10 Highly Acclaimed Anime Series With More Than Five Seasons
Some of the most unforgettable anime stories take their time, letting worlds expand and characters evolve over hundreds of episodes.
Long-running series reward patience with deeper bonds, bigger stakes, and epic battles that feel earned as the journey unfolds.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been watching for years, these ten acclaimed shows prove the longest adventures often deliver the biggest payoff.
Note: Season or part labeling for long-running anime can differ by platform and region, so the structure may not match every episode guide or release format.
“Highly acclaimed” is used in a general sense of critical and audience reputation, and any ranking should be treated as subjective editorial opinion.
1. Pokémon
Ash Ketchum’s dream of becoming a Pokémon Master has inspired millions since 1997, helping make the Pokémon anime one of the most recognizable series in the world. Across dozens of internationally packaged seasons, the story keeps expanding into new regions and new eras.
Every episode brings a mix of humor, heart, and exciting battles that appeal to viewers of all ages.
Perhaps the best part is watching Ash grow from a rookie trainer into a skilled champion, learning valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance along the way.
If you’ve ever dreamed of catching them all, this series is your perfect companion on a rainy afternoon.
2. One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy sets sail with his pirate crew in search of the legendary treasure known as One Piece, and the journey has captivated audiences since 1999.
The series blends action-packed battles with emotional storytelling, creating a world so vast that every island feels like a new adventure. Characters evolve in meaningful ways, forming bonds that resonate deeply with viewers who’ve followed their voyages for decades.
Honestly, the show’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak is what makes it truly special.
Imagine settling in for a marathon session on a lazy weekend – this series delivers countless hours of entertainment that never feels repetitive.
3. Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto Uzumaki’s quest to become Hokage takes center stage across 22 seasons of ninja action and deep character development.
Viewers watch a young outcast transform into a respected hero, facing powerful enemies and personal demons with unwavering determination.
The series explores themes of friendship, redemption, and sacrifice, making every victory feel earned and every loss genuinely heartbreaking. While the ninja battles are spectacular, it’s the emotional connections between characters that truly stand out.
Maybe you’ll find yourself cheering during epic showdowns or tearing up during quiet, reflective moments – that’s the magic of this beloved series.
4. Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and must protect the living world from malevolent spirits in this action-packed series. Spanning 16 seasons with the recent Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Bleach combines stunning sword fights with supernatural mysteries that keep viewers hooked.
The show’s stylish visuals and memorable characters make each battle feel cinematic and intense. Because the stakes constantly rise, you’ll find yourself invested in every character’s fate, from the main heroes to the complex villains.
Think of those evenings when you need something exciting to watch, this series delivers nonstop thrills that make time fly by.
5. Fairy Tail
Magic guilds, powerful wizards, and unbreakable friendships define this enchanting series that spans nine seasons of adventure.
Natsu Dragneel and his guildmates from Fairy Tail take on dangerous missions, face dark forces, and prove that teamwork can overcome any obstacle. The show balances intense battles with lighthearted comedy, creating a tone that feels both exciting and comforting.
Often, the best moments come from the characters’ playful banter and unwavering loyalty to one another.
If you’re looking for a series that feels like spending time with old friends, this magical journey offers warmth and excitement in equal measure.
6. My Hero Academia
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers called Quirks, Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming the greatest hero despite being born without abilities. Across eight seasons, viewers watch him inherit incredible power and learn what it truly means to be heroic.
Anyone who has ever felt like an underdog may relate to the series’ emotional depth as it explores themes of bravery, self-doubt, and tenacity.
While the action scenes are amazing, the more subdued moments of camaraderie and mentoring are just as impactful.
It’s the type of motivational tale that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled. Imagine witnessing someone go from zero to hero.
7. Gintama
Set in an alternate-history Japan invaded by aliens, this comedy series follows Gintoki Sakata, a samurai with a sweet tooth and a lazy attitude.
Across ten seasons, Gintama blends absurd humor with surprising emotional depth, switching seamlessly between hilarious parodies and serious story arcs.
The show’s willingness to break the fourth wall and mock anime tropes makes it feel fresh and unpredictable, even hundreds of episodes in. However, it’s the genuine care for its characters that transforms comedy into something truly memorable.
When you need a good laugh mixed with unexpected feels, this quirky series delivers both with style.
8. Natsume’s Book Of Friends
After receiving a book with the names of ghosts that his grandmother had bound, Takashi Natsume commits himself to releasing them.
Over the course of seven seasons, this charming supernatural series tells heartwarming tales of acceptance, loneliness, and connection.
Each episode feels like a warm hug, exploring the relationships between humans and spirits with tenderness and respect. Though the premise involves ghosts and yokai, the show’s real focus is on empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Specifically, it’s perfect for quiet evenings when you want something beautiful and contemplative rather than loud and action-packed.
9. Lupin The Third
The world’s greatest thief, Lupin III, pulls off impossible heists with his colorful crew of accomplices across multiple TV parts and specials.
With more than five TV series parts, this franchise has entertained audiences since the 1970s with its blend of comedy, action, and stylish animation.
Lupin’s adventures range from lighthearted capers to darker, more complex plots, showing remarkable versatility across decades. Because each series brings a fresh take on the characters, longtime fans and newcomers alike find something to enjoy.
A suave gentleman thief outsmarting everyone is the hook, and the format stays entertaining even decades later.
10. Dragon Ball Z
In this iconic martial arts anime that defined a generation, Goku and his pals protect Earth from ever-more-powerful monsters.
With its fierce battles, spectacular power-ups, and memorable transformations, Dragon Ball Z, which spanned for nine seasons, raised the bar for anime action.
Numerous programs that came after were impacted by the series, which established narrative structures and visual aesthetics that are still in use today. Fortunately, the program avoids combat weariness by balancing its enormous battles with real character development and humorous moments.
This series continues to be a potent, sentimental experience whether you’re seeing it for the first time or revisiting childhood recollections.
