10 Best Long-Running Anime That Will Keep Fans Busy For Years

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Anime and manga used to be known for long-running series, but now it’s more typical for even popular manga to end after a shorter time. Most anime seasons also tend to be limited to around 26 episodes before taking a break, and even a long-running series like One Piece plans to follow this pattern starting in 2026.

While it’s good that anime and manga are increasingly focusing on manageable production schedules and creator well-being, there’s still value in long-running series that can captivate audiences for years. A few franchises, in particular, have earned their longevity thanks to consistently high quality and enduring appeal.

10) My Hero Academia

In the film My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya longs to become a hero, even though he’s born without any special abilities. When he unexpectedly meets his hero, All Might, Izuku gets the opportunity to show he has the potential to become not just a hero, but the very best.

I’m a huge fan of My Hero Academia, and while it’s definitely a commitment – we’re talking over 150 episodes spread across eight seasons, plus four movies and a spin-off – it’s totally worth it! The action is incredible, and I’m really invested in the characters. It’s no surprise it’s become such a big deal in the anime world today.

9) Gintama

The anime Gintama is set in a version of Japan’s Edo period where aliens have conquered the country and banned samurai. Gintoki, a former samurai who fought in the alien war, now works as a quirky jack-of-all-trades. When he unexpectedly takes on an assistant named Shinpachi, his odd jobs turn into a proper business called the Yorozuya.

The Gintama manga series lasted 16 years, and the anime is just as extensive, boasting nearly 400 episodes, three movies, and another new Gintama film planned for 2026. There’s also a lighthearted comedy spin-off available to stream on Crunchyroll. Comedies are great for long-lasting enjoyment, and Gintama‘s unique, over-the-top humor is a perfect example of that.

8) Love Live!

The anime Love Live! is based on the popular multimedia franchise of the same name. Similar to the games, each series centers around a group of high school girls forming idol groups. Their stories often explore the challenges they face both personally and as they try to succeed in the competitive world of being an idol.

Love Live! is a hugely popular franchise in Japan, resulting in six anime series and three movies, each featuring different characters and their individual stories. While keeping up with everything in Love Live! can be a bit complex, its charming characters and fantastic music ensure there’s plenty to love for a long time to come.

7) Bleach

In the anime Bleach, Ichigo Kurosaki gains the abilities of a Soul Reaper, allowing him to defend his family and friends from dangerous creatures called Hollows. However, Ichigo quickly finds himself facing challenges far beyond just fighting monsters, often becoming the only one capable of preventing global disaster.

Even if you skip the filler episodes, Bleach still has over 200 episodes and four movies, making it a significant time commitment. However, its fantastic action sequences, beautiful art style, and strong writing have cemented its place as one of the best action anime available, making it well worth the watch despite its length.

6) Naruto

The anime series Naruto, created by Studio Pierrot, follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who is disliked by his village because he contains a powerful and dangerous spirit—the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Determined to prove himself, Naruto dreams of becoming the Hokage, a village leader, and gaining the acceptance of everyone around him. His journey is filled with challenges and conflicts, ultimately leading him to fight for the fate of the world.

Okay, so Naruto is seriously long – we’re talking hundreds of episodes and eleven movies! But honestly, it earns that length. It’s amazing how perfectly it blends incredible action sequences with genuinely touching and emotional storytelling. And now there’s Boruto: Naruto Next Generations which looks like it’s going to be just as expansive! That does mean a bigger time commitment if you’re diving in, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it to experience both series.

5) Pokémon

The animated series Pokémon, created by OLM, Inc., is based on the popular video game franchise. For many years, the story centered on Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokémon Master. Recently, the show was refreshed with Pokémon Horizons, which features a new lead character, Liko, and follows her and the Rising Volt Tacklers on their adventures.

With over 1300 episodes, Pokémon is a remarkably long-running anime. However, its simple stories and constantly evolving animation keep it enjoyable. Pokémon Horizons is a perfect entry point for new viewers who might be overwhelmed by the show’s length, but the original series is still a worthwhile watch due to how much fun it is.

4) The Nasuverse

The Nasuverse is what fans call the interconnected stories created by Kinoko Nasu and Type-Moon. These stories explore supernatural themes and often feature heroes, though each one isn’t necessarily set in the same world. While the stories vary, they all generally touch on what it means to be human.

The Nasuverse, which includes many anime series like Fate, Tsukihime, The Garden of Sinners, and the new Witch on the Holy Night film, has a lot of content. It can be confusing to follow, but the consistently high quality of the stories and animation makes it enjoyable no matter what.

3) Detective Conan

TMS Entertainment’s Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, follows Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective who is transformed into a child by a shadowy group called the Black Organization. Now going by Conan Edogawa, he works to expose the organization and regain his original form, all while solving various crimes he encounters.

Detective Conan is a remarkably long-running anime series, boasting nearly 2000 episodes, 28 movies (and more are still being made!), and numerous spin-offs. Despite its length, the show remains popular thanks to its smart storytelling and promises to continue delivering exciting mysteries for years to come.

2) Dragon Ball

Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball follows Son Goku, a young boy with a monkey tail, as he embarks on adventures with his friends, frequently searching for the magical Dragon Balls that grant wishes. Originally a martial arts fantasy, the series gradually transformed into a large-scale science fiction story, and the battles became increasingly epic.

Beyond its 21 movies, Dragon Ball includes hundreds of episodes spread across five different anime series. Even the less impressive parts are enjoyable thanks to the strong writing and animation, making it a fun action anime to watch even today. Dragon Ball has entertained anime fans for decades, and it’s likely to remain popular for a long time to come.

1) One Piece

Following the death of the pirate Gold Roger, a new era of piracy began as everyone set out to find his hidden treasure, the One Piece. Among those seeking the treasure is Monkey D. Luffy, who, despite having a body made of rubber, is determined to assemble a crew, navigate the treacherous Grand Line, and ultimately become the Pirate King.

With more than 1100 episodes, 15 movies, and now a live-action series on Netflix, One Piece is a massive anime franchise. It boasts incredible action, storytelling, and a richly developed world, making it well worth the time investment. While not the longest anime ever made, One Piece is arguably the best choice for anyone looking for a series to enjoy for years to come.

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2025-11-07 02:11