Anime has a unique way of capturing the imagination, and some series manage to stay on the air for decades, becoming cultural icons along the way. From hilarious comedies to epic adventures, these long-running shows have kept viewers hooked with their unforgettable characters, storylines, and ever-expanding worlds. In this article, we’ll take a look at the longest-running anime series ever, highlighting their plots, characters, and milestones, as well as their impact on both Japanese culture and global audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of anime, these shows have truly stood the test of time.
Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail, based on the manga by Hiro Mashima, ran from 2009 to 2019 with 328 episodes, capturing the hearts of fans with its magical adventures. The story centers around Natsu Dragneel and his friends in the Fairy Tail guild, an organization of mages who undertake various quests while protecting the world from dark forces. Natsu, along with Lucy, Gray, and Erza, embarks on numerous battles and adventures, forming deep bonds with fellow guild members. The anime’s popularity led to several films, OVAs, and spin-off manga series, such as Fairy Tail Zero. The show is known for its engaging fight scenes, strong character development, and its theme of friendship and loyalty. Although it concluded in 2019, its manga continued until 2017, and the franchise still sees new material, including the 2023 sequel series, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest. The enduring appeal of this series is largely attributed to its heartwarming themes and engaging action, ensuring its place in the pantheon of long-running anime.
Naruto
Naruto, an anime series adapted from Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, began airing in 2002 and quickly became one of the most beloved series of its time. The show follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the leader of his village, the Hokage, despite being ostracized for harboring the dangerous Nine-Tails Fox within him. It ran for 220 episodes, followed by a sequel series, Naruto: Shippuden, which aired 500 more episodes, bringing the total episode count to over 700. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to its complex characters, thrilling action sequences, and emotional story arcs. Naruto’s companions, such as Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake, add depth to the series. The original manga ran from 1999 to 2014, and it has since inspired movies, video games, and a continuing sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The franchise’s success has ensured that Naruto remains a cornerstone of anime culture. The Boruto continuation ensures that the legacy of the Naruto universe lives on in new adventures.
Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, began with the original Dragon Ball anime in 1986, followed by Dragon Ball Z in 1989. The series chronicles the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan who is unaware of his extraterrestrial origins, as he trains to become the strongest martial artist in the universe. Dragon Ball Z, in particular, became one of the most iconic anime series in history, with 291 episodes, and the entire franchise, including spin-offs like Dragon Ball Super, has accumulated over 900 episodes in total. Goku, alongside his friends and family, faces off against powerful foes such as Vegeta, Frieza, and Majin Buu. It is based on Toriyama’s manga, which was serialized from 1984 to 1995. It has had a massive cultural impact, inspiring video games, movies, and merchandise across the globe. Its action-packed battles, memorable characters, and enduring appeal have made it one of the most recognized franchises in anime.
Crayon Shin-chan
First airing in 1992, Crayon Shin-chan follows the hilarious antics of Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara, a mischievous and often inappropriate five-year-old boy living in Japan. The series blends comedy with slice-of-life elements as it follows his adventures with his family, friends, and neighbors. It has over 1,000 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anime comedies in Japan. Shin’s character, known for his crude humor and love of pranks, often finds himself in trouble, but his family always supports him. The series was originally based on a manga by Yoshito Usui, which was serialized from 1990 to 2006. Along with the main series, it has produced numerous films, video games, and spin-offs. While it may seem simple on the surface, its humor often touches on deeper social issues and cultural observations. Its longevity speaks to its universal appeal and relatable humor, which continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Detective Conan
Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed in some countries, began airing in 1996 and is still ongoing today. The series follows Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is poisoned and transformed into a child, adopting the alias Conan Edogawa. Despite his childlike appearance, he continues solving mysteries with the help of friends and family, all while searching for the organization responsible for his transformation. The anime has over 1,000 episodes and numerous movies, making it one of the longest-running anime series ever. The original manga, written by Gosho Aoyama, began serialization in 1994 and remains popular, with new chapters released regularly. Key characters include Ran Mouri, Shinichi’s childhood friend and love interest, and Kogoro Mouri, a bumbling detective. The show’s intricate plots and long-running story arcs keep fans captivated, and its popularity has spawned merchandise, video games, and theatrical releases. It has become a cornerstone of mystery anime, inspiring a large and loyal global following.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Chibi Maruko-chan is a heartwarming and long-running anime series that first aired in 1990. Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, the series follows the everyday life of a young girl, Maruko, and her family, friends, and schoolmates in suburban Japan. The show captures the humor and simple joys of childhood, as well as the cultural aspects of Japanese society through the eyes of Maruko, who is often mischievous and naïve. With over 1,100 episodes and counting, it has become one of the most beloved anime of all time. It features an extensive cast of characters, including Maruko’s older sister, her grandfather, and her classmates, each contributing to the series’ charm and humor. It has also produced feature films and a variety of merchandise, making it a staple in Japanese homes. It’s known for its nostalgic, slice-of-life approach that appeals to both children and adults alike. It continues to be a source of comfort and joy for viewers of all ages, reflecting the timeless nature of family and childhood in Japan.
