Getting into a long-running series can be pretty daunting, with the large episode count making fans wonder if it is worth the time commitment. Anime is also infamous for its long-running shows that span hundreds of episodes week after week. However, some of these shows are the most popular, with series like One Piece and Naruto being some of the most popular anime in the world.
With so many series sporting hundreds or thousands of episodes, some have stood out to make the overall experience worth it, even with so many episodes. However, this list will only look at anime that have somewhat made a name for themselves outside of Japan, as the majority of the longest anime are kids’ shows like Sazea-San and Doraemon. This list will contain some of the longest anime popular in the West and put them head-to-head to see which stands out compared to the others.
10 ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ (1998)
Total Episodes: 1177+
Having built an empire of one of the most popular franchises in the world, Yu-Gi-Oh! is more than just an anime; it is also a respected and massive card game. Contrary to popular belief, Yu-Gi-Oh! started as a manga, and its popularity grew into anime and card games. Currently, with ten seasons, the anime shows no sign of stopping, as the series has infinite possibilities.
Yu-Gi-Oh! presents a complex and intriguing battle system that easily hooks any fan with its monsters, engaging tactics, and dramatic battles. The show boasts fantastic characters and one of the best tournament arcs in anime, helping the series not just be a fun romp for kids but an entertaining series for all willing to dive into it. Yu-Gi-Oh! has become a juggernaut franchise, largely because of the anime and how it brings in fans to its unique and fun world.
9 ‘Crayon Shin-chan’ (1992)
Total Episodes: 1230+
Crayon Shin-chan might not be too well-known in the West, but it does have a cult following, and in Japan, it’s one of the biggest anime. Despite being a kid’s show, Shin-chan is very crass and vulgar, with most of its jokes focusing on the naughty troublemaker Shinnosuke. The anime follows his daily antics as he causes trouble everywhere he goes, leading to hilarious encounters.
The comedy may not be for everyone, but it does appeal to those accustomed to Japanese humor as it explores the mischievous adventures of a kid with too much free time. However, the anime does come with some impressive praise, as Tatsuki Fujimoto, creator of Chainsaw Man, listed it as one of his favorite anime of 2023. Crayon Shin-chan is a fun time that features famous actors and a nostalgic feeling, even for those who didn’t grow up with it.
8 ‘Case Closed’ (1996)
Total Episodes: 1128+
Also known as Detective Conan, Case Closed is a mystery adventure series with an episodic format, focusing on a different storyline every episode. The anime follows Shinichi Kudou, a genius high school detective who, after witnessing a crime, is drugged by the assailants and left to die. However, much to his surprise, he ends up surviving, but he is now in the body of a seven-year-old. He uses this to stay out of sight, investigate mysteries with his intellect, and slowly piece together who did this to him.
Despite being a show from the 90s that hasn’t taken any breaks, the anime is more popular than ever, as each episode includes an intriguing story. The mysteries and details are surprisingly complex and challenge the viewers to assemble the puzzle laid in front of them. The anime isn’t as popular in America compared to Japan, but it still has its fair share of fans who can’t help but watch every episode of this long-running masterpiece.
7 ‘Bleach’ (2004)
Total Episodes: 392+
Along with One Piece and Naruto, Bleach is one of the big three, a title given to these three anime because of their immense popularity that aired around the same time. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who, with his new powers as a soul reaper, helps deal with enemies who threaten both the real and spirit world. Despite its early cancelation in 2012, the anime has resurged to prominence, with a new season of Bleach scheduled for release in October 2024.
Despite much of the original anime having boring filler forced into the show, Bleach proves to be one of the best battle shonen with its intense fights and a great cast of characters. The new seasons take it to the next level with stunning animation and an intriguing plot with massive stakes that will shape the rest of the series. Bleach is also a pioneer for anime, inspiring Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the best modern anime.
Bleach
- Release Date
- September 9, 2006
- Cast
- Masakazu Morita , Fumiko Orikasa , Hiroki Yasumoto , Yuki Matsuoka , Noriaki Sugiyama , Kentarô Itô , Shinichirô Miki , Hisayoshi Suganuma
6 ‘Dragon Ball’ Franchise (1986)
Total Episodes: 806
Establishing itself as one of the most iconic franchises, Dragon Ball consists of multiple anime, from the incredibly popular Dragon Ball Z to the most recent Dragon Ball Super. Known for its strong characters, the story follows Son Goku, a Saiyan child left on Earth. The different series go through his life as he fights new opponents, with the scale exponentially getting larger, going from a local martial arts competition to fighting alien gods capable of destroying galaxies.
Dragon Ball is hands down the most influential anime/manga in history, with numerous authors citing it as their main inspiration. Many popular anime tropes originated with Dragon Ball, but Dragon Ball still stands out despite this. While some of the non-canon anime garner mixed opinions, the rest gives fans non-stop entertainment as they enjoy the goofy antics Goku and the cast get up to. Dragon Ball is also home to the best fights in anime, making fans hyped for the new Dragon Ball anime in October 2024.
