Ever wondered which anime shows could practically go on forever? Well, we hope that you are ready for a trip down the anime rabbit hole because we’re going to explore the 15 best longest anime ever made. From epic adventures to enduring storylines, these shows have stood the test of time, making them the marathon champions of the anime world.
15. Case Closed
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1086
- Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance
The only “typical anime” on this list, Case Closed has been running since 1996, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved detective anime/manga series globally.
The story follows Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who, after an encounter with a criminal organization, is transformed into a child. Under the alias Conan Edogawa, he continues solving crimes while searching for a cure to regain his original form.
Back in my childhood, I stumbled upon Case Closed, or as I remember it in German, Detektiv Conan, on RTL. The funny part? I didn’t understand a word of German at that time! Yet, the animation, the characters, and the suspenseful mysteries kept me glued to the screen. It’s funny how a show can leave such an impression, even when you’re in the dark about the dialogue.
14. Crayon Shin-chan
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1122
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life, Seinen
Hilarious and cheeky anime, Crayon Shin-chan follows the misadventures of Shinnosuke Nohara, a bold and clever five-year-old. The series offers a comedic take on family life, school, and the world as seen through the eyes of this mischievous yet lovable character.
Fans of slapstick comedy, satire, and those who appreciate humor that pushes boundaries will love Crayon Shin-chan. It’s not afraid to be cheeky and is particularly popular among audiences who enjoy a lighthearted, funny take on the challenges of parenting and childhood.
13. Doraemon (2005 TV series)
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1217
- Genres: Comedy, Kids, Fantasy, Slice of Life
The 2005 adaptation of Doraemon continues the adventures of Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, and Nobita, a young boy dealing with the challenges of everyday life. The series suceeded in introducing the beloved characters to a new generation while maintaining the essence of the timeless story.
Ideal for families, kids, and fans of the original Doraemon series, this version captures the spirit of the classic while incorporating contemporary animation techniques.
12. Monoshiri Daigaku Ashita no Calendar
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1274
- Genres: Historical, Kids
Monoshiri Daigaku Ashita No Calendar was an educational anime that aired from 1966 to 1975, making it one of the earliest TV-exclusive series and one of the longest in anime history.
Unfortunately, the series faced cancellation in 1975 due to poorly preserved episodes, leading to the loss of this valuable content throughout the years. To this day, there is only one known episode available, called “Nostalgic Animacion”.
11. Chibi Maruko-chan
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1329
- Genres: Comedy, Family
Chibi Maruko-chan is based on the manga of the same name, created by Momoko Sakura. It is largely autobiographical, drawing inspiration from the author’s own childhood experiences. It follows the daily life of a little girl named Maruko and her adventures growing up in a Japanese family.
If you enjoy heartwarming and slice-of-life anime centered around family and childhood, Chibi Maruko-chan is a delightful choice. After all, it’s suitable for a broad audience, including kids, families, and anyone looking for a nostalgic and wholesome viewing experience.
10. Hoka Hoka Kazoku
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1428
- Genres: Comedy, Family
Hoka Hoka Kazoku is not your typical story-driven series; instead, it’s an educational show that blends live-action and animation to share insights into modern life in Japan. It doesn’t follow a specific plot but focuses on providing information in a fun and engaging way. Think of it like a mix of real-life and animation.
Interestingly, the series is backed by the National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations and the office of the Prime Minister of Japan.
09. Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1494
- Genres: Historical, Fantasy
Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi turns old Japanese stories into cartoons. It’s been on TV for a super long time, making it one of the oldest and longest anime shows in Japan.
What makes it special is that each episode has a different look and feel because they changed the creative team every time. This idea was the brainchild of director Sugii Gisaburo, a big shot in Japanese animation.
People who like exploring Japan’s culture through cartoons or just enjoy seeing how animation has changed over the years would probably have fun with this show.
08. Kirin Ashita no Calendar
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1494
- Genres: Historical, Kids
Kirin Ashita no Calendar features Cathy, a cat, and a mouse from the predecessor Kirin Monoshiri Yakata educating children about historical events through a stage play format. Live-action segments may have included both children and adults alongside the animated characters.
Regrettably, the show is lost, with only the intro to the show found. The Japanese Wikipedia page is not very clear, so we don’t have much information about specific episodes.
07. Kirin no Monoshiri Yakata
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1565
- Genres: Historical, Kids
Kirin no Monoshiri Yakata is about a cat named Cathy and a mouse teaching kids about history. They’re always arguing, and usually, the mouse comes out on top.
Unfortunately, only about two poorly translated episodes have been found, both in Japanese. The show has never been reaired or received an English dub during its original run. On January 17, 2023, a user named taryajis uploaded an episode featuring a different theme song not used in the two found episodes.
06. Soreike! Anpanman
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1572
- Genres: Fantasy, Kids, Comedy, Slice of Life, Adventure
Known for colorful characters, simple moral lessons, and catchy theme songs, Soreike! Anpanman is perfect for young audience, particularly preschoolers and early elementary school children.
The anime features Anpanman, a superhero with a head made of bread filled with red bean paste. He, along with his friends, fights against the villain Baikinman to protect the world and share the message of kindness and selflessness.
Anpanman’s creator, Takashi Yanase, was inspired to create the character during World War II after facing starvation countless times, which made him dream about eating an anpan. Sadly, the author passed away in 2013 at the age of 94.
05. Doraemon (1979)
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1572
- Genres: Comedy, Kids, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Loved by audiences of all ages, particularly children and families, Doraemon is one of the most iconic and enduring anime series globally, adapted from Fujiko F. Fujio’s manga. The character of Doraemon has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond.
The show is a timeless anime featuring the adventures of Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, and Nobita, a young boy facing various challenges. Doraemon uses futuristic gadgets to help Nobita navigate life’s ups and downs.
04. Oyako Club
- Status: Completed
- Episodes: 1818
- Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy
Another anime that falls into the category of the longest-running series is Oyako Club. This series is a family-centric anime that depicts the daily life of the Kameyama family, highlighting both the challenges and joys of parenthood
What sets it apart from other anime in this genre is that it portrays family dynamics realistically, hence appealing to viewers of all ages.
03. Ojarumaru
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 1947
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Kids
Ojarumaru is a comedic and fantastical series featuring the misadventures of Ojarumaru, a mischievous young prince from the Heian era, in the modern world.
Unsurprisingly, it’s popular among kids for its playful humor, imaginative scenarios, and lessons about adapting to new environments.
Since the character design of Ojarumaru is distinctive, with his large head and small body, everyone can recognize him instantly.
02. Nintama Rantaro
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 2321
- Genres: Comedy, Historical, Kids
If there was one anime that massively contributed to the popularity of ninja-themed anime for kids, it would be Nintama Rantaro.
The series follows the humorous escapades of young ninjas-in-training at a ninja school. It combines comedy, action, and life lessons in a school setting.
Geared towards kids and young audiences, it’s loved for its entertaining characters, ninja-themed adventures, and positive messages.
01. Sazae-san
- Status: Ongoing
- Episodes: 2640
- Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy
The king of the longest anime is no other than Sazae-san. In fact, this show has been on the air since 1969, making it the longest-running animated TV series globally.
The tale is a classic slice-of-life comedy that revolves around the daily life of the Nohara family. It captures the humor in ordinary situations, making it relatable for those who enjoy heartwarming family-centric stories and simple, everyday humor.
