three high school boys: Tadakuni “Hidenori” Nitta, the sarcastic and Tsukkomi “straight man” of the group; Yoshitake Tanaka, the energetic and airheaded one.
Each episode includes a sequence of short, self-contained skits that depict the boys’ comic misadventures at school, home, and with friends. Their activities vary from the banal (attempting to skip class) to the ludicrous (constructing a gigantic robot out of cardboard), all delivered with a strong dose of slapstick humour and smart conversation.
12. Kingdom
Studios: Pierrot
Director(s): Jun Kamiya
Episodes: 38
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Historical, Action, Drama
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.28
Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
The story is set in China during the Warring Powers period (475-221 BCE), a time of continual fighting between seven warring powers. Xin and Hyou are war orphans who want to escape their social level and prove their worth on the battlefield.
One day, Hyou meets a mystery kid who resembles him: Ei Sei, the young king of the state of Qin, who harbours his own dreams to unite China. Unfortunately, Hyou becomes involved in a power struggle and is killed.
Xin, driven by sadness and a desire to realise Hyou’s ambition, takes his place and sets off on a perilous voyage beside the young king. Together, they negotiate the perilous realm of politics and combat, confronting powerful foes and establishing friendships as they rise through the ranks of the Qin army.
13. K: Project
Studios: GoHands and GoRA
Director: Shingo Suzuki
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Fall 2012
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Ratings:
MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.74
Anime Planet: 4.1 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
K: Project takes place in a fictionalised future Japan, where seven kings, each representing a different colour, rule over clans with psychic talents. These kings maintain a fragile peace, but tensions escalate when a series of unsolved killings target members of the Red Clan (HOMRA).
Yashiro Isana, a seemingly regular high school student, is caught in the crossfire of competing clans. After being misidentified as a murderer, he is followed by both HOMRA and the Blue Clan (Sceptre 4).
With the help of a talented swordsman named Kuroh Yatogami and a cat-like creature with unusual abilities, Yashiro discovers the truth about his own identity and the hidden mysteries that threaten the clan’s fragile peace.
14. Jormungand
Studios: White Fox
Director: Takahiro Yamane
Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Action, Drama, Military, Ratings
MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.78
Anime Planet: 4.0 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Jormungand follows Koko Hekmatyar, a young and unscrupulous arms merchant who runs a private military firm. The story is told through the perspective of Jonah Mizuki, a former child soldier who was rescued by Koko and hired to be her bodyguard.
Jonah, who hates violence and the arms trade, is thrust into a perilous world where Koko deals with warlords, rebels, and governments to sell weapons. He has personally seen the destructive effects of the arms trade on war-torn countries and innocent lives.
As Jonah travels the world with Koko and her crew, he struggles with his own moral compass and examines the nature of war, peace, and the arms trade.
15. Hyouka
Studios: Kyoto Animation
Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
Episodes: 22
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Slice of Life, Mystery
Ratings
MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.18
Anime Planet: 4.3 out of 5
Story(Spoiler Free)
Hyouka focuses on Houtarou Oreki, a high school student who prioritises energy conservation above all else. He wants a life free of extraneous hobbies, but his world is turned upside down when his older sister forces him to join the Classics Club, which is about to disband. There, he encounters a bunch of eccentric and fascinating characters:
Eru Chitanda is a curious and active girl with an insatiable appetite for information and the catchphrase “I want to know!” (Hyouka!), which frequently entices the reluctant Oreki to solve mysteries.
Satoshi Fukube is a laid-back and clever member who enjoys mocking Oreki.
Mayaka Ibara is a strong-willed and athletic girl who keeps the club organised.
They work together to solve seemingly insignificant school mysteries, such as reading a cryptic message in a library book and determining the truth about a stolen festival float. As they go deeper, they uncover hidden truths, strengthen friendships, and learn to appreciate the beauty of ordinary life.
There are some other anime that you should watch
16. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
Studios: J.C. Staff
Director: Atsushi Nishigori
Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Winter 2012
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Ratings
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.12
- Anime Planet: 4.2 out of 5
17. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Director: Kouichi Kawamura
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Fall 2012
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.68
- Anime Planet: 4.0 out of 5
18. Initial D Fifth Stage
Studios: Studio Comet
Director: Manabu Ono
Episodes: 14
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Sports, Street Racing
Ratings
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 8.11
- Anime Planet: 4.1 out of 5
19. Another
Studios: P.A. Works
Director: Tsutomu Mizushima
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Spring 2012
Genre: Horror, Mystery, School Life
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.63
- Anime Planet: 4.0 out of 5
20. BTOOOM!
Studios: Madhouse
Director: Kotaro Watanabe
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Premiered Season: Fall 2012
Genre: Action, Survival, Psychological
Ratings:
- MyAnimeList (MAL): 7.32
- Anime Planet: 3.9 out of 5