Which Anime Has the Most Episodes?
Anime fans are used to 12- or 24-episode anime seasons, but there are long-running shows that have more episodes than many fans might expect. One such show is the legendary Doraemon.
It’s an anime that can make you laugh out loud thanks to its over-the-top characters, and it can also make you cry.
1. Sazae-san
In the world of anime, it’s not uncommon for shows to have dozens or even hundreds of episodes. But some shows have had far more than others, which is why it can be surprising for fans to learn that they don’t see a series that has as many as the likes of One Piece or Gintama.
Sazae-san, which started airing in 1969, has a staggering total of 7,701 episodes. That makes it the longest-running anime in history. This family-friendly show follows Mrs. Sazae Fuguta and her family life, which is filled with heartwarming moments. Each episode typically consists of three stories and depicts simple events that can happen in any household. The show is adored by older generations for its nostalgic charm and cultural insights.
2. One Piece
This iconic show is a testament to the popularity of anime. The series may be a bit of a slow burner, but its enduring popularity shows that it is not only entertaining, but also well-crafted.
Its sprawling world is a joy to explore, and it manages to avoid the uncanny valley between CGI and real-life locations thanks to its extensive use of large practical sets. Its dazzlingly colorful characters are also well-drawn and believable. Emily Rudd’s ability to capture Nami’s tough-as-nails personality with a mischievous slant is nothing short of brilliant.
While it is easy to get bogged down by the pacing of One Piece, newcomers can quickly acclimate and are treated to an invigorating dose of adventure with each episode. The introduction of a character like Dracule Mihawk, played to James Dean-like perfection by Steven John Ward, offers both a taste of the series’ epic lore and a reason to return.
3. Gintama
While One Piece and Naruto might have the most episodes, they’re not the only shows with a lot of them. Another popular series is Detective Conan, which currently has 1077 episodes. This popular shonen follows a crime-solving detective who transforms into a child after being injected with an unknown substance. This gives him unique workarounds to solving head-scratching mysteries.
Gintama is a wacky anime that’s often seen as a parody of other titles. It’s the story of Gintoki Sakata, Shinpachi Shimura, and Kagura. These three freelance samurai work to pay their rent in the wacky city of Tokyo.
The anime has a mix of belly-hurting comedy and awe-inspiring cool shounen action. It also has a low filler percentage, which is rare for long animes.
4. Hoka Hoka Kazoku
While some of the most popular anime series may have a large episode count like One Piece or Dragon Ball, there are also a few shows that can surprise viewers with their long run. Long-running anime series have the ability to connect with fans in more meaningful ways than short shows and create a deep connection with their characters over time.
Hoka Hoka Kazoku is an anime series that aired on Fuji TV from 1976 to 1982. The show follows the daily lives of a family and combines live action and animation to provide a meaningful look at modern Japanese culture.
Another anime with a large number of episodes is Doraemon. This classic anime is a beloved character that has been around for decades and has accumulated a massive following worldwide.
5. Kirin Ashita no Calendar
A sequel to the popular Monoshiri University: Tomorrow’s Calendar, Kirin Ashita no Calendar boasted 1498 episodes that ran from 1980-1984. This anime series teaches children about historical events in a stage play format. Unfortunately, aside from the show’s intro and a few clips, this anime is largely lost to pop culture.
Anime series with many episodes tend to be long-running. This allows them to connect with their audiences on a deeper level and deliver great drama and comedy. However, many fans want a series that they can sink their teeth into and finish in a season or less.
The longest anime series with the most episodes on this list are all child-oriented and based on manga. However, there are also a few more notable entries that have topped the 1000-episode mark in recent years.