Top 20 Anime With The Most Episodes

If you have ever wondered which anime have truly massive episode counts, this list gathers the giants that have been on air for years and in some cases decades. These series span children’s shows, slice of life staples, educational shorts, and blockbuster shonen adventures. For each entry you will find a quick snapshot of when it aired, its typical runtime, and most importantly the total number of episodes. It is a useful way to see how varied long running anime can be across genres and formats, from five minute shorts to full length weekly broadcasts. Share it with a friend who claims they have seen everything and see how many of these they have actually finished.

‘Sazae-san’ (1969–)

This family slice of life has aired on Fuji TV every Sunday evening since 1969 with each broadcast presenting three self contained stories. The format typically runs about twenty to twenty six minutes and continues to be produced today. The show is widely recognized for its longevity on Japanese television. It has a total of 2,771 episodes.

‘Ninja Boy Rantaro’ (1993–)

This series follows young ninja trainees and has aired in a ten minute daily slot on NHK since the mid 1990s. Seasons are structured into large batches that together add up to a huge library. It remains in production and adds new installments regularly. It has a total of 2,504 episodes.

‘Prince Mackaroo’ (1998–)

This comedy about a Heian era prince in modern times airs as a ten minute program on NHK Educational TV. The show is split into many series that together form a long running catalog. It continues to receive new episodes each year. It has a total of 2,127 episodes.

‘Oyako Club’ (1994–2013)

This short format comedy aired on Fuji TV and centered on everyday family life with brief five minute installments. The show ran for nearly two decades before ending in 2013. Its quick runtime helped it build up an enormous count over time. It has a total of 1,818 episodes.

‘Doraemon’ (1979–2005)

This long running adaptation of the beloved manga featured the robotic cat helping Nobita in eleven minute stories. The series aired for over twenty five years before closing out its run in 2005. It remains one of the most watched children’s programs from Japan. It has a total of 1,787 episodes.

‘Go! Anpanman’ (1988–)

This children’s series features the bread headed hero safeguarding friends from Baikinman and other foes. New episodes continue to air and the franchise also adds annual theatrical films. The typical broadcast slot runs around twenty to twenty six minutes. It has a total of 1,683 episodes.

‘Kirin no Monoshiri Yakata’ (1975–1979)

This educational short taught trivia and general knowledge in compact five minute segments. It aired throughout the late 1970s and built up a large catalog during its multi year run. The format was designed for quick daily viewing. It has a total of 1,565 episodes.

‘Kirin Ashita no Calendar’ (1980–1984)

Another five minute educational program, this series presented calendar themed facts and seasonal tidbits. It aired across the early 1980s and maintained a steady schedule that quickly grew its library. The approach made it easy to watch daily. It has a total of 1,498 episodes.

‘Japanese Folklore Tales’ (1975–1995)

This anthology adapts Japanese folk tales into animated shorts with a traditional storytelling style. Episodes are arranged in twenty to twenty six minute broadcasts and span two decades of production. It remains a reference point for classic folk stories on television. It has a total of 1,494 episodes.

‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ (1990–)

This slice of life series about Maruko and her family returned in 1995 for an ongoing run after an earlier early 1990s outing. The current version airs in a standard twenty to twenty six minute slot and continues to add new episodes. It is a fixture of weekend programming in Japan. It has a total of 1,468 episodes.

‘Hoka Hoka Kazoku’ (1976–1982)

This five minute family themed program aired in the late 1970s and early 1980s with short stories about everyday life. Its brief format helped it amass a significant episode library in a relatively short time. The show concluded in 1982. It has a total of 1,428 episodes.

‘Doraemon’ (2005–)

This rebooted television series continues the adventures of the famous blue robot cat with updated designs and production. It airs in a twenty to twenty six minute slot and remains in active production. The show is a staple for younger viewers. It has a total of 1,407 episodes.

‘Monoshiri Daigaku Ashita no Calendar’ (1966–1970)

This short educational program presented daily facts in a five minute format. It aired throughout the late 1960s and built a large catalog by maintaining a regular schedule. The series concluded in 1970 after several years on air. It has a total of 1,274 episodes.

‘Shin Chan’ (1992–)

This comedy follows the mischievous Shin-chan and his family and has aired continuously since the early 1990s. Episodes run around twenty to twenty six minutes and new installments continue to premiere. The show is widely syndicated and remains ongoing. It has a total of 1,267 episodes.

‘Case Closed’ (1996–)

Also known as ‘Detective Conan’, this mystery series has followed the same central case solving premise since 1996. It airs in a twenty to twenty six minute format and continues to produce new episodes. Special installments and films complement the weekly broadcasts. It has a total of 1,174 episodes.

‘One Piece’ (1999–)

This adventure series about the Straw Hat Pirates has aired weekly in a standard broadcast slot since 1999. The show has moved through many arcs while maintaining consistent production. It remains in active release with new entries still arriving. It has a total of 1,147 episodes.

‘Kamen Rider’ (1971–1974)

This five minute educational travel program aired in the early 1970s. It offered quick facts and snapshots from around the world to fit its brief format. The series completed its run after several years on air. It has a total of 1,006 episodes.

‘Kotowaza House’ (1987–1994)

This short format series focused on Japanese proverbs and sayings within a compact five minute slot. It aired through the late 1980s and early 1990s. The concise structure helped it accumulate a large library before finishing its run. It has a total of 773 episodes.

‘Asadayo! Kaishain’ (2016–2019)

This one minute workplace themed short aired on Japanese television from 2016 to 2019. The quick segments were designed for daily broadcast and added up rapidly over three years. The program wrapped after completing its planned schedule. It has a total of 744 episodes.

‘Shima Shima Tora no Shimajirō’ (1993–2008)

This educational children’s show introduced the preschool character Shimajirō and aired in a standard twenty to twenty six minute slot. It ran on television for more than a decade and laid the groundwork for later entries in the franchise. The series concluded in 2008 with a very large catalog. It has a total of 726 episodes.

Tell us which of these marathon series you have watched the most and which one surprised you with its episode count in the comments.