Summer is here, and the days feel just a little longer. If you’ve ever wanted to finally cross a massiveanimeoff your to-watch list, this is the time. Whether you’re drawn to action-packed epics, thought-provoking thrillers, or fantasy worlds with hundreds of episodes to explore, there’s something here for every kind of fan.
These ten titles each clock in at 50 episodes or moreand are available in North America. Some are household names, others are still underrated gems. So grab a cool drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the best long anime to binge this summer.
Hunter X Hunter
Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, the 2011 adaptation ofHunter x Hunterreimagined the 1999 series with a complete story arc and upgraded animation. Madhouse gave the show a clean, dynamic visual style that elevated character drama and kinetic action. Director Hiroshi Kojina, known forMonster, brought a tight focus to pacing and psychological tension. What begins as a story about a boy named Gon searching for his father quickly evolves into a layered narrative about morality, power, and sacrifice.
Kojina told Animedia magazine, “We didn’t just want to show battles. We wanted to explore how far a person would go to achieve what they believe in.“Hunter x Hunteroften subverts typical shōnen anime expectations, taking dark, meditative detours. It ends not with a grand final battle, but with the sense that life continues beyond the last frame. That resonance, along with Madhouse’s craftsmanship, cementsHunter x Hunteras a modern classic.
Gintamabegins as a slapstick sci-fi samurai spoof, where aliens have colonized Edo-period Japan and everyone acts like they’ve read too much Weekly Jump. Yet somehow,this chaotic mess transforms into one of anime’s most emotionally resonant long-runners. Based on Hideaki Sorachi’s manga, the anime started in 2006 with director Shinji Takamatsu, and later, Yoichi Fujita and Chizuru Miyawaki. Their direction pushed the show from wild parody into surprising emotional depth.
Sunrise staff often joked in interviews that they never knew if a new season was coming. Sorachi submitted handwritten manuscripts with notes like, “Do whatever you want with this scene.” The anime mirrored that spirit. Beneath the absurd gags, the bond between Gintoki, Kagura, and Shinpachi anchors the series. Fujita once told Newtype magazine, “Making people laugh and cry with the same show is our mission.“Gintama, which isslated to return later this year, delivers on that promise over hundreds of episodes. Few shows shift tones so gracefully or build such loyalty.
Inuyasha, adapted from Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, premiered in 2000 and introduced a new generation to Sengoku-era fantasy. Kagome, a modern schoolgirl, is transported to a world of demons and ancient artifacts where she meetsInuyasha, a half-demon with a tragic past. Director Masashi Ikeda led early episodes before Yasunao Aoki took over. Though the first series ended without a conclusion,The Final Act(2009–2010) wrapped up the story in 26 brisk episodes.
Takahashi was closely involved in overseeing the anime’s character designs and story consistency. She later said in Animedia magazine, “I finally got to see the ending I always imagined.” Sunrise’s lavish art direction and emotive score helped elevate the series beyond typical shōnen romance fare. For those who watched it dubbed on Adult Swim, revisiting the complete saga in Japanese reveals a richer experience.Inuyasharemains a romantic, action-filled epicworth experiencing from beginning to end.
Fairy Tailran for nearly a decade, delivering hundreds of episodes filled with magic guild rivalries, dragon lore, and rowdy camaraderie. Adapted from Hiro Mashima’s manga, it follows Natsu Dragneel, a fire-wielding mage, and his friends as they take on dangerous jobs and face off against dark guilds. Director Shinji Ishihira, who also worked on Log Horizon, maintained a light-hearted tone while delivering serious arcs withsurprising emotional weight.
Mashima frequently visited the studio, contributing sketches and feedback on filler episodes. This hands-on approach gaveFairy Tailan unusual level of consistency. Composer Yasuharu Takanashi’s Celtic-inspired soundtrack gave the series its distinct flair. Ishihira told PASH! magazine, “We wanted to show how friendship can be explosive and absurd, but also real.” It’s that blend of humor, heart, and spectacle that makesFairy Taila long but satisfying binge.
Bleach
WhenBleachdebuted in 2004, it quickly became part of shōnen anime’s “Big Three” alongsideNarutoandOne Piece. Tite Kubo’s story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teen who becomes a Soul Reaper, expanded into a world of spiritual realms, rogue warriors, and epic battles. Director Noriyuki Abe brought cinematic pacing to the early arcs, particularly the Soul Society arc, which remains a fan favorite. Studio Pierrot adapted over 300 episodes before the anime paused in 2012.
