Some plots and characters are simply so fantastic that you start dreading the thought that your favorite anime is coming to an end every time you see the credits roll down. Most anime series suffer this fate after their first season, and as a fan, the struggle is real when you’re left with a bitter feeling and try hard to find a new series to replace it. Other series, on the other hand, continue to provide season after season. There’s a reason why the first thing that springs to mind when someone mentions “anime” is probably “Sailor Moon” or “Dragon Ball Z.” There are undoubtedly some other amazing shows that are even better than these. However, the impact of these long-running anime has been significantly greater than that of any other.
While many anime series span only one or two seasons, some last indefinitely (almost). And now that we live in a world where anime is freely accessible through platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and a few others, gone are the days when we had to wait for a new season to air the following day or even a week. Binging has become a way of life, and if you consider yourself a “serial anime binger,” I challenge you to watch these nearly endless anime shows. The anime shows on this list are among the best long-running anime series available, and they have been ordered chronologically by episode count. Several of these longest anime series are available on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.
Astro Boy (193 Episodes)
The only reason ‘Astro Boy’ is on this list is because when it initially aired in 1963, it transformed the entire world of American cartoons. It’s essentially a lovely series with a lot of sarcastic humour that appealed to both teenagers and children at the time. ‘Astro Boy’ is an anime that will be a favorite of many generations of children in the future, and if you were a child who watched it, this one can bring back some nice childhood memories. Hulu has all of the episodes available to watch online.
Beelzebub (60 Episodes)
To comprehend the context of most jokes in most comedy anime, you either have to speak Japanese or force yourself to laugh at their stupidity. However, the peculiarity of its outstanding characters in ‘Beelzebub’ would easily make you laugh out loud. Almost any event or character that would have been funny in another anime turns out to be outright hilarious in this one. Among the funniest anime shows of all time, ‘Beelzebub’ is right up there with ‘Gintama.’ The episodes are available to watch on VRV.
Bleach (366 Episodes)
‘Bleach,’ ‘Naruto,’ and ‘One Piece’ are three anime series that have spawned unending disputes among fans who try to argue that their favorite is the best anime ever created. With all three programs, there is genuine fandom, but what sets ‘Bleach’ apart is its enormous and enthralling universe. Because of the fantastic cosmos it depicts, the plot is highly unpredictable, and you can never be sure what will happen next. So, disregard all of the nasty reviews of the so-called “Narutards” and give this one a chance at least once. The anime can be watched online here.
Dragon Ball (153 Episodes)
‘Dragon Ball’ is one of the oldest anime on this list, as well as the most popular in both the West and the East. It’s one of the first few shows to establish what we now refer to as classic Shounen tropes. Traditional stereotypes were non-existent at the time, therefore the primary character Goku was seen as much more than one-dimensional.
It begins with a lighthearted tone and a series of amusing incidents centered on Goku the youngster. Much later, it takes on a more serious tone, setting the ground for the sequel, ‘Dragon Ball Z.’ Its animation is a little old, but after a while you’ll grow used to it. Finally, ‘Dragon Ball’ is a classic in its own right, but it is frequently eclipsed by its even more popular and enjoyable sequel. If you’re interested in learning more about the Dragon Ball franchise, this is the best place to start. Funimation has the series available.
In a nutshell, ‘Dragon Ball Z’ is about carrying the weight of an entire world on your shoulders, and failing would mean losing everything you’ve ever stood for. If you’re a lover of fighting anime and haven’t seen ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ you’re missing out on a wonderful experience that everyone should have at least once.
It’s easy to dismiss the film’s entire plot as cliched, and the battle scenes are tedious. However, the experience that anime is able to provide to the majority of its young male viewers is just unrivaled. ‘Dragon Ball Z’ is, at the end of the day, just an epic Shounen anime that will almost certainly never die. You should watch it on Funimation if you’re one of the few people who hasn’t watched it yet.
Fairy Tail (317 Episodes)
All of the ideas depicted in typical Shounen anime are thrown out the window in ‘Fairy Tail.’ It boasts quick and crisp fight scenes, plot arcs that have a little bit of everything, and characters who do not advertise their fight moves during bouts, unlike others of its kind. It is essentially the polar antithesis of everything that defines an anime Shounen, which is presumably why people either love it or find it dull. Even so, any Shounen fan who enjoys long-running anime should give this one a chance. The show is available on Hulu.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (64 Episodes)
If you want a long-running anime with no fillers, ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ is your best bet. Adaptations frequently fail to live up to the standards of their source material, owing to the fact that many anime creators treat the original work as an afterthought. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ demonstrates how keeping true to the source material can yield fantastic outcomes. Without a question, it earns the distinction of one of the best anime ever made by succeeding in nearly every element and rarely allowing for anything that might be deemed a defect. The series is available to watch on Hulu.