Dragon Ball (1986)
- Release Date
- February 26, 1986
- Cast
- Stephanie Nadolny , Mike McFarland
5 ‘Pokémon’ Franchise (1997)
Total Episodes: 1292+
Like Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon has expanded to more than just one thing; it has become a best-selling game, popular anime, and best-selling card game. The anime follows the forever ten-year-old Ash Ketchum through his journey in different Pokémon regions as he aims to catch them all and challenge the gym leaders and other elite trainers. Pokémon is also known for its fun movies, which explore some of the franchise’s coolest legendary Pokémon and develop an exciting world.
Many people grew up with Pokémon, and while some have grown out of it, many can still appreciate the nostalgic feeling and fun adventures the anime and games present. Every anime series focuses on a new region from the games, giving fans an entirely new world to explore as Ash and the gang encounter fascinating Pokémon and new rivals. The anime always offers a good time when fans can shut off their brains and enjoy.
Pokémon (1997)
- Release Date
- September 8, 1998
- Creator
- Junichi Masuda, Ken Sugimori, Satoshi Tajiri
- Cast
- Veronica Taylor , Rachael Lillis , Eric Stuart , Ikue Ôtani , Rica Matsumoto , Megumi Hayashibara
4 ‘Naruto’ Franchise (2002)
Total Episodes: 1064
Outside of Dragon Ball, Naruto is probably the most popular anime worldwide. The show has incredibly endearing characters that fans can’t help but root for, specifically Naruto, one of the greatest protagonists in anime. Following the isolated Naruto, fans watch his journey as he progresses to becoming the Hokage. After the events of the first series, Naruto Shippuden delves into the quest to get Sasuke back and defeat the Akatsuki, some of the best villains in anime.
While many fans might not want to acknowledge it, Boruto is part of the Naruto franchise, but the lows of that series shouldn’t take away from its predecessor, one of the most entertaining anime out there. The underdog story makes Naruto easy to root for, and the anime has some incredible animation and fights, along with a fascinating world and power system to get lost in. Overall, Naruto is an anime that all ages can enjoy, with great characters, a unique world and an entertaining story. Believe it!
Naruto
- Release Date
- October 3, 2002
- Cast
- Junko Takeuchi , Noriaki Sugiyama , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Hidekatsu Shibata , Yoichi Masukawa , Masashi Ebara , Ryôka Yuzuki
3 ‘Gundam’ Franchise (1979)
Total Episodes: 899+
Mobile Suit Gundam established the mecha genre as a pioneer in the anime industry, home to classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Code Geass. Each anime series focuses on a different story, primarily utilizing a younger protagonist who must pilot the iconic Gundam to save Earth in a political war. Gundam isn’t just a popular anime, but also a best-selling toy franchise that made Gunpla famous, a type of figure that fans can build.
Despite popularizing an entire genre, Gundam is still one of the best mecha anime, as each new entry adds something new to the franchise. The political drama is thrilling no matter which series fans decide to watch, and because few of the series are connected, fans can pick and choose which adventure best suits their taste. With such variety, the Gundam franchise has remained popular and can keep things fresh.
Mobile Suit Gundam
- Release Date
- April 7, 1979
- Cast
- Hirotaka Suzuoki , Tôru Furuya , Toshio Furukawa , Kiyonobu Suzuki , Michael Kopsa , Brad Swaile , Cathy Weseluck , Chris Kalhoon
2 ‘Gintama’ (2006)
Total Episodes: 367
Following the loser samurai, Gintoki, this comedy anime utilizes gag humor and references to stand out from other comedies. Gintama is an anime about Gintoki, Kagura, and Shinpachi as they do odd jobs, and the jobs that come their way are definitely odd. Living in an alternate version of the Edo period, where aliens colonized Earth, the world is filled with crazy characters and shenanigans.
Despite being a comedy, Gintama has some of the best-written serious arcs, which focus on the characters’ past and give substance to the unique world. No comedy is quite like Gintama; the cast are all unique and offer their own type of comedy, but the show also adds incredible action and a gripping plot on top of the humor. With one of the best endings in anime, Gintama isn’t long enough and deserves to be thousands of episodes.
Gintama (2005)
- Release Date
- April 4, 2006
- Cast
- Tomokazu Sugita , Daisuke Sakaguchi , Rie Kugimiya , Kazuya Nakai
1 ‘One Piece’ (1999)
Total Episodes: 1112+
Infamous for its length, One Piece has become one of the most recognizable anime in the world as it continues to improve. Following Monkey D. Luffy on his journey to become King of the Pirates, the anime is a wondrous journey of action, adventure, comedy and drama. The anime has many incredible arcs that explore a different part of the world which features a unique plot that will somehow be related to future events.
With nearly 25 years of airing, One Piece shows no sign of slowing down as each arc raises the stakes and introduces fans to Earthshaking plot developments. The series is a masterclass in worldbuilding but also has some of the most colorful characters in anime, helping it stand out. With over a thousand episodes, One Piece can be pretty daunting to get into; however, once fans get going, the series flies by so fast that fans won’t want it to stop.
One Piece (1999)
- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
- Cast
- Mayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya Nakai
