Gripping tales spun with the stunning art form is an apt introduction to anime. Although an anime series, be it short running or long, offers its viewers impactful stories with great characters, leaving a lasting imprint.
Anime offers a wide range of stories with multiple genres, from romance, horror, and adventure to mystery it has it. The dynamic and diverse representation that one can expect from anime is unmatched.
However, an anime series that spans multiple seasons or more episodes comes with its benefits. Viewers get ample time to immerse themselves completely in anime. It offers more in-depth character development and an intricately woven plot.
If you are someone who is on the same page as I am. Here is an assortment of the 35 longest-running anime series worth checking out.
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
Riku Sanjo has written Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. It is based on the popular video game series Dragon Quest. It follows the story of Dai, the sole survivor of his village, Delmurin’s tragedy. Dai is raised by a group of warriors known as the “Knights of the Rising Sun.”
Being raised by the “Knights of the Rising Sun,” our protagonist is instilled with a strong sense of justice and is trained in the science and rules of war, and he is a strong warrior in his own right. Dai’s heroism and quest to avenge the destroyer of his beloved village set the theme for this adventure fantasy. He and his friends Popp and Maam learn invaluable lessons about courage, friendship, and determination.
A fantastical anime with fun, comical parts and memorable characters make Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai a great watch. Toei Animation produced the anime renowned for producing “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball Z.” The series aired from October 2020 to October 2022. It is officially available on Crunchyroll and Hulu. It has a 7.9/10 rating on IMDb.
Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue is credited with having written this realistic anime based on basketball. The voice artist of the protagonist of this anime, Kenichi Ono, has also voiced in several other anime series, such as “Hunter x Hunter” and “Gintama.” It is based on the manga of the same name, and it is a must-watch for every basketball fan.
Our protagonist, Hanamichi Sakuragi, is well known for his infamy. Haruko, a beautiful girl, enters Sakuragi’s life and spurs his interest in playing basketball. A transformed Sakuragi toils hard with his lads to become a star player.
This anime is a potpourri of determination, camaraderie, and embracing one’s passion. A fantastic anime to explore the importance of teamwork, rivalries, and competition. Slam Dunk aired from 1993 to 1996. It is available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Anime-Planet. IMDb has rated it 8.7/10 making it a must-watch.
Slayers
If you want to watch a female-led tale, Slayers is for you. Lina, a strong sorceress notoriously known for her temper and destructive “Dragon Slave” spell, wanders the world with her three friends. Lina’s adventure leads to her discovering strong spells and relics.
This series offers intense character development of the lead, Lina, and imparts a lesson on responsibility. A comical anime with powerful battle sequences and just the right amount of magic sprinkled is an enthralling fantasy feast.
Takashi Watanabe wrote the series, and the first season, “Slayers,” aired in 1995. It was followed by “Slayers Next,” “Slayers Try,” “Slayers Revolution,” and “Slayers Revolution R.” It is available on Amazon Prime Video. IMDb has given it a rating of 7.5/10.
Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
A sci-fi anime with strong, compelling characters, Legend of the Galactic Heroes has much to offer. Set in an unknown futuristic era, it follows the story of a bipolar galactic world. The power rift between the two powers is at the core of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
Yoshiki Tanaka has left no stone unturned to bewitch the viewers with this nuanced and interesting anime. It strongly emphasizes military and political strategies. If you want to inculcate the virtue of leadership in you, this anime should be on your watch list. This series runs for 110 episodes and is available on Crunchyroll. It has an IMDb rating of a whopping 9.1/10.
Hunter x Hunter
A sci-fi anime with strong, compelling characters, Legend of the Galactic Heroes has much to offer. Set in an unknown futuristic era, it follows the story of a bipolar galactic world. The power rift between the two powers is at the core of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
The anime is an adaptation of the manga Hunter x Hunter written by Yoshihiro Togashi. Hunter x Hunter is an action-packed adventure series apt for anyone seeking an escape. IMDb has rated it 9/10, making it a series on the must-list. One can easily watch this series on Netflix and Hulu.
Doraemon
Doraemon is a household name in several countries across the globe. Written by Fujiko F. Fujio, this highly successful anime series has continued to run for several decades.
Doraemon travels back in time to help Nobita Nobi. It follows the daily life of a lazy and dull boy Nobita, who lives with his parents and a cat robot Doraemon. Doraemon always has Nobita’s back and helps him. However, at times Nobita needs to learn about the gadgets of Doraemon and lands in trouble.