Gintama (367 Episodes)
In a medium where humour has never been particularly strong due to cultural differences between the West and Japan, ‘Gintama’ stands out by demonstrating that comedy in anime is far from dead. It defies all expectations and, over time, has established itself as one of the best comedy series on television. ‘Gintama’ is a samurai anime with a wide range of appeal in terms of comedy, and it remains the best of its kind to this day. If you haven’t already seen it, you should definitely do it on Funimation.
Haikyuu!! (60 Episodes)
‘Haikyuu!!’ is a sports anime based on a tale published in the well-known Shounen Jump magazine. It features traditional Shounen tropes and sports anime themes like as the emergence of an underdog, perseverance, and, of course, team spirit.
But it’s the way ‘Haikyuu!!’ implements these topics through its pacing that really stands out. The characters are relatively novice volleyball players at the start, and they are far from the best. These characters do not have any abrupt skill level-ups over the entire series. The show takes you on a very subtle journey through the amazing journey of a few young boys who build a name for themselves in the high-school volleyball scene. Crunchyroll is where you can watch the anime.
Hajime no Ippo (75 Episodes)
Even if you are not a fan of folks getting their skulls bashed in every day, I would recommend ‘Hajime no Ippo’ to you. Apart from the incredible boxing action, this anime contains a little bit of everything, from humor to romance to a lot of inspirational moments. ‘Hajime no Ippo’ boasts the most appealing and original characters that are so well-developed that by the end of the show, you’ll find yourself loving and rooting for at least one of them, as predictable as the plot may appear. Crunchyroll has an English dubbed version of ‘Hajime no Ippo’ available.
Hunter x Hunter (148 Episodes)
With its flawless characterization, complex and interesting tale, and breathtaking world-building, ‘Hunter x Hunter’ is an example of the best writing in the world of Shounen. All of this is woven into an engaging story that holds the audience’s attention for long periods of time. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ spans 148 episodes and explores a variety of themes including war, crime, politics, survival, and traditional Shounen battle competitions.
What’s most perplexing about it is how smoothly it changes from light to darker tones throughout the plot. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ maintains its pace with its great pacing and keeps things highly fascinating with its feeling of unpredictability, despite the absence of filler episodes. Simply said, ‘Hunter x Hunter’ is one of the most educated Shounen anime series out now, and there is something that sets it apart from the rest. On VRV, you may watch the popular anime.
Inuyasha (193 Episodes)
The anime series ‘Inuyasha’ is a complex one that has sparked a lot of debate in the anime world. It’s considered by some to be the best long-running romantic anime ever made, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. While it was amazing once upon a time for some, its worth has eroded now that the world is aware of so many other “better” anime shows. There’s love, sex, horror, action, and a lot of drama in this series. It is frequently chastised for its lack of a cohesive plot. However, the action, romance, and stunning animation keep it from being a mediocre program in the end. Crunchyroll is a great place to watch this highly recommended show for all fantasy anime fans out there.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (152 Episodes)
When you watch anime, you’re primarily looking for pleasure and fun. You will not be disappointed if you watch ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ for nothing but pure, unadulterated fun, and you may even be able to stick with it for the entire 152-episode length. It features a straightforward tale that is primarily developed through its character dynamics.
One thing that sticks out about the program is that, unlike other Shounen anime, it does not have long and irritating character training arcs, and even the battle scenes are never drawn out. The anime, for the most part, does not take itself too seriously, and those rare instances when it does, you will undoubtedly be on the edge of your seat. Its vintage music and ’80s artwork are a breath of fresh air, and this anime is well worth your time, with no fanservice, odd plot twists, or cheap humor. Netflix has all of the episodes available to watch online.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn (203 Episodes)
‘Katekyo Hitman Reborn!’ is a humor anime that is entertaining to watch for the first 25 episodes despite the lack of a storyline. However, following these first episodes, the story picks up and the anime takes on a serious tone, making every minute of it worthwhile to watch. The nicest part of the anime is seeing practically all of the one-dimensional characters mature into something far greater than they were at the start. ‘Katekyo Hitman Reborn!’ stands out despite its subpar animation quality because of its fantastic premise, which keeps you engrossed throughout its lengthy runtime. Hulu has the series available for viewing.
Monster (74 Episodes)
‘Monster’ is an outstanding thriller anime that explores some incredibly difficult topics such as psychopath psychology, social conditioning, and the value of human life. It depicts this in the most unsettling, yet entertaining, and realistic manner imaginable. It has a slow-burning rhythm that gradually develops on you and captivates you with precisely placed moments of anticipation, awe, and astonishment. Watching a fantastic anime like this one is a genuine joy, and the fact that it spans 74 episodes just adds to the challenge.
