24 Best Long Running Anime That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Every time the credits start to roll on your favorite anime, you start to dread the notion that your beloved story and characters are ending. A fan’s struggle is genuine when you are left with a bitter taste in your mouth and you try hard to find a new series that could replace it after the first season of an anime. However, there are other shows that keep delivering season after season. Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z spring to mind when someone mentions “anime,” and there’s a good reason for it. There are undoubtedly much better shows than these out there. These long-running anime, on the other hand, have had a significantly greater impact than any other.

While many anime are only around for a few seasons, a select few can survive a lifetime (almost). It’s no longer necessary to patiently wait for the next day or even a week to catch up on a new season of anime thanks to sites like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and others. For those who consider themselves “serial anime bingers,” I challenge you to watch these seemingly never-ending anime series. One of the best long-running anime shows out there, these shows have been rated in order of how many episodes they have. Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu all offer streaming options for some of these long-running anime series.

24. Haikyuu!! (60 Episodes)

Haikyuu

Haikyuu!! is a sports animation that was originally featured in the popular Shounen Jump magazine. There are several traditional Shounen tropes and sports anime themes like tenacity and team spirit that are employed in this anime.

In addition, ‘Haikyuu!tempo !’s is what really sets it apart from the rest. At first, the characters are novice volleyball players who are far from the greatest. Throughout the entire run of the show, these characters never experience any significant increases in their ability level. In a very subtle way, the show tells the story of a group of high-school volleyball players who go on to build a name for themselves. On Crunchyroll, you may watch the anime.

23. Beelzebub (60 Episodes)

With most comedy anime, you have to be fluent in Japanese or just chuckle at the ridiculousness to fully appreciate the humor being offered. Beelzebub, on the other hand, will have you giggling out loud thanks to its hilarious cast of characters. Any situation or character that would have been typical in any other anime, turns out to be amusing here. One of the funniest anime series of all time, “Beelzebub” is right up there with “Gintama.” Streaming is available on VRV for all the episodes.

22. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (64 Episodes)

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is the best long-running anime out there that doesn’t have any filler whatsoever. Many often, anime adaptations fall short of the original’s high standards because the original work is treated as an afterthought by many of the anime’s authors. The success of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ can be attributed to sticking true to the source material. It is unquestionably one of the best animes out there because it excels in almost every element and rarely leaves room for anything that could be deemed a defect. On Hulu, you may watch the series.

21. Monster (74 Episodes)

Monster

One of the best and most disturbing aspects of ‘Monster’ is its exploration of sociopathy, social conditioning, and the intrinsic value of human life. In the most distressing yet compelling and realistic ways conceivable, these are depicted in the film. To describe its pace would be an understatement. It gradually grows on you, and its perfectly timed moments of anticipation are followed by amazement and horror. An excellent anime like this one is a genuine pleasure, and what makes the entire program even more daunting is the fact that it spans 74 episodes.

20. Hajime no Ippo (75 Episodes)

‘Hajime no Ippo’ may not be your cup of tea if you dislike seeing people have their heads bashed in, but even if you do, I still think you should see it. This anime contains a little bit of everything, from humor to romance to inspirational moments, in addition to its great boxing action. Whatever your preconceived notions about this story are after watching “Hajime no Ippo,” you’ll find yourself rooting for one of its characters, if not all of them, by the time the show is over. You may get an English Dubbed version of ‘Hajime no Ippo’ on Crunchyroll.

19. Slam Dunk (101 Episodes)

“Slam Dunk” is one of the earliest anime on our list, with the original goal of promoting basketball in Japan, where the sport was previously non-existent. If you’re a die-hard basketball enthusiast hoping to pick up some new wild maneuvers to show off on the court, this show will leave you somewhat underwhelmed. A lot of basketball action may even motivate you to pick up a basketball and try your hand at shooting one of your own. More importantly, it emphasizes the importance of working together as a team and the strong bonds formed on the court. Here, you may watch the anime.

18. Yu Yu Hakusho (112 Episodes)

Yu Yu Hakusho

‘Yuu Yuu Hakusho’ isn’t for someone who doesn’t like combat anime, even if the stories are nice. When it comes to quality action programs, this is the one to go for if you’re looking for something a little more distinctive than your average action flick.

Upon first impression, the characters in ‘Yuu Yuu Hakusho‘ seem to be one-dimensional with stereotypical Shounen characters. However, as the series progresses, each of these individuals grows in strength and importance, until they become the central focus of the show. For a series with over 100 episodes, this one manages to remain engaging right up until the very end. Funimation has the series available for streaming.

17. Hunter x Hunter (148 Episodes)

One of the best examples of Shounen writing in terms of personality, depth of tale, and world-building can be found in “Hunter x Hunter.” A well-crafted story that captivates its audience for long marathons is the result of all of this. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ juggles between war, criminality, politics, survival, and the standard Shounen battle competitions throughout its 148 episodes.

