10 Popular Anime with Story Arcs Shorter than One Piece's Wano Arc

One Piece is undeniably one of the world's most beloved anime series. With the recent conclusion of its longest arc, Wano, the series has achieved a new milestone with one of the lengthiest story arcs in anime history. The Wano arc spans approximately 190 episodes, making it longer than the majority of anime series today.

Throughout the years, numerous long-running anime series have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. While not all of them are as lengthy as One Piece's Wano arc, they have still gathered a sizable and devoted fanbase over time. Here is a list of the top 10 long-running popular anime that are shorter in length compared to One Piece's Wano arc.

10 long-running popular anime series that are shorter than the Wano arc of One Piece

1) Naruto

Episode Count- 130(cannon)

Naruto(2002), which is among the most popular anime of all time (image via Studio Pierrot)

The classic anime series Naruto is highly popular worldwide and has had a significant impact on the genre. Since its debut, it has amassed a large and dedicated fanbase. The story revolves around Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with aspirations of becoming the strongest in his village and eventually attaining the position of Hokage.

Of the total 220 episodes in the 2002 Naruto series, around 90 are considered filler and are not essential to the main storyline. This leaves the series with 130 episodes that drive the central narrative forward. While filler episodes are not necessary for following the plot, some fans may choose to watch them as they offer additional character development.

2) Attack on Titan

Episode Count- 94

The image above shows the iconic Attack on Titan anime, produced by WIT Studio.

Certainly one of the most universally acclaimed and beloved anime series, Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan recently concluded this year, with its final episode airing on November 4, 2023.

3) Yu Yu Hakusho

The narrative initially began with a relatively straightforward concept: Eren Yeager, a young boy who witnessed his mother's death at the hands of monstrous creatures known as Titans, resolves to eradicate them and establish a peaceful world for his comrades. However, the storyline ultimately transformed into a intricate tale of conflict, prejudice, and mass extermination in the concluding season, which led to a division among the fanbase due to the portrayal of certain characters' beliefs.

Episode Count- 112

Yu Yu Hakusho anime (image via Studio Pierrot)

4) Hunter x Hunter

From 1992–1995, Yu Yu Hakusho aired a total of 112 episodes, chronicling the adventures of Yusuke Urameshi. After sacrificing himself to save a young boy's life, Yusuke is given a second chance at life by the authorities of the spirit realm. He is tasked with defeating evil presences in the world as a Spirit Detective in order to regain his life.

Episode Count- 148

Hunter x Hunter(2011) anime (image via Studio Madhouse)

Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter series is widely considered one of the most popular shonen anime series of all time, with a total of 148 episodes airing from 2011 to 2014.

The plot follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who embarks on a quest to become a Hunter and locate his absent father. Along the way, he encounters Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika, and Leorio Paladiknight, each with their own unique motivations for becoming Hunters. The anime explores their development, relationships, and personal struggles, captivating viewers and drawing them into the characters' individual journeys.

5) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Episode Count- 64

The anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, produced by Studio Bones

Running from 2009 to 2010, Hiromu Arakawa's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as a masterpiece in terms of storytelling and character development within the anime industry.

6) My Hero Academia

The series is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular anime in the world, featuring a total of 64 episodes and staying true to the original manga. It follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher's Stone to undo the consequences of a tragic alchemical experiment.

Episode Count- 138

My Hero Academia anime 6th season (image via Studio Bones)

Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia, which debuted in 2016, has become one of the most popular anime of this generation. With six seasons under its belt, the show has gained widespread popularity and a dedicated fanbase thanks to its diverse characters and thrilling action sequences.

The anime features a colorful cast, each with their own unique superpowers called Quirks. Set in a world of superheroes and villains, the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy without a Quirk who dreams of becoming a great hero. After inheriting a powerful Quirk from the No.1 Hero, All Might, Midoriya enrolls at U.A. High School to hone his abilities.

7) Haikyu!

Episode Count- 85

Haikyu! anime (image via Production I.G)

Haikyu! has solidified its place as a beloved sports anime since its debut in 2014. It has enticed a global fan base with its portrayal of teamwork, determination, and the exhilarating nature of volleyball.

8) Black Clover

The narrative centers on Shoyo Hinata, a tenacious high school student with a profound adoration and enthusiasm for volleyball. Motivated by a renowned volleyball athlete known as "The Little Giant," Hinata enlists in Karasuno High's volleyball squad with dreams of becoming a prominent player in the future, despite his lack of stature.

Episode Count- 170

Black Clover anime (image via Studio Pierrot)

One of the most beloved anime of the new generation, Black Clover is renowned for its thrilling storyline and enchanting world. With a total of 170 episodes, the series aired from 2017 to 2021.

The plot revolves around Asta, a boy born without magical abilities in a world where magic is the norm. Despite this, Asta dreams of becoming the powerful Wizard King, the mightiest mage in the Clover Kingdom. The show features a wide and varied cast of characters, each wielding distinct and unique magical powers known as grimoires.

9) Dragon Ball

Episode Count- 153

Dragon Ball, which has been considered as one of the most popular anime in the world, was first released in 1986 (image via Toei Animation).

Undoubtedly, Dragon Ball has established itself as the most popular anime series of all time, setting the standard for the shonen genre and achieving worldwide cultural phenomenon status since its debut in 1986.

10) Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

During its early stages, the franchise lacked the high-stakes or epic showdowns seen in its successors, but the anime still holds its own. The story centers on Son Goku, a young martial artist with exceptional strength and a monkey-like tail. However, the tale truly begins when Goku encounters Bulma, a girl in search of mystical wish-granting objects known as 'Dragon Balls'. Together, the duo sets out on a quest across the world to gather the legendary Dragon Balls.

Episode Count- 180

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime (image via Studio Gallop)

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is a spinoff of the popular anime series Yu-Gi-Oh!, airing from 2004 to 2008. It takes place after the original series and follows Judai Yuki, a skilled young duelist who attends the prestigious Duel Academy. Throughout the series, Judai and his friends face challenges, duels, and tournaments while uncovering the school's mysteries.

To conclude

The anime mentioned above have gained immense popularity among anime fans over the years, even though they are shorter than One Piece's Wano arc. These enduringly popular anime series have made a lasting impact on the world of animated storytelling, inspiring and entertaining new generations of viewers.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the length of One Piece's Wano arc. On the one hand, I appreciate the depth and complexity of the storyline, and I am invested in the characters and their journeys. On the other hand, I can understand why some fans might find the arc too long and drawn out.

Overall, I think the Wano arc is a testament to the storytelling能力of One Piece's creator, Eiichiro Oda. He has managed to create a rich and immersive world that keeps fans engaged and excited, even after more than 1000 episodes. I am looking forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold in the future.