The world of anime is incredibly diverse, not just in genres but also in length and structure. Thousands of anime series have emerged and transformed over the years, with some even running for hundreds or even thousands of episodes.
Below are 8 iconic series:
One Piece
The adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece are a must-see for anime fans. While some long-running series tend to lose direction over time, One Piece has consistently released new episodes since its debut in 1999.
Although there are some filler arcs that fans might find less engaging, One Piece has managed to maintain its unique formula, ensuring that filler episodes do not detract from the overall narrative. The series expertly intertwines character development and Luffy’s journey, keeping viewers invested.
Detective Conan
Anime often takes many forms, but few series focus on mystery and deduction as much as Detective Conan. This detective and mystery series has been running since 1996, producing over 1000 episodes.
The story follows Shinichi Kudo, who, after a life-altering incident, adopts the persona of Conan Edogawa. While viewers hope for a resolution to Shinichi’s predicament, they are captivated by the creative mysteries and clever resolutions presented throughout the series, making it a staple in the anime community.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has become one of the largest manga and anime series in history. The manga was first published in 1987, while the anime adaptation began in 2012.
JoJo follows the Joestar family across generations, with each character possessing unique abilities that they use for extraordinary purposes. The series frequently changes settings and characters, giving it a fresh feel with every new arc while still contributing to the expansive JoJo lore.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! has garnered a massive fanbase, combining card games with anime storytelling. The franchise kicked off in 1998, and there are now over 11 series and more than 1100 episodes to explore.
Each series contributes to a rich tapestry of trading card game battles, making it a significant player in both anime and gaming culture.
Bleach
Tite Kubo’s Bleach earned its reputation as a leading shonen series, focusing on the journey of Ichigo Kurosaki, who becomes a Soul Reaper. The anime originally aired 366 episodes, but it added numerous filler episodes that diverged from the main manga storyline.
After a significant hiatus following its conclusion in 2012, Bleach returned in 2022 with “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War,” rekindling interest in Ichigo’s story and reigniting the passion of its fanbase.
Doraemon
Doraemon is a time-traveling robotic cat that has become a pop culture icon in Japan. The series has seen numerous short films and boasts over 1150 episodes, along with more than 40 feature films.
Doraemon continues to captivate audiences with its engaging adventures, emphasizing friendship and creativity, and remains a beloved series that appeals to all ages.
Recently, the 44th feature film in the Doraemon series premiered in Vietnam on May 23, 2025, titled “Doraemon: Nobita and the Adventure into the World of Paintings,” creating excitement among fans.
Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is one of the most celebrated franchises in anime history, having begun broadcasting in 1986. The series has since amassed over 600 episodes and 20 feature films, contributing significantly to the anime landscape.
Fans have had a long-standing connection with Dragon Ball, as its characters continue to grow and evolve, presenting new challenges and powerful transformations. Each new adventure introduces fresh and formidable foes, keeping the series vibrant and dynamic.
Pokémon
The Pokémon anime has been running for over 25 years, showcasing more than 1200 episodes and twenty feature films. Ash and Pikachu meet new friends and embark on various adventures across the Pokémon world.
Pokémon evokes a sense of nostalgia for many, often being shared among family members, as parents introduce their children to the series they loved in their youth. After numerous adventures, Ash and Pikachu have now officially passed the torch to new protagonists Liko and Roy in “Pokémon Horizons.”
This new series shifts the focus from gym battles and Pokémon League competitions to exploring the world and uncovering secrets alongside the “Explorers” team, marking a new chapter in the Pokémon saga.