It’s puzzling how it gradually shifts from light to somber tones in its narrative. ‘Hunter x Hunter’ doesn’t have any filler episodes, so it keeps its pace and intrigue high with its feeling of surprise. With that said, ‘Hunter x Hunter’ is an educated Shounen anime unlike any other, and it stands apart from the pack. VRV now has the well-known animation series.

16. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (152 Episodes)

When you watch an anime, you’re mostly interested in having a good time. No matter how many times you watch it, you’ll never be dissatisfied by JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, which has a length of 152 episodes to its credit. It features a pretty straightforward plot that is largely developed via the interactions of the many characters.

In contrast to other Shounen anime, there are no extended, irritating training arcs for characters in this program, and even the battle scenes never drag on for long periods of time. In general, the anime does not take itself too seriously, but when it does, you will be on the tip of your seat with anticipation. You won’t be disappointed by this series’ nostalgic music and ’80s visual style, as well as the fact that there are no fanservice, strange story twists, or cheap jokes. On Netflix, you may watch all of the episodes.

15. Dragon Ball (153 Episodes)

Dragon Ball

When it comes to popular animes, ‘Dragon Ball’ is one of the longest-running and most-watched on this list. It was one of the first shows to establish the archetypes that we now associate with the Shounen genre. Traditional stereotypes were non-existent at the time, so the main character Goku was seen as far more complex than a one-dimensional cardboard cutout.

With a lighthearted tone and a focus on Goku as a child, the first episode is a lot of fun to watch. Dragon Ball Z’s sequel, Dragon Ball Z, begins to acquire a more serious tone much later in the series. Once you get used to it you won’t mind the archaic animation. Although its sequel is more popular and entertaining, the first “Dragon Ball” remains a classic in its own right. To begin your journey inside the Dragon Ball universe, this is the finest spot to begin your exploration. Funimation carries the series.

14. The Prince of Tennis (178 Episodes)

The anime ‘Prince of Tennis’, which first aired in 2001, is one of the less well-known entries on this list. Almost all sports anime features an underdog trying to rise to the top of the sport’s hierarchy. While other films focus on aspiring tennis players, ‘Prince of Tennis’ begins with one who is already an accomplished player. He transforms from a brash, immature youngster to a superb player who respects everyone he plays against.

Even the lively music of the anime sets the mood for heated tennis matches, thanks to its stunning art style. Even the show’s heroes lose occasionally in the show’s tennis matches, which is one of its best aspects. As a whole, “Prince of Tennis” breaches the rules of physics constantly, making it a far cry from other realistic sports anime. This is still an enjoyable experience, with its own set of challenges and rewards. Hulu offers on-demand access to the show.

13. Astro Boy (193 Episodes)

To be included on this list, “Astro Boy” must be credited alone with revolutionizing American animation when it first aired in 1963. Back in the 1980s, the show was popular with both teenagers and children because of its combination of satirical humour and cuteness. In the future, if you happen to be an adult who grew up watching ‘Astro Boy’, this anime will bring back fond memories of your youth. Hulu has all of the episodes available for streaming.

12. Inuyasha (193 Episodes)

Kirara, InuYasha (2000)

‘Inuyasha’ is a series that has sparked a lot of debate in the anime world because of its complexity. It’s considered a masterpiece by some and the best long-running romance anime by others. The value of this show has diminished in the eyes of some viewers because there are so many other “better” anime shows available now. Love, sex, horror, action, and a whole lot of drama are all there in the series. This film has been widely panned for its lack of a clear storyline. Ultimately, however, the show’s action, romance, and stunning animation keep it from being a snoozer. Crunchyroll has a fantastic show that fantasy anime fans should check out.

11. Sailor Moon (200 Episodes)

For adults who grew up watching anime, ‘Sailor Moon’ is another classic that can bring back fond memories from their youth. Even though the anime’s animation and music may appear rudimentary when viewed in retrospect, the tale nonetheless holds up as one of the medium’s finest achievements.

It has a level of realism and seriousness that almost all modern Shoujo anime can only aspire to. I can’t recommend this program enough to anyone looking for a taste of a classic Shoujo’s emotional conflict between good and evil and its fantastic cast of characters. The animation can be viewed here.

10. Katekyo Hitman Reborn (203 Episodes)

For the first quarter of the series, ‘Katekyo Hitman Reborn!’ is a lighthearted comedy with little real substance. In contrast, after the first few episodes, the story takes off and the animation takes on a more serious tone, which makes every second of it worthwhile to watch! Anime’s most impressive feature is witnessing the development of characters that started out as one-dimensional personas into something far more complex. “Katekyo Hitman Reborn!” stands out despite its mediocre animation quality thanks to its fantastic story that keeps the audience engaged throughout its lengthy runtime. On Hulu, you may watch the series.

