The 10 Longest Anime of All Time, Ranked

Anime has a knack for pulling you into sprawling worlds, with some series stretching across decades and thousands of episodes. These long-running shows, often blending action, comedy, and heart, have become cultural giants, captivating audiences with their endless stories.

I’ve always been amazed by the dedication behind these massive series. Here are the longest anime of all time, from the shortest of the long to the absolute longest, based on episode count, each with a peek into their enduring charm.

10. Bleach (2004–2012, 2022–present)

‘Bleach’, created by Tite Kubo, follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teen who becomes a Soul Reaper, battling evil spirits. With 366 episodes across its initial run and the ongoing Thousand-Year Blood War arc, it’s a shonen titan.

Ichigo’s fiery spirit and epic sword fights hooked me early on. The show’s recent revival keeps its legacy alive, proving its lasting pull.

9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000–2006)

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’, based on Kazuki Takahashi’s manga, centers on Yugi Muto, a card game prodigy dueling with ancient powers. Spanning 224 episodes, it launched a global card game craze.

The high-stakes duels and Yugi’s dual persona kept me glued to the screen. Its influence on gaming culture makes it a nostalgic powerhouse.

8. Naruto (2002–2017)

‘Naruto’, crafted by Masashi Kishimoto, tracks Naruto Uzumaki’s quest to become the greatest ninja, with 720 episodes across the original and ‘Naruto: Shippuden’. Its mix of humor and epic battles made it a global hit.

Naruto’s underdog journey and bonds with friends like Sasuke hit me hard. The action-packed arcs and emotional growth make it a must-watch.

7. Gintama (2006–2021)

‘Gintama’, from Hideaki Sorachi’s manga, follows samurai Gintoki Sakata in an alien-invaded Edo Japan, blending comedy and action over 367 episodes. Its quirky humor sets it apart in the shonen genre.

The show’s wild mix of slapstick and heartfelt moments always cracks me up. Its ability to poke fun at anime tropes keeps it fresh.

6. Pokémon (1997–present)

‘Pokémon’, created by Satoshi Tajiri, follows Ash Ketchum and Pikachu on a quest to become Pokémon masters, with over 1,200 episodes. Its iconic status stems from the global video game franchise.

Ash’s endless optimism and the thrill of new regions keep me coming back. The show’s simple charm makes it a timeless adventure.

5. Case Closed (1996–present)

‘Case Closed’, or ‘Detective Conan’ by Gosho Aoyama, tracks teen detective Shinichi Kudo, shrunk to a child, solving crimes across over 1,000 episodes. Its mystery-of-the-week format is a fan favorite.

Conan’s clever deductions and ongoing mystery blew my mind. The show’s knack for fresh cases after decades is impressive.

4. One Piece (1999–present)

‘One Piece’, based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga, follows Monkey D. Luffy’s pirate crew chasing the ultimate treasure, with over 1,100 episodes. Its sprawling world is a shonen legend.

Luffy’s boundless energy and the crew’s bonds make every arc a thrill. I’m amazed by how it balances humor, action, and heart.

3. Crayon Shin-chan (1992–present)

‘Crayon Shin-chan’, created by Yoshito Usui, centers on mischievous kid Shinnosuke Nohara, causing chaos in over 1,200 episodes. Its crude humor has a cult following, especially in Japan.

Shin’s wild antics always make me laugh, even if the jokes don’t always land globally. The show’s quirky take on daily life keeps it rolling.

2. Doraemon (1979–2005, 2005–present)

‘Doraemon’, by Fujiko F. Fujio, features a robotic cat helping clumsy kid Nobita Nobi, with over 1,700 episodes across its runs. It’s a cultural icon in Japan, beloved by kids and adults.

Doraemon’s gadgets and heartfelt stories feel like childhood magic. I love how it mixes silly adventures with life lessons.

1. Sazae-san (1969–present)

‘Sazae-san’, based on Machiko Hasegawa’s manga, follows Sazae Fuguta’s family life in a slice-of-life format, with over 2,500 episodes. It holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running animated series.

Its cozy, relatable stories about family hit close to home for me. The show’s simple charm keeps it a Sunday staple in Japan.

Which long-running anime is your favorite, or is there another epic series I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!