This series imparts several lessons to its viewers. The virtues of friendship, hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance are a few lessons that one can expect from Doraemon. Viewers can watch Doraemon on Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and the movie Stand By Me on Netflix.
Dragon Ball Franchise
Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, this anime series has multiple spin-offs. It follows the story of Goku, a warrior who defends the Earth against super-powerful villains. His childhood quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls is well elaborated in the Dragon Ball saga.
The Dragon Ball Z saga follows the story of an adult Goku, the defender of the Earth. The first installment of Dragon Ball aired in 1986 and spanned over 153 episodes. Dragon Ball Z followed suit by airing in 1989. It was followed by Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Kai, Dragon Ball Kai: The Final Chapters, Dragon Ball Super, and Super Dragon Ball Heroes.
IMDb has rated the first part of this classic 8.6/10. It is widely available on OTT Platforms, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime.
One Piece
One of the longest-running anime of all time that continues to air is written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. No matter which genre one prefers, this anime is a must-watch for every anime lover.
One Piece is for you if you liked the Pirates of the Caribbean and always wondered what an epic pirate anime would look like. It tells the tale of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man, who consumes a Devil Fruit, and lo and behold, his body is now elastic like rubber. The Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, are on a treasure hunt to find One Piece, ultimately making him the Pirate King.
This emotionally stirring anime fills one with gusto with its inter-webbed themes of passion, friendship, and dreams. Beautiful locations, various arcs, several intriguing characters, and a very gripping tale is a marvelous joy-ride to encounter.
One can get their hands on One Piece on OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. It should not come as a surprise that IMDb has rated this series 8.9/10. You can read more on One Piece on OtakuKart.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Anime is famous for showing the story of young delinquents. Yu Yu Hakusho is one such anime. Yusuke, a young delinquent, saves the life of a young boy and sacrifices his own. We are now transferred to the world of spirits, ruled by Koenma.
Koenma presents a barter to Yusuke to let him return to Earth if he successfully solves cases and fights against the demons plaguing the Earth. Yusuke and his friends lead viewers on an action-filled journey in the Spirit World.
Hulu, Netflix and Crunchyroll are all streaming Yu Yu Hakusho. IMDb has rated this anime 8.5/10, making it another must-watch.
Naruto Franchise
Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto, the writer and illustrator of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, has been an all-time favorite of every anime lover. Naruto Uzumaki, an ambitious young orphan, wants to be the leader-Hokage of his village, Konoha. Naruto has a love-hate relationship with Sasuke Uchiha, his frenemy. He is aided on his quest to become an able ninja by his mentors, Kakashi Hatake and Jiraiya.
His journey is filled with struggles, pain, brotherly friendship, love, perseverance, and trials and tribulation, but nothing fazes the brave Naruto. Will he realize his dream of becoming the Hokage? Lucky you! You can find it on streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden is rated 8.4/10 and 8.7/10 on IMDb.
Detective Conan
Detective Conan is also renowned as Case Closed, written by Gosho Aoyama, and follows the story of Shinichi Kudo. Shinichi Kudo, formerly a high school detective, becomes a child after a criminal organization poisons him. If you are a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, you will resonate with Shinichi Kudo. He gets his name Detective Conan as a homage to Arthur Conan Doyle.
His journey of solving tricky cases and reversing himself sets the background of the fascinating anime.
This long-running anime offers a long story arc, suspense, and mystery. It is rated 8.5/10 on IMDb and currently streams on Disney+, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. If you like thrillers and mystery, check more like Detective Conan on OtakuKart.
Crayon Shin-Chan
Crayon Shin-Chan, famously known as simply Shin-Chan, is an all-time favorite of kids and adults alike. We are faced with a blunt, witty, loveable five-year-old Shin-Chan. The anime Shin-chan story revolves around the titular character Shin-chan and his friends and family.
(Don’t miss his cute dog- Shiro). A family with a hardworking salaryman father, Hisashi, and his loving mother, Misae Nohara, and a younger sister Himawari. He has a close-knit group of friends; his best friends are Kazama and Nene.
This slap-stick comedy series was written and illustrated by Yoshito Usui. Shin-chan has one of the most successful franchises in Japan, and it has theme parks, video games, and merchandise as well.
It is widely available on Amazon Prime Video. It is rated 8.4/10 on IMDb.
Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki, the teenage lead, has the happenstance of acquiring the power of a Soul Reaper. With his newfound power, he is tasked with protecting humankind from evil spirits and guiding human souls to the afterlife.
This series, divided into several arcs, provides jaw-dropping battles and introduce the intriguing tale with the themes of redemption and sacrifice. This series is created by Tite Kubo and is available on Hulu, Netflix, and Disney Plus. It is an excellent rating on IMDb of 8.2/10.
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K is the perfect anime for you to watch if you love watching a slice-of-life comedy.
Kusuo Saiki, an average high schooler, wait, he is not your average high school boy. This young man has extraordinary psychic powers, yet he guises himself as your ordinary high school Joe.
Kusuo is gifted with a medley of psychic abilities- from telekinesis to telepathy, he has it all. However, he is not a happy man, as his powers often attract attention which is the last thing Kusuo wants.
This comical satire written by Shuichi Aso offers caricaturish commentary on the day-to-day life of Kusuo. It is available on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation and has an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 if you want to watch more anime in the slice-of-life genre.
Also read:33 Anime Like Erased That Are Thrilling To Watch
Gintama
This Japanese anime, written and illustrated by Hideaki Sorachi, follows the story of a samurai named Gintoki Sakata. It is a meet-cute between aliens and samurai, where our protagonist freelances part-time for rent while giving a hard time to enemies with his friends.
It is a burlesque on the samurai way intertwined with pop culture. It has several comical and satirical elements, with several profound moments. A detailed plot, funnily written with resounding arcs, is what Gintama has to offer.
So, if you want to watch something you encounter daily in an unexpectedly satirical manner, Gintama is for you. Gintama can be viewed on Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Netflix. It is rated 8.7/10 on IMDb.
Also read: Best Samurai Anime To Watch To Look Forward To.
Fairy Tail
A world of fairies? How fun! Well, no. There is more to it. This anime follows the story of a young mage, Natsu Dragneel; he hails from the Fairy Tail Guild. Natsu’s guild is a society of powerful wizards. The members of the Fairy Tail guild treasure hunt and fight with other guilds. Natsu has a group of friends with whom he embarks on an adventure.
They have a mission to meet, and one of the missions is to protect the threatened magic world. Will Natsu be successful? Or does fate has something else in store for him? Every question has an answer, and you can get the answer on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix. IMDb has rated Fairy Tail 7.9/10. Learn more on Fairy Tail on OtakuKart.
Sailor Moon
What if you found out that you are a reincarnation of a Princess? Usagi Tsukino, a 14-year-old girl, finds out that she is the reincarnation of a princess. Not just any princess, but a princess from the Moon Kingdom. This revelation brings in several responsibilities for our protagonist, and she is entrusted with protecting the Earth from the notorious Queen Beryl.
She, along with her companions, strikes the not-so-perfect balance between balancing everyday life and being a protector of the Earth. A series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi, with a powerful female protagonist and an emotion-packed arc, is perfect for anyone. It is rated 7.7/10 on IMDb and can be watched online on platforms like Hulu and Netflix. To learn more about Sailor Moon, watch the order and arcs.
Pokemon
Gotta catch ’em all! This is a famous catchphrase from the renowned anime franchise Pokemon. It is created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. The storyline is clear, fictional creatures named Pokemon and the humans who train them are known as Pokemon Trainers.
These trainers train their Pokemon for Pokemon battles. The series protagonist Ash Ketchum travels the world, catching and training several Pokemon to become a Master Pokemon Trainer. Ash’s journey is laid with several obstacles.
You can watch this highly popular anime on Pokemon TV. However, you can also watch several spin-offs on Netflix and Hulu. The Pokemon series is rated 7.4/10 on IMDb.
My Hero Academia
A world with humans with Quirks and those without Quirks is the background of the anime My Hero Academia. Written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, we meet a young lad named Izuku Midoriya.
Izuku has a dream and will do whatever it takes to fulfill it.
Izuku’s fate brings him face-to-face with his idol, the world’s greatest superhero, All Might. Things change, Izuku changes, and where will young Izuku go? What will befall this dreamer’s dream? One needs to find out.
This moving series has a lot to bring to the plate with its incredible story and themes of determination, friendship, dreams, and passion. My Hero Academia can be accessed on Disney Plus, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. This ongoing series is rated 8.4/10 on IMDb.
Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Let’s dive into the world of transmutation with this critically acclaimed and publicly-loved anime franchise written by Hiromu Arakawa. The Fullmetal Alchemist series narrates the story of two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. While trying to return their mother from the dead, the transmutation backfires, costing Edward and Alphonse bitterly.
Sacrifice, power, and every action’s consequence set this series’s theme. The brothers are on a journey to gain the Philosopher’s Stone to restore the loss that befell them. The Brotherhood series is a wildly acclaimed series earning praise. You can easily watch the series from this franchise on Hulu and Netflix. It is no surprise that IMDb has rated it 9.1/10. You can learn more about Fullmetal Alchemist on OtakuKart.
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
KochiKame, written and illustrated by Osamu Akimoto, follows the misadventures of Ryotsu Kankichi, a police officer. Ryotsu is a weird and clumsy man, often too interested in making fast money. However, this midlife police officer is not all bad; he has a warm heart.
This series is well known for its humor and the struggles and balance of police life. It is widely popular globally and has been running for over 40 years. It is available to watch on Dailymotion. It is decently rated on IMDb with 8.1/10.
Ranma 1/2
If you love watching anime on martial arts, Ranma 1/2 is for you. Ranma Saotome is a teenage martial artist, and he meets with an accident while undergoing training. This training accident transforms him into a female whenever he is splashed with cold water.
An anime series with the perfect harmony of romance, adventure, action, and comedy, this anime is written by Rumiko Takahashi. It has an above-average rating of 8.2/10 on IMDb and can be watched on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Also Read:31 Best Martial Arts Japanese Drama You Should Watch
Galaxy Express 999
A classic! It follows the story of Tetsuro, who hops on the Galaxy Express 999, a train that runs across the galaxy. His goal is vengeance against the killers of his beloved mother. He meets Maetel, an enigmatic woman who helps him in his wander of navigating the galaxy. This science fiction series, created by Leiji Matsumoto, was ahead of its time.
The relationship between machines and humans is nuanced throughout this series. We live in a time when technological advancements are rising; this anime lays out the consequences of rapid mechanization.
It is available on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video. This classic is rated 7.8/10 on IMDb.
Reborn!
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, or simply Reborn!, is an anime series that tells the story of Tsunayoshi Sawada.
Tsuna is a fearful and meek child, but it all changes when he meets a baby Reborn. Don’t be mistaken for Reborn’s babyish appearance, for he is a hitman here to groom our demure protagonist Tsuna. Tsuna undergoes intense training to become a competent leader.
With hints of action, drama, and comedy, this colorful ensemble is here to glue you to your seats. To watch this anime, you can go to Hulu and Crunchyroll. It is rated decently at 7.7/10 on IMDb.
Lupin III
If you like the stories of phantom thieves, Lupin III is perfect for you. Arsene Lupin the Third is a phantom thief who executes several heists with his gang. Cleverly written by Monkey Punch, this famed series is notoriously known for its romance, heists, and skillful sequences.
Lupin III has several spin-offs, like The Mystery of Mamo (1978), Lupin III: Dead or Alive (1996), Lupin III vs. Detective Conan: The Movie, etc. The latest addition is Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye, which is set to be released in 2023. Viewers can watch Lupin III on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Crunchyroll. It is rated 8/10 on IMDb.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Hirohiko Araki created the anime series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Divided into multiple parts, this long-running anime series focuses on the Joestar family. Each part focuses on one member of the Joestar family. Although every element connects to the Joestar family, each part has its elaborate design.
The various parts are- Part 1: Phantom Blood, Part 2: Battle Tendency, Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable, Part 5: Vento Aureo, Part 6: Stone Ocean, Part 7: Steel Ball Run, Part 8: Jojolion.
Action, drama, and a unique storyline are synonymous with Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Viewers on Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney Plus can view Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. It is rated 7.7/10 on IMDb.
Inazuma Eleven
If you love soccer, you are going to love Inazuma Eleven. Endou Mamoru, the goalkeeper of Raimon Junior High’s soccer team, is the exponent of this series. How determined is Endou to reach the zenith of becoming the best football team in Japan? You shall find out. Football matches in Inazuma Eleven are fascinating to watch, with every player having their abilities.
A well-crafted series created by Level-5 is here to give you a robust sports anime. It is rated 8/10 on IMDb and is available on Disney Now and Amazon Prime Video.
Yu-Gi-Oh
What would the lovechild of Egyptian Pharoah and creative manga look like? Well, let’s find out from Yu-Gi-Oh. A long-running anime crafted by Kazuki Takahashi tells the story of Yugi Mutou. Yugi, an inquisitive young boy, is possessed by the spirit of a Pharoah.
