7 Lengthy Anime That Are Genuinely Worth Your Time

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Great anime come in many lengths, but long series can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure they’re worth the commitment. Shorter anime are often a good starting point for new fans, letting them explore and find what they enjoy. However, even longtime anime viewers can be disappointed by lengthy series that don’t deliver a satisfying conclusion – we’ve all been through the frustration of a show with a terrible ending!

If you enjoy getting lost in long, detailed stories, there are plenty of anime that fit the bill and are definitely worth watching. You’ve likely heard of many of them already. If you’re on the fence about starting a lengthy series, consider this your encouragement – they’re all excellent choices and a good use of your time.

7) One Piece

I have to admit, One Piece is a huge commitment – it’s incredibly long! But honestly, all the hype is justified. Watching Monkey D. Luffy chase the One Piece and his dream of becoming King of the Pirates is still exciting after over 1,100 episodes. In fact, I think it’s better now than when it began. The animation is smoother, the action is more intense, and the story just keeps getting more complex. What’s really impressive is how the series uses its length to build on things introduced way back when, making the payoff feel earned. It’s definitely worth sticking with, though I’d recommend looking up a guide to skip the filler episodes – that way, it doesn’t seem quite as daunting!

6) Naruto

Naruto is a well-regarded anime that lives up to the hype, with a total of 720 episodes across the original series and Naruto: Shippuden. Similar to One Piece, it has filler episodes that are best skipped. While the animation and pacing can be a bit rough at first, the story is rewarding, especially seeing how the characters grow and change. Naruto’s journey to achieve his dream, his complex relationship with Sasuke, and his bonds with other ninja are all compelling reasons to watch. The show’s strong emotional moments are what make it so memorable, but it also features exciting action, unexpected twists, and a fascinating power system that keep viewers engaged.

5) Bleach

It’s no surprise that Bleach is among the most popular anime series – its long run and strong qualities earned it that reputation. The show quickly immerses you in a fast-paced, supernatural world, and many of its early story arcs are incredibly engaging. Bleach features plenty of action, imaginative world-building, unique powers, and memorable characters on both sides of every conflict. Although the original anime slows down a bit near the end, it’s worth watching for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, a stunning adaptation of the manga’s finale. Like many long-running series, skipping the filler episodes is recommended, but the episodes that follow the manga closely are essential viewing.

4) Attack on Titan

With around 100 episodes, Attack on Titan isn’t the longest anime, but it still requires a significant time commitment. Thankfully, its quick pace and exciting action make it easy to watch. Unlike some older anime series, Attack on Titan maintains a focused story with very few slow moments, making the episodes fly by. The plot, centered on Eren’s fight against the Titans, is full of unexpected twists and constant action, evolving into something quite different from where it begins – yet remaining captivating. Although the ending is debated by fans, it’s a dark, thought-provoking, and emotionally powerful conclusion that makes the entire series worthwhile. Beyond the action, Attack on Titan explores important themes about humanity and the recurring patterns of violence.

3) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

The first season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a bit over-the-top and feels dated, but the show gets much better as it goes on, making it worth watching. Plus, you’ll finally get all the inside jokes! There are currently six seasons of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime, each focusing on a different member of the Joestar family and a new story. To really enjoy the series, though, it’s best to watch them all in order. Luckily, most of the show is filled with fantastic humor, compelling characters, and a constantly changing world with stunning visuals.

2) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is a consistently excellent anime from start to finish. It might take a little while to connect with characters like Deku and Bakugo, but once Deku enters U.A. High, the show’s unique world of Quirks and Pro Heroes truly comes to life. Over its eight seasons, the series has a few slower moments, but they all add to Deku’s overall development. The characters are so endearing that you won’t mind the breaks from the intense action for things like festivals or training. And when the story focuses on the epic battle against Shigaraki and All for One, it proves why investing your time in this series is worthwhile – it’s emotionally gripping, suspenseful, and visually stunning. There’s a lot to love about My Hero Academia, making it a must-watch.

1) InuYasha 

Even after twenty years, InuYasha, an anime from the early 2000s, is still worth watching. The series, which has 193 episodes plus a continuation called The Final Act, centers on a teenage girl who travels back in time and teams up with InuYasha, a half-demon. While it occasionally slows down, InuYasha is genuinely enjoyable, with characters you’ll love and moments that really resonate. It’s a bit of a commitment, but you’ll likely appreciate it even more after you’ve finished it – especially The Final Act, which is fantastic. It’s not flawless, but it’s a safe bet if you’re looking for a new anime to watch.

What long anime series do you still recommend watching? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-13 03:41