25 Longest Running Anime You Have To See

Posted by , Updated on March 25, 2024

When you think of Anime, what comes to mind? Sailor Moon? Dragon Ball Z? For those really caught up in the world of Anime, there is so so much more. What some people don’t realize is that Anime has been around for a very long time, and while most Anime series come and go, there are some that have lasted for a long long time. Today we are showcasing these Anime that have seemed to stand the test of time with 25 Longest Running Anime You Have To See.

25

Gin Tama

Gin Tama

This anime started filming in 2006 and is still in production with 332 episodes as of this writing. Set in Tokyo, it follows life from the perspective of a Samurai after the city has been invaded by aliens.

24

Keroro Gunsō

Keroro_movie_5

Literally translated as “Sergeant Keroro” or Sergeant Frog, this anime comedy follows the adventures of a platoon of alien frog-like creatures as they attempt to invade the Earth. It has 358 episodes.

23

Bleach

bleach anime

With 366 episodes, this anime follows the adventures of hotheaded teenager Ichigo Kurosaki when he obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper (basically a Grim Reaper).

22

Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo

Kochikame

Literally translated, the name of this anime is “This is the Police Station in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward.” Fortunately, it’s often shortened to KochiKame and it follows the adventures of middle aged Tokyo police officer Kankichi Ryotsu. The series has 373 episodes.

21

Naruto

naruto

Following the story of Naruto Uzumakim, a young ninja looking for recognition, this anime ran for 10 years from 2007 to 2017 and has 500 episodes.

20

Obake no Q-tarō

Obake

In this anime, Qtarō is an obake (basically a ghost) that lives with the Ōhara family. The series has 510 episodes.

19

Perman

Perman

An anime about a clumsy boy named Mitsuo Suwa who is chosen to be a superhero’s apprentice, this anime was intended to be a parody of Superman (hence the name Perman). It has a total 526 episodes.

18

Ninja Hattori-Kun

Ninja Hattori-kun

Known as Ninja Hattori in some countries, this manga series was adapted into an anime series in 2012 as a joint venture between India and Japan. The original series, however, ran from 1981 to 1987 and had 696 episodes.

17

Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō

shimashima

Literally translated as “Striped Island Tiger Shimajirō,” this series is one of the most popular educational preschool shows in Japan; it has 726 episodes.

16

One Piece

one piece

The adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who’s body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit has racked up 811 episodes since 1990.

15

Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Following the story of a genius detective trapped in the body of a child, this still-running anime is at 878 episodes.

14

Crayon Shin-Chan

Crayon Shin-Chan

This anime series follows 5 year old Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara, his parents, baby sister, dog, and neighbors. It is still running and as of this writing has 945 episodes.

13

Sekai Monoshiri Ryoko

Sekai Monoshiri Ryoko

Although this series of 5-minute educational shorts only ran for a few years, it racked up 1006 episodes!

12

Chibi Maruko-Chan (1995)

chibi-maruko-chan-film

This anime series follows the life of Momoko Sakura, a young girl that everyone calls Maruko, in suburban Japan in the 1970’s. It has over 1000 episodes and has been going strong since 1995.

11

Monoshiri Daigaku Ashita no Calendar

Monoshiri Daigaku Ashita no Calendar

This is the first of a few anime series on our list that are sponsored by Kirin beer. Running from 1966 to 1970, this series has 1,274 episodes.

10

Sore Ike! Anpanman

Sore Ike! Anpanman

These show with superheroes made of bread (yes…bread) is one of the most beloved anime series in Japan. With over 1,300 episodes, it has been filming since 1988 and is still going strong!

9

Hoka Hoka Kazoku

hoka hoka

Translated to “Warm Warm Family,” this anime series consists of 1,428 episodes about a nice family and their everyday life.

8

Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi

Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi

This anime adaptation of various Japanese folk tales ran from 1976 through 1994 with 1,471 episodes.

7

Kirin Ashita no Calendar

Kirin Ashita no Calendar

The Kirin funded shorts returned in the 80’s and ran for another 1,498 episodes!

6

Ojarumaru

Ojarumaru

This popular anime follows a 5-year-old Heian-era prince named Ojarumaru Sakanoue who time warps to modern Japan and tries to understand the culture. It has 1,659 episodes.

5

Kirin Monoshiri Yakata

Kirin Monoshiri Yakata

Once again Kirin has made our list. This time with 1,565 episodes of anime goodness.

4

Doraemon

doraemon

With 1,789 episodes, this anime about a blue cat and his friends has been running for 26 years.

3

Oyako Club

Oyako Club

Running from 1994 to 2013, this anime series has over 1,800 episodes! Its name translates to “Parent and Child Club,” and predictably, it is about family relationships.

2

Nintama Rantarō

Nintama Rantarō

Translating to “Rantarō the Ninja Boy,” this anime series has more than 2,000 episodes and is about…you guessed it…ninjas!

1

Sazae-san

Sazae-san

This anime series holds the world record for longest running animated TV series with over 7,000 episodes!



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