One Piece
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is one of the most iconic and enduring anime series, debuting in 1999. The story revolves around Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the fabled treasure, “One Piece,” in hopes of becoming the Pirate King. As of 2024, it has surpassed 1,100 episodes, with more being produced. It has become a worldwide phenomenon, with its heartwarming adventures and complex characters. The original manga, serialized since 1997, continues to release new chapters and has become the best-selling manga series in history. Memorable characters include Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Sanji, each with distinct backstories and powers, which adds layers of depth to the series. It has also spawned films, specials, video games, and a vast range of merchandise, cementing its cultural impact. Its longevity can be attributed to its evolving story arcs and consistent character development, maintaining a strong fanbase for over two decades.
Pokémon
Since its debut in 1997, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon with an ever-expanding universe of video games, trading cards, movies, and television episodes. The anime series follows Ash Ketchum, a young Pokémon trainer, on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his Pikachu. It has aired over 1,200 episodes as of 2024, spread across multiple seasons, regions, and storylines. Initially, Ash’s quest focused on catching all 150 original Pokémon, but the show expanded with new generations and regions, introducing a constantly evolving roster of creatures. It is based on the video game franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, which first launched in 1996. Notable characters include Misty, Brock, and rival trainers such as Gary Oak. Along with the TV show, it has produced a series of films, several spin-offs, and an entire franchise empire. Its widespread success has led to its continued production, with no signs of slowing down despite being over 25 years old.
Doraemon
Doraemon, which debuted as an anime in 1973, remains one of Japan’s most iconic and enduring franchises. The show tells the story of a robotic cat, Doraemon, who travels back in time from the future to help a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Doraemon is equipped with futuristic gadgets, which he uses to assist Nobita, though his attempts often lead to chaos and humor. The anime has aired over 2,500 episodes, with new ones still being produced regularly. Based on the manga by Fujiko F. Fujio, which began serialization in 1969, it has become a cultural institution in Japan, beloved by audiences of all ages. It has spawned countless films, video games, and merchandise, and its characters—especially Doraemon and Nobita—are ingrained in Japanese pop culture. In addition to its comedy, the show also imparts moral lessons about friendship, hard work, and perseverance. The continued success of this show across multiple generations speaks to its universal themes and timeless appeal.
Sazae-san
Sazae-san holds the title of the longest-running anime series in history, first airing in 1969. With over 7,000 episodes, this slice-of-life comedy has been a staple of Japanese television for decades. The show centers around Sazae Fuguta, a cheerful and free-spirited woman navigating daily life with her family in post-war Japan. Each episode explores the humorous interactions between Sazae, her husband, her children, and various other characters, often reflecting the evolving social norms of the time. It is based on a manga created by Machiko Hasegawa, which was serialized from 1946 to 1974, making the anime an extension of a beloved long-running story. Famous characters include Sazae’s husband, Masuo, and her father, Namihei, who serve as key figures in the comedic dynamics. Its success has led to several feature films and spin-offs, further cementing its place in Japanese culture. New episodes continue to air weekly, and its cultural influence is undeniable, making it a symbol of enduring family-oriented entertainment.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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