Naruto (220 Episodes)
The manga from which ‘Naruto’ was adapted comprises almost 10,000 pages. As a result, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular anime series of all time. Now, this isn’t the type of show that will immediately appeal to you. But if you stick around for a bit, its three distinct characters will begin to grow on you. It retains its slapstick comic qualities while still portraying a highly compelling plot with the most ideal pacing. Most people who watched it when it originally came out will remember how beautiful it was to grow up alongside Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto over the course of five years. Crunchyroll has a streaming version of ‘Naruto’ available.
Naruto Shippuden (500 Episodes)
The long-running anime ‘Naruto’ returned with ‘Naruto Shippuden’ after an unending number of fillers in its original run, and this time, with an even longer runtime! The best thing about this rebooted version of the original series is that it retains almost all of the elements that made the first season so memorable. Aside from that, ‘Shippuden’ features the same cast of characters with slightly more adult dispositions. ‘Naruto’ was surely a fantastic anime, but it is ‘Shippuden’s’ darkness and depth of tone that makes it so enjoyable in its own right. The show is available on VRV.
One Piece (893 Episodes)
‘One Piece’ has been on the air for over two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. It has a sizable cult following and has outperformed the four major Shounen series in terms of ratings. Because the show includes nearly 900 episodes, anyone considering binge-watching it should think twice.
Those who have been following it from the beginning swear that it has been an incredible ride. ‘One Piece’ isn’t a masterpiece, and it doesn’t do anything innovative, but it is Shounen at its best, with its diverse battles, well-developed cast, and intriguing plot. You can start watching it on Crunchyroll if you think you’ll be able to keep up with it.
Pokemon (276 Episodes)
‘Pokemon’ is a fantastic anime that has taken the animation world by storm. It was not only renowned as an anime a few years after its release, but also for its whole franchise, which covered everything from toys to games to trading cards. The plot of ‘Pokemon’ is as straightforward as it gets, yet it is this simplicity that appeals to a younger audience. With a total of 276 episodes, the original series came to an end, but ‘Pokemon’ is still going strong with various new variations. The show can be viewed here.
Sailor Moon (200 Episodes)
‘Sailor Moon’ is another anime classic that can bring back fond childhood memories for today’s adult anime fans. The anime’s animation and music now appear to be far too rudimentary, but it is the plot of the anime that makes it outstanding even today.
It depicts romantic relationships that are so genuine and serious that they put practically all contemporary Shoujo anime to shame. I cannot recommend this show enough to anyone who wants a peek of what a classic Shoujo looks like, thanks to its fantastic characters and a well-developed plot that concentrates around the emotional confrontations between good and evil. The animation can be viewed here.
Slam Dunk (101 Episodes)
‘Slam Dunk’ is one of the earliest anime on this list, and it was created with the goal of popularizing basketball in Japan, which was almost unknown at the time. You’ll be little disappointed if you’re a serious basketball lover hoping to learn some new wild moves from this show that you can brag about on the court. There’s a lot of basketball action in this game, and it might even motivate you to start shooting hoops yourself. But, above all, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the fidelity of the connections that develop on the court. You can watch the anime online here.
The Prince of Tennis (178 Episodes)
‘Prince of Tennis,’ which debuted in 2001, is one of the lesser-known anime on this list. The majority of sports anime follows an underdog who fights his way to the top. ‘Prince of Tennis,’ on the other hand, does something entirely different, focusing from the start on a character who is already a fantastic tennis player. He matures from a brash immature adolescent to a good sportsman who begins to respect all of his opponents.
For its time, the anime’s art is quite good, and the energetic music really sets the tone for the heated tennis matches. The nicest thing about this show is that the results of its tennis matches are usually unpredictable, as even the heroes lose occasionally. Overall, ‘Prince of Tennis’ is unlike other realistic sports anime in that it constantly breaks the laws of physics. Nonetheless, it’s a thrilling trip with its own ups and downs. The show is available to watch on Hulu.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (224 Episodes)
Some critics may argue that ‘Yu Gi Oh’ is just another anime about card games, but they overlook how well the show develops its characters over the course of its 224 episodes. It’s also fascinating to see how it depicts the intricacy of the individuals’ relationships and incorporates an entire Egyptian setting into the plot. Just remember that if you want to gain a better idea of what it’s about, you should watch it with the original Japanese soundtrack. The animation can be viewed here.
Yu Yu Hakusho (112 Episodes)
‘Yuu Yuu Hakusho’ is not for you if you aren’t a fan of combat anime, even if it has a good story. However, if you prefer well-made action shows with original imaginative concepts, a strong tale, and a nice sense of humor, this is your best chance.
‘Yuu Yuu Hakusho’ characters appear one-dimensional at first glance, with stereotypical Shounen characteristics. However, as the program progresses, all of these characters grow in strength and eventually become the major reason for watching the anime. It has almost 100 episodes, but unlike many other long-running anime, it manages to maintain its freshness till the very end. The series is available to watch on Funimation.