Bleachis once again a major presence. Its scale and style remain defining examples of action anime from the 2000s.
Kubo was deeply involved with the anime, often commenting on costumes and background music. In a 2022 interview with Newtype magazine, Abe said, “Kubo-sensei always pushed us to make something stylish.” Insert songs like “Number One” became instant classics.With the return of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc,Bleachis once again a major presence. Its scale and style remain defining examples of action anime from the 2000s.
Naruto
Narutoneeds little introduction. Spanning over 700 episodes between its original andShippudenruns,the saga of Naruto Uzumaki is a landmark in anime history. The adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga begins with a mischievous outcast and ends with world-changing battles and emotional resolutions. From hand-drawn fights to long-form storytelling,Narutohelped define anime for a generation.
Behind the scenes, Kishimoto offered input on battle choreography and character development. According to a Jump Festa interview, he sketched draft versions of major fights for the anime team. The show’s impact in Japan was enormous, with its catchphrases, music, and characters becoming household names. For a long summer binge, few shows offer as much story, growth, and payoff asNaruto.
Black Cloverfollows two orphans, Asta and Yuno, who grow up together and dream of becoming the Wizard King. Though Asta is born without magic, he gains the power of anti-magic and battles his way through rival guilds and powerful kingdoms. Initially met with skepticism for its pacing and voice acting, the anime hit its stride under director Tatsuya Yoshihara and later Ayataka Tanemura.
Yuki Tabata, the original manga creator, was actively involved in shaping the anime’s direction. Yoshihara shared in Animedia magazine, “Tabata-sensei’s notes pushed us to animate feelings, not just fights.” Over time,Black Cloverdelivered some of Pierrot’s most dynamic fight scenes and strongest character arcs. The anime may have come to a hiatus in 2021, but announcements of a film sequel are on the horizon. For fans of underdog stories and magical showdowns, it’s a shōnen success story worth catching up on.
Naoki Urasawa’sMonsterstands apart from typical long-running anime. Directed by Masayuki Kojima and produced by Madhouse, it’s a slow-burn thriller that follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma as he pursues a former patient who has become a serial killer. Set in Germany and filled with suspense, the 74-episode series adapts the manga almost panel for panel, emphasizing moral complexity and psychological realism.
Urasawa reviewed every script and collaborated closely with Kojima. In an interview, the director said, “We wanted to animate silence.“Monsterrelies on mood, framing, and tension, rather than flash. Though lesser known internationally than some shōnen series, it has remained a critical favorite in Japan. For viewers craving serious, adult storytelling,Monsteroffers an unforgettable, introspective journey.
Before the isekai genre became a cliché,The Twelve Kingdomsoffered a rare example of serious fantasy storytelling. Directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi and based on the novels by Fuyumi Ono, the show follows Yoko Nakajima, a high school student whisked away to a mythic world. Her journey from frightened girl to reluctant monarch is the backbone of a story about power, identity, and responsibility.
The anime draws heavily on Chinese mythology and political allegory. Kobayashi explained, “We didn’t want to explain everything. We wanted the world to feel lived-in.” The series aired on NHK with direct collaboration from Ono. Although it leaves some books unadapted, the 45-episode run feels whole.The Twelve Kingdomsrewards patient viewingand stands out as one of the most mature fantasy anime of its era.
D.Gray-manmixes horror, religion, and steampunk aesthetics in a world plagued by demonic forces called Akuma. Based on Katsura Hoshino’s manga, it follows Allen Walker, an exorcist burdened with a cursed eye and mysterious powers. The original series ran for 103 episodes, followed years later by the 13-episode sequel,D.Gray-manHallow. Directors Osamu Nabeshima and Yoshiharu Ashino captured the eerie, emotional tone of the manga.
Hoshino struggled with illness throughout serialization, but remained committed to the story. Ashino told Animedia magazine, “Even if it takes time, this is a story worth finishing.” The anime adapts key arcs while retaining the story’s somber mood and intricate lore. For viewers who want something gothic, dramatic, and emotionally layered,D.Gray-manstill has plenty to offer.
