15 Longest-Running Anime Series of All Time

15. Dragon Ball Z (1989 - 1996)

Dragon Ball Z, one of the most recognizable Shonen series, ran for seven years with 291 episodes that kick off with the iconic Saiyan Saga. Picking up five years after Dragon Ball, it reintroduces fans to Son Goku and his son Gohan while marking a unique chapter in the Dragon Ball franchise. | © Cartoon Network

14. Fairy Tail (2009-2019)

Fairy Tail follows Natsu Dragneel, a dragon-slaying wizard who wants to find his long-lost father, Igneel. Alongside friends like Lucy, Happy, Gray, Erza, and Wendy, the series mixes wacky action, dramatic battles, and heartfelt moments across 328 episodes. | © Penguin Books

13. Sgt. Frog (2004 - 2014)

Sgt. Frog follows a group of frog-like aliens from planet Keron who try to conquer Earth but always end up in comical mishaps with humans. Over nearly 400 episodes, its playful puns and slapstick humor have made the series an adorably iconic favorite in Japan. | © Crunchyroll

12. Naruto (2002 - 2017)

Naruto follows a young outcast with a powerful secret who dreams of becoming Hokage while striving to bring his friend Sasuke back home. With over 720 episodes across Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, this influential series has shaped modern anime despite some filler episodes. | © Crunchyroll

11. One Piece (1999 - Present)

One Piece is one of the most popular anime series in the world that follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on their quest for the legendary treasure left by Gol D. Roger. Since 1999, this faithful adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's manga has delivered 1,122 episodes of pirate adventures. | © Madman Entertainment

10. Ojarumaru (1998 - Present)

Ojarumaru follows a 5-year-old ancient prince stranded in modern Japan, sparking humorous adventures. Since 1998, its light-hearted chase scenes, featuring three oni siblings after a stolen scepter, have entertained viewers across more than 2,000 episodes. | © Shueisha

9. Doraemon (1979 - 2005)

Doraemon charmed audiences for 26 years, airing over 1,700 episodes filled with imaginative gadgets and heartfelt adventures. Although the entire Doraemon franchise boasts over 3,000 episodes, this iconic run remains a beloved cornerstone of anime history. | © Shogakukan

8. Pokémon (1997 - Present)

Pokémon follows young Trainer Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu as they explore new regions, catch Pokémon, and win battles to become Pokémon Masters. Since 1997, the anime has produced over 1,300 episodes filled with bright, fun adventures that continue to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. | © Netflix

7. Case Closed (1996 - Present)

Case Closed follows young detective Shinichi Kudo who is forced to solve crimes as a child after an attack with experimental poison transforms him from his original self. Since 1996, with over 1,100 episodes, this series continues to captivate audiences with ongoing mystery. | © Viz Media

6. Chibi Maruko-Chan (1995 - Present)

Chibi Maruko-Chan is technically a single-season anime series that follows the charming everyday adventures of Momoko Sakura, her family, and her friends. Since 1995, this lighthearted show has delivered 1,417 episodes, making it a nostalgic treat for older viewers and a simple, delightful watch for kids. | © Crunchyroll

5. Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro (1993 - Present)

Shima Shima Tora no Shimajiro is a unique children's series that has been teaching preschoolers valuable life lessons since 1993. Following the adventures of a tiger boy in preschool, the show uses fun stories to highlight the importance of friendship, apologies, and helping one another. | © TXN

4. Nintama Rantarō (1993 - Present)

Nintama Rantarō is one of Japan's longest-running anime and the longest-running program on NHK, with more than 2,300 10-minute segments produced since 1993. The series follows first-grader Rantarō and his best friends at a ninja school, delighting young audiences with its playful humor and cultural references. | © Ajia-do Animation Works

3. Crayon Shin-chan (1992 - Present)

Crayon Shin-chan follows the adventures of five-year-old Shinnosuke Nohara as he causes hilarious chaos around his hometown with his friends. Since its debut in 1992, the series has produced 1,200 episodes, and its bold humor and quirky character designs have made it a lasting favorite in Japan. | © Fox Kids

2. Soreike! Anpanman (1988 - Present)

Beginning in 1988, Soreike! Anpanman continues to delight kids with more than 1,500 episodes of exciting adventures. This beloved series follows the bean-headed superhero as he battles evil germs, making him one of Japan's most iconic characters. | © TMS Entertainment

1. Sazae-San (1969 - Present)

Sazae-San has earned the Guinness World Record as the longest-running animated TV show with over 2,700 episodes. This charming series follows housewife Sazae Fuguta and her family through everyday life, capturing the heart of Japanese culture and keeping generations of families tuned in every Sunday night. | © Kodansha