Thanks to Yugi for solving an archaic puzzle from Egypt! Yugi, a duellist, is now on a mission to become a master Duel Player. This series is most loved for its cast, creative elements, and Duels. Viewers on Hulu and Netflix can watch Yu-Gi-Oh. It is rated 7.3/10 on IMDb.
InuYasha
A fantasy anime with the perfect mix of romance, drama, action, and adventure, Inuyasha is written by Rumiko Takahashi. It follows a story of a girl named Kagome Higurashi, who falls into a well at the family’s shrine.
She then finds herself in the feudal Japan era and meets a half-human and half-demon, Inuyasha. Her adventures in the land of Feudal Lords provide true escapism. The online platforms where viewers can watch InuYasha are Hulu, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. IMDb has given it 7.9/10.
Black Clover
Black Clover opens us to a village where everyone has magical powers. In this village lives a young orphan who is the sole powerless. Asta, the titular character of Black Clover, is raised in a church with another orphan companion Yuno. Asta is full of energy and determination. His determination to become the most capable wizard in the land sets the background for this engrossing anime.
It was written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata. It offers an intriguing twist on a sloppy fantasy story. A tight-paced anime with ample exciting characters with a perfect blend of comical drama and action adventure. It offers a very engaging ride for shonen lovers and any anime lover in general. IMDb has fittingly rated it 8.3/10. Viewers can view it on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Crunchyroll.
Aikatsu!
If you are interested in K-Pop idols, Aikatsu! should be on your must-watch list. Companionship and rivalry set the theme of this flamboyant anime. Featuring a jumble of dancing, singing, and fashion, Aikatsu offers an insight into the life of an idol in making Ichigo Hoshimiya.
Our protagonist, Ichigo, is a determined and diligent girl who lands in a prestigious school for people who aspire to become icons. A strong leader with an optimistic attitude, she embarks on a quest to become an idol. A heartwarming tale indeed! Ichigo Hoshimiya’s dream is to become the Academy’s Queen. Will she fulfill her desire? To find out, you should check Aikatsu! on Crunchyroll.
D. Gray Man
A fight between evil and good D.Gray Man is set in the 19th century. Our protagonist, Allen Walker, enters an organization where he and his comrades fight against the evil Millennium Earl. Millennium Earl has the destruction of humanity in his mind.
Will Allen be successful in defeating the evil Millennium Earl? What hindrances does Allen face in his fight for humanity? It all can be answered by viewing this gripping adventure and action-filled anime on Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video. IMDb has rated this anime 7.7/10.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
After Naruto’s unbound success, Masashi Kishimoto and Ukyo Kodachi wrote Boruto: Naruto’s Next Generations. Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto and Hinata, is a mighty and witty child. He and his friends go to the Konoha Shinobi Academy and train to become skilled shinobis.
Boruto and the other young shinobis face challenges on their quest to become able shinobis. The original Naruto characters are beautifully intertwined in this anime. If you are a big fan of Naruto, this series is something that you should give a try. It is rated 6.7/10 on IMDb and is widely available on Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video.
Beyblade
Who hasn’t played with spinning tops? This series features Beyblades which are spinning tops with advanced magical abilities. Takao Aoki wrote Beyblade, a simple themed anime with friendship and rivalry at its core. The protagonist, Tyson Granger captivated by Beyblades after getting it as a gift on his birthday.
He competes globally in Beyblading tournaments and embarks on a journey to become the best Beyblade to tread the Earth. It streams on Disney XD on Disney Now, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. It has several spin-off series and is rated 6.8/10 on IMDb.
Gundam Franchise
Yoshiyuki Tomino wrote this long-running anime franchise. A robotic world in the future with giant war robots called mobile suits opens us to Gundam. Gundam follows several pilots known as Gundam pilots. It explores the theme of war, social and political struggles, and the civilians’ plight.
If you love mecha anime, then consider watching Gundam. Mobile Suit Gundam, Gundam Seed, and Gundam Wing are highly recommended. They are rated 8/10, 7.7/10, and 7.7/10, respectively. It is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Honorable Mention
Sweet Home: H na Onee-san wa Suki Desuka?
Ryuuichi is a university student. He used to live alone and enjoyed his school life. But one day, his apartment was destroyed by a fire, and the actions followed.
