Girls und Panzer [Season 1 Episodes 1-12 + 6 OVAs]

Let’s cut to the chase: Girls und Panzer Season 1 (plus its 6 OVAs) isn’t just an anime—it’s a masterclass in turning “wait, that’s a thing?” into “OH MY GOD I NEED MORE.” Imagine this: a bunch of high school girls driving tanks like they’re playing Mario Kart, but with actual military strategy and zero boring lectures. Yeah, it sounds wild, but trust me—this 2012 gem from studio Actas nails it so hard, fans are still geeking out over it a decade later.

First off, let’s talk about the vibe. The main crew at Ooarai Girls Academy is a ragtag bunch of misfits: Miho, the shy but genius tank commander with a secret past; Mako, the napping queen who can sleep through anything (even tank explosions); Hana, the elegant tea ceremony pro who’s low-key a sniper legend; Saori, the chatterbox radio operator who could probably negotiate a truce with a enemy tank using just her enthusiasm; and Yukari, the history nerd who knows more about WWII tanks than your grandpa’s war diary. Together, they form the “Rabbit Team,” and their journey from zero to tank warfare heroes is equal parts hilarious and heart-pounding.

The tank battles? Chef’s kiss. Actas didn’t just throw random explosions—they researched actual WWII tanks (Panthers, Tigers, Shermans, you name it) and made the fights feel real. One minute, you’re laughing at Mako dozing off mid-battle; the next, you’re on the edge of your seat as Miho pulls off a crazy flanking maneuver that makes even the rival schools go, “Wait, did she just do that?” Fans on MyAnimeList can’t stop gushing about the action: “The battles are so well-animated, you forget you’re watching girls in skirts driving tanks,” one user wrote. Another added, “Miho’s strategies are genius—she turns underdog tanks into total powerhouses.”

But here’s the kicker: it’s not all tanks and explosions. The show’s secret weapon is its heart. The OVAs, especially, dive into the girls’ silly side—like when they host a “tankathlon” (tank + sports = chaos) or when Miho and her rival Alice get obsessed with a cute stuffed bear named Boko. Fans went feral for those moments: “Miho and Alice fighting over Boko is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” one commenter laughed. Another said, “The OVAs make you love the characters even more—they’re not just tank drivers, they’re actual friends who tease each other and eat way too much food together.”

Let’s not sleep on the rivals, either. The other schools are iconic: St. Gloriana’s with their posh British tanks and cucumber sandwiches; Pravda’s fierce Soviet crew led by Katyusha, a tiny girl with a voice that could command an army; Saunders’ all-American girls who treat tank battles like a football game (complete with cheerleaders); and Kuromorimine, the elite school where Miho’s sister Maho rules with an iron fist. The rivalry between Miho and Maho is chef’s kiss—no petty drama, just two sisters who love tank warfare but have very different ideas about how to win. Fans loved their dynamic: “Maho and Miho’s final battle is so emotional,” one user said. “You can tell they respect each other even when they’re trying to blow each other up.”

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: is it for everyone? If you hate fun, maybe not. But if you love action, comedy, and characters that feel like your best friends, this is a must-watch. The animation holds up (2012 Actas knew what they were doing), the soundtrack is bops only (shoutout to the Pravda theme that’ll make you want to march), and the pacing is perfect—no filler, just 12 episodes of pure joy.

The OVAs? They’re the cherry on top. One OVA, “This is the Real Anzio Battle!,” is a fan favorite—Anzio’s crew, led by the sassy Anchovy, challenges Ooarai to a battle that’s part food fight, part tank war. Fans couldn’t get enough: “Anchovy’s pizza obsession is so relatable,” a user joked. Another added, “The OVAs are short but sweet—they give you more of the girls’ personalities without feeling like extra fluff.”

Here’s the thing: Girls und Panzer isn’t trying to be deep. It’s trying to be fun—and it succeeds beyond measure. It’s the kind of show you watch when you’re having a bad day, and suddenly, all your problems melt away because you’re too busy laughing at Saori accidentally radioing a love confession to an enemy tank. As one fan put it: “This show has no right to be this good. It’s just girls and tanks, but it makes you care so much about every character.”

In conclusion: if you haven’t watched Girls und Panzer Season 1 (plus OVAs), what are you doing? It’s a wild, wonderful ride that’ll make you want to grab a tank and join the Rabbit Team. Just don’t forget the snacks—these girls eat a lot. Trust me, your inner child (and your inner history nerd) will thank you.

Final verdict? 10/10. Would rewatch the tank battles while eating popcorn.

P.S. Katyusha is low-key the best character. Fight me.