9. Naruto (220 Episodes)

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst

The source material for the anime ‘Naruto’ has almost 10,000 pages. The fact that it has been going for so long is no surprise. Now, this isn’t exactly a show that you’ll be drawn to from the get-go. Nonetheless, if you stick around for a time, you’ll get to appreciate its three distinct personalities. It retains its slapstick humor while still presenting a compelling story with the appropriate amount of tempo. Those who watched it when it first began will remember how beautiful it was to grow up alongside Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto over the course of five years. Crunchyroll has a streaming option for “Naruto.”

8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (224 Episodes)

The show’s detractors may assert that “Yu Gi Oh” is simply an anime about card games, but they neglect to mention how well the show manages to develop its characters throughout the course of the show’s 224 installments. Aside from that, it’s intriguing to see how it presents connections between the characters and incorporates an Egyptian context into its plot. Just be sure to view it with the original Japanese audio if you want to gain a better idea of what’s going on. The animation can be viewed here.

7. Pokemon (276 Episodes)

One of the greatest animes ever made, “Pokemon” swept the world of animation by storm. Following its release, it was not just renowned as an anime, but the full franchise that covered everything from toys to games to trading cards. “Pokemon” has a simple plot, yet it’s this simplicity that makes it so appealing to children. Even though the original ‘Pokemon’ series ended after 276 episodes, new iterations of the franchise continue to appear. Here’s where you can catch the show.

6. Dragon Ball Z (291 Episodes)

Dragon Ball Z

To put it simply, “Dragon Ball Z” boils down to this: You have the weight of an entire world on your shoulders, and failing would mean losing everything you’ve ever stood for. “Dragon Ball Z” is a lovely experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives, and those who haven’t seen it yet are missing out.

It’s easy to dismiss the film’s plot as cliched, and the action sequences as tedious. But for most young male anime fans, the experience that the anime provides is simply irreplaceable. Finally, ‘Dragon Ball Z’ is a classic Shounen anime that is unlikely to be forgotten any time soon. Check out Funimation if you’re one of the few individuals who hasn’t seen it yet.

5. Fairy Tail (317 Episodes)

In ‘Fairy Tail,’ the typical Shounen anime ideas are thrown out the window. As a result, it boasts quick and crisp action scenes, plot arcs that include a little bit of everything, and characters who don’t reveal their fight moves during conflicts. You may love it or hate it since it’s the antithesis of everything you’d expect from an anime Shounen to be like. Even still, this is a must-see for any Shounen fan who enjoys long-running anime. The show is available on Hulu.

4. Bleach (366 Episodes)

As a result of the ongoing disputes among their followers, the fans of Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece are constantly arguing over which anime is the finest. All three shows have a devoted following, but ‘Bleach’ has the most devoted viewers because of the show’s expansive and fascinating universe. Because of the fantastical setting it depicts, the story’s every turn is a surprise, and you never know quite what to expect next. Keep in mind that there are many people who don’t like this game because of the “Narutards,” so ignore them. You may watch the anime online right now if you want to.

3. Gintama (367 Episodes)

Gintama — Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)

Because of the cultural differences between the West and Japan, ‘Gintama’ stands out as a show that proves that comedy in the anime industry is not yet extinguished. In spite of the fact that it defies all accepted norms, it has evolved into one of the best comedic shows ever produced. The greatest samurai anime of all time, ‘Gintama,’ is a universally beloved work of comedic genius. If you have not seen it yet, then you should definitely check it out on Funimation.

2. Naruto Shippuden (500 Episodes)

Long-running anime “Naruto” is back with a new season, “Naruto Shippuden,” which has an even longer length than the original. Everything that made the original series so great has been retained in this rebooted edition, making it a joy to watch. It also has characters with slightly more mature characteristics in ‘Shippuden’. While ‘Naruto’ was an excellent anime, ‘Shippuden’ stands out for its gloom and melancholy tone, which adds to the show’s appeal. The show may be seen on VRV.

1. One Piece (893 Episodes)

One Piece

More than 20 years into its run, ‘One Piece’ shows no signs of slowing down. It has a devoted fanbase and has even surpassed the four main Shounen in terms of popularity. As of this writing, there are just shy of 900 episodes in the series, and anyone contemplating binge-watching would be well to think again.

Even so, those who’ve been following along say it’s been an amazing ride. There is nothing innovative about ‘One Piece,’ but it is Shounen at its best with its varied battles, rich cast, and intriguing plot. “One Piece” is not a masterpiece. On Crunchyroll, if you have the stamina to keep up with it, you can begin.