Best Anime With More Than 500 Episodes

Best Anime With More Than 500 Episodes

Key Takeaways

  • Long-running anime series like Dragon Ball and Naruto offer fans a wealth of content, keeping them engaged with compelling storylines and likable characters.
  • Shows like One Piece and Detective Conan have amassed over 1000 episodes, providing viewers with fulfilling viewing experiences but posing a barrier for newcomers.
  • Doraemon and Sazae-San showcase how longevity in anime can lead to fun and interesting storytelling, offering viewers a variety of episodes to enjoy.

As someone who’s been immersed in the captivating world of anime for decades now, I must say that these long-running series truly are a testament to the depth and versatility of this medium. Each one offers a unique perspective, from the high-seas adventure of One Piece to the intricate mysteries unfolding in Case Closed.


Currently, it appears that increased production costs and grand aspirations have resulted in extended gaps between new anime seasons, making the wait agonizingly long. Although high-quality shows are appreciated, fans crave to learn about their beloved characters’ future exploits. In some instances, this eagerness can push them towards reading the manga series instead of waiting for the anime, potentially leading to abandoning the show altogether.

Undeniably, certain anime series have a knack for avoiding long breaks between seasons. By offering vast amounts of content, these shows have managed to extend their run and secure a place among the longest-running in the anime world. Here are some outstanding long-running anime series that have exceeded 500 episodes.

8 Dragon Ball

Number of Episodes: 800+

It’s no surprise at all why the anime series, “Dragon Ball,” has endured for so many years. Its continuous success can be attributed to its ability to consistently deliver captivating storylines and memorable characters who are both remarkably powerful and charmingly appealing.

Among the listed animes, Dragon Ball seems to have experienced the longest gaps between airings. However, it has still produced an impressive amount of content. While there is a portion (Dragon Ball GT) that is often criticized, it represents just 64 episodes within this otherwise popular series.

7 Naruto

Number of Episodes: 1000+

Naruto has been pumped out non-stop since the early 2000s as one of the last vestiges of the shonen era of yester-year. In fact, the decade that it premiered in is often looked back on as a time when shonen anime was stuffed with tons of unnecessary filler and exposition-laden episodes.

However, it was the addition of filler episodes that allowed creators to meticulously fine-tune the animation adaptations of the manga’s standout moments. Notably, the latter episodes of Naruto: Shippuden offered viewers some of the most thrilling fight sequences in anime history. This approach was consistently applied in its subsequent series, Boruto.

6 Gundam

Number of Episodes: 1000+

Over the years, I’ve seen a massive pile of different Gundam anime adaptations. Each new installment brings something unique to the table, with lengths and maturity levels spanning a wide spectrum. This diversity has managed to captivate fans of all ages with its pulse-pounding action sequences.

For those who prefer intense and brutal battles, they can witness child soldiers fighting in gruesome conflicts for their freedom in “Iron Blooded Orphans.” Alternatively, for a more family-friendly approach, there’s the series called “Gundam Build Fighters.” With numerous interpretations of the iconic mecha anime, the franchise has managed to surpass the 1000 episode mark, ensuring that there is something for every Gundam enthusiast to appreciate.

5 One Piece

Number of Episodes: 1100+

One reason fans have continued to follow this series since its beginning is because Luffy and his companions are extremely endearing. This isn’t to overlook the series’ strong points such as its compelling narrative, well-rounded characters, and improved animation quality in later episodes.

Among the trio, (Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece), the fillers in One Piece are often found to be more enjoyable. However, this supports the claim that a series with over a thousand episodes might be an insurmountable barrier for new viewers, since there’s very little content that can be skipped. Despite this challenge, if time permits, delving into One Piece offers one of the most rewarding viewing experiences possible.

4 Case Closed (Detective Conan)

Number of Episodes: 1100+

Recently, there appears to be an increased fascination with true crime. Yet, the allure of dark mysteries in entertainment isn’t new; for instance, the long-running anime “Detective Conan” serves as a testament to this, having completed its 31st season. It’s astonishing how writer Gosho Aoyama continually devises innovative and engaging methods to depict crime on screen.

Absolutely, the series features a main storyline where Conan often clashes with the mysterious Black Organization, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. Yet, it’s the weekly murder mysteries that truly make this show captivating, keeping audiences on their toes throughout each episode.

3 Pokemon

Number of Episodes: 1200+

Pokemon is one of those shows that adults today are proud to show their kids, overjoyed at the prospect of them getting sucked into something that ruled their life when they were younger. It’s a simple joy that’s not rare either, as the show’s adorable pocket monsters have run amok for multiple generations at this point.

In the anime, as well as in real-life gaming through Nintendo systems, each fresh region unveiled mirrors the launch of a new game. The Pokemon universe is further enriched by an abundance of superior quality movies and merchandise, keeping fans deeply engaged with this captivating world.

2 Doraemon

Number of Episodes: 2500+

In today’s contemporary society, automation serves to simplifying everyday living for ordinary individuals, enhancing the daily lives of regular people. On the contrary, Doraemon is all about infusing amusement into life through a robot, and in the process, subtly educating children on various lessons.

Indeed, certain episodes focus more on humor and showcasing Doraemon’s’s array of futuristic gadgets, bypass life lessons about life teach moral moralsesly, forgoing off topic from teaching valuable lessons, such as one where he provides a character with a liquid to apply on their hand, which transforms into a potent water gun. These humorous moments are so unexpected that it’s fascinating how the creators manage to come up with fresh and amusing ideas consistently throughout each episode.

1 Sazae-San

Number of Episodes: 8500+

The longest running anime ever turns out to be one of the easiest to get into, as it follows the everyday exploits of the Fuguta family. What’s more, it hasn’t really changed much over time.

This anime is deeply rooted in everyday life, offering viewers a chance to tag along as diverse characters navigate their unique challenges. Despite not every story being captivating for today’s audience given the extensive collection of approximately 9,000 episodes, it offers a wealth of tales that cater to many tastes.

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2024-09-04 12:36