Anime has a special talent for sticking around—and we’re not just talking a few seasons. Some series run for years, even decades, building episode counts so massive they can intimidate even the most dedicated binge-watchers. But that longevity is part of the magic: these shows keep fans coming back, delivering laughs, fights, and heartfelt moments that never seem to get old. From cult favorites to worldwide blockbusters, here are 10 of the longest-running anime series that simply refused to quit.
10. Gintama (2006–2010, 2011–2018) – 367 Episodes
Hideaki Sorachi’s manga came to life thanks to Sunrise, giving us an anime that never met a fourth wall it couldn’t break. Gintama takes place in a version of Edo-period Japan invaded by aliens, following Gintoki Sakata and his ragtag crew. What begins with goofy spoofing rapidly turns into jaw-dropping action sequences and unexpectedly moving storylines. In 12 years and close to 400 episodes, Gintama became the ultimate mash-up genre—and people still aren’t willing to let it go.
9. Yo-kai Watch (2014–2018) – 214 Episodes
From the popular Nintendo 3DS game, OLM, Inc. brings the animated Yo-kai Watch about Nate Adams and his ghost friend Whisper as they get to know pesky Yo-kai responsible for everyday mayhem. Although it never quite hit Pokémon levels of supremacy, it was still a huge cultural phenomenon—particularly with children. With spin-offs, toys, and films, this light-hearted series became a gateway anime for an entire generation.
8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (2000–2004) – 224 Episodes
Card games as world-saving battles? Yes, please. Studio Gallop’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Adaptation turned Kazuki Takahashi’s manga into a global sensation. With Yugi Muto and his alter ego, the Pharaoh “Yami Yugi,” squaring off against villains both human and supernatural, the show taught kids how to duel while making every match feel like life or death. The original series ran for 224 episodes and paved the way for countless sequels and spin-offs.
7. Dr. Slump Arale-chan (1981–1986) – 243 Episodes
Before Dragon Ball took over the globe, Akira Toriyama was making people laugh with Dr. Slump. This comedy staple revolves around Arale, a super-strong robot girl, and her unlucky creator, Senbei. Toei Animation produced the show, which features offbeat humor, puns, and zany activities in Penguin Village. It’s total anarchy—and it even had a crossover with Dragon Ball, showing that Toriyama’s sense of humor was always at the heart of his work.
6. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) – 291 Episodes
Few anime are as ubiquitous as DBZ. Set after the first Dragon Ball, this Toei series continues the story of Goku, Vegeta, and the Z Fighters as they protect Earth from Saiyans, androids, and intergalactic dictators. With 291 episodes of power-up battles, beam struggles, and world-shaking fights, it defined shonen storytelling and brought anime to a worldwide audience of millions. Even decades on, “It’s over 9000!” is part of the pop cultural vocabulary.
5. Fairy Tail (2009–2019) – 328 Episodes
Natsu, Lucy, and the Fairy Tail guild created almost a decade of magical chaos in life with the help of A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, and CloverWorks. Fairy Tail blended fantasy, comedy, and touching themes of friendship with a 10-year-long adventure. It’s 328 episodes made it a fan favorite, and the series is ongoing today with Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest. Evidence that magic—and dedicated fans—never actually get older.
4. Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunsou) (2004–2014) – 358 Episodes
Alien frogs attempting (and failing) to take over the planet? That’s the premise for Sgt. Frog, and somehow Sunrise managed to pull it out into almost 400 episodes of ridiculous good time. With Keroro and his squad permanently derailed by video games, hobbies, and pop culture fads, global domination never quite materializes. Dumb, self-aware, and oddly endearing, it’s little wonder the show hoppered its way into anime lore.
3. Bleach (2004–2012, 2022–Present) – 366+ Episodes
Tite Kubo’s Bleach introduced us to Ichigo Kurosaki, a young man who becomes a Soul Reaper and defends the living from evil spirits. Studio Pierrot brought us 366 episodes of sword battles, fashionable abilities, and iconic villains. A former member of shonen’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, Bleach went on a long hiatus before its return in 2022 with the Thousand-Year Blood War arc—showing that it still has much to offer.
2. Naruto (2002–2017) – 720 Episodes
Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from lonely troublemaker to Hokage is one of anime’s most beloved sagas. Studio Pierrot’s epic includes 220 episodes of the original Naruto and 500 more in Naruto: Shippuden. Yes, there’s filler—lots of it—but the emotional payoffs, iconic rivalries, and unforgettable battles make this one of the most rewarding (and long-lasting) anime marathons ever.
1. One Piece (1999–Present) – 1,000+ Episodes
Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic, animated by Toei, is the undisputed king of long-running anime. Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates have been chasing treasure and friendship for over two decades, and the end still isn’t in sight. With over 1,000 episodes (and counting), One Piece blends comedy, adventure, and emotional storytelling better than almost any series out there. It’s not just long—it’s legendary.
These anime aren’t simply “long”—they’re institutions. Each has established its own legacy, building characters, stories, and worlds that fans continue to revisit. Because when a show runs this long, it ceases to be simply an anime and becomes part of the culture.