Anime, with its rich storytelling, captivating characters, and diverse genres, has the unique ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. Some anime series have achieved an extraordinary milestone, amassing hundreds — even thousands — of episodes, securing their place in the hearts of fans and leaving a lasting legacy. These shows stand as not just entertainment, but cultural phenomena that span decades and generations.
If you’re curious about the longest-running anime series that have earned a global fanbase, here are the top 10 anime with the most episodes. Each of these series offers a compelling story, legendary characters, and the kind of creative magic that has kept them airing for years.
1. Doraemon (1979-present): A Timeless Adventure Across Generations
Since its debut in 1979, Doraemon has cemented itself as a beloved classic in the world of anime. With 1787 episodes (and counting), this long-running series follows the adventures of Doraemon, a robot cat from the 22nd century, who helps a young boy named Nobita Nobi with futuristic gadgets to solve everyday problems. The series’ humor, heartwarming messages, and imaginative scenarios appeal to viewers of all ages, making it one of the most universally cherished anime.
The key to Doraemon’s enduring popularity is its ability to address timeless themes of friendship, kindness, and responsibility while using inventive storytelling to keep audiences engaged.
Total Episodes: 1787+
Years Running: 1979-present
2. Pokémon (1997-present): Gotta Catch ‘Em All Across 25 Years
Since its premiere in 1997, Pokémon has grown into one of the most iconic and beloved anime series globally, boasting over 1232 episodes. The series follows Ash Ketchum and his ever-loyal Pikachu on their journey to become Pokémon Masters. With its colorful cast of characters, vast world-building, and the continuous introduction of new Pokémon species, Pokémon has remained a staple in pop culture for generations.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Pokémon is its ability to reinvent itself with each new region and game release while maintaining its core values of friendship, perseverance, and adventure. Its influence on anime and global pop culture is immeasurable, making it one of the longest and most famous running anime series in history.
Total Episodes: 1232+
Years Running: 1997-present
3. Shin Chan (1992-present): Irreverent Humor for Over Three Decades
With 1113 episodes, Shin Chan is a hilarious, irreverent slice-of-life anime that follows the mischievous and precocious 5-year-old, Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara. Known for his outrageous antics and inappropriate behavior, Shin’s adventures with his family and friends have kept audiences laughing for decades. The series provides a unique blend of crude humor and heartwarming family moments, which has contributed to its enduring appeal.
While Shin Chan may not be as globally recognized as some other anime on this list, it is an incredibly popular show in Japan, where it continues to thrive.
Total Episodes: 1113+
Years Running: 1992-present
4. Detective Conan (1996-present): A Mystery That Never Ends
Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed, is an anime that has captivated fans with its clever mysteries and enduring protagonist, Conan Edogawa, for over two decades. With 1106 episodes and counting, Detective Conan follows the story of a high school detective turned into a child by a mysterious organization. Despite his new form, Conan continues solving cases with his sharp intellect and keen observation skills.
The series’ ability to consistently present intricate, mind-bending mysteries has kept audiences hooked year after year, making Detective Conan one of the longest-running and most beloved detective anime ever.
Total Episodes: 1106+
Years Running: 1996-present
5. One Piece (1999-present): The Epic Journey of Luffy and His Crew
With over 1087 episodes, One Piece is a record-breaking adventure that has dominated the anime landscape since 1999. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas in search of the legendary treasure, the One Piece. One Piece stands out for its extensive world-building, diverse character roster, and a sprawling narrative that seamlessly weaves together humor, action, and emotional depth.
As one of the most successful and longest-running anime series, One Piece continues to break new ground, offering fans an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Total Episodes: 1087+
Years Running: 1999-present
6. Dragon Ball Franchise (1986-present): The Legendary Tale of Goku
The Dragon Ball franchise, which includes Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Super Dragon Ball Heroes, is a juggernaut in the anime world. With a combined total of 831 episodes, the story follows Goku and his friends as they battle increasingly powerful foes and defend the Earth from various threats.
Dragon Ball has introduced some of the most iconic moments and characters in anime history, and its cultural impact remains immense. The series continues to attract new generations of fans while maintaining its long-standing legacy as a cornerstone of the anime industry.
Total Episodes: 831+
Years Running: 1986-present
7. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden (2002-2017): The Rise of a Ninja Hero
Spanning across 720 episodes, Naruto and its sequel Naruto Shippuden follow the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. Throughout his journey, Naruto forms bonds, faces immense challenges, and grows from an outcast to the savior of the ninja world.
Naruto’s emotionally driven storyline, combined with its spectacular fight scenes and deep character development, has made it one of the most popular and influential anime of all time.
Total Episodes: 720
Years Running: 2002-2017
8. Bleach (2004-present): The Soul Reaper Saga Continues
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and must protect the living world from malevolent spirits. With 418 episodes, including the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Bleach has become one of the most iconic supernatural action anime series.
The series is celebrated for its thrilling battles, intricate character arcs, and stunning visual design, making it a fan-favorite in the shonen genre. The ongoing Thousand-Year Blood War arc is set to add even more episodes, further extending its impressive run.
Total Episodes: 418+
Years Running: 2004-present
9. Gintama (2006-2018): The Perfect Blend of Comedy and Action
Gintama is a rare gem that masterfully combines humor, action, and heartfelt moments across 367 episodes. Set in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded Earth, the series follows Gintoki Sakata, a freelancer who takes on odd jobs while navigating the chaos of this new world.
With its sharp wit, satirical humor, and emotional storylines, Gintama has left a lasting impression on the anime community and continues to be praised for its originality.
Total Episodes: 367
Years Running: 2006-2018
10. Fairy Tail (2009-2019): A Magical Adventure with Heart
Fairy Tail is a beloved fantasy series that spans 328 episodes, following the magical adventures of Natsu Dragneel and his comrades in the Fairy Tail Guild. Known for its vibrant world-building, magical abilities, and strong themes of friendship, Fairy Tail has enchanted viewers for a decade.
The series’ charming characters and thrilling magical battles have made it a standout in the shonen genre, leaving fans with countless memorable moments and a legacy that continues through various spin-offs and media adaptations.
Total Episodes: 328
Years Running: 2009-2019
Conclusion: A Testament to Anime’s Enduring Popularity
These top 10 longest-running anime series have not only accumulated a staggering number of episodes but have also created lasting legacies that transcend generations. Whether through heartwarming stories, intense battles, or mind-bending mysteries, each of these series offers something unique and profound that keeps viewers coming back for more. Their success proves that anime has the power to captivate audiences for decades, making them timeless cultural phenomena.
For more like this read our blog on Top 10 Anime for Beginners
